Whittier Public Library

Whittier Public Library. The library is a member of the Los Angeles County Library system and serves the city of Whittier, California, which is located near Los Angeles and Santa Fe Springs. The library provides access to a wide range of materials, including books, DVDs, and eBooks, and offers various services, such as Interlibrary loan and Wi-Fi access, in partnership with institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles and the California State Library. The library also collaborates with organizations like the American Library Association and the Public Library Association to provide high-quality services to its community, including Whittier College students and Rio Hondo College faculty.

● History

The library was established in 1894, with the support of the Whittier City Council and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Over the years, the library has undergone several transformations, including a major renovation in the 1960s, which was funded in part by the Federal Library Services and Construction Act and the California State Library. The library has also been influenced by the work of notable librarians, such as Melvil Dewey and S.R. Ranganathan, who developed the Dewey Decimal Classification system and the Five Laws of Library Science, respectively. Today, the library is a vibrant community hub, offering a range of programs and services, including Summer Reading Programs and Author Talks, in partnership with organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

● Collections and Services

The library's collection includes over 200,000 items, including books, Audiobooks, eBooks, and Digital media, which can be accessed through the library's Online public access catalog and Discovery layer. The library also provides a range of services, including Research assistance and Technology training, in partnership with institutions like the University of Southern California and the California Institute of Technology. Additionally, the library offers Test preparation resources and Career development tools, which can be accessed through the library's website and in-person at the library, with support from organizations like the Job Corps and the Small Business Administration. The library's collection and services are also informed by the work of notable authors and experts, such as Neil Gaiman and Sara Paretsky, who have spoken at the library as part of its Author Series.

● Architecture and Facilities

The library's building was designed by the architectural firm Welton Becket Associates and features a unique blend of Mid-century modern and Brutalist styles, similar to other notable buildings in the region, such as the Los Angeles Central Library and the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. The library's facilities include a large Reading room, a Children's library, and a Teen zone, which are equipped with Computers and Wi-Fi access, and offer a range of programs and services, including Storytime and Book clubs, in partnership with organizations like the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Literacy Association. The library's building has also been recognized for its Sustainable design and Energy efficiency, which are similar to those of other LEED-certified buildings, such as the San Francisco Public Library and the Seattle Central Library.

● Programs and Events

The library offers a wide range of programs and events for adults, children, and teens, including Author talks, Book clubs, and Workshops, which are often held in partnership with organizations like the Whittier Museum and the Whittier Community Theater. The library also hosts Concerts and Film screenings, which feature the work of notable artists and filmmakers, such as Quincy Jones and Martin Scorsese. Additionally, the library provides Literacy programs and ESL classes, which are supported by organizations like the National Literacy Directory and the U.S. Department of Education. The library's programs and events are designed to promote Lifelong learning and Community engagement, and are informed by the work of notable experts, such as Howard Gardner and Daniel Pink, who have written about the importance of Creativity and Innovation in education and community development. Category:Libraries in California