NEW FUND SUPPORTS PALISADES BRANCH LIBRARY AFTER FIRE DESTRUCTION

One of 11 library systems nationwide selected in Carnegie’s “Libraries as Pillars of Education and
Democracy” initiative

One of 11 library systems nationwide selected in Carnegie’s “Libraries as Pillars of Education and
Democracy” initiative

Los Angeles (CA) – Jan. 16, 2025 – In response to the Pacific Palisades Fire’s destruction of the Palisades Branch Library, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) has created a new fund, the LAPL Palisades Branch Recovery Fund, to provide outreach and support services, emergency relief assistance, and free tech access for the Palisades Branch Library community. The fund will play a key role in the Pacific Palisades community as an essential first step toward the eventual rebuilding and restoration of the library and its services.

The public can make donations to the fund at lfla.org/laplrecoveryfund.

“As we reckon with the scale of devastation across our city, we know the loss of the Palisades Branch Library is painful for the Pacific Palisades community, the Los Angeles Public Library, and all who value the vital role libraries play,” LFLA President and CEO Stacy Lieberman said. “We are establishing this recovery fund so that our Library can provide urgent services and respond to evolving needs, offering a beacon of hope and healing on the road to rebuilding.”

The Los Angeles Public Library has served the Pacific Palisades area since 1929, and after growing to meet demand several times over the years, the current branch library opened in 2003 to respond to increasing interest and needs in the community. The bustling branch that was destroyed included 11,500 square feet of books, media, and special collections and hosted hundreds of public programs tailored to neighborhood residents.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Palisades Branch to the fires,” City Librarian John F. Szabo said. “The Los Angeles Public Library is committed to this community, and we have already mobilized our outreach teams to evacuation and resource centers. We will continue to adapt with and for the community, and these funds will help us provide support as we navigate the challenging road ahead. We know Angelenos love their Library, and we are so touched that people want to help.”

The LAPL Palisades Branch Recovery Fund will help the Los Angeles Public Library continue to meet the needs of the community through outreach efforts. The Library will work to provide information about access to services and educational resources, children’s programming, tutoring, and literacy support; assistance with filling out forms and applications for emergency relief; and free access to wi-fi hotspots and computers.

“The Library Foundation is an excellent partner in providing resources to help us serve our communities, and we express our deepest gratitude for their support in responding to the devastating fires and loss of our Palisades Branch,” Board of Library Commissioners President Valerie Lynne Shaw said.

About the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles provides critical support to the Los Angeles Public Library resulting in free programs, resources, and services available to the millions of adults, children, and youth in Los Angeles. Through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs, the Library Foundation strengthens the Los Angeles Public Library and promotes greater awareness of its valuable resources. For more information, please visit lfla.org.

About the Los Angeles Public Library
A recipient of the nation’s highest honor for library service—the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services—the Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest and most diverse urban population of any library in the nation. Its Central Library, 72 branch libraries, collection of more than eight million books, state-of-the-art technology accessible at lapl.org and thousands of public programs provide everyone with free and easy access to information and the opportunity for lifelong learning.