Ray Bradbury to Speak at Crowell First Anniversary

Can you believe that the new library has been open for a year already? Join us as we celebrate our one year anniversary on Saturday, January 31. Hear Sarah Yu play the zither at 11:30 a.m. Witness the “One City, One Book” for 2009 announcement at noon. See the unveiling of the Donor Wall and the dedication of the Carolyn Crain Art Gallery, featuring the Pasadena Art Colony. At 1:00, hear famed science fiction author Ray Bradbury. Finally, enjoy a professional children’s show at 2 p.m. It’s a birthday blowout!

Prune Those Roses

Ron Serven, Park Manager of Lacy Park will present his annual Rose Pruning Workshop at 9:30 AM on Saturday, January 10 in the Barth Room in the Library. If you want a great display of your roses in the spring, you need to spend a little time out in the garden this month to get your rose plants ready. With the warm, sunny days we're having, you don't want to wait. Pruning isn't hard work, and when you know what you're doing, it is even fun. Ron demonstrates and explains what to do and he will answer all of your questions. Reservations are not necessary. Call (626) 300-0777 if you have any questions about the program.

Authors to Speak

Crowell Library is thrilled to announce the return of mystery writer Denise Hamilton. Denise was with us back in June discussing the book she edited, L.A. Noir, consisting of short stories from a fabulous array of mystery writers. The critically acclaimed author of the Eve Diamond mystery series will be reading and discussing her latest bestseller, The Last Embrace, a sexy, atmospheric, and seductive thriller that transports readers to a fascinating, transitional time and place—1949 Los Angeles. January 22, 7:00 p.m. This event is supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from The James Irvine Foundation.

On Thursday, February 19th, at 7:00 p.m., author and choreographer Mark Knowles will be discussing (and demonstrating!) the history and development of tap dancing prior to 1900, the focus of his book, Tap Roots: The Early History of Tap Dancing. He’ll cover the many cultural influences (including Irish, English, African, and West Indian) leading to the creation of modern tap dancing and discuss plantation, theatrical and music hall styles.

Both events will be held in the Library’s Barth Community Room and are free.

Give a Gift

This season honor a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker or maybe a teacher with a gift to the Crowell Public Library.

Each $25 gift of honor:

• Will be recognized on the Holiday Honor Bookcase
• Will support the community Crowell Public Library and
• Can be used for tax purposes.

Stop by the Crowell Public Library today to make your gift of honor.

Giggles and Screams Halloween Show

On Saturday, October 25th at 2pm, Ken Frawley will be at the public library. Ken will put on an entertaining and exciting program of fun and silly Halloween songs, stories, puppets, and some magic. Be prepared to laugh and scream!

New Children's Librarian Joins Staff

On Wednesday, September 10, 2008, new Children's Librarian Tera Forrest was sworn in at the City Council meeting. New Building Inspector, Jeff Jeske, was also sworn in by City Clerk Carol Robb.

Wicked Literature

Halloween and scary stories are not just for children. On Thursday, October 30 at 7 pm, we encourage high school students and adults to join us at the library for this program presented by a new theatre group, Nom de Guerre Theatre Guild. They have created new adaptations for the stage from classic literature in the thriller genre, drawing from the likes of Poe, Stevenson, and Irving. Actors will be seated in the room and reading from the scripts. The plays will still be in development, so the goal is to have the playwrights “hear” the plays, and gauge community interest and reaction. After the readings there will be a quick Q & A to field questions about the plays, source material, and vision for a planned festival in 2009. This is a great opportunity to have input in this new and evolving program.