Our Library Stories

My name is Aaron and I live in Alhambra...

I was an active participant in the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and book club when I was in high school. Burbank Library is considered to be my local library for programming that is really creative and fun. It is not something I am able to experience at other local libraries. Thanks so much for changing my life. I really enjoyed the many experiences that I had while I was a teen participant. This is an amazing library and I am impressed by all the things that it has and will offer me in the future.  (Aaron)

Libraries are places that people can find help...

resources, free internet and at times, solace. I have been using them gratefully for over 30 years and in my childhood as well. Sometimes the peace and quiet atmosphere which is so necessary for studying or doing work research, etc., can get interrupted due to people violating the most important rule in my opinion, of libraries -- quiet. That is unfortunate. Other than that, I love the libraries and what they offer the public free of charge. I grew up in Los Angeles, and worked in show business from age 6. Recently I found a very cute little movie I was in and it is about the library! I thought that it's so interesting considering how much libraries have turned out to mean so much for me for many reasons. During hard times, they are there to help you find a way and solutions and try to rebuild. The Buena Vista Library is one of the nicest I have ever known. It has been a haven for me for 6 years now. I am very grateful for it and when I think of moving away, I think of how much I would miss this Library. I would love to share this little movie with this library. It is called "Something Queer At the Library." It was filmed in the mid 70s. It's about 10 minutes long!"  (Penelope)

When we moved to Burbank my son was 4 years old...

The first thing we did, after finding a place to live & registering my older daughter for school, was get library cards. We then did all the things one does as a family: beach, museums, buy shoes, et al. Does my son remember the first time he saw the ocean? The great works of art? The time he ran into a pole and needed stitches? No. His first Burbank/California memory is being Blanket Kid with Robbo here at the Central Library Summer Reading Program. It's one of mine, too, for his smile was so big. (I could say that says more about him than he would like but I won't.) Thanks for the memories.  (Andrea)

My family moved to Burbank in 1961...

and I have lived here since. My mother introduced both my sister and me to the Buena Vista Library (then on the north-west corner, where the Mary Alice O'Connor Family Center now is located) and the "children's section" was along the north-east side, off of Buena Vista St. My sister and I would walk there and check out books and then walk back home, especially during the summer months, when school was out and we were "bored."  I remember being especially proud when I was old enough to get my own LIBRARY CARD (maybe age 7?) and check out my favorite books of The Happy Hollisters mysteries. We loved going to the library and being able to take books home to read, being responsible for getting them back to the library before the "due date" (on the stamped card in the front of each book) and paying for the fines if they were late. We weren't late very often because that really dug into that quarter-per-week that we got for our allowance. Going to the library taught us to love reading and become better students, as well as learn about other people, topics and places around the world. To this day, I love reading (of course, it's mostly mysteries) and I read a book about every other day, visiting the "new" Buena Vista Library at least weekly to get new material and check back in what I've borrowed. It is a beautiful library and one of the places I most enjoy going to in Burbank.

Thank you to the helpful Buena Vista children's librarians all those years ago, who helped two little girls find good stories to read and become enthralled in the written word.  The love of good books will last a lifetime!  (Dawn)

The first time I applied...

at a job, I was rejected because my reading and writing in English wasn't good enough. Three years later I applied again and I got a better position. During these years I worked on my reading and writing in the library's Literacy Program and it has helped me a lot to improve my English. So now I have a new job and my old job didn't let me go, so I'm working two jobs. Thank you for the library and for my teacher Nancy.  (Alaa)

I prefer to read or listen to audiobooks...

rather than watch TV. That means I probably read at least one print book a week and listen to one audiobook. I’ve saved thousands of dollars by using the Burbank Public Library and Libby (their free electronic media app). Also, we don’t have much room in our house for bookshelves. When I do buy a book, it’s hard to let go of it even if I know I probably won’t read it again. By using the Burbank Public Library, I reduce clutter.

It’s also great to get self-help books from the Burbank Library. Sometimes they are a disappointment and it’s a relief not to either waste money or increase clutter. If they are as good as I hoped, I will usually purchase them as well. Also, the Burbank Library gives me a deadline (returning them) which forces me to read them. Their evening programs are first-class with terrific speakers. In the summer, they have wonderful bands. Last, it’s nice to be in an environment where there are other people who love to read. Even if we don’t speak, it’s nice to know they are there.  (Cecilia)

We love programs...

such as introducing opera to children (and adults). We have loved regular Opera Talks: programs with actors who personified famous figures in history; we loved movie nights; we loved the programs about Warner Bros. history. We love all kinds of history programs--especially local.  (Adam)

There used to be a smaller Burbank Library branch...

a few blocks from where I grew up. Starting young, probably 7 years old, I started going to the library every afternoon until about 6pm.  I managed to read all of Nancy Drew and the Hardy boys, then Sherlock Holmes. A couple of years later I started on the classics; The Scarlet Pimpernel, Madame Curie, Call of the Wild, etc. I learned quickly about the value of a public library and reading at a young age. After the birth of both of my children, the Burbank Library is where we came, on most days, for the Friday morning program as well as the Kid's Summer Program. All through my children's school years, they tested at least 5 years beyond their actual grade/age for their reading level. Learning to read opens many doors and there are always ample books to do so at the public library. Enjoy!  (Patti)

I practically camped out in libraries growing up...

I have been a library patron everywhere I've ever lived. Growing up in Burbank, I spent a lot of time in the Buena Vista branch, and, later, when I could drive, the Central Library. I spent so much time in the library that I had many Dewey Decimal listings memorized. To this day when entering a new library I venture over to the 942 section to see what they have about English history. 

In early 1972, when I was fifteen, I applied for a job with the Buena Vista library as one of those teens who refile books on the shelves, but, alas!, was turned down. I had to be at least sixteen to work. I was so nettled by this I refused to reapply when I came of age.

When I became a teenage audiophile with my very own stereo equipment - no longer dependent upon Dad's 1959 Sears Silvertone console - I needed media to listen to. The Central Library came to my rescue, and I checked out innumerable vinyl records. When I was in my classical music phase I checked out recordings by Rimsky-Korsakov and Wagner. One day browsing the files I happened upon Alice Cooper's "Billion Dollar Babies," and checked it out. This led to a long period of listening to rock music: Alice Cooper, David Bowie, The Who. My long-suffering mother, finally used to my classical music, asked, "How come you're listening to this swing music?" 

I also spent hours in the library reading the new issues of Stereo Review, planning on upgrades and improvements to my audio system. I may have saved on the magazine subscription but the equipment cost me money!

In my fifties and sixties I now team up with my high school pal Mike McDaniel to do Burbank historical slideshows in the Buena Vista library, and am proud to say that we have three books of our own in the Burbank library system. You can find them at 979.493 Clark! 

Long live the Burbank libraries!  (Wes)

Mike & Wes 
Growing Up in Burbank

The Burbank libraries give me...

a ton of access to the books and media which I'm frequently needing for research on a weekly basis.  (Adam)

I just love coming here everyone is so helpful for me!

Click here to watch the rest of Gigi's story.

I love the Burbank Libraries...

I have been visiting them for over fifteen years. I am an avid reader (50+ books/year) and the library saves me an incredible amount of money. I am so grateful for this amazing resource!! I wanted to share my love of reading with my daughter. We spent many hours with the fantastic Miss Donna and Miss Terri at Toddler Storytime. My daughter is now 12 and a total bookworm, which is awesome. We still stop by to see Miss Donna and Miss Terri. They have excellent book suggestions! LOVE the Burbank Library!  (Glenda)

When I think of what is wonderful about Burbank...

one of the first things that comes to mind is the libraries. Places of quiet magic where new worlds and ideas wait quietly for those who wish to find them. I remember as a child sitting on the carpet in the children's library. I remember the devoted Doris Crutcher at her desk in the entrance of the main library, the reference librarians directing me to books. I remember walking miles carrying books in my arms, anxious to explore them. There once was a branch on Irving, just North of Glenoaks, an intimate little library. Those are memories, and now, I still delight in wandering through the aisles and finding new treasures.  (John)

Growing up I read...

one to two books a week from the library. Now my English and vocabulary skills are excellent! Now, I tutor ESL foreigners in the English language. I help teach them complex words and English phrases. Feels good to share my knowledge and help someone!  (Becca)

Besides my home, the Buena Vista Library is...

probably my favorite spot in Burbank. Before I even moved into the city, I brought my children to play at the playground when they were babies. When we moved to Burbank, we delighted to be just a short walk away. We came for books, for a drumming presentation, for my daughter to meet the mayor, for my son to go to Teen Book Club. When I worked all the time, I especially appreciated the website, online tools, and e-books. When I took some time off from my job, I went in person just to have a nice interaction in the middle of the day and find some inspiration. My favorite library memory, though, is probably when I was there waiting for my son to get his books, and I saw a poster about Burbank RISE. It's a leadership and volunteer program for Burbank residents. I did a program, learned even more about the library and the city, and am so glad that I did. Thanks, library!  (Gayle)

Going to the library...

is one of my son's favorite activities. He loves reading. The library is a happy place for him. We are also very happy with the Burbank Central Library that provides an Armenian craft night for families to have opportunities to speak their native language too.  (Angineh)

I have been listening to...

books on CD and previously on cassette from the library for over 25 years. I drive quite a bit to and from work. It has kept me safe on the road as it keeps me alert. Moreover, I have experienced other's trials and tribulations, become informed and educated in so many areas, and been thoroughly entertained. It has put in the head and hearts of individuals that I would otherwise have had no understanding. It has been and will continue to be a big part of my development and influence in my life.  (Sandra)

Being low-income...

it is imperative to get news, help and information free. News influences my voting decision. Books, magazines and websites offer information for research. Librarians and the library’s resources help me. I have learned much from the Burbank libraries. These libraries provide an education that is an important part of my life. A part of my life is learning how to cope with restrictive circumstances. To do this I am using a library book about Buddhism to learn how to cope with these circumstances. Without Burbank’s libraries I could not do this. I do not have money to have a computer, book, newspaper, magazine, class, researcher and desk. So, I am grateful to go to a Burbank Public Library.  (Audrey)

My mother...

brought me to the children's library at about the age of five and this started a life long love of reading.  (Dace)

I am so glad...

that I have this opportunity to tell you that I have been visiting this great library for 30 years and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It is cool in the summer time, warm at winter, and the employees are nice, courteous, and helpful. I can use the computers for free and borrow books and DVDs. 
Thank you so much.  (John)

You have so many...

interesting and amazing books. I also love all your programs for children. The library is a great place to read, borrow books and movies, and also to play super fun games on the computers. My favorite books are from Roald Dahl like Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Twits, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and The Enormous Crocodile. I also love your staffs because they are very nice. I hope this library never gets closed down. Did you enjoy my story? I hope you did! (Jocelyn)

You are a portal... 

into known and unknown worlds. "Known" for all your facts, and "unknown" for all the dreams and imaginations you bring to light. (Anonymous)

The library has... 

- BOOKS filled with pages that take me to magical,far off places; wonderful, beautiful MOVIES that bring such joy to my life;and you provide me with KNOWLEDGE that has helped me with my education. (Tanya)

The library brings...

my family and I closer together. Our bedtime routine is a very special time. We read a book at night and then discuss what we think might happen next. Thank you for having such a fabulous library that helps to bond our family together. (Susan)

When... 

Netflix gives me doubt, you give me hope. (anonymous)

free movies & TV shows