Flavorpill recently created this really cool list of 10 books for America's 10 most literary cities. The annual results are in on Central Connecticut State University's ranking of the 75 most literary cities in the country and Flavorpill wanted to do each city proud. Cool, right? So what book did they ascribe to L.A.? They didn't. Out of seventy five cities, Los Angeles ranked 61st. more ›

The Los Angeles County library system is in dire financial trouble and, "cannot sustain its level of services over the next decade, according to a report delivered Tuesday to the Board of Supervisors," says the LA Times. more ›

It may be election day, but the Los Angeles City Council has their work cut out for them as this week is the last to approve items for the March 8th, 2011 ballot. That's the municipal election where half of the City Council is up for grabs along with a number of measures. A couple ballot items are already approved -- like pension reform -- but at this morning's meeting, several more will be considered. more ›

Just like Los Angeles' budget-saving move in closing libraries twice weekly earlier this year, Long Beach today followed suit. Its system of 12 libraries will all now be closed two days a week (Sundays and Mondays). Previously, four libraries were open six days a week, with Monday on the schedule. "This action is a result of the Long Beach Public Library's implementation of the City's adopted budget to offset a structural deficit of $18.5 million for [Fiscal Year 2011]," stated the city's website. more ›

LA Public Libraries are closed on Sundays and Mondays due to unruly budget cuts. This includes the historic Central Library - a downtown landmark and one of the largest libraries in the country - in addition to all 70+ LAPL branches. Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Burbank patrons can access their library's resources 7 days a week. How can we fix this? more ›

Blame the budget: Several libraries in Los Angeles County will close one or two days a week starting Monday, according to the Star-News, thanks to "an $8.8 million budget cut." more ›

When the year began, Los Angeles' stock of 83 libraries were open seven days a week. Then budget cuts forced shorter hours, leaving them open six days a week. This week -- once again, thanks to budget cuts -- hours will be shortened to five days a week. more ›

Los Angeles voters may see a parcel tax measure that would help fund libraries on a ballot next year instead of this November if city budget officials have their way. The Board of Library Commissioners earlier this month approved a $39/year parcel tax for the November ballot that would fund libraries enough to open them six days a week, restore jobs and enhance other programs. more ›

A proposal to shut Los Angeles libraries down another day of the week was reluctantly approved yesterday by the board that oversees them. Starting July 6th, libraries will be open five days a week, a move to keep the system of 83 libraries solvent during budget cuts and workforce reductions. This comes after the Board of Library Commissioners voted to shorten hours earlier this year from seven days a week to six due to budget cuts. More details of the proposal can be found on LAist's post from before the meeting. more ›

Budget cuts already forced the hands of Los Angeles' system of 83 libraries earlier this year by shortening hours, slashing staff and offering one less day of service. Now, facing even more cuts within the upcoming budget cycle that begins in July, the Board of Library Commissioners are scheduled to vote (.pdf) on a proposal today that would mean libraries would be closed yet another day, bringing them to be open a total of five days a week. more ›

In Monday's marathon-length budget meeting of the L.A. City Council, a horde of motions were submitted and passed. Although one will reduce library hours even more, another could bring a litlte relief to library users. more ›

Citing solutions to the city's budget crisis, such as the early retirement program and a hiring freeze, the Los Angeles Public Library this morning formally announced new hours which being immediately. Citywide, all libraries will be closed on Sundays. The other six days, Central Library will be open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. every other day, except on Fridays when it will close at 5:30 p.m. (hours for all facilities--Central, Regional and Branch libraries--are listed below) more ›

Two dozen librarians took to the corner of Venice and Fairfax this morning during rush hour. Their goal? Let the masses know that libraries, too, are suffering because of the city's budget crisis, especially with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power standing in the way. more ›

The list of reasons for using public transportation just keeps growing: saving energy, protecting our environment, having fewer traffic jams. Now Bay Area commuters have an even bigger incentive to ride public transportation. The Contra Costa County Library has begun a partnership with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to provide an automated book “vending machine” for its patrons. more ›

If old and rare books are your thing, you're in luck this weekend. The 41st California International Antiquarian Book Fair opens at 2pm today and runs through Sunday. more ›

Some things just naturally go together. Take, for instance, caffeine and the written word. So the inclusion of coffee shops in libraries makes perfect sense. more ›

Did you know LACMA has a research library? Well, they do. It is open to the public by appointment, and materials don't circulate. They do what museum libraries do best -- serve the curatorial staff, provide information about items in the museum's collections, and help collectors research the art market. This Thursday and Friday, December 13th and 14th from 12-4 p.m., the LACMA Research Library will be holding its first annual holiday book sale.... more ›