More $$$ for our Library and Parks Systems

By Merv Leon Evans

Spend the Money on our Kids, Not Cops

The Richard Riordan Central Library, originally constructed in 1926, is a downtown Los Angeles landmark. It is the third largest library in the United States in terms of book and periodical holdings. Originally simply the Central Library, it was renamed in 2001 after L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan.

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) system serves the residents of Los Angeles, California. LAPL is one of the largest publicly funded library systems in the world. The system is overseen by a Library Board comprised of five members appointed by the mayor.

Membership is open to everyone, not just residents of the City of Los Angeles, as there are no residency requirements to obtain a library card. Circulating books, periodicals, computer access and audio visual materials are available to patrons. The Library's Rare Book Department is located in its downtown Los Angeles location. The LAPL also provides services to home bound patrons.

Aggressive expansion and growth of the system began in the 1920s. Under library Board Chairman Orra E. Monnette, the system gained the support of Los Angeles citizens and began building a network of modern branch libraries to keep pace with Los Angeles' growth as a city.