NEWS
LA County Library Foundation Welcomes New Board Members
July 21, 2021
The nonprofit LA County Library Foundation raises funds and creates partnerships that support LA County Library: strengthening your community - developing literacy, nourishing knowledge, cultivating creativity, innovating with technology, and building cultural understanding and inclusion.
Public dollars don’t cover all the Library’s costs for the free services it provides with 86 libraries and a mobile fleet serving people across more than 3,000 square miles.
The Library Foundation steps in to lessen that funding gap with gifts from private sources, including foundations, corporations, and individuals.
The Foundation is moving out of re-start mode, having hired its first executive director in more than a decade in 2019, and building deep and wide support to increase its impact and support for the Library. Its next step? More funding to meet larger needs with long-term solutions.
That’s why it's delighted to welcome four talented individuals to LA County Library Foundation Board of Directors: Shelbi N. Augustus, John Erickson, Estevan Jose Montemayor, and Amy Wiwuga.
Shelbi N. Augustus is Lead Regional Political Organizer with SEIU-United Healthcare Workers in Los Angeles; John Erickson is Councilmember for the City of West Hollywood and Director of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles; Estevan Jose Montemayor is Principal of EJM Strategies, a communications firm in West Hollywood; and Amy Wiwuga is Associate at 50 + 1 Strategies in Santa Monica, which provides strategic planning and campaign management.
These individuals bring expertise in organizing, marketing and communications, and organizational and fund development. Each is committed to the Library as a community cornerstone and to developing LA County Library Foundation as a sustainable organization that ensures the Library continues and expands programs and services that provide access to opportunities for socioeconomic success for all members of the community.
LA County Library Foundation is excited to welcome Shelbi, John, Estevan, and Amy to its team, and with its donors, create a more equitable and vibrant community through support for LA County Library and its programs, resources, and services for the county’s more than 10 million children, teens, and adults.
A tribute to longtime board member Bob Bush
July 7, 2021
LA County Library Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime board member Bob Bush. We will miss him.
Bob promoted literacy and lifelong learning in Los Angeles County’s diverse communities. He did this “because libraries are the source for knowledge, whether through books or the electronic world—the source for success in our society.”
He put his passion for literacy into action. He served on the LA County Library Foundation board for more than 20 years. He forged connections, developed long-range strategies, and helped shape the Foundation’s vision.
Bob had a remarkable career – as a journalist (editor of Plane & Pilot magazine, and as a writer for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, United Press International, South Bay Daily Breeze, and Los Angeles Times), senior deputy to Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn (1969-1979), California press secretary to President Carter during the 1976 primary election, and as a lobbyist, public relations director, and governmental affairs consultant since 1979.
He was also a founding director, past chair and senior board member of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, receiving its Lifetime Stewardship Award.
At the time of his passing, Bob ran the Robert E. Bush Corporation, a lobbying firm specializing in and registered with the County of Los Angeles. He and his affiliates worked with cities and public agencies in the Los Angeles area. Experienced as a lobbyist, public relations director and governmental affairs consultant since 1979, Bob represented a variety of real estate, financial, insurance, cable television, architectural, building contractors, public utilities, and health and welfare associations.
We will miss Bob greatly.
Edison International Provides Funding for Library’s Nature Exploration Program Series
Engaging Live Programs Will Be Offered Virtually, with Nature Exploration Bags Available to Borrow at Select Libraries This Summer
April 30, 2021 LA County Library
Edison International has made a $20,000 grant to develop LA County Library’s new virtual Nature Exploration series about the wonders of our natural world—from what we can discover in our own backyards, to what we can learn from scientists and environmental studies professionals.
With the summer months approaching, LA County Library will launch its Nature Exploration Programs, a series of live virtual events on Webex, in May; they’ll run throughout the summer. From gardening basics to nature-related career paths, tweens and teens can stay connected to nature virtually with exploratory content offerings. Many programs feature partner presenters like the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
In addition to the virtual programs, later this summer the Library will be offering new Nature Exploration Bags for checkout at 5 library locations—City Terrace, Compton, Quartz Hill, San Fernando, and South Whittier. Developed in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Bags include scientists’ tools like a magnifying glass and specimen jars, and a Field Guide of tips and tricks to help you discover animals and plants wherever you are. Bags will be able to be borrowed for 3 weeks, just like a book.
"LA County Library Foundation is delighted and grateful to longtime community partner Edison International for its grant supporting LA County Library’s exciting new Nature Exploration programs. Edison's grant gives young people a wonderful opportunity for urban adventuring—with both live virtual programs and Nature Exploration Bags you can check out, just like a library book. The Foundation appreciates Edison's commitment to under-resourced communities and, with virtual programming, their help bringing accessible programs to all," said Andrea Carroll, Executive Director, LA County Library Foundation. “Our hope is that our Nature Exploration series will ignite participants’ curiosity.”
For more information regarding registration for the exploration series visit LACountyLibrary.org/Nature-Exploration.
About LA County Library
Founded in 1912, LA County Library is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US. It offers free public resources including books, music, multimedia materials, computer and internet access, and educational and recreational services to 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 86 community libraries and mobile fleet of 14 vehicles, including 3 Bookmobiles, 6 MākMō (maker mobiles), and 5 Reading Machines. LA County Library is dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing access to and equity of public services for all. To learn more, visit LACountyLibrary.org and follow @LACountyLibrary on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About LA County Library Foundation
Nonprofit LA County Library Foundation, founded in 1982, raises funds and creates partnerships to strengthen and support LA County Library and the free programs, services and resources it provides to enrich the lives and communities of children, teens, and adults throughout LA County. Visit LA County Library Foundation at LACoLibraryFoundation.org and follow @LACountyLibraryFoundation on Facebook and Instagram.
CONTACT: Pamela Broussard, Public Information Officer
pbroussard@library.lacounty.gov
Together, we will triumph.
March 19, 2021
Together, we will triumph.
With tremendous sadness, we again decry the racism and racial violence that persists today, and that terrifies, threatens, and even kills -- our family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community members.
LA County Library Foundation stands in solidarity with Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans.
We will work with and support you to achieve racial equity and social justice. Together, we will forge the community we want and need, one marked by understanding, equality, and inclusion for every person.
Innovate @UCLA Names Skye Patrick, LA County Library Director, Winner of Community Impact Award
October 5, 2020
Skye Patrick will be honored at the Innovate@UCLA 2020 Executive Leadership Awards on November 12 for her leadership and delivery of innovative Library programs and services, especially during the tumultuous times created by COVID-19. Innovate@UCLA writes, "Though we love books, the LA County Library is more than a repository of our favorite classics. Under the leadership of its Director, Skye Patrick, the Library has become a civic and cultural center, hub for public information and services, and an institution of literacy, innovation, and lifelong learning!"
Stand Together - for Justice, Change, Equity, and Inclusion
June 2, 2020
Our world, already disrupted by pandemic, is reeling with anger, pain, and despair in the wake of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.
This throws a spotlight on our nation's racist and violent history - an epidemic that has lasted for too long.
LA County Library Foundation stands with our Black community to call for justice and change. Together, we can forge a path of understanding, equity, and inclusion.
Your Library location may be closed...but your Digital Library
is open.
March 19, 2020
Your Digital Library is full of online goodies...all free to you with your library card. You'll need your PIN and Internet access and you're ready to go.
No Library card? Get a digital one. Log into the LA County Digital Library and get started!
Stay safe and healthy. Get updates. Your LA County Library has information you can trust.
PUT TOGETHER A CARE PACKAGE FOR YOU:
-
Take off on a virtual adventure with an eBook.
-
Listen to an Audiobook while you do some spring-cleaning.
-
Skim a Magazine and just kick back.
-
No firewalls here...read the LA Times, NY Times, and more.
-
Pick up that language you always wanted to learn (you've got 70 to choose from).
-
Take an online class...for fun or to gain new skills for work.
-
Stream a Film or TV show, pop some popcorn, and enjoy.
-
Put on some Music and walk, hike, or dance!
FUN & GAMES & HOMEWORK HELP
-
Brainfuse offers one-on-one homework help and tutoring from 1 – 10 pm every day (for kids and learners of all ages). Plus, a writing lab, resume writing help, job coaching, and more.
-
Tap into Parenting Tips with ReadyRosie’s weekly texts or emails.
-
Check out TumbleBook Library, an online collection of animated and talking picture books.
-
Join a LIVE virtual storytime! Monday through Thursday at 11am and 3:30 pm on the Library's Facebook and Instagram. Can't make it? Watch a recording on Facebook.
Want more info? Plus, Library tidbits & fun facts? Check out our March enews...and enjoy!
LA County Library named the 2019 Library of the Year
National Award from Gale and Library Journal
May 28, 2019
LA County Library has been named Library of the Year by Gale and the national magazine Library Journal. This prestigious award celebrates the library system that most profoundly demonstrates: service to the community; creativity and innovation in developing community-specific programs; and leadership in creating programs that can be emulated by other libraries.
This is the third honor LA County Library has received in the past 12 months from Library Journal following wins for 2019 Librarian of the Year and 2018 Marketer of the Year. LA County Library is the first organization ever to win both Library of the Year and Librarian of the Year in the same calendar year, and the first organization to win all 3 awards and be featured on the magazine’s cover 3 times in less than a year.
LA County Library strives to create a library that provides services for everyone within Los Angeles County. The Library’s collection is always growing – digitally and in print – programming is ever changing to meet community needs, and the Library is finding new and innovative ways to engage with its customers – you!
Please visit your local library and congratulate the staff for this award – it wouldn’t be possible without them.
LA County Library Foundation is hosting a celebration event at Manhattan Beach Library on Saturday, June 29 at 5 pm. Enjoy a fun night with activities for the whole family – with live music and refreshments.
LA County Library will also be hosting events at its community libraries on June 26 – more details coming soon!
Library Giving Day 2019 - YOU DID IT!
April 10, 2019
Your gift helped meet – and exceed – LA County Library Foundation’s $10,000 matching gift challenge on the first-ever national Library Giving Day!
The Foundation raises funds to strengthen and support LA County Library. Success is only possible with generous donors like you.
With your support, you are enriching your community with library services like homework help and tutoring, school readiness and early literacy programs, parenting tips, job training, Adult 101 for teens, STEAM learning and fun, resources for veterans and immigrants, and more.
Mellon Foundation Awards $100K Grant to LA County Library Foundation for Claremont Helen Renwick Library
Grant will fund arts enrichment and new books for kids & teens
May 1, 2019
LA County Library Foundation is the recipient of a $100,000 Presidential Initiatives grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, in honor of Claremont native Dr. Danielle Allen, the former past chair of the Mellon’s Board of Trustees. The funds will enable Claremont Helen Renwick Library to enhance the Children’s and Teen materials collection, and to establish the Danielle Allen Creative Cultivation Project at Claremont Helen Renwick Library. This project will fund arts enrichment programming for children and teens at Claremont Helen Renwick Library over a five-year period. LA Opera’s performance of German Opera Tales on Monday, May 13, 2019, at 3:30 pm, kicks off the programming.
LA County Library is a finalist – the only California library system!
March 11, 2019
The Institute of Museum and Library Services—the federal agency that provides library and museum grants, policy development, and research—announced yesterday that LA County Library is among its 30 National Medal Finalists for 2019, and one of 15 libraries. This is the Library’s second year in a row being nominated. We are one of three California institutions to have been selected as a 2019 finalist, and the only California library system.
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to their communities.
For 25 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.
IMLS will feature LA County Library on their Facebook and Twitter pages on March 15, and we encourage you to share how LA County Library has impacted your life. To participate you can visit the IMLS social media pages (see links above) on March 15 and comment on their post, or you can post anytime between now and April 22 on your own timeline. We ask that you include #IMLSmedals and tag us @LACountyLibrary.
Head LA County Library Director Skye Patrick Named 2019 Librarian of the Year by Library Journal
Skye Patrick Recognized for Her Role in Breaking Down Barriers, Increasing Access, and Embracing Technology and Marketing in the Library
December 24, 2018
Skye Patrick joined LA County Library in February 2016, with ambitions to champion change and position the Library as a center of learning accessible to all residents of Los Angeles County. She’s done just that, and so much more, as made clear by her award of 2019 Librarian of the Year from Library Journal.
Since joining LA County Library, one of the largest library systems in the US, Patrick has focused on breaking down barriers and increasing access for all customers. Embracing the unique communities that the Library serves, she launched the iCount equity initiative, ensuring the Library makes a conscious effort in designing programs that address the needs of its diverse residents.
“It is a great honor to be recognized by Library Journal, one of the industry’s most reputable publications,” said Patrick. “This is not only a recognition for me but also a recognition for the entire LA County Library team. They work so hard and are committed to providing the best service to our customers; without the support of our staff, I would not be able to achieve what I have set out to do.”
To support the innovative programming at the Library, Patrick expanded service hours by over 15,000 hours across 75 library locations without incurring additional costs. Under her leadership, the Library introduced award-winning programs such as The Great Read Away, Turns the Tables DJ workshops, and MākMō maker mobiles.
Patrick also established a Marketing team—which was awarded 2018 Marketer of the Year by Library Journal—with the goal of improving the Library’s promotional efforts and creating awareness of the myriad of services the Library offers.
Patrick is also instrumental to bringing in over $30M in grant funding for expanding and improving Library programming and services through partnerships. Understanding the importance of technology, Patrick worked to meet customer needs by improving the Library’s information technology infrastructure.
“Libraries are important to the wellbeing of communities,” said Patrick. “I am committed to seeking creative and innovative ways to offer Library services that help improve the quality of our customers' lives.”