For the fiscal year 1932-33 circulation rose to 316,585. From that time on circulation figures gradually fell, in part due to hard times and leaner budgets. The library began to have a more difficult time meeting the varying reading needs of a very diverse population including fiction readers, students, working adults, and many readers of foreign language materials. Gangs were disorderly and audacious. One staff member had to be assigned to maintain discipline and the police gave little assistance.
Older boys are out of school and unable to get jobs.
They come to the library to create disturbances, congregate outside and annoy passers-by. Council has asked for a foot patrol but without success. Circulation declined steadily through the late 1930s followed by a staff reduction for reasons of economy. The condition of the building, due to age and earthquakes, had seriously deteriorated as well. In 1941 a library bond issue was defeated but received a majority vote in Boyle Heights.