Roger H. Woelfel

This is a slim book commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Los Angeles County Library system. It appears to have been self published (probably by the library) for the occasion. It's fairly dry, but it is interesting to know a bit more about the history of my library. Like at the time of the books publishing (1987) it was the largest circulating library system in the USA with over 80 branches serving 3500 square miles. Which is why, I suppose, I use it. My branch is puny but the holds system is fantasic.

More interesting is hearing the early history of the library, like how it started in 1912 out of the first librarian's home and was only open 4 hours a week. The back includes still better tidbits gleaned from interviews with old staff. One says that during the war the library hours were essentially set by the army since no lights were allowed after dark along the coast. Another notes that two branches were lost when the St. Francis Dam burst in 1928. Another remembered that when all the Japanese-Americans were sent to internment camps their books were returned and fees paid before they left. That kinda depresses me.

I also learned that my library system will turn 100 September 5th 2012. So near.… (altro)