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 24^th. 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.

The Best Kept Secret in San Marino Offers Bargains Galore

The used Book Shoppe run by the Friends of the San Marino Public Library has settled into its new home at the Temporary Library: in the kitchen of the former Woman’s Club next door to the library construction site. This snuggly setup is stuffed with bargains: recent hardcover bestsellers, paperbacks, and holiday books. The Book Shoppe is open most afternoons: Monday from 12 to 5, Tuesday 1 to 4, Wednesday and Thursday 12 to 5, and Saturday from 12 to 3. Hurry in to pick up some last minute gifts or to grab a novel to read on your holiday travels. Proceeds from sales buy new books for the Library!

Adopt-A-Book Program Starts at the San Marino Public Library

We all know that books are expensive. Each year the San Marino Public Library adds many new books to meet the needs of readers. We wish we could do more but like everyone, we have to stay within our budget. The Adopt-A-Book Program is a unique way for you to get involved and add new books to the library collection. It’s a wonderful way to keep your library growing! Fantastic things happen when you Adopt-A-Book. You get to be the first person to read the book. A bookplate with your name will be placed in the book. Your adopted book can honor someone on a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary. You share the joy of reading with others who borrow the book and your gift will be opened again and again, as the years go by. If you would like to participate in the program, drop by the library and fill out an Adopt-A-Book form or call 626-300-0777 for more information.

Gentle Dogs Seek Book Buddies

Children can experience the joy of reading to a real live dog in the Barks and Books program at the San Marino Public Library. Elementary school-aged children are invited to become special reading buddies for two very gentle and loving dogs: Scarlett the Dachshund, or Popcorn, a Jack Russell Terrier, both of whom love to listen to stories about animals. For children, this reading practice builds expertise and confidence to help them succeed inside and outside the classroom. This program is a joint effort between the San Marino Public Library and Pasadena Humane Society volunteers. These special reading activities will begin in January 2007. If you would like your child to participate, please contact the library for specific dates and times.

Annual Friends of the Library Membership Renewal

Now it’s the time to renew your membership in the San Marino Friends of the Library. Organized in 1958, the Friends have actively supported the library for nearly 50 years! In recent years Friends’ funds have purchase all of the children’s books, the DVD collection the books on tape and programming for children and youth. The membership term is from January to December and all members need to renew to their memberships in order to take advantage of the benefits offered. This year members in the Family Category and above will automatically receive an extended loan period of six weeks on all items, except the newest books; plus free DVD rentals. If you are not a member - join today – membership envelopes are available at the Circulation Desk. Show your support for your local library and participate in improving services. For more information, call the library at 626-300-0776.