Libraries have come a long way from the days of card catalogs and just aisles and aisles of books. I still have vivid memories of viewing old documents and newspapers through those clunky old microfiche viewer machines. Modern libraries have vastly expanded the resources available to patrons, such as public-use computers with Wi-Fi, connecting people in ways librarians of the past might have never thought possible. In this age of advanced technology and mini-computers at our fingertips, libraries continue to be necessary and valuable learning centers. The San Fernando Valley has over twenty libraries, one county library, and dozens and dozens of little free libraries. Check out a few of the very interesting and incredibly relevant meccas of modern learning. Some of them have quirky stories attached to them.
Sherman Oaks Martin Pollard Branch Library – (818) 205-9716
Address: 14245 Moorpark Street, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
One block north of Ventura Blvd. sits this 12,500 sq. ft., 1-story library with arched windows and plenty of natural light streaming into this modern-looking facility yet still giving off a cozy vibe. Some amenities include a teen corner, plenty of public computers, wireless print stations, and hot spots. They offer state park passes, compost pales, literacy tutors, ukulele rentals, and a Russian collection. Use your library card to access Explore LA through Discover & Go, Hoopla, Libby, Freegal Music, and so much more! Some events include: library mediation on the 4th Friday of every month from 10am to 11am and BARK: Read with Vida, a certified therapy dog. The branch manager, Meredith McGowan, is loved by the community she serves, and it is easy to see why. She is knowledgeable and enthusiastic when discussing the services offered. Ms. McGowan engages with patrons of the library as they walk up to her just to say hello and dish about their day. There is ample parking, and it is conveniently located across the street from a giant Whole Foods market.
Hours: M/W: 10am-8pm T/Th: 12pm-8pm F/Sa: 9:30am-5:30pm Su: closed
https://lapl.org/branches/sherman-oaks
Calabasas Library – (818) 225-7616
Address: 200 Civic Center Way Calabasas, CA 91302
Located across from Calabasas City Hall and an artistic masterpiece of a building, the Calabasas Library is a work of art surrounded by beautiful displays inside and out, such as the Veterans Garden and the Dream Big sculpture. A Mediterranean-style foyer and a gorgeous fountain adorned with decorative tile greet you at the entrance. The City Librarian, Barbara Lockwood, has seen this library through two moves since its opening in 1998. She is passionate about the community she serves, and she beams with pride as she discusses the different sections of the library. There is a sitting area with a working fireplace, a quiet room with pictures and artifacts of early Calabasas living, and a senior reading area with large print publications. There is an active calendar of events: PAWS to Read, which brings in trained therapy dogs to sit with children (grades K–3) one-on-one as they read to them. Every third Tuesday: an evening book club, and in spring, Pumpkin Patch Story Time for children 3-5 years old. They offer a variety of online services: reference computers, Mango Languages, Cloud Books, and a fascinating children’s reading room with artwork by Ricardo Alvarez entitled Exploration. Children’s Librarian, Ms. Julia, pointed out the amazing detail depicting the history of Calabasas and an astronaut space scene on the ceiling. The artist excellently used what would otherwise just be a light fixture and a fire sprinkler. It is truly remarkable. A must-see! It is centrally located near The Commons and minutes away from the historic Leonis Adobe and Sage Brush Cantina.
Hours: Mon -closed Tues-Thurs – 11am-7pm Fri/Sat -11am-5pm Su -12pm-5pm
https://www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/library
Mid-Valley Regional Library – (818) 895-3650
Address: 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills, CA 91343
At 27,981 sq. ft., this library is the largest branch in the Los Angeles Public Library system. It was approved in 1962, but it took 34 years to open. On opening day, March 15th, 1996, the staff dressed in 1960’s costumes to celebrate this long-awaited opening. Within this vast library is a well-stocked Friends of the Valley used book store. This all-volunteer shop is a labor of love for Lauren Arias, ready and happy to help pick out a great book at a bargain—only $1 for most items! All proceeds go back to this branch. In addition to the traditional things you might find at a modern library, the Mid-Valley Regional Library has a few bonuses that set this facility apart. The exquisite architecture and artwork inside and out, most notably the ceiling, is mesmerizing. The children’s library has a mural of a forest that surrounds a cone-shaped cutout resembling a teepee, stretching almost to the rooftop! Various online and in-person events, such as Zumba with Lula, Zumba for kids, and live music with Fabio Zini, are available to get you moving and grooving. Your new reading buddy awaits you at the doggy adoption event held every first Saturday of the month. There are several long-standing employees at this facility. Mimi and Maria at the circulation desk have been there since day one and know every corner of the library. They also have a mascot named Ultima! A bit of horror movie history: one of the final scenes of Carrie was filmed at this location when it was still an empty lot!
Hours: Mon-Th 10am-8pm Fri/Sat 9:30am-5:30pm Su 1pm-5pm.
https://www.lapl.org/branches/mid-valley
San Fernando Library (County Library) – (818) 365-6928
Address: 217 N. Maclay Ave. San Fernando CA 91340
Opened in November 1914 as a branch of the Los Angeles County Free Library, this is the first public library in the San Fernando Valley. It was located in the Industrial Arts building of San Fernando Union High School at 130 North Brand Blvd. It moved to its current location on June 20th, 2001. The library manager is Liana Stepanyan. There is a toddler science lab, dedicated space for teens and children, 7 public computers, 3 children’s computers, laptop rentals and hotspot kits, and Libby e-books. This inclusive library is deeply invested in the community it serves, with programs for people from all walks of life. They have a variety of online and in-person educational programs: a free vaccine clinic (by appointment), a tool lending library, state park passes, a household battery recycling site, and accepting lightly used reading material for Books for Jails. After a few hours of feeding your brain, you can step into the gorgeous courtyard of Library Plaza, where you will find delicious food at these exceptional eateries: Mojitos Cuban Cuisine, Horchateria Rio Luna, Papa Juan’s Baja Grill, and Carbon Grill.
Hours: Sun/Mon- closed Tu/We – 12pm-8pm Th/Fri/Sa- 10am-6pm
https://lacountylibrary.org/location/san-fernando-library
Buena Vista Branch Library – (818) 238-5620
Address: 300 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank CA 91505
One of three branches in Burbank, opened in 2002, is the newest at 28,000 sq. ft. and sits next to Abraham Lincoln Park. A variety of public art sculptures, such as “Lincoln in Meditation” and “The Hats,” as well as a children’s playground, surround this oasis. There’s ample parking with several EV charging stations. At the entrance stands a 12-foot-high remarkable sculpture by Wayne Healy: Read, Reach, and Realize. It is stunning! Getting a library card is simple, and you get to choose from a list of different theme designs. Library associate Ms. Lori discussed the various services offered as a member: hotspot passes, Wi-Fi, two-week rentals on new books with no fees for late book returns, a plentiful amount of print stations, and an abundance of reference computers and seating. There is also a study room, tutor room, and Friends of the Library Bookstore. Ms. Molly Pearlman, the adult services librarian, was attending to the enormous children’s library that was buzzing with enthusiastic little readers. A great feature in this children’s library is the huge tree in the center and the large children’s reading area! After satisfying your appetite for literature and open-air artwork, you are only minutes away from Porto’s Bakery and Café and Brews Brothers Brew Pub!
Hours: M-Th 10am-9pm Fri-Sa 10am-6pm Su- 1pm-5pm
National Library Week 2025 is April 6-12. The first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read!” The 2025 celebration marks the 67th anniversary of the first event.