Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles First Lady Amy Elaine Wakeland hosted more than 100 people at Getty House in Windsor Square on Dec. 5 to open a new chapter about the libraries’ role in educating the public.

Children’s librarian Ednita Kelly rides the Book Bike to schools, community centers and special events to give away books and promote the city’s libraries. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The event was part of the Engage LA series, which is organized by the Getty House Foundation and hosts government leaders and representatives of small businesses, neighborhood councils and nonprofits that discuss civic issues and challenges facing the city. The Getty House, located at the corner of Sixth Street and Irving Boulevard, is the official residence of the mayor of Los Angeles.

“When Eric and I decided to move into Getty House, one of the things we were cognizant of was that if we are going to make it our home, we are going to open it up as much as possible,” Wakeland said. “Getty House is not just our home, it’s your home.”

Garcetti and Wakeland welcomed city librarian John Szabo, who outlined many programs available at the city’s 72 branches and the Central Library downtown. From services helping people become U.S. citizens and high school graduation courses to a vast collection of books, maps and photographs, the libraries are a one-stop location that can meet numerous needs, free of charge.

“We want to share the powerful and transformative role that public libraries can play,” Szabo said. “Public libraries are more relevant than ever. Last year, the library circulated more than 5 million pieces of content. Guaranteeing that everyone has access to the tools they need is a fundamental role for the library.”

In addition to millions of books, the library system has more than 3.4 million photographs, 15,000 restaurant menus and 400,000 maps, Szabo said. The library is also modernizing with state-of-the-art technology, which can expose patrons to the latest in digital media. The library offers numerous resources on California and Los Angeles historical information. People can download e-Books, audio books and music to computers, smart phones, tablets and other personal digital devices. Many braches have computer stations and printers, and patrons can check out laptop computers.

Additionally, people will soon be able to create their own digital content using 3-D printers and 3-D modeling work stations. Digital Media labs are planned at the Pio Pico branch library in Koreatown and the Central Library. The libraries also offer a STEAM program with information on science, technology, engineering art and math, and students can receive help with homework.

Immigrants were encouraged to join the library’s Path to Citizenship programs, and adults who did not graduate can receive help through the library’s Career Online High School. Information on health services are also available at branch libraries.

One of the popular resources outlined at the Getty House was the Book Bike – a three-wheeled bicycle with a carriage filled with books that is sent to schools, community centers, senior centers and other public gathering places. Known as a “library on wheels,” the book bike travels to different locations monthly.

“I ride it around to schools, community events and bike rides like CicLAvia,” said children’s librarian Ednita Kelly. “I giveaway free books and promote the library. It’s been in existence for two-and-a-half years and is funded by the library foundation.”

Kelly said the public can arrange for a visit by the Book Bike, and she encouraged people to visit www.laplbookbike@lapl.org for information.

Guests at the Getty House event also signed up for library cards, including a special edition library card designed by artist Shepard Fairey.

“Our libraries are not just hubs of knowledge or learning, they are also hubs of community,” Garcetti said. “That’s why we’ve made sure that they become centers for all the resources our city has to offer. The real measure of a library is how many lives it touches and transforms.”

For information about resources offered at the libraries, visit www.lapl.org.