Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Budget Crisis-Related Library Cuts Begin Sunday
A quote by Frederick Douglass on The Grotto Fountain at Central Library | Photo by puck90 via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
()
A quote by Frederick Douglass on The Grotto Fountain at Central Library | Photo by puck90 via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
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)
The decision to adjust library hours came late March. Funding could not sustain the 1132 job positions, 17 million visitors (based on last year's numbers) and circulation of 18 million items.
On Friday, a group of librarians protested outside a LADWP building on Venice and Fairfax to bring attention to the possibility of even more cuts, thanks to the utility's decision to renege on a promised $73.5 million transfer to the city's general budget, which pays for core services like police, streets and, yes, libraries.
Support for LAist comes from
Central Library
Mon. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tues. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wed. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thurs. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun. closed
Regional Libraries
Mon. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tues. 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Wed. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thurs. 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Fri. 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m
Sun. closed
Branch Libraries:
Mon. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tues. 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Wed. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thurs. 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Fri. 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun. closed
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance. -
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
Best of LAist