Describes the current status of the Los Angeles Public Library System comprising the central library, 62 branch libraries, and 5 bookmobiles. Financial problems, the destruction of the Hollywood regional library by fire, branch library changes, and the central library building are discussed. (EJS)

Describes three examples of the adaptation of an existing structure to meet library needs in Pennsylvania--a supermarket in Brookville, a Victorian residence in Franklin, and a bank in Haverford Township--noting location considerations, architect assistance, and library usage. Illustrations provided include floor plans. (EJS)

Describes the experiences of the Joliet Public Library Outlet (Illinois), which was opened in a mall. Highlights include rent, access to the library and increased patronage, criteria for deciding between enclosed and strip malls, other location considerations. funding, and marketing. (AEF)

Reports the results of 23 referenda on funding public library capital campaigns. The location of each referendum, the pass/fail rate by season, and data summarizing referenda over the past six years are provided. Two sidebars cover the failed referendum in Westerville (Ohio) and the successful referendum in Saratoga Springs (New York). (KRN)

Describes the development and construction of the Bibliotheca Alexandria, a public research library in Alexandria (Egypt) serving African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern countries as well as having global cultural implications. Topics include friends of the library groups; the role of UNESCO; and criticism of the library. Includes side bar…

A first-time project manager on a $4 million library addition and renovation project by the Homewood (Alabama) Public Library shares her experiences. Sidebars provide tips for new library project managers; description of construction administration documents; effective phrases to use with the contractor; and the top 10 lies told to a library…

Explains the revamping of library services in London's East End that will begin with the library buildings being sold and replaced with Idea Stores, positioned in high-density shopping areas. Discusses combining traditional library services with adult education, performance space, daycare, and retail style. (LRW)

Branches in shopping malls help build community by attracting new patrons to the library. They help libraries offer exciting new venues with a retail-like approach and raise awareness of the work libraries are doing. In some cases, though not at Glendale, the library is more cost-effective owing to the smaller space used to serve patrons. These…

In this article, the author describes how the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) struggled with a fraction of its former staff, limited hours, and a massive fundraising challenge after Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. While previously 171 people staffed locations, only 40 employees plus a smaller--and shifting--cadre of…

The history of the Coshocton Public Library (Ohio) is traced from 1872 through 1992, highlighting its connection with the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum. In response to a newspaper editorial, citizens of Coshocton formed the Coshocton Library Association in 1872. The library evolved through the years as a free school library, a municipal library, a…

The Kent Free Library (Ohio) evolved from the Great Atlantic and Western Railroad Reading Room of 1875, into a municipal Carnegie library, and then grew to be a medium-sized public school district library, in the city of Kent, Ohio. Its original building has been enlarged through three separate expansion campaigns, in order to have space to house…

These proceedings of a 2-day workshop held to discuss the planning and programming of library facilities construction include a number of papers and appendices that provide information on subjects not often covered in other library literature sources. Papers included in this document are: (1) "Let's Get Acquainted" (Raymond M. Holt); (2)…

Prepared as a part of an ongoing effort to make Maryland public libraries readily accessible to the handicapped, this directory identifies equipment, services, and facilities available to library users who are confined to wheel chairs and others who have difficulty with steps or stairs. Supplied by the administrators of Maryland's 24 public…

Sample selection methodology and findings are described for a telephone survey of residents of the six Hawaiian Islands to identify library users and their characteristics as well as patterns of use. Findings are reported for demographic patterns of use, user and non-user attitudes, leisure time activities, levels of awareness and interests in…