Faced with a budget shortfall, Los Angeles County has reduced hours at several county-run libraries, including the two libraries in Lakewood (Angelo M. Iacoboni Library and George Nye Jr. Library).

Many county-run libraries will now be open only four days a week. However, for cities that have passed a parcel tax and thus contribute extra funds to the library system, libraries will be open five days a week--one day extra because of the funding provided by the parcel tax.

Lakewood residents approved a parcel tax for libraries in 1997. The tax is $27 a year per parcel of real estate.

New hours began Monday, July 26. Iacoboni and Nye Libraries will now be closed Sunday and Monday.

Both Lakewood libraries will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and open Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Click for the Los Angeles library directory
Click for Angelo M. Iacoboni Library information
Click for George Nye Jr. Library information

The cuts are expected to save $3 million from the $8.8 million in needed cuts the county made, said county library spokeswoman Pam Broussard. "We're trying to provide the best possible service. We know many are in tough straits and are using the library to apply for jobs, resume services, and cheap entertainment for kids," Broussard said. "It's going to be a tough year." There are no anticipated layoffs in the county library system, though there is a hiring freeze.

The county library system, which serves 51 of the 88 cities and most unincorporated areas, is funded mostly by property taxes. General fund contributions, along with a parcel tax, grants and other fees, contribute to the financing. Supplemental funds are raised by the Los Angeles County Public Library Foundation and Lakewood facilities get local support from Friends of the Lakewood Libraries.