Library Foundation of Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)—the city’s library system—is one of the last places where everyone is welcome to use its resources and spaces at no cost. As the population of individuals in crisis from homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance misuse in LA County increases, LAPL is reimagining how to support individuals in crisis while keeping libraries safe and welcoming for all by becoming a trauma-informed system.

The Los Angeles Public Library's Neighborhood Science program immerses learners in the science process. Across the Library's 73 sites, as well as online, children and teens use real data-collection tools to sample local air, soil, and water; and then are encouraged to share the data online with the global science community. Learners' findings help scientists around the world make more informed conclusions with a unique appreciation for and understanding of science surrounding issues like pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

Full STEAM Ahead at the Los Angeles Public Library promotes science, technology, engineering and math literacy as well as creativity through the arts. The core component of Full STEAM Ahead is Neighborhood Science, which encourages youth of all ages to explore their real-world surroundings to build science literacy, STEM skills and awareness about how global sustainability challenges impact their environment and health outcomes locally.