Despite myriad technological, cultural and generational changes, Arcadia Library & Museum Services Director Mary Beth Hayes reports that the Arcadia Public Library gets between 500,000 and 600,000 visits each year! You may also be surprised to learn that six out of ten Arcadia residents have a library card.
Mary Beth was the featured speaker last Thursday, Jan. 8, to an enthusiastic gathering of the first Government Affairs Forum of the new sponsored by Keystone 365 Sponsor Singpoli and led by Chairman Jack Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments & Consulting in the Chamber’s conference room sponsored by Foothill Credit Union. In order to continue providing the best services to the community, she said the Library is currently undertaking a Needs Assessment Analysis for which the public is invited to participate at forums on Jan. 15 (7 p.m. at the library, 20 W. Duarte Road) and 31st (2 p.m. at the Museum Education Center, 382 W. Huntington Drive) and fill out a survey in person or online.
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Mary Beth also reports that there are 200,000 items in the Library’s ever-changing collection with a total circulation of 792,339, including books, audio visual items and CDs. With 25% of library cardholders being children, the library is clearly a great family place with a lot of programs dedicated to children and adults alike. This includes concerts where the slogan is “come for the concert and stay for the books” or vice versa!
The library is guided by a Board of Trustees, which attendee Mayor Pro Tem Gary Kovacic noted is the only volunteer City commission that has the power to hire and fire that City department head. Other City commissions of volunteers are strictly advisory.
The Library has other volunteer support groups, including The Friends of the Arcadia Library and the Arcadia Public Library Foundation, both of which have done so much to help make the library what it is today. The Friends operate the book store in the front of the library where patrons can purchase donated used books. The proceeds benefit the library.
Mary Beth is also in charge of the Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage, 380 West Huntington Drive – behind the Community Center — which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. The Museum has permanent and temporary exhibits and offers a variety of hands on programs sure to please the entire family.
In other reports from attendees at the Forum:
- Viola Van representing Congresswoman Judy Chu noted that the new Congress is back in session in Washington and that Chu’s office will be hosting a number of events this year including Women of Distinction and the annual Job Hunters Boot Camp.
- Clayton Arick representing Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez indicated that the Senator will be hosting two Covered California events focused on getting people signed up for health care in our area, including two focused on getting Asian Pacific Islanders and Latinos signed up.
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Kovacic noted the opening of Santa Anita Park on Dec. 26 and the additional suites at the track. He also talked about the Arcadia Performing Arts Center season series beginning Saturday, Jan. 10, with the group Three Dog Night.- Linda Sells of the Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte Town Council reported serving 400 people Christmas dinner and providing 300 toys to children. The Council, which meets he third Wednesday of each month, continues to do wonderful work in the unincorporated areas of our community.
- Finally, Rainbow Yeung of the AQMD announced a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Forum from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 (click on flier at right for details).
The public is invited on the first Thursday of each month to hear informative presentations at the monthly Government Affairs Forum sponsored by Singpoli and led by Chairman Jack Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments & Consulting, and co-chairman Pete Ulrich, former Arcadia City Councilman. RSVPs to the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce office are appreciated – (626) 447-2159 or info@ArcadiaCaChamber.org.
