History
Library service on an established basis began in 1950 in a small room
of the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Wayland Morrison, with Mrs. Lisa Pederson
as the librarian. The holdings were small, but the request system of
the County Library gave the community access to the vast resources of
the system. In 1954, a storefront building in Bank of America Square
was made available. Since the location was more central, more patrons
came, circulation increased, and however inadequate the facility, the
library provided vital, friendly service to the rapidly growing
community.
With a nucleus of members from the Duarte Women's Club, the
Friends of the Duarte Library was formed, and in 1961, Mrs. Richard
(Aloysia) Moore was elected first permanent president. Mrs. Moore, who
had been instrumental in the formation of library service in Duarte,
was appointed as Library Regional Council Member to the Advisory Board
for the County Library. Mrs. Moore promptly began plans to provide a
larger facility and with the considerable help of the Women's Club, the
County Librarian, Mr. William Geller and his staff as well as the
citizens of Duarte, a new facility was dedicated in 1966. Mrs. Moore
was on the dedication platform as City Councilwoman, with Los Angeles
County Supervisor Frank Bonelli and Mr. William Geller, the County
Librarian.
In April 1977, the main reading room was dedicated to Dr. and
Mrs. Wayland Morrison (Lucile P Morrison), thus providing recognition
of the continuity of purpose in the history of library service in
Duarte.
Library service in the city of Duarte has gone from a small
collection to a sizable collection of books, magazines and newspapers
in both the adult and children's departments. The Library also has an active Friends of the Library group.
Collection
Duarte Library collections include 85,397 children, young adult, and
adult books, magazines and newspaper subscriptions, cassettes, compact
discs, video tapes, and DVDs. Large-type books are available, as are
materials in Spanish and Chinese.
Services
The library serves the cities of Duarte and Bradbury, as well as
unincorporated areas. Eight computers (internet and children's CD-ROM)
are available to the public. Readers'
advisory and reference services are available. The library
also offers children's storytimes.
Facilities
The library provides limited access for the disabled and a meeting room
with a seating capacity of 110.
Political
Representatives
Local Links
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City of Bradbury
URL: http://www.cityofbradbury.org/
This web site includes information about the City of Bradbury, its government and local services as well as city history.
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City of Duarte
URL: http://www.accessduarte.com/
The City of Duarte's web site gives city history and general information, demographics, political representation, phone numbers, frequently asked questions, and calendars.
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City of Duarte Municipal Code
URL: http://municipalcodes.lexisnexis.com/codes/duarte/
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City of Hope
URL: http://www.cityofhope.org/
This site has information about the City of Hope and Beckman Research Institute. It includes information about its designation as a NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, its bio-medical research and medical services, the Graff Library, philanthropic activities, and employment opportunities.
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Duarte Unified School District
URL: http://www.duarte.k12.ca.us/
This site includes information about the school district serving Duarte, Bradbury and the Maxwell Park area.
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Friends of the Duarte Library
URL: http://www.friendsoftheduartelibrary.com/
The Friends of the Library are a volunteer group who advocate for and support the Duarte Library.
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