Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new Silver Lake branch open?
The Silver Lake Branch (the 72nd) of the Los Angeles Public Library opened on October 16, 2009.
Where did the money come from?
In 1998 the voters approved a bond issue for the renovation of outdated or inadequate branches or the building of new branches. At that time, the anticipated number of projects was 32. Because of the tight control that the Los Angeles Public Library has had over the acquisition, design and construction budgets and proceeds from investments that have yielded enough savings, three additional projects were added to the list including Silver Lake. Without this good management of the budget and construction projects by the Los Angeles Public Library, community perseverance and continued requests and support from both Los Angeles City Council members Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge, Silver Lake would not have been added to the list.
What was Los Angeles Public Library thinking when presented with the OK to build 30+ new and remodeled branches?
The current crop of new construction has benefited from the very refreshing and forward-thinking attitude that the Los Angeles Public Library has taken with the design of these branches. “Design is very personal to people” said former City Librarian Susan Kent. “We are building 33 friendly neighbors”. The Library has held hundreds of community meetings to reach consensus about the design and program for each of these projects. Creative, well-respected and well-known architects have been hired to design these new facilities. Some of the resulting buildings are stunning. This attitude toward the importance of design is one in which the rest of the city should take as an example.
How were the architects for the Silver Lake branch selected?
Since the Silver Lake Branch was nearly last on the list, the Library had a lot of experience with a variety of architects. Only a few were selected for a second project. The Library has very high standards for repeat business and were pleased that, coincidentally, many in the community thought M2A’s Arroyo Branch was far superior to other new projects. So, M2A was selected for a third project, Silver Lake. Also coincidentally, Barry Milofsky, Principal at M2A, has lived in Silver Lake for many years. Mr. Milofsky acknowledges the challenge of adding a new building to the already world-known architecture in Silver Lake. Another recently completed project by M2A was the Allesandro Apartments on Allesandro St. near Glendale Blvd.
How can I participate?
Join FoSLL! (Click here to see how.) We have many volunteer opportunities available. Come learn more about how you can participate by attending our monthly meeting. Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month in the community room of the new library. Additionally, we welcome financial contributions that go toward helping to supply the library and staff with items that are not normally covered by their regular budget.
