This post was updated March 12 at 11:16 p.m.

For Gaynell Massey, the reason she loves being a library assistant is interacting with people – and the Los Angeles Public Library’s Westwood branch is never in short supply.

The LAPL employee of over 20 years balanced book returns, holds, calls, confused parents, first-time library users and questions about everything from parking to UCLA science programs within 20 minutes behind the library’s circulation desk. Between pointing out shelves of borrowable science kits and helping a colleague find rain supplies, she coached a woman completing forms in English and wrangled two bins of reserved books on storms, floods and fire for a library regular.

“We appreciate him (a patron) because what happens is he allows us to check everything out,” Massey said, scanning the 14th book on dangerous weather. “Looks like he’s on a science kick … and natural disasters.”

The Westwood Branch is half a mile from UCLA’s campus and open to all members of the LA community. College students, families in reading groups, adults getting technology advice, people experiencing homelessness finding support and teens in leadership programs all share the space, resources and staff.

Jennifer Noble, a senior librarian at the branch, said making sure patrons feel comfortable at the library is one of the staff’s goals. Noble added that ensuring the Westwood branch’s stocks and displays reflect local interests takes constant attention, with staff working on everything from new book orders to hosting community programs.

“The library is an equalizer, and what I mean is it’s a space where everybody of all walks of life is welcome to come,” said Keshia Nash-Johnson, the branch’s children’s librarian. “Lots of different things that happen – it’s just who’s here and what I can do to facilitate more information being given out.”

Nash-Johnson said she believes it is important for librarians to take interest in all forms of media to engage with the community, adding that she built a rapport with a family who visits for tutoring over its shared love for books, movies and TV shows.

Pamela Podemski, a STAR reader volunteer and UCLA alumnus, also said she considers it powerful for children using the library to see material that reflects their own families and lives.

Podemski added that she was particularly excited for the branch to celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, in March by setting up a traditional Haft-Sin table and sharing books and information about the holiday. The Westwood branch is also home to one of the largest Farsi literature collections in LA, Noble said.

In addition to holiday celebrations and art-focused events, many library patrons arrive seeking advice on daily technology tasks such as learning how to use a printer or opening an Excel spreadsheet. Eli Vikstrom, a recent UCLA graduate and LAPL cybernaut, said technology questions can vary widely, but he always sits down with each patron, uses his intuition and does the best he can.

Young adult librarian Julia Glassman said starting her career at the UCLA library system gave her a better understanding of how to serve the LAPL’s Westwood branch, adding that she was happy teenagers in library programs were able to use the university’s art and technology resources.

Glassman also said the library provides opportunities for students in fields such as science or social work. She added that library employees are frequently exposed to community crises – among the joy – which can often be difficult.

“When someone comes in, and they say, ‘I need help to avoid getting evicted,’ or, ‘I need help finding a shelter with beds available tonight,’ or, ‘(I need) help figuring out how to keep my meds going’ – those can be really challenging questions,” Glassman said.

Noble said the Westwood branch will continue providing a space for both essential services and special events such as concerts and art shows. She added that the library’s 20th anniversary celebration in May is an event to look forward to, but one of her favorite parts of the job remains being able to work with staff who share passions and interests.

From the circulation desk, Massey also helped a young mother check out library materials for the first time – explaining that the stack of picture books would not have to be returned for a full three weeks.

“We get a lot of people that were just grateful for the library – thankful, appreciative, everything,” Massey said. “That’s always a good thing.”