Notes from the Senior Librarian

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Over the past 12 months, the Friends supported three significant requests that visibly improved Platt Branch service and overall appearance.

Because of nearby branch closures, many more books began arriving for our new customers. When it became apparent the Circulation Desk shelving and metal trucks could not possibly hold the onslaught, a finish carpenter designed and installed additional shelves and pullout drawers to match the existing millwork. The Friends funded this attractive solution to the overload in readership, as well as providing for drawer storage at Reference. Both have been in use since October, and I don't know how we managed before the new space.

After 7 years, the upholstered chairs delivered for opening in ’95 were faded, soiled, and, in two instances, worn through to the padding. Again, Friends came to the rescue by funding a selection of two fabrics better suited to heavy use and sixteen chairs were recovered. So many favorable comments have been forthcoming that even Martha Stewart would approve of the new look in Platt's reading areas.

Anyone who visited in the afternoon this year soon realized that computers were a scarce commodity. With Friends’ help paying for an increase in wiring, the City delivered five new Dell computers for public use. The added equipment has alleviated lengthy waits for Internet time and brought joy to our daily school-age users.

Three needs—all answered by Friends. And the Staff loves what friendship has accomplished.

Jan Metzler, Senior Librarian

Young Adult Programs

 
At the Hot Jazz for Teens event July 18, an audience member jams with jazz singer and teacher Cathy Segal-Garcia and local musicians Eddie Olivieri (on keyboard, not shown), Chris Conner (acoustic bass), Gene Stone (on drums), and Howie Segurson (alto sax). Purely coincidentally, Howie is married to Friends Life Member and In House Volunteer Harriet Segurson.

Platt’s June Cartoon Drawshop and July Hot Jazz drew an enthusiastic response from teens and adults (and kids) alike. Our August and September offerings promise to be just as lively.

Japanese Animation Drawing — Thursday, August 22 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Gentatsu Sakakibara will review the history of Japanese animation and teach teens how to draw popular Japanese characters, such as those in DragonBall Z. This is a Not-to-miss! A talented character designer and Ronin artist, Gentatsu has received rave reviews from other LAPL branches for his “Rhythms and Reading” series program.

The Art of Mehndi — Thursday, September 26 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Timid Tattoos will trace the development of the ancient East Indian body art form known as “Mehndi” and demonstrate some classical hand, arm, and ankle motifs on willing teens and adults. Currently hot among fashion trendsetters, Mehndi is executed with henna paint—an elegant and temporary alternative to tattoos, according to recent Porter Ranch Branch participants.

For more details on both programs, visit my teen webpages at http://www.shasta-costa.com/teens.

Vicki Clarke, Young Adult Librarian

Cheers to Haynes Street Room 18!

 

Thank you! Seen here with Children’s Librarian Vicki Migliori (far left) during their May visit to Platt Library, Mr. Bluestein’s 5th grade class from Haynes Street School donated enough money for us to buy eight titles for the Children’s section. Platt is very fortunate that Mr. Bluestein’s students chose this means to honor an outstanding teacher (that’s him standing to the right).

Beautiful & Intriguing

If you didn't catch the displays in the library cabinet for the last two months you missed some wonderful sights. Most recently patrons were fascinated by a display called “Money Not Used For Money”. Presented by Mr. Sterling Rachootin, this was a collection of intriguing articles such as jewelry, lockets, a doll and other art, all made from coins. Mr. Rachootin, a retired teacher, has been an avid numismatist for many years.

This coming year, Librarian Janet Gast (818-340-9386) and Friends member, Millie Berger (818-347-1240), will coordinate the cabinet displays. If you have a favorite collection that you would be willing to show in the coming months, please contact either of them. And whenever you come to the library, don't forget to stop for a few minutes to enjoy the monthly displays.

Millie Berger, Past President


 

 
The Friends of the Platt Library Newsletter is produced and maintained by Hearn/Perrell Art Associates. Editor: Therese Hearn
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