Library Open House! Snow at Lacy Park!

Saturday, January 24, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Crowell Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Library and Library Staff invite one and all to celebrate the Library’s seventh anniversary with an open house on Saturday, January 24th. Stop by to see the wide variety of services and programs the library has for seniors, teens and kids. Did you know the Library offers passport acceptance and test proctoring? Library visitors can see the work of artist Debbi Swanson Patrick in the Crain Art Gallery, named after long time librarian, Carolyn Crain. Learn about the Meet the Authors series, sponsored by the Friends of the Library and take advantage of the great bargains in the Friends Book Shoppe. Seniors can see a demonstration of Dakim Brain Fitness, made possible by the Library Foundation. Dakim is a clinically tested computer-based program with a touch screen that anyone can use. The Foundation has also recently donated 36 new library computers, all equipped with Window 8.1, 24 inch monitors and the complete Microsoft Office Suite of programs.

In the children’s area, there will be face painting from eleven to two, and a demonstration of the new Early Literacy Station donated by Library Trustees Mary Hsu and Debra Sadun. This is a dynamic all-in-one digital learning solution for children ages 2-8 featuring more than 70 educational software applications spanning seven curricular areas. At 10:45 there will be bi-lingual storytime. At noon, the annual bookmark contest winners will be announced and kids can enjoy a magical performance from Abbit the Average at 2pm. Outside there will food trucks for all: The Pudding Truck, Don Chow’s Tacos and Slammin’ Sliders.

Down the street at Lacy Park, enjoy a day of fun in "Snow Marino!" Fifty tons of snow will be delivered for sledding, snowballs, and snowmen. Parents can watch their kids ride the train, or slide down the giant slide. Coffee, kettle corn, and food will be sold. To participate in Snow Day, a wristband will be required. Pre-sale wristbands will be available for $7 at the Recreation Department. Admission at the door is $9. Children two years and under are free. For more information, please call the Recreation Department at (626) 403-2200. Celebrate San Marino Community Services on Saturday, January 24th!

Helping Hands for Hand-Held Devices

Three Upcoming Saturdays:
January 31, February 28 & March 28
2:00-4:00 pm

Electronically savvy students from San Marino High School will be available on three upcoming Saturdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 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 all 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.