Funds $1.4 Million Renovation Project Providing New Technology
Avalon, CA – Yesterday, Los Angeles County Supervisor and Chair of the Board Janice Hahn celebrated the grand re-opening of the Los Angeles County Library system’s smallest branch, the 1,256 square-foot Avalon Library on Catalina Island.
Hahn funded the $1.4 million renovation of the library, which was carried out by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA). Owing to the new additions, the Avalon Library is now the first in the system to provide Open+ Technology, allowing customers additional access to the library between 7am-9am before opening. Other additions to the library include increased ADA accessibility, a larger Spanish-language collection, phone charging stations, and 10 “Grab and Go” Chromebooks.
“The Avalon Library may be small, but it is a huge resource for this island community and accepts over 30,000 annual visitors,” said Supervisor Hahn. “I wanted to be sure this library got the renovation it needed to be the best it could be for local residents and visitors – now, Avalon’s Library is more inclusive, accessible, and updated than ever before.”
Supervisor Hahn was joined at the re-opening by LA County Library Director Skye Patrick, who spoke to the Avalon Library’s new features.
“The newly renovated Avalon Library will provide the community with the resources, programming, and technology needed to meet and exceed educational and personal goals,” said Skye Patrick, LA County Library Director. “With Grab & Go Chromebooks, Open+, and a golf cart, the Library continues to expand our available services to our customers.”
During the ceremony, Supervisor Hahn also recognized Sharon and Dennis Poteet, a Whittier couple who traveled to the Avalon Library to complete their goal of visiting all 85 LA County libraries. Hahn presented them with a scroll in honor of their patronage of LA County Libraries.