From serving as adult literacy tutors and teachers, to working book sales to raise money for branches, to reading to kids, and helping veterans navigate civilian life and find the resources they need, last year, over 7,000 volunteers supported all Angelenos by giving their time to the Los Angeles Public Library. During this season of giving thanks, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to these dedicated individuals who make the Los Angeles Public Library one of our city’s greatest community centers.
If you might be interested in joining in, visit lapl.org/get-involved/volunteer, or call Volunteer Services at 213-228-7540, or visit a local branch and talk to the librarians about specific opportunities.
Here’s how one volunteer—Diana Rosen, a LAPL Docent since 2009, and current President of the Central Library Docents—gives back to her beloved community.
What made you want to be a docent and what do you love most about giving tours of Central Library?
Rosen: Libraries have been a focal point of my life as a reader and in my professional life as a writer and researcher, so showcasing the beauty and the benefits of our grand library is a dream match. I’m in my sixth year and loving it. It is amazing who you meet on the tours! Library lovers, of course, but scientists and architects, artists and conventioneers, world travelers and folks from your own neighborhood. I’ve had many people who helped as volunteers after our 1986 fires. They’re still proud, and we’re still grateful.
What’s your favorite aspect of Central Library?
Rosen: I love the theme, “The Light of Learning” as emphasized by the torches, suns and beautiful lamps. Learning is truly a lifelong endeavor and I’m grateful we have a free public library system. Many of our international visitors are agog about that.
What’s unique about the community of volunteers for the Library?
Rosen: Whether it’s storytime readers or tour docents or folks helping others learn or improve their reading skills, the passion for reading and enthusiasm for our beautiful library are constants.
How can we take a FREE! tour of Central Library?
Rosen: Walk-in! You can take a self-guided tour anytime with the guide sheets available at the information desk.
Take a guided tour! Our docent-led weekend tours are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays; 2 p.m. on Sundays with an Art-in-the-Maguire Gardens tour at 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Walk-in weekday tours are 12:30 p.m. All are free. Meet us in front of The Library Store in the main lobby of Central Library.
Schedule one for your best time. Tours are offered for children, ESL students, teens and adults. We can accommodate visitors in wheelchairs or with walkers. Write to [email protected] or call 213-228-7168.
Thank you, Diana and to all of the LAPL’s wonderful volunteers!
If you may be interested in becoming a docent, please apply now! The next training for new docents begins in January.