Thursday, March 30, 2023

Libraries Named After Women: Elva L. Haskett Branch of the Anaheim Public Library

Elva L. Haskett [c. 1940] 
Anaheim Public Library/Digital Anaheim

Celebrating Elva Lavera Haskett (1899-1980), the first children's librarian at the Anaheim Public Library where she worked from 1925 until 1962. Anaheim's first branch library was named after her and opened in August 1962 (the current building dates to 2006). Miss Haskett was born in London, Ontario, Canada on August 30, 1899. She attended Ontario Ladies College, including coursework in expression and library science, and worked with children at the London Public Library. In 1923 she moved to Los Angeles with her parents and began working in a bookstore. It was while working at the bookstore that she met J. Elizabeth Calnon, head of the Anaheim Public Library. Miss Calnon hired her as librarian, and Miss Haskett created the Junior Library (aka the library's children's department) which drew more children into the library.

Anaheim Public Library staff in front of Carnegie Library 
(now Anaheim Heritage Center), Elva Haskett is 2nd from left in front row with hands in her lap, J. Elizabeth Calnon is far right in the front row [c. 1926] Anaheim Public Library/Digital Anaheim

Miss Haskett was a beloved librarian and is often remembered for her connection with the library's mascot, a Pinocchio puppet that survived both the 1933 Long Beach earthquake and the 1938 floods. In 1957 she even wrote a wonderful narrative of the life of the puppet whom she called the "head of the public relations department of the Junior Library." Per her narrative, Pinocchio was "born" in 1929, one of five hundred puppets that Macmillan Publishing made to accompany a new edition (and based on Attilio Mussino's illustrations) of Adventures of Pinocchio by C. Collodi. During the earthquake of 1933, Pinocchio fell off his perch on a shelf of the library and was buried under books. He suffered a broken nose and a cracked head. He was sent to a doll hospital in 1938 for repairs only to be whisked away during a large rainstorm by the hospital's proprietors, David and Lenora Swanson. Sadly the floodwaters overcame their car, smashing it into a building. Pinocchio lost a leg in the crash but was returned to the library. He was fixed up quickly and sent to Ogden, Utah where he had been invited to participate in a doll show, where newspapers said he was a big hit. Over the years he's visited children in hospitals, hosted kids in the library, and been the recipient of many birthday parties. You can visit Pinocchio today in the Children's Room at the Anaheim Central Library.

Anaheim Public Library's Ruth Wirths shows off Pinocchio after he returned from Utah
Los Angeles Times, May 9, 1938

Pinocchio still entertains in the 
Children's Library at the Anaheim Central Library [2023]
Photo by Tiffney Sanford

Another stellar achievement by Miss Haskett was Anaheim's bookmobile service which she instituted during the five months that she was Acting Library Director in 1957. Upon retirement, Miss Haskett spoke of her satisfaction with her library career and to her co-workers she said , "I hope to retain your friendship and will welcome your knock on my door, 327 South Helena Street. The back door will be closer to the new Central Library, but I will gladly meet you at either door. Come and share my new life in the sun."

Elva L. Haskett Branch, Anaheim Public Library
opened August 1962.

Long Beach Independent Press-Telegram
August 26, 1962 
[Architect Thomas J. Russell was based in Long Beach, he also designed the Palos Verdes Miraleste Branch and 
co-designed the 1964-65 Santa Monica Public Library]

Haskett Branch, Anaheim Public Library [2023]
2650 W. Broadway
Note the 'book spine' at the entrance reads, 
"City's First Children's Librarian Elva L. Haskett"
Photo by Tiffney Sanford








Sunday, December 18, 2022

The Wartime Information Desk of the Los Angeles Public Library

Los Angeles Times May 15, 1942

Los Angeles Public Library 1941-1942 annual report

Within two weeks of the bombing of Pearl Harbor the Los Angeles Public Library opened their Wartime Information Desk, centrally located in the lobby off of Fifth Street. The desk would "disseminate information on national defense" and anything pertaining to World War II. Its earliest name, according to the Los Angeles Times was the Citizens' Bureau of Information. The library had thought about providing a similar service for a few months but Municipal Reference librarian (stationed at City Hall) Josephine Hollingsworth convinced Althea Warren that, after December 7, 1941, they was receiving far too many reference questions to keep up with. Ms. Warren put the Wartime Information Desk in the hands of principal librarian Margaret Gabriel Hickman who had been the head of the foreign language department since 1928. The 1942 library annual report lists an organizational chart that mentions that Wartime Information Desk personnel were taken from other library departments. Staffing the desk was supplemented by Work Project Administration (WPA) and National Youth Administration (NYA) workers.
Los Angeles Daily News December 17, 1941

The Wartime Information Desk averaged 300 questions a day with another 100 arriving via letters received weekly. Throughout much of 1942 and into 1943 the library had a frequent column called "War Queries" in the Los Angeles Daily News answering some of the questions. These included queries about military service, defense jobs, Victory Garden information, and V-mail.
Los Angeles Daily News December 19, 1941

Los Angeles Daily News, December 1942

The desk was ended in October 1943 because the public by then was better educated on the workings of the war (specifically rationing, the draft, and housing), and the efforts turned towards veteran's vocational training. The clipping files, pamphlets and indexes from the Wartime Information Desk were deposited with the Sociology Department (are they still there?).

Friday, December 2, 2022

Get Thee to the Library (Before Its Too Late): Burbank Central Library

If you’ve never visited the Burbank Central Library, now is the time– its days are likely numbered. The mid-century modern gem designed by architect Eugene Fickes, opened to the public July 25, 1963 and still looks grand today.

Plans have been announced for the revitalization of the Burbank Civic Center. This plan would replace the current library with a residential development and build a new library across the street. Two in-person meetings to discuss the development will be held in the Burbank Central Library’s auditorium on Wednesday, December 7, 2022: 3pm-4:30pm and 7pm-8:30pm (a virtual meeting will take place Tuesday, December 13 from 5pm-6:30pm).

Valley Times, March 5, 1962

 Burbank Public Library blueprint (1st floor)

Burbank Public Library blueprint (2nd floor)

According to a history of the Burbank Public Library, despite opening to the public in July, the formal dedication of the library took place in November 1963 because of delays in furniture deliveries, landscaping and construction of the porches. Eugene Fickes was also responsible for the interior decoration of the library, including the furniture and fixtures. Photos on Burbank in Focus show off the impressive results. I wish I could live inside this library!!

Burbank Central Library lounge area, 1963


Burbank Central Library children's area, 1963


Two views of the Burbank Central Library audiovisual room, 1963


Burbank Central Library circulation desk (note the display case in the background), 1963

Burbank Central Library reference desk, 1963


Two exterior views of the Burbank Central Library, 1963

Burbank City Librarian Edward Caswell Perry (from 1952-1968) seen on dedication day, November 17, 1963 [Mr. Perry's father, Everett Robbins Perry, 
was Los Angeles City Librarian from 1911-1933]













Thursday, October 6, 2022

The Library as Silent Film Star

 

Lois Wilson in The Lost Romance (1921) (still photo + detail)


A week after posting about the Cahuenga Library's possible starring role in a silent movie (The Lost Romance, 1921) and the surprise co-star of the film (actress Mayme Kelso, younger sister of Los Angeles City Librarian Tessa Kelso), I found a definite match. And the film was available on Kanopy, free with your library card!


Louis Calhern and Claire Windsor at the circulation desk of the Cahuenga Library in The Blot (1921)


Directed by actress/screenwriter/director Lois Weber, the 1921 silent film The Blot, stars the interior of the Cahuenga branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. The film’s human star, Claire Windsor, works in the library where she is courted by co-star Louis Calhern. Her father is a poorly paid college professor, who is seen teaching at the nearby Los Angeles City College campus (when it was the Southern Branch of the University of California aka UCLA). Although the exteriors of the library were shot elsewhere, the interiors are definitely from the Cahuenga Library.

Lois Weber Productions logo appearing on The Blot (1921)

Ms. Weber was known for filming on location instead of on a set. From 1918 until 1925 Lois Weber's movie studio was located at 4634 Santa Monica Blvd, less than two blocks from the library. Note the similarities between the Lois Weber Productions logo that appears on the credits of The Blot and the Cahuenga Library "light of learning" plaque over the Santa Monica Blvd entrance.....

Cahuenga Library, Santa Monica Blvd entrance doorway (detail). Photo by Tiffney Sanford



Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Celebrating Mr. Cobb on National Library Workers Day



From 1925 until 1950 the Los Angeles County Public Library relied on one man who oversaw all aspects of the library’s physical locations– James E. Cobb.

A skilled carpenter and cabinetmaker, Mr. Cobb was initially hired as chauffeur to Helen Vogleson (County Librarian) and served as her assistant for property and maintenance issues. An anecdotal story for the library’s 50th anniversary recalled that, during his time as chauffeur, Mr. Cobb would repair shelves and furniture while he waited for Ms. Vogleson to conduct her business in the branches.

A 1937 report from the library’s Division of Equipment and Property (later known as the Property and Transportation Division), headed by James E. Cobb, gave a snapshot of the heavy workload placed upon his shoulders by that time. The division was broken down into four sections –Transportation, Property, Workshop, and Shipping– that handled 221 locations spread out across 3500 square miles. Overseen by Mr. Cobb, the department employed 8 full-time employees.


Los Angeles County Free Library book delivery trucks in front of Hall of Records,
Los Angeles, California [1929] LA County Library Digital Collections

Let's break down the work completed by each of these divisions. The Transportation Division consisted of four vehicles and drivers who delivered books and/or staff on a daily basis to library locations scattered across Los Angeles County. The Property Department was in charge of keeping track of all library inventory--books, furniture, buildings, etc. Anything over $2 in value was noted on its own card (including description, cost, location and “particulars concerning its purchase”). The Shipping Department, in addition to shipping, also embossed the library’s books and handled the materials deaccessioned by librarians.

The Workshop, consisting solely of Mr. Cobb in the beginning and later added three more men, was a marvel unto itself. Tables and chairs were refinished, signs were relettered, clocks were repaired, floors buffed, linoleum laid, lights repaired, walls painted, locks smithed, and plumbing plumbed. The workshop, alternately known as the Library Shop, also built furniture needed by the library that included shelving, book trucks, display cases, dictionary stands, bike racks and more. According to a couple of sources, Mr. Cobb repurposed one of the library’s delivery trucks– building and installing shelving– creating a bookmobile.

The Library Shop as seen in the 1951-52 Los Angeles County Public Library Annual Report

Illness forced Mr. Cobb to retire in late 1950 and the staff newsletter sang his praises. He was lauded for his attention to detail, time and project management skills (which he learned from his previous employment as a clerk with the Southern Pacific Railroad), as well as his warmth, humor and  impressive gardening skills.

Just as libraries are more than books, libraries employ more than librarians. There might also be clerks, delivery drivers, IT specialists, social workers, publicists, and other astounding people who wear many hats like Mr. James E. Cobb.









Thursday, March 31, 2022

Libraries in Southern California Named After Women

Women's History Month seems like a fitting time to look at some of the local libraries named after women. In addition to the libraries listed below, the 7 1/2 Los Angeles Public Library branches named after women can be found here. More photos of all of these libraries can be found on Instagram.

AC Bilbrew Library



The AC Bilbrew branch of the Los Angeles County Library was dedicated in 1974. The architect, Vincent J. Proby, also designed the beautiful, colorful glass feature in the lobby.

I can't say enough good things about this library. The staff is friendly, the collection is unique, and don't miss that cloth lion in the children's section (near the patio). The Black Resource Center and the art (part of the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance art collection) are incredible--worth the drive from all over Southern California.

Madame AC Bilbrew was a radio personality, musician, composer and more. She deserves much more recognition, as does her namesake library.





The Brewitt Neighborhood Library, a branch of the Long Beach Public Library, was named after former Long Beach City Librarian Theodora R. Brewitt in 1955. There is an excellent branch history (and coloring book page!) online at: longbeach.gov/library/news/brewitt-anniversary/ Before her career at Long Beach (she started with LBPL in 1921, and was City Librarian from 1922 to 1950), Theodora Brewitt headed the Los Angeles Public Library training class, and worked at the Alhambra Public Library. She was an early adopter of adding films and vinyl records to libraries.

The brick and steel library, designed by Francis J. Heusel, features large windows that let in a lot of natural light. Newspaper articles at the time of its opening described the large front windows, likening the library's ambiance to that of an expensive store (I'm guessing the beached mahogany furniture helped that assessment).

The staff is incredibly helpful.

Ruth Bach Neighborhood Library
The Ruth Bach Branch of the Long Beach Public Library was named in honor of Long Beach's first female councilmember. Mrs. Bach was community oriented and active in many clubs and committees before she died in 1956 at the age of 50. [Interesting tidbit: Her son, Richard Bach, wrote the bestsellers Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah.] The Long Beach Public Library has created a history of the Bach Branch, including a coloring page. https://www.longbeach.gov/library/news/bach-feature/

The library, designed by Louis Shoall Miller, opened in February 1958 and photos taken at the time look like they're straight out of Sunset magazine. When it was built, it was the largest branch in the Long Beach system. The library is still a mid-century beauty with large windows/walls of glass. I love the park setting, and when I was there, the place was buzzing with kids finding books to take home. Don't miss their Long Beach local history section, lots of unique items.


Mayme Dear was a library volunteer, Library Council member, and president of the Gardena Friends of the Library. Her interest in libraries was lifelong. She worked in her high school library growing up in Ohio, and after graduation worked at the Youngstown and Mahoning County Library (the building is still there). According to a family history, her intention was to major in library science but Youngstown University didn't offer that degree--she settled on a liberal arts degree instead. Following her death in 1990, community members asked that the library be named in her honor. This Los Angeles County Library was renamed the Gardena Mayme Dear Library in May 1992. Family members, including her eldest son Don Dear (former mayor of Gardena), were in attendance. A portrait of Mayme Dear by artist Betty Donahue hangs on a wall at the library.

Two more works of art grace the library. A 1964 mosaic by Livio Napoliltani, offering an interpretation of the evolution of man's culture, graces the front of the library. A beautiful and serene garden designed by Japanese landscape designer Paul Takuma Tono, was built by Gardena Valley Gardener's Association in 1964. The award-winning garden can be enjoyed on three sides from within the library. The staff is very helpful and the collection contained materials I haven't found at other libraries.
Mayme Dear [February 1990] as the first patron to use the new automated system. 
Image from library's scrapbook, photographer unknown.


The Long Beach Public Library named their new main location after tennis legend Billie Jean King, who was born and raised in Long Beach (and learned to play tennis on it's public tennis courts). The longtime advocate for gender equality is also the author of nine books, available at her namesake library.

The large glass, steel and wood structure was dedicated September 21, 2019. The library definitely feels huge when you walk in, thanks to high ceilings, light colors, and minimal bookcases on the first floor near the staircase. Don't miss the nautical themed children's section and The Studio (an all-ages makerspace with 3D printers, a Cricut, sewing machine, letterpress and more). There is a lot to explore, including the Special Collections available to look at by appointment in the Miller Room. The restored Suzanne Miller WPA murals, although high up on the wall, are pretty impressive.




The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, a branch of the Long Beach Public Library, was dedicated September 16, 2010. The library has sustainable features (including LEED and community garden) and I really appreciated the displays celebrating the businesses/buildings that were replaced by the library, as well as the history of the library (originally known as the North Library). You can't miss the refurbished spire from the Atlantic Theatre (1942-2014).





In 2019, the Claremont Library was renamed in honor of Helen Renwick, a local philanthropist who, in 1919, donated the land the library sits on. The current building, designed by architects Laurence Hutner Jr. and Richard Appel, was dedicated in 1975.

Ms. Renwick was the widow of a Davenport (IA) lumber mill owner who moved to Claremont following his death. In addition to donating the land for the library, she also funded buildings and donated land to Pomona College. Did I mention she also wrote poetry?

This branch has a great book collection, a robust Friends group and a shiny, modern public restroom. Shops, restaurants, a museum, and a Rhino Records store are all within walking distance.

There are more local libraries named after women that I hope to visit soon. Do you have a favorite one to share?

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Celebrating Phantom Libraries for Halloween! 2021 Edition

Libraries move for a variety of reasons-- the library outgrew the space, moved from a rented space to their own library-owned building, the building sustained earthquake damage, or were the victim of budget constraints.

It's October, a perfect time to celebrate these phantom libraries (click here to see last year's roundup). First up is a former Los Angeles County Public Library branch.

Phantom Library: Duarte Branch (1955-1966)

After years in a small cottage on Santo Domingo Avenue, the Duarte Branch moved into rented quarters at 1430 E. Huntington Drive. It was formally dedicated March 20, 1955.

The library was popular immediately, dramatically increasing their cardholders and doubling their circulation in the first year. They also held art exhibits, thanks in part to artist Alberta Babcock who served as Art Chairman for the branch. It wasn't long before newspaper articles that mentioned the library's success also began to mention that more room for growth was required.

By 1964, a site and architects were chosen for a new library funded by the city of Duarte that would be leased back to the county. The new Duarte library, which opened on Buena Vista in February 1966, replaced this location and is still in use. Today, the slightly altered phantom library at 1430 E. Huntington Dr. serves as the headquarters for UA Local 345 Landscape & Irrigation.

[Historical photo: County of Los Angeles Public Library History]

















Phantom Library: Wilmington Branch (1927-1988)

This Wilmington Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library formally opened on March 18, 1927. The Pasadena-based firm Marston, Van Pelt & Maybury were the architects of the Spanish Colonial Revival library located at 309 W. Opp. [They also designed the Hill Branch of Pasadena Public Library.]

According to a 1926 Press-Telegram (Long Beach) article, the library design contained space for a historical museum. Relics of local history were displayed at the opening including a silk quilt made by Mrs. Phineas Banning and an 1872 photo of the San Pedro waterfront. It is fitting that today the location serves as the home of the Wilmington Historical Society.

The library outgrew its building long before it was replaced by the current Wilmington Branch at 1300 N. Avalon Blvd in 1988.

[Historic photo: Los Angeles Public Library Legacy Collection]

Phantom Library: Henry Adams Branch (Part I:1927-1952)

The Henry Adams Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library opened November 18, 1927 at 3534 Larga Avenue, on the side of the newly constructed Citizen's Trust and Savings Bank at the corner of Glendale Blvd and Larga Avenue. It's beginnings sound plucky--the new library was short-staffed, and their book supply and furniture were borrowed from other branches (Harbor City and Echo Park respectively).

The library provided information and entertainment to the neighborhood, especially during the Great Depression. Unfortunately budget cuts in 1940, compounded by the fact that the library had to pay rent for the space, meant a reduction in hours (down to three days a week open). Henry Adams was one of six branches in rented quarters that faced closure in order to save funds. The community rallied together to fight for the library to remain open.

Nonetheless the library was later evicted from this location in November 1952 and replaced by a meat market/delicatessen (it is now a paint store). The books and furniture were sent to the Helen Hunt Jackson Branch for storage while the library searched for their next location (stay tuned for Part 2). Read about the history of (what is now known as) Atwater Village Branch at https://www.lapl.org/branches/atwater-village/history

[Historical photo: Security National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library]









Phantom Library: Edendale Branch (1923-1959)


The Edendale Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library opened at 2030 Glendale Blvd in 1923. Designed by architect C.E. Noerenberg, the branch was used by the artists and designers who lived in the surrounding area. Over time traffic increased, there was high staff turnover at the branch, and the hours of operation were decreased. This location of the Edendale Branch closed May 22, 1959.

The neighborhood changed over the years and no longer has as many neighbors as it once did. Once quaint and inviting, the building now sits right next to the Glendale off-ramp of the 2 Freeway and traffic whizzes by very quickly. It is difficult to get a decent photo from the sidewalk but you get an idea of what it used to look like.


Phantom Library: Echo Park Branch (1908- 1925)

The Echo Park Library started as a deposit station inside the Echo Park Clubhouse, which sat on a playground (known locally as Playground No. 2) on Bellevue Avenue. Within the first year, Echo Park had the highest attendance and circulation of playgrounds with deposit stations. During the week the station was open two afternoons, one evening and "all day" on Saturdays. The clubhouse was used by a variety of clubs and organizations so the books were kept in locked bookshelves when library attendants were not present. By the early 1920s a new clubhouse building was being designed and the library took the opportunity to build a branch of their own.

In 1925, the library moved to a rented storefront at 1811 Temple and then to the "new" Echo Park Branch at 520 Glendale Blvd in 1928. After the Sylmar earthquake damaged that structure, the library temporarily took up residence at 515 N. Lavetta Terrace. The current location at 1410 W. Temple opened in 1997.

What happened to the Echo Park clubhouse? Distressed by the plan to demolish the "old" clubhouse for replacement in the 1920s, a Los Angeles clubwoman spoke up and offered a piece of land she owned as a permanent location. The clubhouse was moved from its location on Bellevue to 1004 Echo Park Avenue where it still sits today (seen here via Google Street View).

[Historical photo: Los Angeles Public Library Legacy Collection]

Phantom Library: Watts Branch (1960-1996)

This Watts Branch of the Los Angeles Public LIbrary, located at 1501 East 103rd Street, was opened on July 18, 1960. It was designed by Earl G. Kaltenbach, the architect for several tracts in Orange County, including Rossmoor and Yorba Linda Estates.

At the time of opening, the 3600-sq ft, brick-clad Mid-Century Modern building held 14,000 books, 3.5 staff members and had seating capacity for 19 adults and 16 children. An entrance wall was covered with imported white marble mosaic tiles that extended from the outside into the branch itself.

Circulation in the branch doubled in their first year and eventually the library outgrew the building. A new branch opened in June 1996 around the corner on Compton Avenue.

It's now a Ghost of a Phantom Library-- the building was recently demolished to make way for Kaiser Permanente. Via Google Street View we are able to see images of the building prior to demolition.

[Historical photo: Dick Whittington/Los Angeles Public Library Institutional Collection]


Phantom Library: Tujunga Library/Station (1932-1952)

Tujunga received library service from Los Angeles County prior to the annexation of Tujunga into the city of Los Angeles. Upon annexation, County Librarian Helen Vogleson cancelled the lease at 125 W. El Centro, where the library rented space at $32.50 per month. The Los Angeles Library took over library service, furnishing a supply of books along with tables and chairs for the emptied County branch, and opened July 15, 1932. [El Centro was renamed Valmont along the way and the Tujunga Station address became 7212 Valmont St]

In 1940, there was some talk of moving the Edendale Branch building from 2030 Glendale Blvd over to the grounds of the Tujunga City Hall in order to provide a new library building for Tujunga. The idea was not acted upon and the station was closed April 18, 1952. The book collection was sent to the new Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library that opened July 28, 1952.

This location is now a Ghost of a Phantom Library. The building that housed the Tujunga Station was torn down within the past few months. After all these years standing I was unable to photograph it before it was demolished. Reviewing the building via Google Street Views (seen here) shows the stone work matched up with the photo available at tessa.lapl.org.

[Historic photo: Los Angeles Public Library Institutional Collection]


Phantom Library: Ascot Branch (1939-2005)

This location of the Ascot Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library at 256 W. 70th Street was formally dedicated November 13, 1939. The steel and concrete library, designed by architect Henry F. Withey, was a Public Works Administration (PWA) project. [Withey also designed the John Muir Branch]

The library faced challenges over the years. For instance, the construction of the Harbor Freeway cut the library off from patrons living west of the freeway. The lack of a parking lot at the library became an issue as the population in the area increased. Shelf space also became an issue. A larger branch with a parking lot became a reality in 2005 with the new Ascot Branch at 120 W. Florence.