Community

In 1986, the city of Los Angeles came together to overcome the devastating arson fires that nearly destroyed the Central Library. Corporate and community leaders along with thousands of volunteers campaigned to replace the more than 400,000 destroyed volumes. One of those leaders included Chairman and CEO of ARCO Lodwrick M. Cook, who was so inspired by the community's outpouring to "Save the Books," that he created a private partnership along with civic leaders to further the development of the library. Out of this successful model of partnership, the Library Foundation was established in 1992 to raise private sector support to benefit one of the city's most valued public resources.

After rebuilding and expanding the Central Library, Angelenos continue to show their commitment to libraries. Last year, when the City faced its worst financial crisis, the library lost 30 percent of its staff and service was cut to only five days a week for the first time in history. Once again, the community rallied to overwhelmingly pass Measure L to restore library funds and service hours. As a result, earlier this summer all 73 libraries reopened on Mondays, and as funding continues to be restored over the next four years, Sunday service will resume to nine libraries. Click here for updates on Measure L.