Malibu Recognized With Statewide Award for Support of Libraries in Lower-Income Communities

MALIBU, CA – The Malibu City Council’s Library Sub-Committee has been selected by the California Public Library Association to receive the 2016 California Public Library Advocate Award for Elected Local Officials in recognition of its outstanding support of the Malibu Library and its “Malibu Gives Back” program to assist libraries in lower-income communities.

“I am extremely proud of Malibu’s commitment to supporting our local library and supporting library services for lower-income communities whose families and children really need the educational resources,” councilwoman Laura Rosenthal said.

The Library Sub-Committee, consisting of councilmembers Joan House and Laura Rosenthal, and City Manager Reva Feldman, was nominated for the award by Yolanda De Ramus, chief deputy county librarian of the county of Los Angeles Public Library.

"Many, many thanks to Pamela Conley Ulich, who investigated the Library Funds and pursued Malibu's fair share of the property tax,” councilwoman Joan House said. “From her work, Malibu meets the needs of our community and has been able to help less fortunate libraries with needed programs.”

In 2015, the city contributed funds to the San Fernando Library for enhanced collections, and in 2016, launched “Malibu Gives Back,” an agreement with the county to contribute funds to libraries in lower-income communities in Artesia, Bell Gardens, Montebello, Bellflower, and Pico Rivera. The funding supports services such as Family Place, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education, books and other materials in other languages, and summer reading programs. The families of the largely working-class communities badly need the additional educational resources, and their libraries have fewer resources since County Public Libraries are funded primarily by local property taxes.

The libraries from the five cities sent dozens of hand-made thank you cards from children who benefit from the funds contributed by Malibu. To see photos of the cards, visit www.MalibuCity.org/LibraryThankYouCards.

– News release from the city of Malibu. Courtesy photo.