EDITORIAL OVERDUE LIBRARIES.

OF the 33 new libraries in Los Angeles' citywide construction program, only two have been bungled badly and delayed, both in the San Fernando Valley.

Where else?

Sure, the problems derailing construction of the Sun Valley and Chatsworth libraries could have happened anywhere. Contractor Anderson/White ran into tough economic times and stopped doing its work.

But it didn't happen anywhere. It happened here.

And City Hall is less than blameless in this situation.

Back in July, public works officials learned that Anderson/White pulled out of another project in Costa Mesa. The company was then taken off a third library in Canoga Park, but still left in charge of the Chatsworth and Sun Valley projects.

Despite the firm's troubles, city officials took its executives' word that they would finish the work without a serious examination.

Now, because city bureaucrats decided to take a foundering business at its word, Chatsworth and Sun Valley residents will have to wait at least a few more months - and probably a whole lot longer based on the experience of similar incidents on city projects in the Valley - before getting their desperately needed libraries.

It's the same old story, just a new set of excuses.