At our March General Meeting, the turnout for Shelley Berman's “Comedy and Its Reflections in History” was so large we had to move the meeting into the library itself to accommodate the crowd. And his presentation was certainly worth the extra effort.
Shelley Berman is living proof great comedians don't grow old; they ripen like a fine amontillado—becoming deeper and more nuanced with each passing decade. As he took us through key moments in history that gave birth to specific styles of comedy, he continuously illustrated his major thesis (that the best comedy allows people to see, laugh at, and either accept or change themselves and their institutions). You'd have to take his writing course, however, to adequately describe his performance to those not there to savor his asides. Suffice to say, Mr. Berman's talk was both erudite and hilarious, and very well received by all assembled.
Fortunately, those who had to miss his rare local appearance can find him playing Nat David on Larry David's current HBO series, “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Also, many of his award-winning comedy albums and films are still available. Visit his website for more info.
Speaking of effort, special thanks are due Warren Bromund, Stan DeCovnick, Ed & Millie Berger, and Harriet & Howie Segurson for helping me accomplish the last-minute change of venue. We all also deeply appreciate Paula Russo & crew's ability to increase the quantity of refreshments at literally a moment's notice.
Joan Vos, Program Chair
When: Saturday, June 18 from 8:45 am to (approx.) 2:30 pm.
Where: start and end at Platt Branch
Library.
Cost: $5 per person.
Reservations: required, must
be received with payment by May 14.
NOW is the time to sign-up for our tour of the Los Angeles Public Library's beautifully restored main library downtown. All Friends Members (and their guests, age 12 and over) are welcome to board the bus and leave downtown traffic and parking headaches to our bus driver.
Upon arrival, library docents will lead a tour of the original Goodhue Building (named after the architect who designed it and noted for its art and architectural features) and the new Tom Bradley Room (opened after the 1986 fire), plus an additional half-hour tour of the garden (called The Spine because it's laid out like a book spine) for those fascinated by horticulture as well. Those more interested in the current Library exhibits can visit the two self-guided galleries instead: The Getty Gallery houses mainly photographic exhibits, and the Annenberg Gallery showcases selections from LAPL's extensive print memorabilia collections (such as film posters, menus, bookplates). These exhibits aren't included in the general tour because they're both well annotated and direct patrons to the sections in which the collections are housed.
The full tour lasts about 1˝ hours. At its conclusion, we've allowed time to check out the new Bunker Hill across the street or have lunch (on your own—bring a bag lunch or eat at the Café Pinot in the library garden or at any nearby restaurant).
Attendance, however, is limited to the number of seats on the bus. So don't miss out. GET YOUR RESERVATION IN TODAY!
Mary Ann Ostrom, Fundraising VP
The Magic of Books celebration starts at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 16. Favorite
magician Tony
Daniels and master storyteller Janeece Flint will be
enthralling audiences in the Children's Section. Outdoor magic will be provided
by the ever popular Ronald
McDonald and John Abrams’s Animal Magic. Talented musicians will serenade us. 
Plus, Don Shuster will be
back with his airbrush tattoo booth, and Millie Berger will
arrange more of her magical crafts for kids. Add free balloons and refreshments and a huge Used Book Sale*—with fabulous bargains—and you have an event not to be missed!
* Book sale begins at 10 am
The Friends of the Platt Library Newsletter is produced and maintained by Hearn/Perrell Art Associates. Editor: Therese Hearn
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