The original Pico Rivera Library, rebuilt around 2012–13
LA County Library is one of the largest public library systems in the United States[3] which serves residents living in 49 of the 88 incorporated cities of Los Angeles County, California. United States, and those living in unincorporated areas resulting in a service area extending over 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2).[4] LA County Library serves the surrounding regions to the city of Los Angeles, not be confused with the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) which serves areas within the city of Los Angeles.
History and politics
On February 25, 1911, California enacted the County Free Library Law, by which all county governments were authorized to establish a "county free library" to serve all areas of the county where cities and towns had not already established free public libraries.[5] This led to the establishment of the Los Angeles County Free Library, later to become the Los Angeles County Public Library system of branches. Circa 1914, the collection was kept on the “10th floor of the Hall of Records, North Broadway and Franklin Streets.”[6]
The library system, headquartered in Downey, California, is overseen by the Library Commission of 20 appointed members who report on administration, operation, and service to the County Board of Supervisors who operate County Library as a special fund department.[7]
Skye Patrick was appointed County Librarian on February 1, 2016.[8]
LA County Library was a finalist for the IMLS National Medal in 2018 and 2019.[9][10]
LA County Library won the 2018 Marketer of the Year Award,[11] the 2019 Librarian of the Year Award for Skye Patrick,[12] and the 2019 Library of the Year Award. All three awards were from Library Journal and this was the first time a single organization held all three awards at the same time.[13]
Services and resources
Clifton M. Brakensiek Library
The library provides many resources, including literacy services and programs for families and children.[14]
The library system offers consumer health information under CHIPS (Consumer Health Information Program and Services).
