Frequently Asked Questions

What is The campaign for a place like no other? Back to top

The campaign for a place like no other is a major initiative launched by the City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Library Fund to raise funds and community support for a new library and park expansion that will serve as a centerpiece for our community.

The campaign is a collaborative effort of business and community leaders to secure private funds to replace the current library with a new state-of-the-art library facility as well as cultural and civic space for educational and cultural presentations, public meetings, special collections, exhibits and programs, and critically needed additional parking. LibraryPark is a major component of Phase 1 of the West Hollywood Park Master Plan and will create a civic centerpiece for the West Hollywood community.

Why do we need a new library in West Hollywood? Back to top

West Hollywood is a great city with a highly educated and literate population. Our community needs a library that serves as a place to gather, reconnect with one another, learn and experience new ideas and shared passions, but our current library is not up to the task. It was built in 1959, and our needs have changed greatly in 50 years. It is too small and antiquated to effectively serve the information and technology needs of our diverse residents. A walk through the current library facility provides a compelling case for a new library. For example:

* The current library is a 5,170-square-foot facility in which the entire book collection is housed in one small overflowing room. Only half of the audio and video collection is located within the library; the other half is stored in a plastic tool shed behind the building.

* The current library lacks sufficient space for author readings, children's story hours, book discussions, lectures or community meetings.

* The current library also has very limited space for reading and research. It consists of only three tables that accommodate twelve people and a "reading lounge" that can only seat nine people.

* The current library has seven public access computers for a population of 36,000 people. Based on minimum standards for public use computer stations of 1 per 1,000 residents, West Hollywood should have a minimum of 37 public use computer stations. The new West Hollywood Library will provide more than 40 technology work stations for public use.

Despite these shortcomings, our community's use of and need for a library remain strong. Since 2000, close to 1 million books and audiovisual materials have been checked out of the library, the equivalent of four to five books or other materials every year for every West Hollywood resident.

LibraryPark will provide much-needed meeting space, improved collections and resources—as well as an expanded park and additional parking—that our community wants and deserves.

What makes LibraryPark "like no other"? Back to top

LibraryPark will reflect West Hollywood's rich intellectual, literary and cultural diversity and provide a landmark civic center for the community's passionate commitment to life-long learning. LibraryPark will include a state-of-the-art library facility with space devoted to collections that highlight and celebrate the city's vibrant cultural, architectural and historic diversity. It will also include cultural and civic space for educational presentations and public meetings and it will provide critically needed additional parking. Special features of the new library include:

* The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) Collection, which will comprise a large collection of literature, history and personal materials from the LGBT community

* The International Languages Collection, which will include Russian language reference materials for the city's vibrant Russian speaking community; other languages will also be featured

* The Arts and Design Reference Collection, which will celebrate the city's renowned design industry

* A collection of large-print materials that will be expanded for seniors and people with visual impairments

* The West Hollywood Room, which will house historical reference materials and highlight the community's important history, current events and issues

* Much-needed public meeting spaces that will be available to community groups for a wide range of activities, such as cultural events, lecture series, art exhibits and public meetings

*A facility designed to be a certified "green" building achieving a silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating

Why is a library important to the West Hollywood community? Back to top

National research studies collected by the Public Library Association show that libraries play a critical role in advancing community values. These findings support the role of LibraryPark as a center for what residents value most—culture, education, health and economic vitality.

In general, libraries connect people with information and services that help to facilitate civic life. Strong libraries help attract knowledgeable workers and public libraries are often cited as a reason why small businesses choose to locate in a community. In today's rapidly changing world, lifelong learning is essential. LibraryPark will provide greater opportunities for people of all ages to engage with and learn new ideas and information.

The Wells Fargo Career Development Center will provide resources for local startup businesses, community development advocates and job seekers. The new library will also include an expanded Ron Shipton HIV Information Center, where people can find accurate, current and accessible health education materials regarding HIV and AIDS in a setting that respects privacy. Additionally, the new library will include services such as children's and young adult reading programs, cultural events and access to the Internet.

How did the city identify the components of LibraryPark? Back to top

Over the course of five years, the City of West Hollywood conducted a community needs assessment to obtain residents’ input on a proposed new library. The assessment and surveys identified a strong community need for a better functioning, larger, and more technologically advanced library. In the West Hollywood Speaks 2006 community survey, more than half of respondents ranked "an expanded and enhanced library facility and services" as one of the most important needs of the community.

Where will LibraryPark be located? Back to top

LibraryPark will be constructed on the southeast corner of West Hollywood Park on the westside of San Vicente Boulevard. In addition to a state-of-the-art library facility, 2.5 acres of parkland and green space will be added to West Hollywood Park. Green space is integral to the library's design and the architects have taken great care to design a building that maximizes as much space for park land as possible. Currently, West Hollywood has 16 acres of green space citywide, far below conservative planning guidelines that recommend approximately 100 acres for a city of West Hollywood's size. This project fits in with the city's strategic plan to increase the amount of parkland and green space available for residents.

What is the fundraising goal of The campaign for a place like no other? Back to top

The fundraising goal of The campaign for a place like no other is to raise $10 million in support from individuals, corporations and foundations by the end of 2011. LibraryPark will open in Fall 2011.

The $10 million in donations, together with public funds, will help create LibraryPark, a state-of-the-art library facility with flexible cultural and civic space for educational and cultural presentations, public meetings, special collections, exhibits and programs as well as critically needed green space and additional parking. Funds raised over and above our $10 million goal will establish an endowment fund to support programs at the new facility.

The City of West Hollywood is managing public financing for LibraryPark.

Who will raise private support from the community for the campaign? Back to top

The West Hollywood Library Fund— a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of community leaders—is spearheading the campaign. Learn about the Campaign Team.

How will my contibution to LibraryPark be utilized? Back to top

Gifts and commitments to The campaign for a place like no other will go directly toward the project’s construction. Donors who contribute $2,500 or more will be provided with an opportunity to direct their gifts toward specific areas and collections within the library and adjacent green space. Click here for a list of donor recognition opportunities.

Please support LibraryPark today.

Who can I contact for more information about The campaign for a place like no other? Back to top

For more information about The campaign for a place like no other, please contact our campaign manager, LouAnne Greenwald, at 323.469.1871 or via e-mail, lgreenwald@weholibraryfund.org