Recreation and Cultural Services Margaret Donnellan Todd Librarian (Appointed 05/01/01) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget Gross Total Less Intrafund $136,552,000 Transfer $0 Net Total $136,552,000 Revenue (1) $136,552,000 Net <strong>County</strong> Cost $0 Positions 1,080.1 (1) Includes a $44,829,000 <strong>County</strong> Contribution Agoura Hills Library celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a special “Cat in the Hat” storytime. Children play with development toys in the Family Place Center at Gardena Mayme Dear Library. 56 Public Library <strong>County</strong> of <strong>Los</strong> <strong>Angeles</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 2006-2007 The <strong>County</strong> of <strong>Los</strong> <strong>Angeles</strong> Public Library is a network of community-focused libraries that provide the <strong>County</strong>’s diverse communities with easy access to the information and knowledge they need to nurture their cultural exploration and lifelong learning. The <strong>County</strong> Library uses expanded information networks and new technology to offer a broad range of learning resources to <strong>County</strong> residents in the unincorporated areas and 51 cities. Library statistics reflect a well-used library system: 2.6 million registered borrowers; 14 million items circulated yearly; 10 million questions seeking information answered; 600,000 children attending library programs each year; and 13 million visits to <strong>County</strong> libraries yearly. Through 84 libraries and four bookmobiles, customers find a full range of information services. Four ethnic resource centers provide specialized historical and cultural materials: American Indian, African-American, Asian-Pacific, and Chicano. <strong>County</strong> community libraries offer literacy programs, homework centers, storytimes, special programs for children and adults, summer reading activities, and public access to the Internet. The Library’s website is the door to the virtual library online. Customers can view the full library catalog, place holds on and renew materials, read and print articles from a variety of magazines and newspapers, connect to a live tutor for help with homework assignments, find book suggestions for children and adults, receive reference help 24/7, check the schedule of library programs and events, and download books to a computer or personal digital assistant (PDA). More electronic resources include sample career and SAT tests which can be taken and scored, genealogy research tools, and the Auto Repair Reference Center with car repair information. Major Accomplishments 2005-2006 Completed the selection and preliminary work on the new Integrated Library System— the central automation system which supports direct public and internal operations, such as collection and customer management, acquisition of library materials, and management reporting. Added children’s librarians and expanded hours at libraries serving unincorporated areas. Partnered with the LA Opera to bring programs to community libraries that introduce children and families to the world of opera. Increased the number of libraries with Family Place Centers, which provide special toys and books and an area for parents to play with their young children. Major Objectives 2006-2007 Expand awareness and use of the online tutoring service Live Homework Help. Increase outreach and services to young adults. Complete the installation of WiFi (wireless fidelity) at all <strong>County</strong>-operated libraries. Complete final plans for the construction of six new libraries. Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke commends Natalie Cole, African-American Living Legends honoree. Author Denise Hamilton signs copies of her books.
Departmental Summaries General Government Services 57