Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Helping Hands for Hand-Held Devices


September 26 and October 24
2:00-3:30 pm

Electronically savvy students from San Marino High school will be available on two upcoming Saturdays from 2:00 PM to 3:30 pm at Crowell Public Library’s Thornton Room to help people figure out how to use their hand-held devices. People can sign up for any or both of the free sessions. Many people have iPods, Androids, tablets, iPhones, and other gadgets, but can’t figure out all of the features. The teen volunteers are familiar with many of the concepts behind these devices, so even if they haven’t used a particular gadget, they may be able to help a person figure out what to do.

This program was initiated by San Marino High School junior Chunbill (“Billy”) Liu who grew up surrounded by gadgets, but noticed there was a technology gap with people who did not have that advantage. Billy approached Librarian Rex Mayreis about closing this gap, while getting in some community services hours for himself and his friends, but has continued the program because there is such a need. The Los Angeles Times covered a session last year and posted a video about it at http://lat.ms/1sODdVg.
If you are frustrated with online and telephone support options, come to Crowell Library and work with a living, breathing techie that will help you “bond” with your device. There’s nothing like one-on-one assistance to help solve problems and tackle sticky widgets.

To reserve your spot for this program, please call 626-300-0777, extension 579 as soon as possible. There are a limited number of teen volunteers, so slots will fill quickly.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

LA Opera Talk: Moby Dick


Sunday, October 18th, 2:00 p.m.

This upcoming opera at the Music Center is based on Herman Melville's classic novel: a fanatical sea captain’s unrelenting obsession for revenge drives his entire crew into the face of death and destruction as they explore the vast and mysterious oceans in search of a monster. Jake Heggie’s sweeping, gorgeously detailed score for this Moby Dick has already taken its rightful place as a true contemporary masterpiece. Learn more about this thrilling production on Sunday, October 18th at Crowell Public Library with a fascinating audio visual program in the Library’s Barth Community Room. LA Opera Community Educator Sean Muhlstein will present the background on this stunning work, enhancing the richness of the opera experience for one and all. Sean is also a board member of the Opera League of Los Angeles and is eager to share his expertise with opera fans new and old.

Opera has something for everyone. It can sweep you away to foreign lands, take you back in time, dazzle you with pageantry and bring history to life. It is literature, social studies, cultural diversity, multiple languages and most of all, it is exciting!

Come explore the world of opera through LA Opera’s education programs.