Spring 2015 News and Calendar Artist Nick Lu, from the book Why LA? Pourquoi Paris? Library Foundation News Los Angeles Public Library News Giving Thanks to Our Bibliophiles Bridging the Digital Divide One Library Patron at a Time “Libraries are essential to the Los Angeles Bibliophiles, members of the planned giving society With our ever-growing reliance on technology to navigate our daily lives, it’s shocking they recognize me and I can speak Spanish with them.” Bryan Bazalar, another community,” say Randy and George Beckwith. “They who love the Los Angeles Public Library and are to hear that one-third of Angelenos still do not have Internet at home. As millions bilingual Cybernaut and nearby resident of his Panorama City branch, are the open door to information and learning for all helping to ensure it remains a vital civic asset for turn to the Los Angeles Public Library for free access to computers, the Internet, considers himself lucky to be a part of such an inspiring program, which was residents and it is critical that their mission continues future generations. The Library Foundation would like wireless access, eBooks, eMusic, and eEverything, simply getting to a computer is partially conceived as a way to offer meaningful job training to young adults. into the next century. That is why we support the to thank all of the generous Bibliophiles for leaving a only solving part of the problem. For those who are inexperienced or uncomfortable He’s currently getting his Masters in Library Science and loves the everyday Library Foundation of Los Angeles both with current legacy to the nearly four million children, teens, and using technology, the Library Foundation supports the Cybernauts program, challenges of problem solving. gifts and through our bequest.” The Beckwiths are adults served by the Los Angeles Public Library each offering personal concierge-like technology assistance to Library users of all ages. “The Internet is not always a clear solution, so I enjoy sitting down with a patron what the Library Foundation affectionately calls year and for years to come. “What’s great about the Cybernauts program is that it puts learning into play,” and getting their whole story, and then helping try to solve their issues,” says says Karen Gavidia, an enthusiastic Cybernaut at the Exposition Park branch. Bazalar. In his branch, he manages the Student Zones where he helps students Ann Albert Melissa Galben Sharon Oxborough “It’s about teaching and keeping patrons updated on technology that is constantly with research—teaching students how to use online search engines and find Maysoon Alsandook Eileen and Jon Gallo Sandra and Lawrence Post changing and piquing their interest about what’s out there.” Cybernauts are savvy information beyond cursory sites like Google and Wikipedia. But he also has and Majid Mohamed Ali Ami Gandhi Jean S. Rappaport at providing help on a range of issues—from creating email accounts, using word noticed a lot of basic questions arising from students and adults alike on Bob and Melissa Alvarado Judith E. Garratt Jack Rosenberg processing and photo sharing programs, to filling out job applications and tax forms. keyboarding issues, so he began offering a weekly keyboarding class to address Anonymous Mary E. Gay Suzanne Rosenblatt and Jeff Buhai “Teaching a lot of basic things has a long term impact on how people use these needs. technology,” explains Gavidia. Anissa and Paul Balson Beverly and Bruce Gladstone David and Susan Rosenblum “The biggest benefit that I see patrons get from our coaching is confidence, and Letter from the President Susan and Sean Barrett Henry Goichman Barbara J. Schwartz Like many of the Cybernauts, Gavidia is from the community she serves and has that’s very important to overcome fears of using the Internet,” says Bazalar. Randy and George Beckwith Dean Hansell Eileen D. Sever become a welcoming face in her neighborhood branch. “I used to be a regular patron This year, the Cybernaut program expanded to 32 neighborhood branches as well I have excellent news to report: the programs Barbara Bilson and Bert Woodruff Alan Harrow Myeong-Sim and Philip Young and a lot of patrons feel more comfortable coming in and asking questions because as Central Library thanks to the generous supporters of the Library Foundation. of the Los Angeles Public Library are currently Muriel P. Bodek Lorraine Hutton Ruth Simon serving record numbers of families, children Catherine and Jeff Brown Kristine Kadlec Carolyn Patricia and and students. The 2013-2014 fiscal year was Michael A. Bullock Stephen A. Kanter, M.D. Jean Tardy-Vallernaud the most successful on record for the Library Jacqueline and Henry Cahn Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Klein Marilyn R. Tauber As part of the Library’s mission to provide Foundation of Los Angeles. Vanessa Chang and Erik Hansen Lynne Knox and Kevan Lynd Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Thayer, Jr. Florence and Kenneth Chotiner Nick J. Labedz Elizabeth and David Thompson free access to ideas and information, these This issue of the LFLA newsletter is our way Carla J. Christofferson Stephen O. Lesser Hsiu-Ann Tom of saying thank you to all who share a love and Adam Shell Don Marvurges Bonnie Tone innovative programs are also empowering of libraries and want to participate and show Bernice Colman Mildred Mayne Patrice S. Traeger individuals through technology supported their support in tangible ways. Diane and John Cooke Janice McCoy Miller Guadalupe M. Vela by the Library Foundation: My sense is that what we are experiencing Robert M. Cotten Brooks McEwen and Joshua Brand Jack G. Waldron is the result of inspired leadership from the Denise and Eddie De Ochoa Richard F. McKay Aviva Weiner and Paulino Fontes FULL STEAM AHEAD City Librarian John F. Szabo, as well as new Denise and R. Thomas Decker Gwen Miller Gloria and Thomas Wilson A fun, integrated science, technology, engineering, art, and math program that programs, expanded services and innovative Claude J. Dellevar Elizabeth and Donne Moen Scott B. Witter sparks the imagination, and develops perseverance, problem-solving, and ideas that, in part, reflect the vital partnership Alice R. Dick Margaret Moran Phyllis J. Yates self-confidence. The Library is collaborating with a number of partners, such as of the Los Angeles Public Library and the Daniel and Jeri Floyd Teryl Murabayashi McDermott Peg Yorkin Los Angeles Makerspace, Iridescent, Nine Dots, and The Exploratory, to teach Library Foundation of Los Angeles. RoseAnne and Thomas Frank Myra and Bruce Newman workshops in areas like computer programming, electronics and robotics, 3D What I am hearing (the “word from the modeling and printing, animation, filmmaking, and more. neighborhood libraries”), is that individuals in every community have never felt more welcome and supported by what is being Stay Home and Read a Book Ball LIVE HOMEWORK HELP offered by their public libraries. From free A free online tutoring service that offers one-on-one help with math, science, social studies, English, and Spanish to students in Kindergarten through access to technology, support workshops for Is there a more perfect way to support the cultural and educational programs of the Los Angeles Public Library first-year college as well as adult learners. kids, SAT study prep for teens, adult English than to curl up with a good book in your own home knowing that fellow readers all across the city are doing the language classes, to guidance on job searches, same thing at the same moment? What resonance! Join us, our event chair Junot Díaz, and other champions veteran services, and beginning the path of the Library by sending in your donation today and then celebrating the evening as only you know how. STUDENT ZONES to U.S. citizenship — libraries are much more Stay home, read a book, and have a ball! The following is a list of additional Patrons not included in the Stay Home Offering teens and children access to dedicated computers, equipment, and than alive — they are jumping! and Read a Book Ball invitation. furniture during the after-school hours, including the free use of books, If you have not recently had an opportunity subscription databases, printing, school supplies, trained personnel, and other LIBRARY HEROES LIBRARY ENTHUSIASTS to stop by your neighborhood library or the learning resources. ($10,000+) ($500-$999) magnificent Central Library downtown, do not hesitate to go and see for yourself. You will Wendy and Barry Meyer Arleen Burton not be disappointed and will experience Dr. and Mrs. Donald E. Dickerson ADULT LITERACY Committed to breaking the cycle of low literacy in our community, Adult firsthand what promises to be another record- LIBRARY ADVOCATES breaking year. Literacy Services help adults with English literacy skills below a sixth grade ($1,000-$2,499) LIBRARY ADMIRERS level to improve their reading and writing proficiency through one-on-one I’ll see you at the Library, Steven J. Novak ($250-$499) tutoring as well as self-directed, online practice. —Ken Brecher, President Aviva Weiner and Paulino Fontes Margaret and Danilo Bach Judy Felsenthal Jean Friedman Learn more about these Joan Haseltine Heinz Jacobson technology initiatives Megan and Kent Mouton at lfla.org and lapl.org. Marion A. Scharffenberger Mary Frances Whiting 2 Spring 2015 213.228.7500 lfla.org 3 Year in Review Financials Here’s a snapshot of the growing community that made the Library Foundation’s 2013-2014 fiscal year a record-breaking year. LFLA 2013-2014 REVENUES LFLA 2013-2014 EXPENSES Helping Students Succeed Student Zones: Established in 28 branches, 5% 10 Student Zones were renovated with 9% study-friendly furniture, new computers and 17% REVENUE Amount % equipment, and 15 Student Zone Helpers 2,439 Corporate $106,975 1% Live Homework Help: 29,728 individual tutoring sessions online were added to offer individual assistance to teens prepared for college Foundations $1,812,751 17% 13% children and teens.