Community Gathers for Library Days Celebration

Saturday morning, June 21, was a day of music and art at the A.K. Smiley Public Library as it celebrated library days. Library card holders were invited to attend, where they could enjoy carnival-styled games, food from In-N-Out, and arts and crafts. “We want to encourage people to come to the library,” said coordinator Daniel Slota. “We want to show them that we’re still around.” Among the things guests could do was play games and earn tickets, which could be exchanged for prizes such as magnets and other small trinkets. Children could practice their artistic side by painting on glass and drying it out. Representatives of the Folk Music Center in Claremont were also present to show and demonstrate instruments from different parts of the world, such as Africa and India. Guests could also touch the instruments and witness demonstrations by Jerry O'Sullivan and Henry Barnes, to see how they are played and hear the sounds they make. In the library’s heritage room, a presentation of World War I and how it affected the Redlands area was held. In the children's section, library staff would read to young children, as a way of entertainment and encouraging interest in books. Outside, visitors could eat while listening to a performance by Ray McNamara. And of course, no event at a library is complete without a book sale. Held by the Friends of the Library bookstore, people could buy books at the cheap price of 10 cents per book. The store generates money that goes to the library to help it get more books for its shelves. “Money is raised through memberships, which last a year,” Ben Royland, a member of the Friends of the Library, said in regards to other ways the store helps. The sale was also a way to get rid of unneeded books and to unburden their stock, having too many for the library to shelve. With many people gathered amidst a festival of literature and music and art, the A.K. Smiley Public Library celebrated the support of its members and their families, reminding them that the library is a fun place to be. [END] Library Days Celebration Date: Saturday, June 21, 2014 Time: 10:15 a.m. Event Location: A.K. Smiley Public Library Address: 125 W. Vine Street Redlands CA 92373 Description: The first 400 Library Day guests will get a special treat – a coupon good for a free In-N-Out lunch from the In-N-Out truck! Limited to Library Day event participants only or guests who show their library card at the circulation desk that morning between 10:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.CONTACT INFO Phone: 909-798-7565. Thanks to a generous grant from local computer mapping firm Esri, the Smiley Public Library in Redlands is proud to announce that on Saturday, June 21st the library will host its 3rd annual Library Days Celebration. “This year’s event explores the themes of art, music, and history," noted library director Don McCue. “We encourage both our long-time patrons and new residents to come to Smiley Library, learn something new, have some food, and enjoy a variety of fine entertainment". A host of activities are taking place around Smiley Park from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Art group Division 9 Gallery will give demonstrations on how to make your very own art prints using inexpensive materials and non-toxic dyes. All materials will be provided for free - all guests need to bring is their curiosity. A number of carnival style games will be available to test skills and try to win hand-made crafts. “Music will be a key part of our celebration," observed McCue. Renowned drummer Ray McNamara will be performing on steel pan drums. McNamara is also a studio musician whose film and TV credits include: A Bug’s Life, Indian Runner, The Roseanne Show, and Who’s the Boss. His performance will include sessions where audience members young and old can join with him playing percussion instruments provided by the artist. Musicians from the Folk Music Center will also be in attendance with a variety of folk instruments that can be explored. “If you’ve ever wanted to try out a ukulele, hand drum, or other folk instruments, now is your chance.” In honor of the 50th anniversary of the “British Invasion” of music to the US, at 1 p.m. “The Fan Four”, a Beatles tribute band, will perform a concert in the Contemporary Club, just south of the Lincoln Shrine. These young Redlands natives will play a 45 minute set in full Beatles costume. Those who missed the Beatles in the 60s, or weren’t born yet, will want to take advantage of this unique opportunity. The Fan Four will even stick around to take a few photos with the audience afterward. Have you ever wondered about how to trace your Redlands family or perhaps a Civil War ancestor? From 10:15 – 11 a.m. Ron Running, from the Redlands Area Genealogy Society, and Smiley Library Archivist Nathan Gonzales will be hosting a workshop in the Heritage Room. Do you have an ancestor who fought in World War I? In commemoration of the upcoming centennial of the start of the Great War (1914-1918), Associate Archivist Maria Carrillo and historian Ann Deegan are documenting local histories of World War I veterans and civilians. Bring your stories, documents, photographs, and any other WWI-related items that you wish to share. If all you know is a name, Maria and Ann will gladly help you conduct research for your family tree. Stories from both the war and home fronts are welcome. “We felt that it was important to learn about how the war affected Redlands from all perspectives. Early research has shown the participation of many women as nurses and well as efforts at home in support of the military,” said Ann Deegan. Maria Carrillo added, “It seems that World War I is often overshadowed by the conflicts that came after it. We’re excited to learn stories of how the war affected Redlanders.” Last but certainly not least local educator Darcel Cannady-Jamerson will bring abolitionist Harriet Tubman to life with a presentation in the Lincoln Memorial Shrine at noon. The first 400 guests who participate in any Library Day event between 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or show their library card at the circulation desk that morning will get a special treat – a coupon good for a free In-N-Out lunch from the In-N-Out truck! “It’s the Library’s way of saying 'thank you' to everyone who supports our mission of providing information and programming to the community” concluded McCue.