Notes from Jan

You couldn't have opened this newsletter without noticing Platt Branch will be celebrating its eighth birthday on April 12th. Check out the festivities on page 5 and join us!

Staff news:  Effective February 9, Adult Librarian Chukwuji Nwajei made her transfer to Platt Branch permanent. Chukwuji was reassigned from Valley Plaza Branch during its renovation (see the Vol.7#3 Newsletter), and we're all delighted she decided to stay. Also, we've gained a new part-time Messenger Clerk. Michelle Crespo has been working two evenings a week and Saturdays since January 27.

Renovations update:  Encino-Tarzana Branch reopens April 10th. Woodland Hills Branch will be completed by the end of June.

 

Take a look!  We've always listened to our patrons. And now, if you'll take the time to jot down your thoughts on the handy comment slips, we'll be better able to follow up requests and pursue pressing issues. It's already working. On the evening of March 3, the Friends installed the box near the check-out counter. By March 12 alone, we'd received and acted upon three comments!

Book drop reminder:  Sometimes “the cup runneth over”—or gets blocked by off-hours maintenance work. Please, tell all your kith and kin: When there's no room in the curbside box or the book return chute won't open, bring your books to the check-out counter as soon as you can. We won't charge fines. We'll praise your foresight, because books left on the curb or by the wall oft meet unpleasant ends and stay on your account.

And here's a happy postscript:  Barely settled into her new position at Mid-Valley Regional, Adult Librarian Sherry Van Sickle is already hard at work on a project that introduces Neighborhood Council members citywide to the City Webpage and helps them navigate the online 311 Program. Training workshops began April 1 at Pio-Pico Branch's expansive computer lab in Koreatown.

Jan Metzler, Senior Librarian

Marionette Show by Homeschoolers

 

Platt Branch hosted a very special program at the end of January. Over a hundred people attended a marionette production created entirely by home-schooled children. These talented youngsters wrote the script, made the marionettes, and performed the play. The show featured Dorothy of The Wizard of Oz with her dog Toto in scenes with other characters from popular folk tales like The Five Chinese Brothers, Cinderella, and The Big Turnip. The children selected their favorite books for the play, which resulted in a fabulous performance!

Many thanks are due to Renee Vlashi, who coordinated the show. And another loud round of applause goes to the petite performers for a job well done.

Vicki Migliori, Children's Librarian

 

Another Great Young Adult Program

High jumping frogs were but one of the ingenious folded-paper projects mastered at Platt's Origami Workshop last March. Teens and tots and even Young Adult Librarian Vicki Clarke received expert instruction from origami master Leon Brown, seen at right helping Vicki put the spring in her creation.

Roll and Rock Pets

The January cabinet display honored the many wonderful volunteers of Platt Branch. Just shy of one hundred dedicated people were acknowledged for the generous service they provide to the library, and thus to the community as well.

 

All creatures “great and small” were featured in a most creative way for the month of February. Deirdra Hearn shared a collection of her “RoxAnimals”. Using the natural shape of rocks, and her considerable talent in painting, she was able to “bring to life” many critters. Would you believe, among others: mice, a dog, cat, otter, raccoon, elk, woodpecker, and even a pink crab! Many thanks to Deirdra, and to Therese Hearn and David Perrell for their “rock solid” display arranging. 

Millie Berger, Past President

More Support from Haynes Third Graders

Mrs. Karra's third grade class from Haynes Street Elementary School donated $70 toward the purchase of children's library materials. This is the second time Haynes students have raised money for Platt Branch, and this time Children's Librarian Vicki Migliori plans to buy five children's books-and-tapes to enhance our collection. Mrs. Karra's students deserve a big “Thank you!”—both for their generosity and for keeping our library in mind.


 

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