Assemblymember Judy Chu Shows Support for New Library

On Friday, June 20, State Assemblymember Judy Chu visited the San Marino Public Library. In this photo, she shows her support for plans for a new San Marino Public Library building. Former San Marino Mayor Emile Bayle, City Librarian Carolyn Crain, current Mayor Matthew Lin and Vice-Mayor Bob Twist look on.

ARE YOU READY???

Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix by J.K. Rowling promises to be the most spine-tingling book so far in the series. And it is arriving at the San Marino Public Library Saturday, June 21st. Will you be ready to join Harry on his next adventure? Do you need to brush up on your magic before you dive into Book #5. If so, stop by the public library and pick up a Readiness Review Form. This form will test your knowledge on the previous H.P. books and show if you are truly ready to take on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix . Be one of the first ones to successfully answers all the questions on the form and receive a free Harry Potter sticker.

Summer Reading Program Kick-Off

Monday, June 16th was the first day of registration for the annual Summer Reading Program at the San Marino Public Library. To help get the reading program, "It's a Jungle Out There, Swing Into Your Library", off to a great start, the Public Library will hold an official kick-off party on Saturday, June 21st at 2:00 p.m. Entertainment for the day will include Rainforest, Recycling and Magic presented by magician, Mark H. Wurst.

Children of all ages and their parents will be delighted with an interactive comedy and magic show with a hilarious jungle theme. This spectacular show is full of audience participation and includes an important educational message. Space is limited so please come early.

This fun filled event promises to be an afternoon of fun, music, surprises and magical give-a-ways. This program is offered free to the public and is sponsored by the Friends of the San Marino Public Library.

Changes in the Chinese Books

A big change is underway with the Chinese books collection at the Library. In the past, the Chinese books have been separated into Fiction and Nonfiction, with no order within those two big categories. The library has hired a part-time cataloger, Dorothy Wong, to improve the situation by giving Dewey Decimal call numbers to the non fiction books, just as is done with the English books, and helping to re-arrange the fiction books so that all of the books by the same author are side by side on the shelves. These changes may seem like a simple matter, but the combination of strong bilingual skills and in-depth library know-how are essential to arrive at a consistent, usable system.

Dorothy Wong is just the right person for this job, having recently retired from working for many years at the Los Angeles Public Library. Much of her time was spent in the cataloging of books for that huge library system. As with many retirees, she is busier now than she was when she was employed fulltime. She has another part-time job, which consists of cataloging a large private collection of children's books. Dorothy works behind the scenes at the San Marino Public Library in the relocated processing room, and she has been a delightful person to work with.

Dorothy has cataloged most of the new Chinese books, and she is now in the process of giving new call numbers and subject headings to the books that were already in the collection. For at least a few months, there will be two Chinese book sections, those in the old arrangement, and those in the new system. Over the months, the new system will win out and the old arrangement will finally disappear. Meanwhile, new books will be added on an ongoing basis.

It should be noted that ten loyal volunteers have been helping to select books and they do a great deal of work to catalog the Chinese books, and they will continue to do so by helping Dorothy. Most of the new books on the shelf were purchased with funds from the Chinese Club of San Marino. Chinese readers should check out the new improved system and the new books. And please make suggestions for future purchases. And consider becoming a volunteer yourself! The library needs someone who can help translate from English to Chinese and has access to a word processor. If you're interested in helping, call (626) 300-0776 and ask for Rex.

Internet Classes Are Back!

You've wanted to learn about the Internet, but you've been putting it off. Well, now you're in luck! Learn about the Web in air-conditioned comfort this summer. We will be offering "Introduction to the Internet" classes on two Saturday mornings, July 12 and 26, and on Friday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 10:30. Slightly more advanced students will want to sign up for our "Using Search Engines" class, offered on July 19 and August 2, also from 9:00 to 10:30. The classes are free and will be offered in the Library.

Sessions fill up quickly so be sure to call to reserve your spot today: 626 300-0777.

The San Marino Public Library’s Book Group for Adults

Here is a reminder about Club READ, the book discussion group that meets at the library on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 AM. The group has existed for some ten years now, and those who attend have enjoyed talking about books and being introduced to new reading ideas. Club READ offers a great chance to share your thoughts about the books you have been reading and to become friends with fellow readers. Participants get the chance to hear the reactions of others who may have a different perspective on a book, opening up new ideas. Learn about books you didn’t know about, and find out which ones you might want to avoid. They are a friendly bunch, and the meetings are informal. Call the Library at (626) 300-0777 for more information or to be contacted by one of the members.