Our Vision

To be a leader among community-based library systems in quality of service, breadth of material, use of technology, welcoming facilities, and depth of community support.

Our Mission

To provide our diverse communities with easy access to the information and knowledge they need to nurture their cultural exploration and lifelong learning.

Our Values

- Customer Service
- Leadership
- Teamwork/Collaboration
- Integrity
- Innovation

About Us

The County of Los Angeles Public Library was established in 1912 under authority of the County Free Library Act. The Library is a special fund department operating under the authority of the County Board of Supervisors. Today it is one of the major libraries of our nation, and provides library service to over 3.5 million residents living in unincorporated areas and to residents of 51 of the 88 incorporated cities of Los Angeles County. The service area extends over 3,000 square miles.

The County Library is a network of community libraries which benefit from a shared collection of materials and the cost-effectiveness of centralized purchasing, processing, and delivery. Library services are provided by 84 Regional and Community Libraries, 4 bookmobiles, and 7 special reference/resource centers. The County of Los Angeles Public Library belongs to the South State Cooperative Library System and the Arroyo Seco Library Network.

The County Library plays an essential part in the education and information infrastructure of our communities. Evidence of this is shown through the Library's business indicators. In 2003/2004, Library staff circulated over 14.7 million items to 2.3 million cardholders while answering over 10.5 million reference questions. Library staff clearly fulfilled the County Public Library's Mission to "satisfy the customer's need to know".