LAVC Library FAQ

LAVC Library vs. Public Libraries

The LAVC Library and local public libraries are separate organizations, but they all offer great things for free. If you're a current LAVC student and you live in the greater Los Angeles area, you can use both! Read more below to understand which one may better fit your needs. 

While the LAVC Library is open to the public, the primary audience we serve is the LAVC/LACCD community. Anyone can come inside, browse most of the books, sit down at a variety of study tables or comfy chairs, and enjoy the air conditioning, but only LAVC students (enrolled in the current semester) can access some books (like current textbooks), study rooms, and technology (like wi-fi, computers, and printing at 10 cents per page for black & white). If you're a current LAVC student, read our "welcome" guide to start learning what the LAVC Library has for you. 

The LAVC Library primarily supports LAVC classes and students, while public libraries serve the general public. If you're looking for bestsellers, graphic novels, career prep books, books in different languages, children's books, e-audiobooks, and other popular reading materials, you can find those at the LAVC Library – but you'll find a much larger selection at a public library. (And if you're looking for study space or sources to use in your research papers (like peer-reviewed journal articles and other college-level academic sources), the LAVC Library will have a much larger selection of those than a public library does.)  

Once you graduate from LAVC or finish taking LACCD classes, your local public library (or any public library where you have a library card) is where you can still check out books, use wi-fi and computers, and access other great programs and services. If you've transferred to another college, their library likely offers many of the same things you had access to at LAVC. 

Getting Started with Public Libraries 

Anyone who lives in the Los Angeles area can use public libraries for free, in person and often online -- once they sign up for a library card. Public libraries typically offer checkout of books, ebooks, movies, and music; study space; access to computers, wi-fi, and printing; access to print magazines and newspapers; and more. Many public libraries also offer different kinds of programs (like classes, community events, storytime for kids, and tutoring/homework help) and may check out things like laptops, musical instruments, board games, tools, or free museum/park passes. 

The largest public library system in our area is the Los Angeles Public Library system run by the City of Los Angeles, followed by the Los Angeles County Public Library system. Many other local cities have their own public library system, including Burbank, Pasadena, and more.  

• Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL, City of Los Angeles): California residents can apply for a library card in person at any LAPL location. Residents of the City of Los Angeles who only need online access can get an e-card instantly online. Find information about LAPL cards here, and find their contact information here to ask questions. 

• Los Angeles County Library: California residents can apply for a library card in person at any Los Angeles County location. Los Angeles County residents (age 18 and over) who only need online access can get a digital library card online. Find information about Los Angeles County library cards here, and find their contact information here to ask questions. 

• Burbank Public Library: California residents can apply for a library card in person at any Burbank Public Library location. Los Angeles County residents who only need online access can get an instant eLibrary card online. Find information about Burbank Public Library cards here, and find their contact information here to ask questions. 

• Pasadena Public Library: California residents can apply for a library card in person at any Pasadena Public Library location. 30-day online-only "Temp Cards" are available online for limited online access. Find information about Pasadena Public Library cards here, and find their contact information here to ask questions.