FOCAL - FRIENDS OF CHILDREN AND LITERATURE - was founded in 1979 by teachers, librarians, parents, authors, and illustrators to support and enrich the programs and resources of the Children's Literature Department of the LAPL Central Library. Membership has grown from a dedicated group of twenty volunteers to hundreds of participants.

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FOCAL's fundraising activities supplement the Department's goals through the purchase of equipment, materials for special collections, and programming support. FOCAL members also helped raise funds for restoration of the LAPL Central Library following the devastating 1986 fire.

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FOCAL programs promote the Department's rich collection of books, art, and circulating materials available to children and adults. FOCAL members volunteer for fundraising activities, help with department programs, and support the staff in the development and maintenance of its historic research collection of Children's Literature.