Coming to Hollywood in 1907, Eleanor Brodie Jones determined to make a difference in the small community. For over 22 years, she brought a love of reading, knowledge, and growth to everyone through her successful work in community engagement and outreach, offering programs for all ages and ensuring access to cultural and artistic events through various clubs and societies, but especially as Hollywood librarian. Jones’ evolution of the library and its impact on society parallelled Hollywood’s rise as an artistic community thanks to her work. She also left an indelible mark by inspiring the construction of the Hollywood Studio Club, a safe and encouraging residence for young women immigrating to the city in hopes of making it in movies. Her leadership provided a much needed home for single women stepping out on their own to succeed in the business world.

Jones was born in New York and arrived in Hollywood after teaching English literature at Lincoln High School in Nebraska before arriving in Hollywood as a widow with a young son. She led the Hollywood library for 18 years, starting when it was a single room and later expanded into a large, graceful building at Hollywood Boulevard and Ivar Avenue, one of the most used branches in the city of Los Angeles. The stalwart woman would not only serve the community, but raise a handicapped son on her own as a widow at a time when few women worked outside the home.

Note: Mary Mallory will discuss the pioneering women of the Los Angeles Public Library on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Playa Vista Branch Library, 6400 Playa Vista Drive.

Continue reading →