Library Commission | County of Los Angeles Public Library

Mission

It is the mission of the Library Commission to advise the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian on matters of library policy, administration, operation, and service; to obtain public input; and to make suggestions and recommendations on any matters which have come to the attention of the Commission regarding the County Library.

Meetings

All meetings are posted at Library Headquarters. Meetings are open to the public.

3rd Wednesday each month
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

County Library Headquarters
7400 E. Imperial Highway
Downey, CA 90242

Periodic meetings in County Libraries, as announced.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 16 at 10:00 AM at Library Headquarters. Agenda is attached to meeting announcement.

History and Structure

The County Library Commission was formed by order of the Board of Supervisors in 1994 and was composed of 15 members appointed by the Board. Prior to 1994, Regional Library Councils in the 5 County Library Regions provided the opportunity for citizen participation and input regarding County Library operations.

In 1996, the Board of Supervisors ordered the Commission to be restructured following a proposal developed by a working group of representatives of involved agencies. The new Library Commission has 20 members. Ten commissioners are selected by the City Selection Committee of representatives of the cities served by the County Library, selections to be made from among elected city council members in those cities; and ten commissioners appointed by the Board of Supervisors, two by each Supervisor. This action created a Commission which represents both the unincorporated areas and the cities served by the County Library.

Commission Goals

Provide input to the Library regarding efforts to stabilize funding, and advocate for more stable library funding at both the local and state levels.

Advise the County Librarian with regard to the changing needs of libraries throughout Los Angeles County.

Assist in publicizing and promoting the programs and services for the County Library to all county residents.

Schedule Commission meetings at a variety of locations, and publicize meeting times and locations to increase public attendance and provide a forum where residents may give and receive information about library services.

Current Commissioners

Joseph A. Cislowski: Resident of West Hollywood
Appointed by Supervisor Yaroslavsky

Herb Hatanaka: Resident of Los Angeles
Appointed by Supervisor Knabe
Bob J. Archuleta: Mayor Pro Tem, City of Pico Rivera
Appointed by City Selection Committee
Velma S. Ashford: Resident of Carson
Appointed by Supervisor Ridley-Thomas
Richard E. Colbary, Chair: Resident of Lomita
Appointed by Supervisor Knabe

Jim Dear, Secretary: Mayor, City of Carson
Appointed by City Selection Committee
Raquel R. Galan: Resident of Los Angeles
Appointed by Supervisor Molina
Josefina Reyes: Resident of Granada Hills
Appointed by Supervisor Antonovich

Revé Gipson: Resident of Los Angeles
Appointed by Supervisor Ridley-Thomas
Harold Hofmann: Mayor, City of Lawndale
Appointed by City Selection Committee
Tom King: Mayor, City of Walnut
Appointed by City Selection Committee
Patricia A. Lopez, Vice-Chair: Resident of Whittier
Appointed by Supervisor Molina
Alma Martinez: Resident of Sylmar
Appointed by Supervisor Yaroslavsky
Richard Montgomery: Mayor Pro Tem, City of Manhattan Beach
Appointed by City Selection Committee
Waymon E. Roy: Resident of Palmdale
Appointed by Supervisor Antonovich

To communicate with the Commission, please contact us:

County Library Commission
7400 E. Imperial Highway
Downey, CA 90242

Phone: (562) 940-8412
Email: librarycommission@library.lacounty.gov