Visitors to the Will and Ariel Durant Branch Library in Hollywood will notice some significant improvements that were made through a $275,000 donation from the La Kretz Family Foundation.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge, 4th district, discussed the importance of reading with children who were visiting the Durant Branch Library. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The improvements include rearranging the shelves, tables and amenities in the library to create a more open and illuminated environment, as well as creating more space for books, new carpet and furniture, neon signage and new areas for students.

“We really wanted to make the areas for teenagers and children more welcoming, and this donation allowed us to make those changes,” said Peter Persic, director of public relations for the Los Angeles Public Library Department. “We think it will be much more attractive to the kids.”

Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, 4th District, joined City Librarian Martin Gomez and 3rd graders from Gardner Elementary School on Feb. 17 at a ceremony celebrating the renovations. Also present was Morton La Kretz, founder of the La Kretz Foundation, his daughter, Linda Duttenhaver, and library commissioner Rita Walters.

LaBonge said he believes the improvements will bring more users to the library, located at 7140 W. Sunset Blvd.

“This library here is so special,” LaBonge said. “These types of partnerships make it possible to bring about improvements that benefit the whole community.”

La Kretz, a Hollywood-based developer, made the donation because the Durant Branch Library is the main branch serving the Hollywood community. La Kretz is the owner of the Crossroads of the World on Sunset Boulevard, as well as several other properties in Hollywood. He has a long history of philanthropy, and has previously funded renovation and development projects at the Westside Jewish Community Center, the TreePeople headquarters, and UCLA’s La Kretz Hall, which includes the university’s Institute on the Environment.

The Will and Ariel Durant Branch Library opened in 2006, and is one of the library systems busiest branches. Persic said the renovations were completed over the last three months, and added that the donation has made a big difference. He added that the library system needs all the help it can get because of the city’s budget deficit, and said he hopes others will step forward to help.

“I think people recognize the value a library provides, and they understand that city funds can only go so far,” Persic said. “This sets an example for everyone in the community, and I hope this inspires people to take pride in their particular branch and support it.”

Persic added that the Durant branch offers numerous programs for students, including the Student Smart program, which includes free classes for high school students preparing for SAT tests, and assistance in exploring opportunities in college.

LaBonge also used the opportunity to appeal to voters to pass Measure L, an initiative in support of libraries that will be on the ballot in the upcoming March 8 election.

If approved by voters, Measure L is anticipated to provide $130 million to libraries over the next four years using money from property tax revenues.

Last year, funding for libraries was cut to help balance the city’s budget, forcing all branches to close two days a week. LaBonge added that the passage of Measure L will enable the libraries to stay open additional days.