Friday, March 11, 2005

Local Businesses Are Invited to Participate in the Summer Reading Program

To encourage children to keep reading throughout the summer, the San Marino Public Library holds a summer reading program every year. This year is no different. Although the reading program doesn't begin until June, planning has already begun to make sure this year's program it one of the best ever.

In an effort to assist the public library in providing a more memorable experience for all children, we are asking local businesses for items that can be used as reading incentives for children. Items such as redeemable coupons, gift certificates, or products are great reading motivators for young children. Not only will you be assisting in developing a community of readers, you will also be introducing your business to a large number of potential clients Over the past 2 years, over 5000 children and their families participated in activities and events offered by the San Marino Public Library.

If you would like to participate by becoming a Summer Reading Program sponsor, please contact Youth Services Librarian Tara Smith at (626) 300-0776. Your support is truly appreciated.

Library Foundation Honors Fallen Marine

The San Marino Library Foundation has donated a book to the Library in memory of Marine 2nd Lt. James P. “J.P.” Blecksmith, a San Marino native, was killed by sniper fire on Nov. 11, 2004, in Fallouja, Iraq.

The book is U.S. Marine Corps: An Illustrated History, written by Merrill L. Bartlett, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel, and Jack Sweetman, a well-known scholar. Both are accomplished authors and former history professors at the U.S. Naval Academy, Blecksmith’s alma mater.

Edward Blecksmith, J.P.’s father, is a former president of the San Marino Library Foundation.

Friends of the Library Seeks Book Donations

Time to clean off those bookshelves. The Friends of the San Marino Public Library seeks donations of your unwanted books to sell in their Book Shoppe. The Shoppe, located in the Library auditorium, sells used books at laughably low prices. The proceeds from these sales buy new books for the Library.

Once you empty your shelves, stop in to the Book Shoppe for a refill. It is open every afternoon except Tuesdays and Sundays. Additionally, the Friends will hold their semi-annual massive book blowout on Saturday May 21. Pick up an entire bag of books for $3 or two for $5.