127. Secrets to the LA Public Library System with Todd Lerew
Show Notes:
About the Guest(s):
Todd LaRue is a dedicated cultural advocate and Director of Special Projects at the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. With a multifaceted background in nonprofit education and experimental music composition, Todd combines his artistic passions and educational interests to support the Los Angeles Public Library system.
Originally from South Dakota, Todd navigated a diverse path through Hampshire College and CalArts before landing in LA, where he has been instrumental in fostering community engagement and promoting library resources and exhibitions.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Stefan welcomes Todd LaRue, representing the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, to delve into the intricate distinctions and collaborations between the LA Public Library and the Foundation.
Todd, with his rich blend of experiences from rural beginnings to experimental music, now channels his creative energies into enhancing library offerings.
Stefan and Todd explore the crucial role libraries play, not only as repositories of books but as vibrant community centers that host a plethora of innovative programs, exhibitions, and resources.
The conversation shines a light on the LA Public Library system’s extensive reach, underscoring its significance as the largest city-exclusive public library system in the United States, with an impressive collection and a century-spanning history.
Special focus is given to the current exhibition, “Something in Common,” which Todd curates. This exhibit celebrates how libraries foster community cohesion and belonging. Listeners will also discover the myriad of unique library card benefits beyond book borrowing, such as access to digital media, equipment rentals, and free entry to cultural institutions.
The episode effectively captures the library’s modern evolution, affirming its role as an indispensable public resource in Los Angeles’ cultural tapestry.
Key Takeaways:
- The Los Angeles Public Library is more than just a space for books; it’s a community hub offering diverse programs and services across its 73 branches.
- The Library Foundation of Los Angeles supports the library through fundraising and cultural initiatives, aiding lifelong learning and community engagement.
- “Something in Common” is an exhibition that highlights unique community groups and the library’s role in fostering connections and belonging.
- Library cardholders have access to a myriad of resources, including digital media, free museum access, and even equipment like ukuleles.
- The LA Central Library, a historic and architectural gem, functions as a beacon of learning and cultural exchange, offering innovative resources like the Octavia Lab makerspace.
Notable Quotes:
- “The library is bigger than a building and more than books.”
- “One of our slogans is really that the library is bigger than a building and more than books.”
- “What are the things that bring people together? What are those unique and interesting stories or objects or ideas where people are finding community and a sense of belonging?”
- “I think it’s really good timing to have this conversation, you know, after this period of isolation… How do we come back together is kind of the question now.”
- “The library here, we’re right in the heart of the business district downtown, and a lot of these offices around here have not come back yet… life in the city has changed in some degree.”
Resources:
- Los Angeles Public Library Website: lapl.org
- Library Foundation of Los Angeles Website: lfla.org
- Social Media Handles:
- LA Public Library: @LaPublicLibrary
- Library Foundation: @LibraryFoundLA