LOS ANGELES : 9 City Libraries Damaged in Earthquake to Reopen

Nine city library branches damaged in the Jan. 17 earthquake will reopen this summer--in better shape than they were before the quake, officials said.

“Because these libraries are closed and some have not had refurbishing for a long time, we’re trying to do some work, like new carpeting,” said department spokesman Bob Reagan.

The branches sustained $1.2 million in damage. Hit the hardest was the Granada Hills branch, which required a new ceiling and roof. Water damage destroyed 25,000 children’s books, said Kris Morita, assistant business manager for the Los Angeles Library Department.

The other branches to reopen are in Chatsworth, Northridge, Reseda, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys and Pacoima and two branches in North Hollywood. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state will fund about 90% of the repairs and the city will pay the balance, Morita said.

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles also is attempting to raise $500,000 for repairs, said director Evelyn Hoffman. Individuals and corporations have contributed $100,000.

The Van Nuys branch, in a civic complex next to Superior Court and a police station, was a popular lunchtime destination for workers, police officers and jurors, said manager Gene Estrada.

“Every day we are working, folks come up and peer in the windows and rattle on the door,” he said. “Every time we step out, people ask us about the reopening.”