I've been reading the discussions on ARLIS-L concerning the Public
Library Division with great interest because I've been working on
advertising the Public Library Tour at our conference next month. It
does seem to me that the tour would provide an ideal opportunity
for members of the Public Library Division to discuss issues of concern
to them and perhaps even develop a model for combining the tour with a
discussion group, as has already been suggested.
However, even if none of that is of interest to you the tour has it's
own merits. The Beverly Hills Public Library is a lovely place. It's
spacious, airy and contains one of the best-kept secrets in LA, their
Friends of the Library bookstore. If I don't go at least monthly I
develop withdrawal symptoms. Given their donor base I'm sure you can
imagine the wealth of new, used and op books they have. I can't
believe I'm telling all of you about it. The Fine Arts Division of the
library has an excellent research and circulating collection that
serves the broadest possible population, from high school students to
professional appraisers. The Brand Library in Glendale was once the
home of real estate tycoon Leslie C. Brand. His was not the 'less is
more' era and his home, called 'El Miradero', definitely reflects that.
Check out this picture and you'll see what I mean:
http://www.usc.edu/isd/archives/la/libraries/brand_library.jpeg. The
grounds of the estate, which once included an airstrip for Brand's
"fly-in" parties, are now a city park.
Last, but never least, the tour goes to the Los Angeles Central
Library. Many of you will remember reading about the fire that
devastated the building 15 years ago. There was an enormous outpouring
of public and private support for the library. The restoration and new
addition, while completely different from each other, are both a "must
see". LA is justly proud of this treasure. On my last visit there to
see a photography exhibition I had the pleasure of spotting Gregory
Peck. Jaded as I am about celebrities this was definitely a thrill.
He's a big supporter and you may get lucky too and spot him as he comes
in frequently to give readings.
See all the details at:
http://arlis2001.ucsd.edu/schedule/tours/14.html
For more on 2001: An LA Odyssey check out the website:
http://arlis2001.ucsd.edu/
Dawn Henney
Publicity, ARLIS/NA 2001 Conference
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