In November 1998, 73% of the voters in Los Angeles passed a Library Bond Issue for $178.3 million dollars to improve, renovate, expand and construct thirty-two branch libraries. Under the management of the Bureau of Engineering (BOE), in partnership with the Library Department (LAPL), the 1998 Library Bond Program completed the original program scope, within budget and ahead of schedule. This partnership constitutes the Program Management Team (PMT) who works in coordination and alliance to manage all aspects of the Program. The outstanding management and collaboration with and among City departments and members of the Architectural and Construction communities, the Library Bond Program positively improves the services and community development in the City of Los Angeles.

As a result of the program’s overall success and effective management, additional projects were added to the program. In September 2002, the City was able to fund an additional library project (1 new) to the original Program scope and, as more cost savings were realized with the completion of the original scope, three additional library projects were added in June 2004 (1 new, 1 replacement of existing and 1 expansion of an existing historic library). Thus, the capital improvement of the 1998 Library Bond Program delivers 36 library projects, exceeding what voters expected from the bond measure, and has created the largest system of public libraries for any city in our country. With the addition of this program, the City of Los Angeles increased the Library Department’s facilities, creating a system of 72 libraries that provide numerous community services and access to educational materials.

18 Libraries: Demolition of existing building and construction of new building with parking on the same site.

9 Libraries: Acquisition of new site and construction of new building with parking.

5 Libraries: Acquisition of new site and construction of new building with parking in communities that do not have library services.

4 Libraries: Renovation and expansion of existing building and parking.

The Library Bond Oversight Committee meets quarterly to go over the progress of the added projects. Members of the committee are:

City Librarian, Chair
City Engineer
Mayor's Office
Chief Legislative Analyst
City Administrative Officer