Board hears update on community-mapping report and outreach on Imagination Library partnership

Library staff told the board the community-mapping project’s data analysis was temporarily paused while staff focus shifted to branch reopenings, but a concise report combining community conversations and survey findings is expected in January to help set priorities.

Staff reported the survey drew responses described in the meeting as "over 1111 hundred responses"; they said the analysis will highlight who has participated and which groups are missing from outreach so the board and staff can target future engagement.

Separately, members reported an initial productive contact with Lindsay Horvath’s office about bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the Westside. Board members and staff said the Imagination Library model typically involves cost-sharing: state and foundation support can cover parts of the program, but a local partner with administrative capacity must secure the remaining local match and operate the program locally.

Staff said they are seeking a Westside nonprofit with the capacity to serve as the administrative lead. They also described ongoing conversations with LA County representatives about segmenting county rollout rather than attempting a single countywide launch, given the size of LA County.

Board members asked staff to continue outreach to potential partners and to present options and cost estimates when the mapping and outreach reports return in January.