The Library Inspires

Millions of Angelenos visit the Los Angeles Public Library every year to find inspiration, educational materials, and the resources they need to better their lives. Support from Library lovers like you make a real impact.

Meet Charles Bernard

Video courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library.

Charles Bernard is an up-and-coming fashion designer who works on his shirt design business in the Octavia Lab at Central Library, from operating the sewing machines to create his work to using the photography studio to help market his product. With five years of sewing experience, he learned about the Octavia Lab through his mom, who at the time was experiencing homelessness. She happened to see the promotions for the opening of the makerspace and shared it with her son. Charles has now been a regular visitor to the facilities ever since it opened. It has become his creative sanctuary and, as he says, “I had the talent, I just needed the tools.”

When you support the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, you aid us in our mission to help the Los Angeles Public Library provide Angelenos, like Charles, with equitable access to achieve their goals and fuel their dreams. Give today!

Support Your Library

Please consider making a year-end donation to support our work on behalf of the Los Angeles Public Library in one of the following ways:

  • Make a year-end donation and double your impact!
    All donations received through December 31st will go twice as far thanks to our generous matching donor – give today!

  • Donate appreciated securities
    Gifts of appreciated securities, such as stocks and mutual funds, are excellent ways to support the Library and may provide generous tax savings.

  • Make a tax-free distribution from your IRA
    If you are 70 ½ or older, you can transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA to satisfy your required minimum distribution. You pay no income taxes on the gift and you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.

  • Become a Member or Give the Gift of Membership.
    Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles as a Member, upgrade your Membership, or give the gift of Membership! Learn more here. 

  • Create a Planned Gift
    Many supporters have chosen to make the Library a part of their legacy. Include the Library in your estate plans to have an incredible impact on future generations of library lovers. Contact [email protected] for more information.

To learn more about year-end giving opportunities, contact us at 213.292.6242 or [email protected].

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and our tax ID number is 95-4368250.

Mailed gifts can be sent to:

Library Foundation of Los Angeles
630 W. Fifth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Thank you again for your support of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles!