The Los Angeles Public Library: Not simply a place, but an extension of a new world

Fifteen years ago, I came to this country with a dream. The dream was to belong, to call a place home, and to put down roots. From the time of being a bewildered, brand new immigrant to my current position as an English professor at two community colleges, the Los Angeles library has evolved and changed and grown as I have.

I have always been a lover of books. I remember my first journey to its headquarters in downtown. From my first visit through its stately huge doors, like entering a hallowed church, it has taken on a spirituality that has become part of me. The shadow twin steps where I step, that goes where I go.

I remember looking at the imperial building with its unique architecture as I stepped out of the Downtown Dash bus. I took some minutes to admire the magnificent architecture; the beautiful exterior giving no hint of the intricacy of its interior. The feeling of being an Alice in Wonderland as I stepped inside, to discover that it was six stories big, four stories deep down in the ground. The catch in breath, as I beheld the riches waiting to be discovered.

After that came the move to North Hollywood within walking distance to the NoHo branch. It was like I had never left my downtown library because the NoHo branch was just an extension of it. I explored this new branch and overtime would explore all the branches in the area, becoming intimately aware of each. My library fines would triple overtime, and I would acquire a rap sheet long enough to rival that of any master criminal. These branches were so similar, yet each had its own uniqueness, like the organs and limbs of a body, all belonging to one whole. Learning to navigate the libraries I encountered was like navigating the complex city that I now call home. Overtime it would become familiar but the wonder of its first encounter would remain forever.

The library offered me not only books to read on American culture but exposed me to the various genres and sub-genres on every conceivable topic. It helped me with parenting, furthered my education, and provided me with resources that I could use in my classroom. From a mystified and lost immigrant to a seasoned professor who in turn guides her immigrant students as well as her native students through the intricacies of language, the library has been utilized at every step of my own life’s transformative moments.

New and alone, without family, without friends, the public library became an extension of my world, filling the voids within my soul that displacement creates. As an immigrant, it gave me a place to make friends and gain much needed information about my new home. There were local newspapers and books about LA to read to find out what was going on in my city. As a fresh citizen about to take my oath, I attended the citizenship classes that prepared me for my citizenship examination. As a new parent, I found there were books on parenting. As a mother of toddlers, I utilized the library’s children’s corner, and the fun shows that the children’s librarian hosted. As a student, I used the many resources that the library provided: online databases, checking out books and videos on my subject, and more than anything having a librarian at hand to sound off research paper ideas. I attended the free computer classes being offered, patronized the many different workshops on any given topic and listened with rapt attention to keynote and luminary readings. Thus creating lasting and strong impressions, I weaved myself into the tapestry of American life to finally feel like I belong. That this is now home.

The journey has had its bumps. I felt the pain when budget cuts displaced librarians that had become friends and shortened the library hours which mirrored my own recession related employment bumps on my journey. I watched with delight and celebrated when my librarian friends got re-hired and library hours got longer as the economy improved, which again mirrored my own change in employment status.

To me, Los Angeles Public library is a symbol of all that America stands for; it is a place of endless possibilities. As I have journeyed trough life, the library has mirrored my every step. Throughout the years, I have seen it change and evolve in keeping with the technological changes in the world as I have had to change myself and evolve to stay current.

My students tell me they don’t need to visit the library anymore because now they have access to a library in their pocket within reach of their digital devices. My reply to them is that though they may have access to millions of books at the tip of their fingertips, they don’t have the humane element of friendship. Nor will they experience the warm, musty odor of stored books, or find the shelter of a sanctuary from which to weather from life’s travails and then recharge, emerging newly energized with tangible possibilities that only an actual visit to a library can provide. —Fatema B.

For me and countless other stay at home parents with small children, our local branch of the LAPL in Los Feliz is a life line.  It not only is a source for countless hundreds of books we check out yearly and cd's of music that enrich our children's development and fun and educational videos, but it is a social gathering place for fellow parents to meet and have story times and art classes and special events and performances and picnics outside.  It helps our children become school ready and enriched with fine literature and fabulous music and family movie nights.  PLUS it helps our parents stay connected to other adults who can give support and laughter when the going gets tough.
Thank you LAPL LOS FELIZ BRANCH, Katherine V.

It's been many years since I started checking out books from LAPL branches such as Pio Pico, Los Feliz, Sherman Oaks branches and Central Library. Libraries are all over in Southern California and I can go to any one of them near my home, work or school. From textbooks, DVDs and the Korean books, everything I checked out at libraries really helped me to maintain the quality of my life. I LOVE LAPL. They provide amazing things. Angela M.

I can remember my days at the Porter Ranch branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, dating back to as far as 1995.
I was 4 years old.
However, my memories only became vivid as early as 1996. Invisible Man, The Great Gatsby & Brave New World were more than a decade away, and we all must start somewhere. I am finished with a session where a local adult reads to young children. I decide to check out two of the books which were read during the session. I believe one of them was Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
I am standing with my father and brother at the check-out desk. I look up and on the wall behind the desk, I see two posters of prominent athletes promoting the power of literature.
One is Shaquille O' Neil. The other is Michelle Kwan.
I will make this short.
Thank you Shaq. Thank you Michelle. Thank you LAPL. Jeffrey U.

When I first heard of the Main Library re-opening in the Fall of 1993, I was thrilled because I was residing downtown just down the street.  Getting to meet LeVar Burton & Roddy McDowell was great but the best person I could meet was Barbara Bain, who'd started a volunteer reading program called Book P.A.L.S. a couple of years previously.  How perfect for a guy who'd been reading from a book of olde English fairy tales to children in Oxnard for fun at the same time.  Now in L.A., I could put my talents to good use and have participated with this group ever since, pretty much weekly, and am only recently sharing my gratitude with the children here as well as a member of the STAR program. The best "perk" of reading for kids is the "thank you" letters one gets - my favorite being from a girl who disliked her name until I explained to her that Larry is short for Laurence which I don't like. I told her of my old friend, Graham, who changed his name to Joe after entering high school. We already had 3 other Joes at our school and I pointed out how having a unique name is better. Besides saying that she planned to read more, because of me, she signed her letter, "Laurence" instead of "Larry," if you get my meaning. The libraries help keep L.A. Heaven.  Larry S.

We are thrilled that our Los Angeles Public Library System has received national recognition and wish to share how very meaningful to us have been a number of library services. Our downtown library is an architectural treasure and wonderfully user-friendly.  More than once Tom has spent pleasant hours there, sitting in a comfortable chair with an inviting, interesting view of another portion of the library below him.  I have found the staff wonderfully knowledgeable and accessible on occasions when I have done research in both the art and children's departments. A visit to our library is high on our list of places to visit when visitors come to our city, and our guests always remark that the library was one of the highlights of their Los Angeles experience.  As supporters of the Library Foundation, we frequently attend the speaker series, which invariably is interesting and mind-stretching.
At the local level, we are proud to support our Los Feliz Branch, which has a number of innovative, inclusive and creative programs for children of all ages, as well as adults. The movie series has been a kind of adjunct to our push for more neighbors to know each other, to communicate and generally to enhance community engagement.  While our lives do not allow us sufficient time to take advantage of the many programs available, we are proud to support (albeit primarily financially) our library, and know that it is one local and significant way we can feel not only a part of our community, but that we are investing in the futures and the quality of life for our hugely diverse community. To us, local involvement and participation are key to how we view ourselves and support our values.  Tom and Melinda P.

The Librarian Jim, does a very good job, in all aspects at the Little Tokyo Library, to make you safe, and have many "free" programs for you to have to go to.
Thank you, Jewelee K.

Where do I start?  This library is extremely convenient and the staff is always helpful and patient. The library is located at crossing point between downtown workers, urban professionals, and the disadvantaged, but it doesn’t matter to the staff, everyone is treated with a high level of respect and concern.
I once saw a PBS story about how the Central Library staff helped a homeless man learn to use the internet and draw.  The man ended up selling his art for money and rekindled his love for life.
No library system should ever be on the budget chopping block!
Where can I buy “I love my LA library” t-shirt!
Keep up the great work! Bravo! Patrick C.

The Los Angeles Public Library taught me fish.  The Sylmar Librarians took the time to show me how to use the card catalog and then to search for the books on shelves. It was a simple act by the Librarians but the fact that they took the time to address my questions boosted my self-esteem and not to be afraid to ask questions. I grew up in a modest home but I never felt poor because of the wealth of information that was accessible to my family and I at the local library. I am now a university administrator because of the Los Angeles Public Library!
Marcela M.

The library isn't only literacy and other helping, it was stimulating the imagination.  My sister and I would go to the library every other week and check out ten books each.  After a while we set up our own library in our garage and checked out books to the neighborhood children.  We created the checkout cards and book pockets.  And this helped others read and want to go to the library also.  It is the imagination that only the library can stimulate and make minds and spirits soar. Shirley T.

I love to read and where else to get the finest assortment of books - even the newly published "Hot-Off-The-Press" books - for free - and be able to influence others to read too!  I'm active in the Friends of the Encino-Tarzana Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library so I can promote the library for books, media, programs, computer use, and enjoy the camaraderie of others.  My T-shirt reads:  "Those who don't read have no advantage over those who who can't" by Mark Twain.  Being in our Library and surrounded by books is very exciting!  Come to the Library and see for yourself. Barbara L.

In the last several years I decided to educate myself. In the beginning I understood that "thinking you know," is a gigantic block to understanding. First, this happens to high school graduates, then comes your BA or BS and with "thinking you know," comes the end to your education and you stop learning. I turned off commercial TV and began to educated myself through the Great Courses supplied by the LA Library system. I listened to such books as Don Quixote, and many other great master works. Also I watched every course on Philosophy, Religion, Psychology, Archeology and also courses in mathematics and especially Calculus.  For me, this was very enjoyable. I learned more than I'd every learned in college. And, I learned faster and from more astute teachers. I want to commend the LA Library system. It is a fantastic system because I have access to every resource in the system and the items are sent to my local branch. I also appreciate the free entertainment I receive from checking out the newest DVDs. Hey. Bravo and congratulations! Thanks! Stephen M.

I loved reading from a long time if I remember. Since I grew up in place(in India) where we didn't have many libraries...I didn't get an opportunity to read books a lot. In fact I could say that I was one among those people who used to feel reading was waste of time or couldn't afford to read those big fat books...Life went on and I was in the US, Dallas after my marriage. Things were so different here I had very hard time getting used to life. I lived in a place which was very close by to a bookstore, entered and tried to find some book. The bookstore was so huge I was almost lost and didn't know what to pick up. Neither I was aware that there were people to help me if I could go and ask for help. I was totally lost and thought it was a bad idea to enter the store.
Again months passed by and we were in Columbus, OH. We were at our friends' home and in regular conversation, I heard about the library and its benefits that it was free for all residents who had valid resident proof documents and ID. I was so much interested that I still feel how excited I was to go to the library. I was completely bowled that I could check out books(limit of 50)...I remember checking out so many books, still not clear what nooks I liked..but the only reason to check out was it was free. Life took its own turns as my son was born and I had very less time to read, since I came to know about library few weeks before my due date.
Later we moved to different places and landed in Los Angeles. My son was year old and I was curious to find a library close by. Thankfully, with one of my friends help we opened an account in Plams Rancho Library in Los Angeles. Initially, I did check out lots of books for my son and attended the story time too. I was able to read to him and it was fun. Later my daughter was born too and managing a toddler and a new born was difficult and took a toll on me. I still remember how relaxed I used to feel when both my kids slept in the afternoon so that I could read few more pages.
By now, I knew my tastes better and checked out more of thriller, suspense and love related books.As my kids grew,  I spent more time reading to them in spite of my full time work and their chores. Later because of our jobs, we moved to Torrance area and I wanted this LAPL library card to be used further. I went to my library and asked if I could still borrow if I moved to Torrance as there is no LAPL library close by in Torrance area. They said I could and asked me to change the address on my account. I did it and I still check out books from LAPL since few of the books which I don't get in Torrance library I put a hold and get it from LAPL library. I truly enjoy reading books today and want my kids to do the same and utilize the benefit. Since I know better, how much I had lost in the name of big fat books etc...
Today my son who is in grade 2, loves reading picture books to his sister and I still read them lots of read aloud books. If I wasn't close by to Palms-Rancho Library, life wouldn't have changed so much. I always advise young kids and new parents to read books. I know how much changes books have brought me in my own life just because of reading lots and lots of books. I know in a better way to handle my kids after reading many parenting books...like Mixed Blessings by Jon Kabat Zinn, Teach your Children Well by Madeline Levine etc.
I keep visiting the LAPL site very often to know more about things happening in all libraries. My daughter who is in KG had her field trip to Central Library in Dec 2013 and I was equally excited to visit Central Library as I hadn't done it earlier. I immediately signed up to voluntary the KG kids along with few other parents and their teacher. I was so excited to know more about the details when the guide was talking about. Felt very sad to know many books were lost in the fire accident but glad there were people who volunteered to restore few books. I loved each and everything about the library. The symbol at the top, the water ponds which represent the book in the front of the library. There was a story time and I truly enjoyed with the kids too. I wanted to explore a lot but we had to move. So we planned we would come again with her brother and dad. I also make a point to sign up my kids for summer reading program in LAPL, so that they continue to read more and more.I believe that we can learn a lot more than what school or home teaches us by reading lots of various books. Blessed to be a part of LAPL. Manjula S.

I'm 47 years old. My education and work experience is in photography and I decided to go to graduate school for art history so I could teach or work in museum studies.
One of the reasons why I decided to change my career direction is that the photography industry has been changing since the mid-1990s because of computer technology. So I decided to do my graduate study on the history of photography because there are a lot of traditional art history programs, but not that many just on the history of photography. I thought it was a good direction to go because of how important photography has become since it began in the 1800s and that there's not much academic study of it's history, most of the education for photography is to learn how to do photography.
I changed to a regular art history direction along the way and I decided on religion and popular culture as the subject of my thesis proposal. I started working on research for my thesis proposal at the Central Library downtown in 2007-08. Then I moved back to my hometown, Philadelphia, PA in 2009 to look for a college on the east coast.
While I was in Philadelphia I decided to try to do something interesting with the project so I started to publish a portfolio on MySpace in "real time" as I research it. I also used my work experience in public relations and marketing to publicize the work I was doing with email mailing lists and postings on relevant internet sites.
I took a chance that I'd be able to find a job so I could stay in Philadelphia and I had to do it in six months. I wasn't able to find a job because of the economy, so I had to come back to California. The interesting part for me was and I had to come back with no place to live and no job. I started looking for a job again when I returned here to Los Angeles and I changed my plans for when I would apply to grad school.
In my spare time though I started working on a part two for my thesis proposal that I researched at the library and I continued to publish the research I was doing on MySpace in "real time" also. So now I have part one of the thesis proposal that the research at the public library was an important part of and an additional part two of the project that I completed over three years entirely at the public library while I was homeless. I used traditional research from books at the library, movies and music available at the library and online research at the library to complete the project.  Damian C.

I wandered into a book sale at the library to a most organized and friendly place. I fell in love joined immediately and recommend it to all. Doris F.

It's been many years since I started checking out books from LAPL branches such as Pio Pico, Los Feliz, Sherman Oaks branches and Central Library. Libraries are all over in Southern California and I can go to any one of them near my home, work or school.  From textbooks, DVDs and the Korean books, everything I checked out at libraries really helped me to maintain the quality of my life. I LOVE LAPL. They provide amazing things. Ji-Heoi Y.

I'm a mother of a 7 year old girl and thanks to the LAPL my daughter is doing great at school. Since she was 4 months old I used to take her to the "Baby and Me" program and my husband and I started reading to her every night. My daughter got really used to the library and became her favorite place. Everybody knows her by name and she feels really happy when we go to check out books at the library. She is reading in an excellent speed and she loves books, she even got her own library card. Thanks to the Public Libraries for the free services. Isabel C.

Our family would not be able to homeschool without you!  Thank you for providing wonderful books and materials, as well as fun and informative programming for children.  We love our "field trips" to our local, branch library in Silver Lake, as well as all of the other amazing libraries that are a part of your system.  Christy M.

The Los Angeles Public Library, specificaly, the Alma Reaves Woods Watts Branch has been very helpful and a fundamental key in my success. Born and raised in the ''ghetto'' in the city of Watts to be precise was and still is very challenging for many youth as it was to me. Due to the lack of resources, low income households, and just the everyday danger of nearby gangs was tough growing up. It would have been very easy for me to have joined one of those gangs, causing disruption in the neighboehood, abusing drugs etc. had it not been for the Alma Reaves Woods Watts Branch where I use to go straight after school burying myself under the wonder of literature, books, and the other services that they offered. It was my home away from home, a place of peace, learning and discovery. While some of my other peers where getting induced in the lifestyle of gang violence, I was in this safe haven, sort to speak, doing my homework, studying with the help of the staff there and ultimately being the first in my family to graduate from high school and later on from college earning my bachelor's degree in graphic design/telecommunications, where now I am an elite web designer, one of my greatest works being that of the very popular Angie's List. Yes! they came to the company where I work and I was in charge in leading a team of four to create this now very successful website. I'm currently staying in a loft in downtown L.A. where I visit the Central Library at least tree times a week, away from my roommate, just peace and quiet and I work on my laptop since they happen to have free wifi. There I do research, create and furthermore just continue to thrive in what I enjoy doing best, designing. Had it not been for the Los Angeles Public Library I probably would have been another statistic, high school dropout, prison inmate, or even dead. The Los Angeles Public Library was helpful, resourceful, and just great in my life and still is till this very day, and for that I am grateful! Thank You! Juan M.

I just wanted to tell you I just moved to LA and your library system is amazing!  I love the ease of your online system and availability of books.  Being able to request a book online and have it sent to my local branch makes me want to read, read, read.  Thank you for putting so much effort and money into this fabulous resource for the community. Liz T.

The library has the power to encourage my 7 years old & myself into doing school work and activities. We remain focus with minimal distractions and allow us to remain consistent until completing our task. The extruded hours gives us schedule options and public events teachers our community do fun & excited things together.  —William

The Library improved my life because it is quiet and peaceful at the library  and I get to do my work. I get to read wonderful books. I'm in second grade and I love this library. —Annie