Many Services Survive Cutbacks

Despite budget cuts, truncated hours and dwindling staff, the Los Angeles Public Library still has plenty to offer. For a complete list of services, call your local branch. Here’s a sampling of what’s available:

Interlibrary loan: If you can’t find the title you want at your neighborhood library, you can still get it without driving downtown or across the San Fernando Valley. Through inter-library loan, the work will be delivered to your local branch for as little as 50 cents.

Library Adult Reading Project: Volunteer tutors assist adults and teen-agers who need help reading. All branches offer the service.

Grandparents and Books: Through this popular program offered at most branches, senior citizen volunteers and children gather after school to read to each other.

Project Bestseller: Many libraries can’t keep bestsellers on the shelves, so Studio City, Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks and Granada Hills branches rent popular novels for a dime a day.

Homework Center: From 2:30 to 5 p.m., students work at their own homework table at the Sun Valley branch. The library provides reference materials to young scholars.

Discussion groups: Three adult reading groups meet at the Sherman Oaks branch to discuss literature, essays, novels, articles and current events.

Service to Shut-Ins: Homebound individuals receive books and materials delivered to their door. Call your local branch for details.

Bookmobile: Two mobile units in the Valley make 50 stops a week to elementary schools, senior citizen centers and neighborhoods without a nearby public library. For a schedule of stops, call (818) 989-8301.

Books on Tape: Why not spend your commute with a good book? Most branches offer the service.

Videos: Most branches have video collections. You won’t find the latest box-office smash, but you can borrow classics, educational films and children’s movies.

Book sales: Get a book for a buck (more or less). New and used books and magazines are available at bargain prices. Book sales net thousands of dollars for cash-strapped libraries. The money is used to buy materials and put on programs. Call your local branch for dates and times.

Special performances: Lectures, readings and other programs are regularly held at all branches. Upcoming performances, offered in conjunction with the city’s Cultural Affairs Department, focus on African-American music, Russian folk songs, American Indian legends, African art, Korean costumes and Nigerian dancing.