The Kaplans Start New Chapter for Library Bookstore

Kay and Gary Kaplan, married almost 49 years, were "book people" long before they met.

“We are always reading print books or listening to audio books. We love being in libraries surrounded by other people with similar interests,” said Kaplan.

He and his wife, both 73, were recently appointed co-chairs of the Friends of West Hollywood Library Bookstore Committee. The duo is busy preparing to take over the shop's daily operations.

“Kay and I are very pleased to be doing this,” said Kaplan, who has spent the past 19 years volunteering for the , after retiring from the business world at age 55.

For the first three years at the station, he said his duties included lifting prints from and photographing crime scenes. More recently, he has assisted with investigations of identify theft, fraud and scams for the station’s Detective Bureau.

His wife, a self-proclaimed “professional volunteer,” has spent 20 years at the station, 16 years of service with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Gang Activities Section. Kaplan also volunteers at the Saban Free Clinic, and has been for 21 years.

“Gary and I both find volunteering so rewarding,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be able to help people and organizations, and to give our time and efforts to help fill their needs.”

The couple, having watched the plot of land develop into a state-of-the-art library across the street, said it was only a matter of time before they got involved with Friends of West Hollywood Library (FOL).

“Gary and Kay are ideal to chair our new bookstore,” newly elected FOL President Linda Demmers told Patch. “They bring to the task a variety of experiences, dedication, and that very important element—passion."

She calls the couple "great champions for the FOL mission," which includes fundraising, serving as library ambassadors within the community, and providing volunteer services as needed.

The Kaplans said there are thousands of donated books to be sorted, ongoing restocking of the bookshelves as items are purchased, and of course the store must be staffed.

Although a date has not been set for the grand opening of the bookstore, plans are in the works for special book sales and other events to help raise money for the library.   

For those interested in volunteering, please call 323-652-5340.

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