Which Branch?

Not all library branches are created equal.

Most branches have fairly well-rounded collections, but many libraries excel in one or more areas, reflecting the needs of their communities. After all, what’s hot in Northridge may languish in North Hollywood.

Here are a few examples of where you’ll find what. For more information, call your local branch.

East Valley Regional Branch: As one of two large regional branches in the San Fernando Valley, the North Hollywood library has a good reference collection and a large selection of videos. The library will double its Spanish-language materials this year.

West Valley Regional Branch: This Reseda library is the busiest branch with the most materials of any branch in the city. It has a large reference collection, with an emphasis on business. You’ll also find many history books, especially works focusing on California’s past. The branch stocks a good assortment of auto-repair manuals.

Sherman Oaks: As home to several adult reading groups, the Sherman Oaks branch strives to carry the latest fiction, bestsellers and classics. The library has an excellent Jewish history collection, as well as books in Spanish, Italian, Polish, German, Persian, Russian and Yiddish.

Sun Valley: The Valley’s largest Spanish-language collection is in Sun Valley, a designated Spanish Resource Center. The branch carries civil service study guides for people interested in government jobs. You’ll also find many how-to books, as well as bestsellers and materials for elementary and high school students.

Sylmar: Years ago, this branch was full of agricultural materials, says librarian Bernice Sterne, who has fielded calls from patrons seeking help to cure olives or deliver a calf. Nowadays, the area is more cosmopolitan, Sterne says, so she stocks bestsellers, romances and mysteries. She also carries supplemental study materials for Mission College students.

Van Nuys: You’ll find a good business collection in Van Nuys, as well as how-to books, civil service exam books and basic science and math books. Located across from court buildings, the branch has many law books.

Bookmobile: The Valley’s mobile units don’t carry reference materials, but you will find children’s books, bestsellers, large-type books, Spanish-language works and videos.