Meet noted local historian and biographer
Anthony Arthur
Tuesday, October 9 at 7 pm

The Friends October General Meeting program is a must for history buffs and everyone who loves well-wrought true tales. Widely praised for his engaging style and meticulous research, Anthony Arthur speaks as well as he writes, as anyone who has chatted with him can attest.

A former Fulbright scholar and CSUN professor, Dr. Arthur authored Radical Innocent: Upton Sinclair (“intimate and intellectually astute”, The New Yorker), Bushmasters (“a superb piece of writing”, Los Angeles Times), Literary Feuds: A Century of Celebrated Quarrels (“fresh and piquant”, London Times), and three more “riveting”…”classic”…”brilliantly rendered” historical accounts. And—on a good day, you can find him right here at Platt Branch, researching his next tour de force or just browsing in our Bookstore.

Don't miss this opportunity to be properly introduced.

Sue Strickland, Program Chair

An Evening for Readers and Other Dreamers

Carolyn See signing books while (l. to r.) Sue Strickland, Lynn Durbin and Ed Berger look on.

Noted author and book critic Carolyn See captivated the audience at our May General Meeting. Her stories of personal dreams and fears illuminated the nuances in her work and were both humorous and touching (and at times, a bit risqué). Readers and aspiring authors, alike, enjoyed a literary evening in its purest form.

After her address, we adjourned to the Multipurpose Room where Carolyn's latest books were available for purchase. In addition to signing these and earlier works, Carolyn graciously autographed the display poster M. Marcelo, a CSUN design student, created to assist the success of this Friends event.

Lynn Durbin and her volunteers once again provided scrumptious goodies. Thanks also to Stan DeCovnick, Warren Bromund, Sharon & Shel Schuster, and John Strickland for their assistance setting up. Carol Roseman did a fantastic job of publicizing the meeting, per usual. Special thanks to her.

Sue Strickland, Program Chair

No Excuses Necessary!

Former Los Angeles City Councilwoman Joy Picus (right) chats with (from left) Sharon Schuster, Bob Shrum, and Lynn Light.

In June, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles's initial outreach program at Platt Branch met with unqualified success. Thanks to the combined efforts of Jeff Burbank, the Foundation's Director of Communications and Marketing, our Senior Librarian, Lynn Light, and FOPL's Publicity Chair, Carol Roseman, some 80 interested Valleyites greeted author Robert Shrum, whose just-breaking memoir has attracted attention nationwide.

In turn, Mr. Shrum, a top-tier political strategist, presented an intriguing glimpse of his major election campaigns. Our audience didn't let the moment slip by. They quizzed him on topics as far afield as why Jimmy Carter flubbed Iran and whether Al Gore is likely to enter the 2008 presidential race. Post-program comments ran heavily to “Never would have gone downtown for this, but love having it in my neighborhood.”

After the program, everyone enjoyed refreshments provided by the Friends Hospitality crew coordinated by Sue Strickland, our Program Chair. Christine Romero from the Foundation's Library Store at Central Library sold 21 books. And the Library Foundation had an answer to the question: Will bringing cutting-edge programs to the branches be worth the effort?

This pilot project at Platt Branch certainly was.

Sharon Schuster, President

Homebound Friends and Neighbors Program

Occasionally, library patrons are unable to come to the library to check out books. In such a case, they can receive a special “Homebound Friends and Neighbors” library card that allows others to pick up and deliver their books. Also, they are not liable for overdue books (just for lost books).

In most cases, friends or neighbors provide this service to the homebound person, but if the patron has no one to do this, the Friends of the Platt Library would like to provide volunteers to help.

If you would be available to help a homebound person with his/her library needs, email me. And…if you are homebound, or know someone who is, and need this service, definitely email me right now.

Sharon Schuster, President

Books For Babies Update

The Friends Books for Babies program, in conjunction with LAPL and West Hills Hospital, has received positive feedback from the Nursery staff at the hospital and from the new parents of the recipients. Because of this success, the Friends Board voted to extend the project for another 6 months. To refresh your memory, this FOLUSA-created program provides introduction-to-reading kits to newborns. Our kit includes a book, reading guide materials, and library information.

Frona DeCovnick, Past President

Opera Talk is coming to Platt

The LA Opera Company, working with LAPL, brings once-a-month seminars to participating branches to familiarize the public with operas in the Opera Company's repertoire. The Friends have applied for acceptance into this program. We are currently planning to hold the talks on the third Tuesday of each month. We hope to begin the program in September.

Please watch the Event Calendar and keep an eye out for flyers and e-mails informing you of the confirmed dates and time. We feel this program will be of great benefit to Platt's patrons and our community at large.

Frona DeCovnick, Past President

OPERA TALK UPDATE:

Seven Opera Talks are now confirmed! Seminars will be held at 7 pm on the third Tuesday of each month beginning October 16.

Four members joined/rejoined the Board this year:

Freya Maneki, seen here at the Friends Board transition supper last July, brings extensive experience to the office of Recording Secretary. She's recently retired from a similar position at Dole Food Company. Freya has been a Bookstore volunteer since 2006.

General Support Members (from left): Jessie Blue works as Director of Medical Records at West Hills Hospital when not attending to Friends' business. A familiar face, Phil Binderman served on the Board as Program Chair in '05-'06. Before retiring, Lin Schonberger was an editor and writer; now she volunteers in the Bookstore (since 2006).

 
The Friends of the Platt Library Newsletter is produced and maintained by Hearn/Perrell Art Associates. Editor: Therese Hearn
Artwork, photos and information are copyrighted by their respective Authors, the Friends of the Platt Library, and/or Hearn/Perrell Art Associates and may not be reprinted without permission.
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