Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Community Pride and Faith Paying Off

Eighteen years of careful planning and private as well as City support is finally coming to fruition as steel columns and girders rise into place, forming the structural backbone of the new San Marino Public Library.

Private investors have given the majority of the funds to build this public gathering place. These generous citizens have taken it upon themselves to invest in the future of their City, knowing that this flagship facility will act as a resilient and cohesive cultural core for San Marino, as well as generate value for years to come.

At last, San Marino families will have a highly functional library that will be fully outfitted to support its excellent schools with up-to-date equipment and resources. And, although users will still be able to borrow books at no charge, the Library will generate revenue for the City by renting its state-of-the-art community meeting room, for example. Also, the volunteer-staffed Friends of the Library Used Book Shoppe will occupy center stage with its own storefront conveniently located near the library entrance. Revenues generated by the Shoppe pay for many of the Library’s new books and materials. In addition, the new building is designed to be energy efficient, thus saving the enormous heating and cooling costs associated with the old building.

Other California communities have waited for State hand-outs to build or replace their libraries. Our far-sighted citizens empowered themselves to move forward with construction. As a result, by the end of this year, San Marino will enjoy a new library built by its own residents: a powerful asset worthy of the accomplished people of this town.

Teen Readers: We Want You!

The San Marino Public Library is re-activating its Teen Advisory Board after a six month hiatus. Meetings will be held every other Saturday at 2:00 P.M. in the “Fireside Room” of the Temporary Library. The kick-off meeting is scheduled for February 24, and refreshments will be served.

Board members recommend books, magazines, DVDs and CDs to be purchased by the library and contribute their ideas and guidance on how Young Adult materials can be best organized and displayed to appeal to their peers. They plan and implement programs, and do special volunteer projects as well.

If you are a Middle School or High School student interested in participating, join us for the meeting on the 24th. If you would like more information call Lynda, at (626) 300-0777, or stop by the library

Barks and Books

Elementary school children are invited to the San Marino Public Library to practice their reading skills by reading a book to a live gentle dog. This special program is made possible by volunteers of the Pasadena Humane Society. Please call the children’s department for specific time and dates. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information, please call 626-300-0777.