Friends of the Oakland Public Library
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"Public libraries receive less than 1% of all tax dollars and are used by more than 50
percent of the population." |
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Friends of the Oakland Public Library
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Editor's Note: One of our roving FOPL reporters visited the Asian American Children's Spring Art Exhibition -- on exhibit at the Asian Branch from April 1 to June 30, 2004 -- and sent in this report. The exhibit is an annual event, so look for it again next year.
Celebrations of the Year of the Monkey at the Asian Branch included a unique exhibit of Chinese brush painting created by students from the Children’s Art Studio and the Channing Art Studio. The exhibitors ranged in age from 5 to 10 years old. As the children gathered around their artwork, admiring parents and friends stood in-between the bookshelves taking pictures of the proud young artists. Next, everyone proceeded to a ceremony held in a small office where the proud students were honored with certificates and flowers noting their achievements. Some of the parents had to stand outside the room and watch from the door.
Outgrowing its previous space at 449 9th Street, the branch moved to its present location in the Pacific Renaissance Plaza in 1995. “On average about 1,500 to 1,700 people during the week and 2,500 to 3,500 persons use this branch during holidays and weekends,” says Li. “Our objective is to serve the entire Asian community which is a multi-cultural and also a multi-generational community.” There is an extensive collection of books, tapes, newspapers, and other materials in a range of languages including Cantonese, Cambodian, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese. Also, staff members who speak a variety of Asian languages including Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog are available to help patrons. The unique collections and services at the Asian Branch Library attract people from cities as far away as Milpitas and San Francisco. Everyone must apply for a library card first to use the services. People not only use books but also need help using information. “Many suburban libraries are not always equipped with multi-lingual collections,” notes Marjorie Li.
Photo by JaYing Wang Some younger patrons don’t speak their parent’s native language and want to learn about their parent’s original culture. Various genres like medieval Japanese novels allow younger users to explore their past. In keeping with its goal to serve the entire Asian community Marjorie Li saw a lack of services for teens. Many of the teens had used the children’s programs when they were younger. She observed teens just congregating with nothing to do while in transition to be picked up by parents or waiting to go to Chinese school. Marjorie created several programs to get teens involved. The Teen Photo Project had teens taking pictures in their environments through their own eyes. The Teen Summer Tutor Program has teens tutoring younger students. The collection of multi-lingual books geared to teenagers is being expanded. There is not enough space for the English versions of the books so teens are encouraged to have those titles transferred to the Asian Branch from other branches. Teens also use the Teen Zone at the Main Library as an English supplement. --Veronica Beverly, FOPL Board Member
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