Library's 120th Anniversary Festivities
In 1899, one hundred and twenty years ago, the La Jolla Library Association came into existence. In fact, you can browse the original minutes from its first meeting in the library’s history room while you digitize your old family photos in the process! There’s a lot more we want you to experience for the anniversary, and we’ve packaged it all into a variety of activities on Thursday, June 6th.
Trivia Hunt
From 10:00am to 5:00pm, participate in a Trivia Quiz turned scavenger hunt that entails visiting different areas of the library and learning about them and La Jolla history in the process. You’ll even be eligible to enter a raffle for cool giveaways.
Storytime
At 10:30am, we’ve prepared a special storytime for our youngest patrons. There’s a Junior Detective theme replete with a clue hunt and prizes, and the tot in your life doesn’t want to miss it.
After-Hours Party
In the evening from 6:30pm-8:30pm, there’s a Friends Members-only party for adults. Drinks and appetizers will be served. Notable La Jollans of the past and present will be there to assist guests in solving the mystery, The Caper on Draper: Who Stole the Manuscript? Would you like to become a member and attend? Register at the event for as little as ten dollars.
Did you know the famed mystery novelists Raymond Chandler and Anne Rice lived in La Jolla? Or that mystery fiction novels are our most frequently circulated books? It’s inspired the mystery theme for the entire day. We hope to see you on June 6th!
MEET A GARBAGE TRUCK STORYTIME
On Monday, February 25th, the La Jolla/Riford Library hosted San Diego's Environmental Services Department and a very special storytime—Meet a Garbage Truck Storytime! Toddlers listened to stories about garbage trucks, met sanitation workers, and even got to tour the inside of a garbage truck and watch the vehicle in action! Over a hundred people, including NBC and CBS News, turned out. Local author Marcia Berneger herself stopped by to read "Buster the Little Garbage Truck."
Keith Di Giulio, Area Refuse Collection Supervisor, talked to reporters about the importance of this event. “It's extremely important because the kids get to see who the trash guy is and get to see that he is a person.” The awe on the children’s faces said it all. Garbage Truck Storytime was a big success!
Click here to watch NBC’s video coverage.
Library Shines in La Jolla Christmas Parade
La Jolla/Riford Library staff and volunteers marched in the 61st annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival on Sunday, December 2nd . Pushing festively adorned book carts and even accompanied by a storybook character (the Gingerbread man), representatives proudly dressed in their Christmas best and demonstrated enthusiasm for the library as they wove from one sunny, spectator-lined street to the next.
Recognizing many faces in the crowd, Angie Stava, the Youth Services librarian exclaimed, “This is so much fun!” Branch Manager Shaun Briley, alongside his young sons, waived while the announcer entreated the public to come check out the latest happenings at the library, including one of the 100,000 books on the shelves.
From Girard Avenue to Prospect Street, La Jolla Riford Library drew countless smiles as one of the parade's 80 entrants.
Best-Selling Author Susan Orlean kicks off Book Tour
In Senegal, it’s said when someone dies, "his/her library has burned.” This expression, Susan Orlean revealed, encapsulates everything she aimed to convey in her latest novel. During "The Library Book" reading and signing hosted by Warwick's at La Jolla/Riford Library on October 18th, the New York Times best-selling author discussed what drove her to write about an event largely overlooked in history—the mysterious 1986 fire at the Los Angeles Public Library. In an effort to examine the fire that desecrated hundreds of thousands of books, "The Library Book" explores the entire history of the L.A. Public Library, the colorful characters once employed there, and how the library functions daily, all connected to the idea that libraries have a particular resonance for everyone. On Thursday, Orlean shared a passage recalling precious library outings with her own mother as a child, a testament to the library’s role as “Immortal Memory Holder.” The library beckons stories and promises stories in return, she said, which is perhaps why the burning of books feels unequivocally wrong, and why, certainly, libraries do matter.
Library represented at the Art and Wine Festival
Library homework coach, David Gak, was among many volunteers who made the library booth at the annual Art and Wine festival a huge success. The library was offering 3D printing, button making and there were even books available to checkout with our mobile library. Thanks to generous sponsors Gepettos, for providing our booth right on the corner of Wall Street and Girard Ave.