Serving Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, and the Greater Wilshire neighborhoods of Los Angeles since 2011.

First Book-free Library Proposed for Pio Pico Branch

PioPicoLibrary

The Pio Pico Branch of the LA Public Library at Oxford and 7th Streets may be the first public library  in LA to become completely free of books. No books you ask? What IS a library without the stacks of colorful spines, the scent of old paper, and rows of literature beckoning to be picked up and read?

books
photo credit: boltron- via photopin cc

The new version of a library will offer access to digital books and magazines via computers, tablets, and e-readers. Evidently City officials believe the densely populated Koreatown area and historically busy Pio Pico branch, just east of Western Ave., is a perfect test case for this idea. The small book-less branch would open up more public space for study, work and community meetings, while also offering patrons access to computer technology that may otherwise not be available to them.

Presented by Councilman Herb Wesson and seconded by Councilman Eric Garcetti, the adopted motion will  have LAPL work with the Information Technology Agency to study the feasibility of converting Pio Pico to an all digital library. It’s a forward-looking plan, but one that is also sure to stir up the ire of many a book-loving reader who can’t imagine a library – without any books.

 

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Julie Grist
Julie Grist
Julie co-founded the Larchmont Buzz with fellow buzzer Mary Hawley in 2011 and served as Editor, Publisher and writer for the hive for many years until the sale of the Buzz in August 2015. She is still circling the hive as an occasional writer.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Interesting idea. In fact, I rarely go to the library anymore to find a book. I prefer doing a search for a title online & then having it delivered to my local branch.

    Also, one of the local branches (JC Fremont June/Melrose) used to have some super comfy chairs, by the huge window right next to the magazine racks. And I’d often go there to peruse the magazines, they had a really nice assortment of ‘zines. Then one day, the comfy chairs disappeared & were replaced with hard wooden chairs & tables. Oh well.

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