Members of the Friends of the Duarte Library and Library officials with Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich (center) at the ribbon cutting July 13, celebrating the re-opening of the renovated Duarte Library. From left: Friends Past President, Nita Norgard; Cindy Croyle; Steve Baker; Library Manager, Joanna Gee; Mirna DeLira Lopez; President Pat De Rose; Jan Wight; and County Library Administrator, Fred Hungerford.
Community and Public Officials Celebrate
Grand Re-Opening of Newly Renovated Duarte Library
More than 150 community members and public officials turned out to celebrate the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Duarte Library. Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, whose support helped spearhead the facelift and modernization of the 45 year-old County Library facility at 1301 Buena Vista St., spoke about the importance of libraries to the community and expressed his approval of the improvements. The library was closed for two months for the renovation which included fresh interior paint, new carpeting, new self-serve checkout machines and three new computers to add to the eight currently available for public use. The library exterior was brightened with new drought-tolerant landscaping and a resurfaced parking lot.
Representatives of U. S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator, Ed Hernandez, and 
State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino presented congratulatory certificates to library officials, including County Library administrator, Fred Hungerford and newly appointed Duarte Library Manager, Joanna Gee . Also in celebration of the occasion, the Duarte Kiwanis Club donated $500 worth of new books for the teen and young adult section of the library.
The 10,048 square foot library was first opened in 1966. It continues to serve as a hub of activity for the Duarte community serving as many as 9,000 to 13,000 people a month. A collection of more than 85,000 books and materials includes children, young adult and adult books, magazines, newspapers, cassettes, CD’s, DVD’s and video tapes. Large typeface books are available as well as materials in Spanish and Chinese. The Duarte Library is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.