Library Foundation Gets $5,000 Grant

Sprint PCS donated $5,000 on Tuesday to the Library Foundation of Los Angeles to help fund construction of the new Studio City branch library.

The move comes as sort of a goodwill gesture between Sprint, which opened a retail store in Studio City in November, and its new neighbors and has left library officials smiling.

“It was one of the most thrilling phone calls I’ve got in a long time,” Ann Maupin, senior librarian at the present Studio City branch, said of the day she heard the news.

The money will be used to help fund the estimated $3.5-million construction of the 10,500-square-foot facility on Babcock Avenue.

The city has already earmarked roughly $3 million and is seeking additional funds through grants, and in this case the kindness of new neighbors.

“Sprint PCS strongly believes in giving back to the community it serves,” said Marty Zajic, director of public affairs for the cellular phone company. “With education so important, this was a perfect opportunity to help out.”

The new facility, which will replace the existing branch at 4400 Babcock Ave., promises to be one of the most technologically advanced in the Los Angeles system, with a complete computer center and individual work stations.

Library officials expect construction to begin late this year.