The Friends of Encino-Tarzana Library is managed by a group of interested, dedicated volunteers. They all value the Library and its services, and strive to complement its purposes and reach out to the community. A Board of Directors governs the Friends, and adheres to the Friends Bylaws.

View list of Friends' Board of Directors.

Peruse Agendas for recent Board meetings.

Read Friends' Bylaws.

Purpose of the Friends -- Article III of the Friends' Bylaws:

The purposes of the Friends are to enhance community interest for the Library as a prime cultural and educational asset; to focus public attention on its resources and services; to encourage and receive gifts, endowments and bequests to the Library; to raise funds in support of the Library's collection, services, operations, and facilities; and to support and cooperate with the Library in developing library services and programs for the community. The energies of this organization are directed primarily to the Encino-Tarzana Branch Library, 18231 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, California 91356, and secondarily, to the Los Angeles Public Library system, of which it is a part.

We are one of many Friends of the Los Angeles Public Library.

Councilman Dennis Zine presents a First Year Anniversary Congratulatory Certificate to the Library (rebuilt in 2003). Receiving it are Shahla Chamanara, Senior Librarian (right) and Barbara Leff, FOL President (left). (April 2004)

History: A very brief history of the Friends of Encino-Tarzana Library follows (based on the Friends President's report of 2004):

After adopting Bylaws in 1972, the Friends thrived with book sales, activities, and camaraderie. Encino-Tarzana Library closed on September 8, 2001, and the building was razed. A new building was built with 1998 City Library Bond funds. Encino-Tarzana Library re-opened on April 10, 2003, and a renewed Friends group emerged.

Gloria Wexler, continuing as Friends President, with the help of Treasurer Nonie Lann and the Board, began to rebuild the Friends group. The longtime members had saved wonderful gifts for the newly re-formed Friends: A small group of active dedicated members, a mailing list of past members, some lovely traditions, and a healthy bank account. It was easy to merge longtime and new members. We moved forward with the help of Senior Librarian Shahla Chamanara (2003-05) and staff, a new building with a Friends' Room and empty shelves, and a community room available for meetings, book sales, and programs. Dick and Jennie Sorenson started and stocked our Bookstore; and Gail Sillman continued building and refining its collection, operations, and services through 2006; all with the wonderful help of 30-40 volunteers. In 2004, the new Board saw new ways to continue building membership and contributions, initiated a Book Club, and offered a variety of interesting programs to the community. Our income, including that from membership dues, our Bookstore (open daily), and our Book Sales (held quarterly), helped us succeed to the extent that we were, and are, able to contribute substantial funds to the Library for books, materials, and furniture. Many exceptional volunteers, too many to name here, made all this possible. We are grateful and we thank them.

       --- Barbara Leff, President, 2004-09