by Jill Forman
On Read Across America Day, March 2, the Friends started celebrating 50 years of serving Ventura libraries. Events will continue throughout the year.
At the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, a short block from the Avenue Library, there was a band, goodies, crafts, speakers, and a special appearance by an award-winning local author of children’s books.
The Inlakech Cultural Arts Mariachi Band, consisting of children and teens, played and sang. They are amazing musicians and had everyone dancing in place.
Mary Olson, President of the Friends, gave a short speech: “The Friends of the Library mission is the same today as it was 50 years ago — to let everyone know about all the great things available to them at the library and to support the library through funds raised in large part through sales of donated books. The proceeds from our first book sale in 1969 were used to buy large print books and children’s books in Spanish and English, and today we are celebrating bilingual children’s’ books with author Amada Irma Perez.”
Jim Monahan, Ventura icon, was present and gracious enough to say a few words. He has lived in the city, and the Avenue area, for 80-plus years, and believes strongly that the city’s libraries are a valuable asset.
Sofia Rubalcava, one of the new City Council members, represents the Avenue region. She is also a lifelong city resident; in fact she still lives on the street on the Westside where she was born and raised. She spoke about pride in the city, our library system and the Friends.
The Librarian of the Avenue Library, Mary Birch, expressed her appreciation of the celebration and the role the Friends play in her programs. Then she introduced the Featured Author, Amada Irma Perez.
Perez, also a Ventura resident and local bilingual educator, has written several books for children based on her own life. Her first book, “My Very Own Room,” won many awards including won numerous awards including the prestigious Tomas Rivera Children’s Book Award and was inducted into the Latino Literature Archives at the University of Southwest Texas. Her second bilingual picture book, “My Diary From Here to There,” won an award from the American Library Association. The books are illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzales with bright colors and warm family scenes.
Perez read from her book “Nana’s Big Surprise (Nana, Que Sorpresa!,)” a story from her family, in English and Spanish to a group of rapt children who were encouraged to sit around her on the floor. Then she signed and gave away copies of the book to attendees. Children could also make folk art dolls from wooden clothespins, fabric scraps, and yarn set up and assisted by Judee Hauer. (Adults made quite a few of these also.) Pastries, coffee, punch and a raffle completed the festivities.
The Ventura Friends of the Library want to thank Harrison Industries for sponsoring the event. Donors included Lee and Low Books, Panaderia Lala’s, Red Barn Market, Starbucks at Vons on the Avenue, and the City of Ventura Parks and Recreation.
Future celebrations will take place at Foster Library in July, Saticoy Library in August, and Hill Road Library in October.
