Letter: Library opens doors to improvements

La Cañada Flintridge Library has new automatic sliding doors that make library access easier and safer. The old, extremely heavy doors caused many accidents over the last 45 years, particularly to small children. The doors were also a barrier that many adults with wheelchairs and walkers wouldn’t or couldn’t cross.

The door installation capped a two-year process in which the Friends of La Cañada Flintridge Library played the role of catalyst. We worked with noted architect Gene Klow (who provided many pro bono hours on the project) to determine the ideal doors for the library.

After the Friends offered to replace the doors, Los Angeles County Library Administration and Public Works visited the library and determined that the county would take care of it. And now they have.

Library visitors and staff love the new doors, which are already making a big difference in the accessibility and safety of our library. It’s one of many ways the Friends have enhanced the library and the great work of Library Manager Mark Totten and his friendly and talented staff. Here are a few others:

Renowned neurologist Dr. Nerses Sanossian will discuss Stroke Prevention and Awareness on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. in the fourth of our Premier Speakers events. RTH Stroke Foundation will offer a limited number of free ultrasound abdominal aortic aneurysm screenings at the event. RSVP to (888) 794-9466.

Children’s Librarian Sarah LoVerme has signed up many local kids for library cards, including entire elementary school classrooms.

We have expanded our Friends Bookstore by adding a bookshelf near the checkout counter filled with gently used hardcover books on sale for just $1.

Our library is now a place where children and adults are checking out more books each year, to say nothing of the millions of free online resources that can be downloaded free. We’re proud of the energy and enthusiasm powering the many improvements that are making our library a more inviting and indispensable resource for our entire community.

Greg Waskul

Board member

Friends of the
La Cañada Flintridge
Library