IV. Environmental Impact Analysis
J.5 Public Services – Libraries
1. Introduction
This section addresses the proposed Project’s potential impacts on library facilities
and services administered by the City of Los Angeles Public Library. The analysis
describes existing library facilities and services in the Project vicinity and focuses on
whether available library capacity is sufficient to accommodate the residential population
growth that could be potentially generated by the proposed Project. This section is based
on information provided by the Los Angeles Public Library, which is included in Appendix O of
this Draft EIR.
2. Environmental Setting
a. Existing Conditions
(1) Los Angeles Public Library
The City of Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) provides library services to the City of
Los Angeles (City) through its Central Library, six regional branch libraries, and
71 neighborhood branch libraries, as well as through web-based resources. Administratively,
the LAPL system is divided into six geographic regions, which include Central Southern
(wherein the Project site is located), Northeast, East Valley, West Valley, Hollywood, and
Western. The LAPL offers more than six million books, over 100 databases, 2,300 public
computers, and more than 18,000 public programs throughout the City. During the 20072008 year, the LAPL provided library services to more than 18 million persons across the
City’s 470 square miles.104 Over this same period, 17 million items were checked out, while
on-line resources were accessed more than 119 million times.
104
LAPL and Library Foundation of Los Angeles. Impact: Annual Report 2007-2008, accessed online at:
http://www.lapl.org/about/LAPL_LFLA_AR0708.pdf, accessed March 10, 2009.
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The LAPL completed its 15-year building program, the largest library building
program in the nation, in 2007.105 Its network of libraries consists of expanded and rebuilt
facilities, as well as new locations. This improved library system has successfully
transformed the LAPL into a network of vibrant community centers that are actively utilized
by patrons of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. All branch libraries provide free
access to computer workstations, thereby enabling patrons to access the internet and the
LAPL's electronic resources, including an online catalog, subscription databases, word
processing, language learning, and a large collection of historic documents and
photographs. In addition, specially designed websites are provided for children, teens, and
Spanish speakers.
The LAPL is a member of the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System (MCLS), an
association of 33 independent City and special district public libraries located in the greater
Los Angeles area that have agreed to cooperate in providing library service to the residents
of all participating jurisdictions. MCLS provides member libraries with a resource-sharing
network and a means for enhancing the level and diversity of resources available to library
users, while reducing duplication of effort.106 Participation in this association enables
individuals to use their library cards in multiple jurisdictions, and allows for member libraries
to receive compensation for such use.
As shown in Figure IV.J-15 on page IV.J-119, four LAPL libraries are located within
two miles of the Project site. These include the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
Regional Branch Library, located approximately 1.3 miles to the southwest; the Junipero
Serra Branch Library, located approximately 1.3 miles to the south; the Vermont Square
Branch Library, located approximately 1.4 miles to the southwest; and the Jefferson Branch
Library, located approximately 1.7 miles to the west.107 Table IV.J-27 on page IV.J-120 lists
these libraries, their addresses, and resources.
As identified by the LAPL, the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional
Branch Library would be the primary LAPL library serving the Project. This library is
approximately 14,500 square feet in size and has a service population of 72,134 people.108
105
LAPL and Library Foundation of Los Angeles. Impact: Annual Report 2007-2008, online at:
http://www.lapl.org/about/LAPL_LFLA_AR0708.pdf, accessed March 10, 2009.
106
MCLS, About MCLS, online at: http://www.mcls.org/about, accessed March 10, 2009.
107
Distances between the LAPL branch libraries and the Project site are based on approximated driving
distances.
108
Population provided by the LAPL and is based on the 2000 Census.
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PROJECT SITE
Jefferson Branch Library
1201 W. 48th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011
Junipero Serra Branch Library
4607 S. Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90011
Page IV.J-119
Exposition Park - Dr. Mary McLeod
Bethune Regional Branch Library
3900 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90062
Vermont Square Branch Library
1201 W. 48th Street Los Angeles, CA 90062
N
0 ft
Source: Rand McNally-Thomas Guide Digital Edition, 2008; Matrix Environmental, 2009;
1.5
3 Miles
Figure IV.J-15
LAPL Libraries Located Within
2 Miles of the Project Site
IV.J.5 Public Services - Libraries
Table IV.J-27
Los Angeles Public Library Branch Libraries within Two Miles of the Project Site
Library Branch
Number / Name
Address
Size a
Resources
Electronic resources, including word
processing, language learning, the on-line
catalogue, subscription databases, a large
historic
document
and
photograph
collection, and internet; 42,000 volumes;
events, such as Anime Club, Gorilla
Storytime, art classes, and computer
classes; and, services, such as an adult
literacy center and meeting rooms
Electronic resources, including word
processing, language learning, the on-line
catalogue, subscription databases, a large
historic
document
and
photograph
collection, and internet; 48,100 volumes;
events, such as Aztec Stories, Summer
Reading Club, and fun and gaming; and,
services, such as meeting rooms
Electronic resources, including word
processing, language learning, the on-line
catalogue, subscription databases, a large
historic
document
and
photograph
collection, and internet; 36,100 volumes;
events, such as Pre-school Storytimes,
Game Days, and computer classes; and,
services, such as an adult literacy center
and meeting rooms
Electronic resources, including word
processing, language learning, the on-line
catalogue, subscription databases, a large
historic
document
and
photograph
collection, and internet; 37,300 volumes;
events, such as Pre-school Storytimes,
Game Days, and computer classes; and,
services, such as an adult literacy center
and meeting rooms
06
Exposition Park –
Dr. Mary McLeod
Bethune Regional
Branch Library
3900 S. Western Ave.
14,500 sf
07
Junipero Serra
Branch Library
4607. S. Main Street
3,922 sf
14
Vermont Square
Branch Library
1201 W. 48th Street
8,000 sf
17
Jefferson Branch
Library
2211 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Source:
2,980
Matrix Environmental, 2010; Los Angeles Public Library website, http://www.lapl.org/branches/, accessed
June 1, 2009. Email correspondence to Matrix Environmental from Rona Berns of the LAPL, dated
June 3, 2009.
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This library has a total of 15 staff and houses a total of 42,000 volumes.109 This library
meets the LAPL 2007 Branch Facilities Plan’s facility size standard (discussed later in this
Draft EIR section) of 14,500 square feet for libraries with a service population above
45,000 people and up to 20,000 square feet for a regional branch.110 Furthermore, as
indicated by the LAPL, the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch
Library has sufficient capacity to meet current demand for library services.111
The Junipero Serra Branch Library is approximately 3,922 square feet and serves
42,223 people, contains a total of 48,100 volumes, and maintains nine staff positions. The
Vermont Square Public Library, which is 8,000 square feet in size, has a service population
of 33,784 people, contains 36,100 volumes, and is staffed with eight people. Lastly, the
Jefferson Branch Library is 2,980 square feet in size, serves 44,351 people, contains a
total of 37,300 volumes, and maintains nine staff positions.112
(2) University of Southern California Libraries
The University of Southern California (USC) also operates and maintains an
expansive library system, which is regularly utilized by University students, faculty, and
staff. USC has 21 libraries throughout the Campus. Table IV.J-28 on page IV.J-122 lists
USC’s libraries, as well as the libraries’ locations and resources. Members of the USC
community (i.e., current USC students, faculty, staff, and alumni) with valid Universityissued identification as well as USC sponsored guests may use any USC library. The
general public may use USC libraries when resources are not in use between the hours of
7:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M.113 In addition, Los Angeles-area residents and businesses may
obtain access and borrowing privileges for USC’s library resources for a fee.114 During the
2006 – 2007 year, USC libraries contained a total of 4,039,228 volumes, 3,192,538 visual
materials, 84,493 maps and cartographic materials, 29,814 audio recordings, 32,879 film
and video recordings, 316,097 electronic books, and 65,381 electronic journals. During
109
Information provided by Rona Berns of the LAPL Library Facilities Division in a letter to Matrix
Environmental, dated April 30, 2009.
110
Ibid.
111
Ibid.
112
Email correspondence to Matrix Environmental from Rona Berns of the LAPL, dated June 3, 2009. The most
up-to-date service populations were provided, these service populations were derived from the 2000 Census.
113
USC Libraries, Library Usage Policies, online at: http://www.usc.edu/libraries/about/facilities_usage/,
accessed June 1, 2009.
114
USC Libraries, Access and Borrowing Policies, online at: http://www.usc.edu/libraries/about/lending_policies/,
accessed June 1, 2009.
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IV.J.5 Public Services - Libraries
Table IV.J-28
University of Southern California Libraries
USC Library
Location
Resources
Accounting Library
105 Accounting Building
University Park Campus
Accounting and taxation resources; classroom instruction;
accounting software programs; electronic databases
containing proprietary business data and research; print
collection of accounting, reference and taxation resources;
circulating book collection; and journals.
Helen Topping
Architecture & Fine
Arts Library
850 Bloom Walk
University Park Campus
More than 75,000 volumes of books and journals
dedicated to the studies of art history, fine arts, and
architecture; rare titles and artists' books, videos and dvds
on art history, architectural design, green design,
landscape
architecture,
building
construction,
contemporary art, and performance art; architectural and
public-art archival collections; and the Standish K. Penton
Slide Collection.
Boeckmann Center
Doheny Memorial Library
3550 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
Book collections, including the L. A. Murillo Cervantes
Collection, the Radell Cuban Collection, the Lorente
Cuban and Cuban Exile Studies Collection; archival
materials of the Central American Research Institute
Collection; and the Cuban California Archive.
The collection includes materials from the Luso-Hispanic
world, historical and chronological coverage from preColumbian times to the present, and interdisciplinary and
multilingual holdings covering the social sciences,
humanities and arts in Spanish and Portuguese, with
selections in English, French, German and other
European and native Latin American languages.
Crocker Business
Library
201 Hoffman Hall
University Park Campus
Classroom instruction; databases providing access to
proprietary business information and research data.
Cinematic Arts
Library
Doheny Memorial Library
3550 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
Archives containing information on the history of the film
industry and rarely seen photographs, as well as scripts,
scores and other artifacts; books on cinematic topics;
Louis B. Mayer Film and Television Study Center; and the
David L. Wolper Center for the Study of the Documentary.
Wilson Dental Library
USC School of Dentistry
University Park Campus
Electronic resources, including journals, e-books, tutorials,
and databases; 40,328 volumes and 548 current serials;
and a rare books collection.
Doheny Memorial
Library
3550 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
Study, collaborative work, and special event spaces; Los
Angeles Times Mirror Reference Room; special events
and presentations; Treasure Room and Rotunda/Art's
Corridor; and books and bound journals, reference and
Classics collections, scholarly and popular journals, and
newspapers.
East Asian Library
Doheny Memorial Library
3550 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
Chinese, Japanese and Korean-language materials in all
fields with an emphasis on social sciences and
humanities.
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Table IV.J-28 (Continued)
University of Southern California Libraries
USC Library
Location
Resources
Feuchtwanger
Memorial Library
Doheny Memorial Library
Special Collections
3550 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
Approximately 30,000 volumes (housed on the USC
campus and within the Feuchtwanger’s former residence,
Villa Aurora, in Pacific Palisades), including collections of
primary and secondary sources focusing on such subjects
as Greek and Latin classics, Jewish and biblical history,
the Enlightenment, French Revolution, German literature,
and exile literature.
Gerontology Library
3715 McClintock Avenue
University Park Campus
Materials on the study of aging and the aged, including
approximately 20,000 volumes of books, 120 journal
subscriptions,
300
newsletter
titles,
and
over
1,000 videos; access to USC subscribed research
resources available via the Electronic Resources
webpage; and special collections.
Grand Avenue
Library
3434 South Grand Avenue
Over 2 million important materials, including monographs,
journals, dissertations, records, microfilm, government
documents, and music scores.
Asa V. Call Library
The Law School
University Park Campus
Nearly 400,000 volumes, including 4,000 serial and
periodical titles; and law-related online resources,
including legal periodical indexes, electronic journals and
full-text databases.
Leavey Library
651 West 35th Street
University Park Campus
Broad-based, general education-level resources in a
variety of formats, including 45,000 books and more than
3,000 audiovisual titles; access to electronic and online
texts; Information Commons and Multimedia Commons;
computing facilities; and large workspaces and
collaborative work rooms.
Norris Medical Library
2003 Zonal Ave
Health Sciences Campus
168,185 volumes and 1,935 current periodicals covering
material relevant to the medical, pharmaceutical,
biokinesiology, physical therapy, and occupational science
and therapy professions.
Music Library
Doheny Memorial Library
3550 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
Approximately 20,000 books and serials on music; 60,000
music scores, including collected works of individual
composers, critical editions, and historical collections;
20,000 sound recordings in compact-disc and LP format;
numerous electronic books, journals and databases; and
hundreds of videos in DVD, video cassette and laser-disk
format.
Hoose Library of
Philosophy
Mudd Hall of Philosophy
3709 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
More than 50,000 volumes focusing on the intellectual
history of Western civilization.
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Table IV.J-28 (Continued)
University of Southern California Libraries
USC Library
Location
Resources
Science and
Engineering Library
910 Bloom Walk
Health Sciences Campus
Approximately
70,000
bound
journal
volumes;
approximately 600 current journal titles; reference
collection of approximately 5,000 volumes; approximately
80,000 books; approximately 20,000 technical reports with
an emphasis on NASA reports; and research groups,
blogs, and tutorials.
Social Work
Information Center
669 West 34th Street
University Park Campus
Computer access; group study areas; Arlien Johnson
Social Work History Collection; and the California Social
Welfare Archives.
Special Collections
Doheny Memorial Library
3550 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
Archival, historic, and primary source materials in the
main interest areas of Los Angeles regional history,
American literature, Lion Feuchtwanger and the German
émigré experience, natural history, Iberian studies, Latin
American studies, U.S. Hispanics studies, and USC
history and intellectual life.
Nine collections comprise USC’s Special Collections,
including the American Literature Collection, Boeckmann
Center for Iberian and Latin American Studies, California
Social Welfare Archives, Feuchtwanger Memorial Library,
Hancock Memorial Museum, Natural History Collection,
Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive, Regional
History Collections, and University Archives. Affiliated
libraries include the California Historical Society Library.
Huntington Library, Institute for Modern Russian Culture,
One Institute and Archives, Seaver Center for Western
History Research, and the Southern California Library for
Social Studies & Research.
University Archives
Doheny Memorial Library
3550 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
Records of enduring value officially made or received by
the University of Southern California; materials of
historical value related to the functions of the University,
including material documenting the history and growth of
USC; and books, manuscripts, USC periodicals and
newspapers, ephemera, photographic images, disc and
tape recordings, and other archival items.
Von Kleinsmid Center
(VKC) Library for
Applied Social
Sciences
3518 Trousdale Parkway
University Park Campus
Approximately 165,000 books; more than 500 journal and
other serial publication subscriptions; electronic access to
scholarly resources; international documents; and all
publications and digital resources of the European Union
for Southern California.
Source:
Matrix Environmental, 2010; USC Libraries, online at: http://www.usc.edu/libraries/locations/, accessed
March 12, 2010.
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IV.J.5 Public Services – Libraries
this same year, USC libraries conducted 560,884 circulation and renewal transactions and
61,358 reference transactions, as well as hosted 13,975,781 visits to their web sites and
997,611 visits to their online catalogs.115 In response to a 2007 USC Libraries User
Satisfaction Study, the library system upgraded all library wireless access points to provide
stronger signals and more access points, introduced a new Electronic Resources Web
page for quick searching of the USC libraries’ top 25 electronic resources, and added more
spaces for both collaborative and individual study.116 The library system also provides a
number of services to ensure easy access to both electronic and hard copy resources.
These services include remote access to library websites, document delivery (i.e., faculty
and students can request electronic copies of journal articles and chapters of books from
USC and other academic libraries), Recommend-A-Book (i.e., USC faculty, staff, and
students can recommend purchases for the libraries’ collections), and computing support.
Further, USC librarian subject specialists and other information professionals are available
for library instruction, workshops, tours, and technical training.117 Lastly, USC’s Special
Collections unit, which contains rare books and manuscripts, is available to not only all
USC students, staff, and faculty but also adult members of the surrounding communities.118
b. Regulatory Framework
(1) City of Los Angeles General Plan Framework
The City of Los Angeles General Plan Framework Element (Framework Element)
establishes a citywide context for long-term planning at the City and community levels.
Adopted in December 1996 and readopted in August 2001, the Framework Element
provides general guidance regarding land use issues that includes direction on
infrastructure and public services.
Chapter 9 (Infrastructure and Public Services) of the Framework Element contains
objectives and policies that address library facilities. Specifically, Objectives 9.20 and 9.21
outline policies for the provision of adequate library services and facilities to meet the needs
of the City’s residents. Policy 9.20.1 of Objective 9.20 recommends the development of
115
USC Libraries, USC Libraries Facts and Figures, online at: http://www.usc.edu/libraries/about/donor/
factsfigures.php, accessed April 17, 2009.
116
USC Libraries, LIBQUAL, online at: http://www.usc.edu/libraries/about/libqual/index.php, accessed
April 18, 2009.
117
USC Libraries, Instruction Services, online at: http://www.usc.edu/libraries/about/instruction/
instructional_services/, accessed April 17, 2009.
USC Special Collections, Frequently Asked Questions, online at: http://www.usc.edu/libraries/archives/
arc/libraries/faqs.html, accessed April 17, 2009.
118
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library standards dealing with library facilities’ net floor area, the appropriate number of
permanent collection books per resident, and service radii. Policy 9.20.2 of Objective 9.20
proposes a citywide policy for locating non-English language permanent collections.
Objective 9.21 proposes ensuring library services for current and future residents and
businesses. As part of this Objective, Policy 9.21.1 proposes seeking additional resources to
maintain and expand library services, Policy 9.21.2 encourages the expansion of nontraditional library services (e.g., book mobiles) where permanent facilities are not adequate,
and Policy 9.21.3 encourages the inclusion of library facilities in mixed-use structures, in
community and regional centers, at transit stations, and in mixed-use boulevards.
Chapter 10 (Implementation Plans) of the Framework Element states that the
Department of Libraries is charged with the responsibility of updating the Library Master
Plan to provide sufficient capacity to correct existing deficiencies as well as meet the needs
of future population. Updates of the plan should:
a. Identify improvements including, but not limited to, new library facilities,
alternatives to "stand-alone facilities" (such as mobile collections and
"substations" at transit stations or in mixed-use structures) which encourage
greater distribution of library facilities; new methods for acquiring books and
equipment; ways to connect library telecommunications services with other City
agencies as well as local college and university systems; and ways to identify
regional libraries that are appropriate for non-English language collections,
consistent with neighborhood needs.
b. Adopt strategies that enhance the viability of joint development and joint-use
opportunities with large commercial projects and the Los Angeles Unified School
District, thereby increasing the distribution of library services.
c. Establish a new City library service standard that is based on the needs and
reflects the character of the City.
d. Identify funding sources and mechanisms for facility improvements that may
include citywide assessments, State and Federal grants, and the solicitation of
private donations for collections, audio-visual equipment and computer materials.
The implementation plans and policies set forth in the General Plan Framework
have been addressed through the Los Angeles Public Library Branch Facilities Plan and
the 1989 and 1998 Library Bond Programs, which are described in the following pages.
(2) Los Angeles Public Library Branch Facilities Plan
The Los Angeles Public Library Branch Facilities Plan (Branch Facilities Plan), first
adopted in 1988 and revised in 2007, guides the construction, maintenance, and
organization of public branch libraries and establishes specific standards in defining
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geographic service areas and the size of branch facilities. The Branch Facilities Plan is
composed of two elements, the Criteria for New Libraries and the List of Projects.119 The
Criteria for New Libraries sets standards for the size and features of library branches based
on the population served in each community, while the List of Projects identifies the facility
status and needs of each branch library as well as the need for new branch libraries.120
The Branch Facilities Plan was initially implemented through the 1989 and 1998
Bond Programs. The 1989 Bond Program, or Phase I, provided $53.4 million for 26 library
projects.121 It was supplemented with additional funding of $54.6 million from the
Community Development Block Grant award of Federal funds, the California State Library
Proposition 85, and Friends of the Library groups, thereby facilitating the development of
an additional three projects.122 Similarly, the 1998 Bond Program, or Phase II, provided
$178.3 million for 32 projects, which was supplemented with an additional $48 million from
managed savings, Friends of the Library contributions, and a California State Library
Proposition 14 grant.123 The supplementary funding facilitated the construction of an
additional four projects.
The objectives of the 1988 Branch Facilities Plan will be met with the completion of
the Silver Lake Library Branch, which began construction in 2008.124 In anticipation of the
completion of the library projects identified in the 1988 Branch Facilities Plan, the LAPL
planned for the future by analyzing current and future library services and facilities needs,
as well as population growth projections to the year 2030. As a result of these efforts, a
revised Facilities Plan was reviewed and approved by the Board of Library Commissioners
in 2007. The 2007 Revised Branch Facilities Plan is now the base document for future
development of the LAPL. As such, it provides guidance on the preparation of cost
estimates for property acquisition, design and construction of proposed library projects, and
analyses of options for obtaining funding to build new libraries. As shown in Table IV.J-29
on page IV.J-128, the Criteria for New Libraries component of the 2007 Revised Branch
Facilities Plan defines the facility size for a branch library based on its service population.
119
The criteria for New Libraries was formerly referred to as the Site Selection Guidelines in the 1988
Branch Facilities Plan.
120
LAPL, Summary of Branch Facilities Revision, online at: http://www.lapl.org/about/ planning_overview.html,
accessed May 4, 2009.
121
Passed as City through Proposition 1 in 1989.
122
LAPL, Summary of Branch Facilities Revision, online at: http://www.lapl.org/about/ planning_overview.html,
accessed May 4, 2009.
123
Passed by City voters through Proposition DD in 1998.
124
LAPL and Library Foundation of Los Angeles.
Impact: Annual Report 2007-2008, online at:
http://www.lapl.org/about/LAPL_LFLA_AR0708.pdf, accessed March 10, 2009.
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Table IV.J-29
City of Los Angeles Public Library Branch Building Size Standards
a
Population Served
Size of Facility
Below 45,000
12,500 square feet
Above 45,000
14,500 square feet a
Regional Branch
Up to 20,000 square feet
For a community with population above 90,000, consider adding a second branch to serve the area.
Source:
Los Angeles Public Library website, http://www.lapl.org/about/Branch_Facilities_Criteria.pdf,
accessed May 6, 2009.
While the updated Branch Facilities Plan provides general guidance on library facility
improvements, no new development or renovation of library facilities is currently planned.125
(3) South Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles Community
Plans
Community Plans within the City of Los Angeles guide the physical development of
neighborhoods by designating allowable land-uses (e.g., housing, business, industry, open
space, etc.) within the various areas of each community. Community Plans aim to
encourage sustainable growth patterns as well as balance the unique character of each
neighborhood through the provision of goals and policies. The Project site is located in the
South Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles Community Plans.126
Both the South Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles Community Plans provide
goals and policies that address libraries. Specifically, Goal 8 of the South Los Angeles
Community Plan and Goal 7 of the Southeast Los Angeles Community Plan both ensure
that adequate library facilities and services are provided to each area’s residents. To
achieve these goals, these Community Plans include library-related policies. Policy 8-1.1
of the South Los Angeles Community Plan and Policy 7-1.1 of the Southeast Los Angeles
Community Plan support the construction of new libraries and the rehabilitation and
expansion of existing libraries to meet the changing needs of the community. Policy 8-1.2
of the South Los Angeles Community Plan and Policy 7-1.2 of the Southeast Los Angeles
125
LAPL, Summary of Branch Facilities Plan Revision, online at: http://www.lapl.org/about/planning_
overview.html, accessed March 10, 2009.
126
Both the South Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles Community Plans are currently being updated
by the City.
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Community Plan encourage flexibility in siting libraries in mixed use projects, Pedestrian
Oriented Areas, transit oriented districts, and similarly accessible facilities.
3. Environmental Impacts
a. Methodology
Potential Project impacts on libraries were analyzed by (1) identifying the primary
LAPL service library that would serve the proposed Project; (2) projecting the future 2030
service population (inclusive of the student, faculty, and staff 2030 population associated
with the proposed Project) for the LAPL service library; (3) comparing the future 2030
service population to the service population of the LAPL Building Size Standards as set
forth in the Branch Facilities Plan; and (4) determining whether the contribution of Projectgenerated populations would cause the LAPL service library to operate beyond its service
capacity, considering both the LAPL libraries and resources as well as the libraries and
resources within USC’s library system.
b. Significance Thresholds
Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines provides a sample question that address
impacts with regard to other public facilities (e.g., libraries). This question is as follows:
Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with
the provision of new or physically altered government facilities, need for new or
physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which would cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios,
response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:

Other public facilities?
In the context of this question, the City of Los Angeles CEQA Thresholds Guide
states that the determination of significance with regard to impacts on libraries shall be
made on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors:

The net population increase resulting from the proposed project.

The demand for library services anticipated at the time of project build-out
compared to the expected level of service available. Consider, as applicable,
scheduled improvements to library services (renovation, expansion, addition, or
relocation) and the project’s proportional contribution to the demand.
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
Whether the project includes features that would reduce the demand for library
services (i.e., on-site library facilities or direct support to LAPL).
Based on these factors, the proposed Project would have a significant impact on
library services if the Project would generate a demand for library facilities or services, or
would cause an increase in community population that would:

Exceed the capacity of the local libraries to adequately serve the existing
residential population, based on target service populations defined by the City of
Los Angeles Public Library; or

Substantially increase the demand for library services for which current demand
exceeds the ability of the facility to adequately serve the population.
c. Project Design Features
During operation of the proposed Project, USC’s expansive library system would
continue to be available to University students, faculty, and staff.
d. Analysis of Proposed Project Impacts
(1) Construction
As analyzed in Section IV.I.1, Employment, of this Draft EIR, construction of the
proposed Project is anticipated to result in 4,894 temporary construction-related jobs
between the start of construction and Project buildout in 2030. Construction workers
attributable to the proposed Project are not anticipated to utilize the LAPL library facilities
located near the Project site. Rather, workers are expected to utilize the library facilities
located near their place of residence. Additionally, workers would not be expected to utilize
the libraries on their way to work since the start of the work day generally occurs prior to
the operating hours of the LAPL libraries. In addition, time limitations during lunch breaks
(typically 30 to 60 minutes) would likely preclude workers from utilizing the library facilities.
Therefore, construction-related impacts on libraries would be less than significant.
(2) Operation
The proposed Project is intended to meet the needs of the site populations expected
by the University, inclusive of the existing populations and small annual increases in the
University’s student enrollment, staff, and faculty through the year 2030. As shown in
Table IV.J-30 on page IV.J-131, the USC’s library system currently serves an existing
(2009) University population of approximately 16,023 undergraduate students,
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Table IV.J-30
Year 2030 University Population Growth Projections
Population
Year 2009 Population
Year 2030 Population
Change
Undergraduate Students
16,023
17,800
1,777
Graduate Students
14,805
18,200
3,395
Faculty
1,732
1,900
168
Staff
5,716
7,000
1,284
Visitors (including contract employees)
1,400
2,500
1,100
Source:
Matrix Environmental, 2010.
14,805 graduate students, 1,732 full-time and part-time faculty, 5,716 staff employees as
well as 1,400 visitors (including contract employees). Based on historic University growth,
it is anticipated that by the year 2030, the University community will be composed of
approximately 17,800 undergraduate students, 18,200 graduate students, 1,900 faculty
members, and 7,000 staff workers. Additionally, the number of visitors (including contract
employees) is anticipated to be approximately 2,500. When compared with recent 2009
enrollment and staffing, this represents an increase of approximately 1,777 undergraduate
students, 3,395 graduate students, 168 faculty members, and 1,284 staff workers over a
21-year period. Visitors would increase by 1,100 from 2009.
As described above, USC maintains an extensive library system that it continuously
enhances and enlarges so as to meet the demands of the University community. It is
anticipated that the additional demand for library services generated by future student,
faculty, and staff growth in the University community and Project area through 2030 would
be accommodated by USC’s own library system.
As provided in Section IV.I.3, Population, the proposed Project’s 250 faculty units
could generate a residential population of approximately 418 persons. In addition,
conservatively assuming that all of the new graduate beds would be occupied by students
that currently reside outside of the service area of the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod
Bethune Regional Branch library, the new graduate beds would generate an additional
residential population of approximately 3,240 persons. Furthermore, while it is anticipated
that a large portion of the net new 998 undergraduate student beds would be occupied by
students already living within the service area of the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod
Bethune Regional Branch library, for purposes of providing a conservative analysis, it is
assumed that the net new 998 undergraduate student beds would generate a residential
population of 998 new persons within the service area.
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However, the Project’s student residents are anticipated utilize the University’s own
library systems. Demand on LAPL libraries by University students would be negligible.
The faculty residential population of 418 residents (due to USC faculty and their families
moving into the faculty units) could however generate demand on library services.
Therefore, the 418 residents associated with the faculty units was considered for impacts
on the LAPL. However, as previously noted, USC’s library system would be available to
USC faculty members as well as USC sponsored guests. Los Angeles-area residents and
businesses may obtain borrowing privileges at USC libraries for a fee. Nonetheless, to
provide a conservative analysis of the proposed Project’s impacts, an analysis was
conducted assuming that all of the residents within the faculty units would utilize LAPL
library services. While the residential population of the faculty units could utilize any of the
LAPL libraries previously identified in the vicinity (i.e., Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod
Bethune Regional Branch Library, Junipero Serra Branch Library, Vermont Square Branch
Library, and Jefferson Branch Library), it was conservatively assumed that all of these
residents would utilize the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch
library, which is identified by the LAPL as the primary library serving the Project site.
Therefore, based on the increase of 418 residents associated with the Project’s faculty
units, the Project could increase this library’s existing residential service population from
72,134 to 72,552 persons. Based on this residential service population, the Exposition
Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch library (which is sized at 14,500 square
feet) would continue to meet the LAPL standard of 14,500 square feet for libraries with a
service population above 45,000 people. In addition, given the minimal distance of other
LAPL branch libraries from the Project site (i.e., Junipero Serra branch library, Vermont
Square branch library, and Jefferson branch library) and the extensive library system that
would be available within the University Park Campus, it is unlikely that the proposed
Project would place a substantial demand on these LAPL branch libraries. Therefore, the
proposed Project would have a less than significant impact on libraries.
In addition, as discussed in Section IV.I.3, Population, of this Draft EIR, the
proposed Project would also generate indirect growth of approximately 4,432 persons.
Much of this indirection population growth would be spread out over the region. However,
some of this growth may occur within the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
Regional Branch library service area. Even with this increase in residential service
population, the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch library would
continue to meet the LAPL standard of 14,500 square feet for libraries with a service
population above 45,000 people.
The development of the proposed Project’s commercial components (retail, hotel,
and lab school, etc) could also generate a minimal demand for library services. As
analyzed in Section IV.I.1, Employment, of this Draft EIR, annual operation of the
retail/commercial space, hotel and lab school uses would generate a net increase of
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approximately 748 jobs when accounting for existing uses to be removed. A portion of
these new employees could utilize library services at the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary
McLeod Bethune Regional Branch library, either stopping by on their way to or from work to
utilize borrowing privileges, or stopping by the library during their lunch hour. Visitors could
also utilize the library. However, this increased demand would be negligible compared to
current and projected demand at the library. Additionally, LAPL has not established any
facilities criteria based on employment in a library’s service area. Consequently,
employment due to the proposed Project would not result in a degradation of services
based on LAPL’s defined facilities criteria. Therefore, the development of the commercial
components of the Project would not significantly impact City library facilities.
(3) Transfers of Floor Area
The proposed Project would include flexibility to allow for transfers of floor area for
academic/University uses and student housing between Subarea 1 and Subarea 3A on a
per square foot basis. While transfers of floor area across Subareas would be permitted,
the maximum amount of floor area would not exceed 30 percent of the Subarea total for
Subarea 1 and 15 percent of the Subarea total for Subarea 3A. In addition, the maximum
Project total of 5,230,000 square feet may not be exceeded. Floor area transfers would not
result in new impacts with regard to library services. Floor area transfers would not change
the populations of undergraduates, graduates, and faculty that were analyzed for the
proposed Project. Therefore, as populations would not be changed as a result of floor area
transfers, floor area transfers would not alter the conclusions with regard to libraries.
Should academic/University or student residential floor area be transferred across the
Subareas, the resulting impacts would be similar to those evaluated herein.
(4) Secondary Impacts due to Housing Backfill
As analyzed in Section IV.I.2, Housing, of this Draft EIR, the proposed Project’s
development of student and faculty housing as well as future student housing
developments may assist in returning existing housing stock that had previously been
converted to University housing back to the general non-University community.
Specifically, the Project and other new student housing projects approved or underway in
the vicinity are anticipated to result in the return of approximately 896 residential units to
the community, thus resulting in an indirect backfill population increase of approximately
2,821 persons.127 Thus, the backfill of units that may result from students, faculty, and staff
127
Based on the average household size of 3.148 person/unit for renter occupied units in the study area as
indicated in Table IV-7 of the USC Development Plan Draft EIR - Employment Housing and Population
Impacts Technical Report prepared by HR&A Advisors, Inc. (see Appendix J of this Draft EIR).
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vacating existing residential units may result in additional demand for libraries. However, it
should be noted that these existing residential units are already served by the LAPL. Thus,
the additional demand on LAPL as a result of housing backfill would be incremental, and is
not anticipated to require the addition of a new branch library or the expansion,
consolidation, or relocation of an existing library to maintain service. Therefore, indirect
impacts on libraries would be less than significant.
4. Cumulative Impacts
The geographic context for the cumulative impact analysis for libraries is the service
area of the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch Library. The
buildout year for the proposed Project is 2030. Therefore, cumulative impacts on library
services and facilities were analyzed relative to 2030 growth projected within the service
area of the Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch Library. Based
on SCAG 2030 population projections for the library’s service area, the 2030 service
population of this library is anticipated to be 90,712 residents as indicated in Table IV.J-31
on page IV.J-135. This additional population would generate a demand for library services
and facilities.
When including the Project’s estimated 418 residents associated with the faculty
units, a cumulative total of approximately 418 new residents would be generated in the
Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch Library’s service area in
2030. Thus, the proposed Project’s estimated 418 residents associated with the faculty
units would represent approximately 0.46 percent of the future 2030 service population of
90,712 residents. As analyzed above, future USC student, faculty, and staff associated
with the Project would be expected to typically utilize USC’s extensive library system rather
than LAPL branch facilities. As such, the Project would generate minimal demand for
LAPL facilities and services. Therefore, the proposed Project’s contribution to cumulative
impacts on library services would be less than significant.
In addition, of the 30 related projects identified within the Project area (see
Section III, Environmental Setting, of this Draft EIR), 17 include the development of
residential uses. As shown in Table IV.J-32 on page IV.J-136, these 17 related projects,
would generate approximately 9,411 residents, which could increase the demand on library
services in the area. However, as with the Project, the related projects and all other future
development projects through 2030 would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure
that no significant impacts to library services would occur. Cumulative impacts on libraries
would be less than significant.
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Table IV.J-31
Estimated 2030 Population for Exposition Park Regional Branch Library
Census Tract No. a
Population 2030
221600
6,003
221710
5,482
221810
3,703
221820
3,798
221900
6,977
222100
4,369
222200
4,506
222500
5,178
222600
6,385
222700
288
224010
3,303
224020
2,876
224410
3,887
224420
2,888
224600
4,522
224700
6,444
231100
1,478
231210
4,145
231220
4,178
231300
5,297
231500
5,005
Total
a
90,712
Census tracts for the library service area provided by Los Angeles Public Library, March 19, 2010.
Source: Matrix Environmental based on SCAG 2008 Regional Transportation Plan growth forecasts, 2010.
5. Mitigation Measures
Project-level and cumulative impacts on libraries would be less than significant.
Therefore, no mitigation measures would be required.
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Table IV.J-32
Related Residential Projects Within General Service Area of Libraries Serving the Project Site
Related Project No.
Related Project Name
Total Population
3
435 20th Street Apartments
299
5
USC Parkside II Residential Tower
467
8
University Gateway Mixed-Use
Apartment
Restaurant
Health Club
Shopping Center
902 Washington Boulevard
880
0
0
0
299
9
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
1360 & 1500 Figueroa Street
Flower/23rd Mixed Use
Apartment
Shopping Center
1011 Adams Boulevard
Apartment
Shopping Center
2819 Griffith Avenue
233 Washington Boulevard
Apartment
Shopping Center
Office
2455 Figueroa Street
1,163
3,135
0
167
0
957
192
0
0
303
1340 Olive Street
281
1340 Figueroa Street
Condominiums
Health/Fitness Club
Restaurant
2700 Figueroa Street
Apartment
Shopping Center
3001 Western Avenue
511
0
0
357
0
123
29
Chevron/Icon Plaza - Figueroa Street & Exposition Boulevard
Shopping Center
Apartments
505-511 W. 31st Street
30
3025 S. Figueroa Street
0
117
75
85
Total
9,411
Source: Matrix Environmental, based on residential population calculations provided by HR&A Advisors, 2010. City of Los Angeles
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6. Level of Significance After Mitigation
As indicated above, Project-level and cumulative impacts on libraries would be less
than significant, and thus, no mitigation measures would be required.
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