Summer 2014 - Library Foundation of Los Angeles

Summer 2014
News and Calendar
Designed by Cleon Peterson and Shepard Fairey. For more information on the event surrounding this artwork, turn to page 4.
Los Angeles Public Library News
Library Foundation News
Welcome to New Directors
Graduate with the Los Angeles Public Library
Each member of the Library Foundation’s Board of
Directors is vital to the organization. In addition to
providing philanthropic support, these Directors help
govern and serve as ambassadors for the organization.
They are tasked with electing new representatives
who embrace the Foundation’s mission and bring an
array of talents and resources to the leadership. In
recent months, the Library Foundation has been
fortunate to welcome a diverse group.
Letter from the President
Oh, to be in the library now that summer is here! How many of us have wonderful memories of
summer visits to the neighborhood libraries of
our childhood? The welcoming Children’s Room,
the librarian who recognized us (often by name)
and made every child feel welcome. The almost
unbelievable fact that the books were free, and all
one needed was something called a “library card.”
That treasured possession is for most of us the
first card of any kind that was truly our own. It
was the key to a great summer--something not to
be lost. I can still recall the sense of pride that my
twin sister and I each had our own library cards.
Whatever interested us that particular summer,
you could bet that the librarian knew which book
to recommend and would sometimes have them
waiting for us. My sister and I read at what the
school called “different levels,” but the library
was not school and the librarian encouraged but
never compared us.
The library was air-conditioned and a great relief
on the hottest of summer days. We did not have
the great advantage of a summer reading club,
one of the most popular of all the Los Angeles
Public Library’s programs and made possible by
the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.
“Paws to Read” is the theme for 2014 and this
summer, tens of thousands of young children will
be coming into the cool and welcoming libraries
across our city. They will discover the books and
activities and librarians that make a childhood
summer both memorable and influential when
they return to the school classroom as keen
readers with information to share.
School will be over soon, my son will be home,
and I want to ask him if he might like to walk
over to our neighborhood library. I have a feeling
he will say yes.
See you there?
—Ken Brecher, President
2
Greg Bettinelli is a member of the Los Angeles Public
Library Board of Library Commissioners. He is a
Venture Partner at Upfront Ventures, Advisor for
Freeman Spogli & Co., and Co-Founder of MuckerLab.
From 2009 to 2013, Mr. Bettinelli was the Chief
Marketing Officer for HauteLook. Prior to that, he
was Executive Vice President of Business Development
and Strategy at Live Nation, Inc. and held leadership
positions at eBay. Mr. Bettinelli received a B.A. in
Political Science from the University of San Diego
and an M.B.A from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio
School of Business and Management.
Thomas Crahan guides product and pricing
strategies for Lexus, Toyota & Scion. He leads a team
in identifying market opportunities for new vehicles,
and is also responsible for pricing and regulatory
strategies. Prior to his position with Toyota, Thomas
planned the Infiniti G37 models and Nissan GTR
sports car for Nissan North America. He holds a B.S.
in mechanical engineering from Loyola Marymount
University and an M.B.A. from the Anderson School at
UCLA. He lectures at Art Center College on empathic
design, and at UCLA’s Anderson School on marketing
strategy and new product development.
Mai Lassiter is a member of the Los Angeles Public
Library Board of Library Commissioners. She is a
branding and marketing consultant for Overbrook
Entertainment, and serves as an advisor for their
corporate philanthropy. Ms. Lassiter is a Trustee
at The Center for Early Education and a Founding
Member of FOCUS, an affiliate group of Children’s
Hospital Los Angeles. She oversees the annual
college scholarship awards selection for the Harry S.
Huggins Memorial Scholarship Fund at the
Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (CT)
and is a committed fundraiser for the Democratic
National Committee.
Recent studies show that around 25 percent of Los
Angeles residents do not have a high school diploma—
that equals well over a million people who lack the
training they need to find gainful employment. With
support from the Library Foundation, the Los Angeles
Public Library recently launched the Career Online High
School (COHS), an innovative new pilot program that
allows adults to earn an accredited high school diploma
and credentialed career certificate. The first of its kind
at a public library, the program offers online courses
as well as in-person assistance at branch libraries.
Teryl Murabayashi is Senior Vice President and
Associate General Counsel for Union Bank, N.A., where
she manages the Legal Division’s Commercial Lending
Group, and the Division’s Los Angeles Office. She was
previously Vice President and Senior Counsel with
GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc. Ms. Murabayashi
began her career as a tax accountant with Touche Ross
& Co., where she attained a license to practice as a
CPA. She received her law degree from the University
of California, Hastings College of Law. She is a long
time and generous Member of the Library Foundation
of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Public Library has been a long-term
provider of educational programs like early literacy
and adult literacy initiatives, but City Librarian John F.
Szabo wants to expand the opportunities for adult
learners. In the past year he kicked off an initiative to
help immigrants take their first steps on the path to
U.S. citizenship, and also Health Matters, a series of
Nicole Neeman Brady is the Director of Asset
Optimization and Trading, Power Supply, at Southern
California Edison. She oversees gas, power and
emissions portfolios, hedging, and trading and market
activities, and directs short-term planning to purchase
and sell energy. Since 2008, she has held several other
positions within the company, including Director of
Contracts for Renewable and Alternative Power; and
Senior Manager, Strategic Solutions Group, Market
Strategy and Resource Planning. Ms. Neeman Brady
received a B.A. in Economics and History of
Architecture from Brown University, and an M.B.A
from Harvard Business School.
The summer reading clubs are some of the Los Angeles
Public Library’s longest running programs and this
year it will be easier for more students to participate
than ever before. Mayor Garcetti has announced that
this summer will be a “Summer of Learning” in Los
Angeles, based on Chicago’s model in 2013. The
reading clubs, which foster literacy and learning when
students are out of school, will be a core component
of “Summer of Learning,” offering students the chance
to earn digital badges through a City website for
completing game boards, for volunteering 20 hours,
and for participating in science workshops.
Victoria Erteszek Foote, A Portrait in Generosity
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles felt the loss of
longtime friend and supporter Victoria Foote when she
passed in December 2012. Victoria was a passionate
philanthropist, particularly in the area of children’s
education. She was an active member of the Library
Foundation Board of Directors where she could always
be counted upon for her enthusiasm, ideas and wise
counsel. Additionally, she was a dedicated member of
the Bibliophiles, a group of individuals who have
generously included the Library Foundation in their
estate plans.
Victoria’s legacy has ensured the success of the Library
Foundation for generations to come with the Victoria
E. Foote Endowed Fund for Student Success, an estate
gift of $2,850,000. The Library Foundation was so
incredibly fortunate to have a friend and ally in Victoria.
Library Foundation programs that help students in
their educational pursuits.
workshops and resources on a variety of health topics
like enrolling in healthcare.
to 18 months to complete the program, or the program
can be shorter if the student has transfer credits.
“In a big, bold way, we are embracing the Library’s role
in lifelong learning and illustrating how the Library is
itself a workforce development organization,” says Szabo.
The first students have already begun their courses,
and the Library plans to enroll the rest of the students
throughout the year. Besides offering a diploma, the
program also allows the students to become career
certified in a range of areas ­— including childcare and
education, office management, retail and food service,
security, and transportation ­— to increase their
readiness for the job market. The staff of the Library is
really excited to be part of this community outreach,
“It will have such a huge impact on the students and
will change their lives,” says Mack.
During this pilot year, the Library hopes to offer over
150 adults the chance to earn their diploma—and the
Library Foundation is helping to make this possible.
Candidates must be at least 19 years old and a resident
of the city of Los Angeles. “We really want the
participants to be successful and graduate,” says
Candice Mack, a senior librarian of Adult Literacy,
“so the application process focuses on making sure
the candidates are aware of the requirements and have
the time and focus to complete the course.” To apply,
there is a self-assessment and pre-requisite course as
well as an interview. If selected, students can take up
To learn more about Career Online High School,
visit lapl.org/cohs
Summer of Learning
Running from June 9 to August 2, this year’s reading
theme is “Paws to Read,” and will feature a range of fun
animal-inspired activities like origami, puppet shows,
crafts, robot building, science workshops, and more.
The game boards that help guide students through a
fun reading journey will be more readily available this
summer—in the branches, at schools, and online. Plus,
the Library has teamed up with the Los Angeles Zoo,
along with The Getty Center, The Skirball Cultural
Center, LACMA, the California Science Center, and
the Natural History Museum to make the game boards
more interactive through animal photos and artwork,
and to encourage kids to visit all of these important
educational institutions.
For a full schedule of all upcoming programs for
children and teens, visit lapl.org/summerreading
HELP FEED KIDS’ BODIES AND MINDS!
To ensure that students who receive free school
lunches don’t go hungry during summer break,
the Summer Lunch Program will be expanded to
10 libraries. Volunteers are needed for all aspects
of the lunch program—from serving food, setting
up lunch and clean up to helping with kids’
activities and enrolling kids in the reading clubs.
Volunteer Dates: June 9 to August 1
Volunteer Hours: Monday through Friday,
noon to 2:00 PM
Commitment: At least 2 days (4 hours) a week
for all 8 weeks of the program.
Requirements: Volunteers must attend
an orientation and have a valid Los Angeles
Public Library card.
Ages 14 and up may volunteer.
PARTICIPATING LIBRARIES
Central Library
Cypress Park Branch
Exposition Park Branch
Hyde Park Branch
Mark Twain Branch
Pacoima Branch
Pico Union Branch
San Pedro Branch
Van Nuys Branch
Vernon Branch
To learn more about volunteering,
please contact the branch directly
or Volunteer Services at 213.228.7540.
During her lifetime, Victoria was a wonderful advocate
for educational programs and cared deeply about the
young people of Los Angeles. The Fund will be used f
or the area of greatest need within the constellation of
Summer 2014 213.228.7500 www.lfla.org 3
The Young Literati Toasts the Los Angeles Public Library
Last March, the Young Literati raised their champagne
and cocktails across the starlit lawn of Sony Pictures
Studios to celebrate the Los Angeles Public Library.
Young Literati Chair Amanda Fairey welcomed guests
along with her husband Shepard Fairey, who kicked
off the festivities from behind the DJ booth with a
toast to the Library. With an eclectic cast of musicians,
actors, writers, artists, and comedians, the Sixth
Annual Toast featured beautifully moving—and often
hilarious—readings and performances embodying
the diverse culture of Los Angeles.
recalled growing up in Arizona where she escaped the
heat and boredom by visiting her local library.
Comedian Nick Kroll (Kroll Show, The League) read
from Joe Loya’s gripping short story “How to Choose
a Soundtrack for a Bank Robbery Getaway”; actor
Aaron D. Spears (Being Mary Jane) offered a powerful
rendition of Wanda Coleman’s “L.A. Love Cry”;
actress Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex) read from her
high school favorite, John Fante’s Ask the Dust; and
director Jason Reitman (Up in the Air, Labor Day)
read from Raymond Chandler’s classic Red Wind.
The musician Moby warmed up the audience with a
sing-a-long of his song “Perfect Life,” about his move
to Los Angeles, before Cougar Town’s Busy Philipps
took the stage to host the literary program. Philipps
Comedian Tig Notaro (This American Life), claiming
she did not have an L.A.-inspired book because she
had only ever read one book—Ribsy by Beverly Cleary—
brilliantly executed what felt like an impromptu stand-
up routine when she read from amusing Goodreads
reviews of the night’s featured works. Lastly, the
evening closed with a lovely acoustic performance by
Jenny and Johnny (Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice),
singing their L.A. ballad “Switchblade.”
The Toast raised funds for the Los Angeles Public
Library’s Summer Reading Clubs, which provide a safe
haven for thousands of children and teens to spend
their off-season and avoid the “summer reading slump.”
To learn more about the Young Literati and upcoming
special events, contact Jennifer Kondo, Director
of Young Literati, at [email protected] or
213.228.7326.
Exchanging Stories at the Book Drop Bash
After flocks of authors and booklovers strolled the
lawns of USC for the Los Angeles Times Festival of
Books last April, participating authors and Library
Foundation Members continued celebrating the city’s
literary life late into the night at the third annual
Book Drop Bash. More than 400 people gathered at
the downtown Central Library, including authors
T.C. Boyle and Susan Straight who helped to make the
event a more interactive exchange of storytelling by
offering writing prompts to inspire guests throughout
the evening.
The party featured docent-led tours of the historic
Central Library, music, photo booth fun, and yummy
food and drinks provided by Angel City Brewery,
Big Man Bakes, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Horse
Thief BBQ. Of course, the Book Drop Bash also played
host to the best book swap in town. Guests brought
in books, went home with books, and donated books
to our award-winning Library Store to support the
Los Angeles Public Library.
The Book Drop Bash is a signature benefit for ALL
Members of the Library Foundation. Thank you to
all who attended and we look forward to seeing you
next year!
Young Literati Chair Amanda Fairey
Program Host Busy Philipps
Coming Soon to Lost & Found at the Movies
Young Literati Members Jamie Sher and Marisa Matarazzo
Ki’tay Davidson, Shauna Nep, and Tara Roth
Stephanie Allynne and Reader Tig Notaro
Reader Nick Kroll
Toast readers and performers
Reader Aaron D. Spears
To learn more about Membership with the Library
Foundation, contact Membership Director Erin
Sapinoso at [email protected] or 213.228.7552.
“Most film events are built around the release of new films. But film culture is
happening everywhere, in so many nooks and crannies and in unexpected ways.
And the pleasure is in sharing the discovery of that with audiences—taking them
to unexpected places,” says John Nein, a senior programmer of the Sundance Film
Festival and curator of Lost & Found at the Movies, a new series launched by the Library
Foundation last fall to celebrate the art of cinema and the vitality of film culture.
The first event interspersed a conversation with film critic Kenneth Turan with a clip
reel of some of his favorite lesser-known films, and unearthed archival photographs
of historic L.A. theatres. The second event, on the heels of Valentine’s Day, looked at
love in movies and love for movies, and included an installation of great love films
projected on the wall of Central Library’s inner atrium. Nein describes the eclectic
format of the program as a live onstage film magazine, or a nod to the thematically
linked episodes of This American Life. “Although we look for interesting guests
sharing the things they’re passionate about, there’s an emphasis on clips, ephemera,
show-and-tell, sources of inspiration, photos, and even cool stuff pulled from local
film archives,” says Nein.
This summer, Lost & Found plans to hear from the legendary Buck Henry (actor and
screenwriter of The Graduate and Catch-22) on the more interesting adaptations
of cinema. Filmmaker Miguel Arteta (The Good Girl and Youth in Revolt) will stop
by on June 27 to talk about the Golden Age of Hollywood. Beyond the summer, the
series will reconsider Homer in Hollywood as part of this fall’s citywide “The L.A.
Odyssey Project” (see page 7 for more details), and will take a look at superheroes,
misunderstood monsters and the many faces of “evil” in film.
Visit lfla.org to learn more about the upcoming Lost & Found at the Movies at Central
Library. Free and open to the public. Space is limited, reservations recommended.
Mike White and Reader Lizzy Caplan
4
Honorary Hosts Samantha and Colin Hanks, Mark Duplass,
and Katie Aselton
Audience members enjoy the program
Summer 2014 213.228.7500 www.lfla.org 5
10 Ways to Savor the Summer with the Library
Summer Preview
It’s the season of fun in the sun, far-off travel, BBQs, and of course catching up on some rest and relaxation.
Here are some FREE ideas on how to use the Los Angeles Public Library to make the most of your summer.
Dear ONE: Love & Longing in Mid-Century Queer America
From 1953 to 1967, ONE Magazine, America’s first openly
gay and lesbian periodical, reached thousands of readers
each month—many who were isolated and in search of
community. Those readers wrote back to ONE seeking
counsel and advice, or friendship and understanding.
Subjects ranged from family life to coming out stories
to tales of harassment. In 2000, historian Craig Loftin
was working on his dissertation at USC when he came
across a collection of these letters, stored at ONE
National Gay & Lesbian archives—the oldest LGBTQ
organization in the United States, and publisher of ONE
Magazine. “Many of the collections were unprocessed
and uncatalogued. I became a volunteer and helped
sift through boxes of mysterious documents,” Loftin
explains. “Finding the letters was completely unexpected;
I wasn’t looking for them. In fact, no one at the Archive
knew they were there.”
The data he compiled on issues facing gay people in the
1950s and 1960s became the basis for his dissertation
and his book Masked Voices, published by SUNY Press.
The press suggested he also compile the ONE letters
in a separate volume, which became Letters to ONE:
Gay and Lesbian Voices from the 1950s and 1960s,
published in 2012. ONE Archive then reached out to
director Zsa Zsa Gershick about adapting the material
for a dramatization to celebrate ONE’s 60th
anniversary that same year. Gershick, who had created
other oral histories like, “Gay Old Girls” and “Secret
Service,” about lesbians in the military, was familiar
with transforming long letters into tight, poignant
soliloquies. For the adaptation, Gershick faced similar
challenges, “The task was to find each letter’s central
theme, its heart, and seamlessly pare from that heart
or essence everything that obscured it. I consider this
a sacred endeavor, requiring a great deal of respect,
focus and prayer to get it right,” she says. 1. Travel Light
Don’t overload your suitcase with travel guides.
From Lonely Planet to Fodor’s, your favorite travel books
are now available as downloads for your iPad or tablet.
2. Talk Like a Local
Preparing a trip to a foreign country? From Italian to Korean to
Arabic to Russian, the Library offers online language courses through
Mango Languages and Powerspeak Languages.
3. Photography 101
Before you take that scenic hike or light fireworks
for Independence Day, learn how to better capture
your summer moments. Through Learn4Life, you
can take six-week interactive online courses on
mastering digital photography and Photoshop, as
well as other topics like computer programming,
creative writing, and financial planning.
4. Cook
with Class
The farmer’st market is
in full swing in the
summertime, so take your
culinary skills to the next
level. Enroll in an online
cooking class with
Universal Class,
a continuing education
program with over 500
online courses led by
expert instructors.
5. Plan a Staycation
How do you take a docent-led tour of Central
Library? What’s a good L.A. noir read? Where
might you find maps of canyon trails? Use the
Ask a Librarian tool to call, e-mail, text, or IM
for answers to your library-related questions.
6. Easy Listening
Hoping to read the Pulitzer Prizewinning The Goldfinch, but don’t want to
drag that behemoth book to the beach?
Check out the audio version along with
thousands of other books as CDs or
downloadable forms.
7. Get Crafty
Visit lapl.org for more info
on all these resources.
9. Stay Current
With free downloads of your favorite magazines
through Zinio, you won’t need to hang out in
waiting rooms to stay in the know. There’s
Newsweek and The Economist for your news fix,
or Us Weekly and Rolling Stone for your pleasure,
among many more popular titles to choose from.
6
Los Angeles Embarks
on an Odyssey
This October, the
Library Foundation
will examine Homer’s
The Odyssey through
a Southern California
lens. Become
reacquainted with the
epic classic with
activities throughout
the neighborhood
libraries, stand-up
comedy, a look at
Homer in Hollywood,
a marathon reading,
and much more.
8. Now Playing
If you want to curl up on your couch for movie night, or watch a film
on a big screen, the Los Angeles Public Library has you covered.
Stream movies at home through hoopla or OverDrive. Or visit a
branch for regular and special film screenings like “Tuesday Night
@ the Movies” at Memorial or “Saturday Matinees” at Los Feliz.
10. Real Research
For the more serious-minded, use the new Book a
Librarian service to schedule a half-hour session with
a reference librarian or subject specialist at Central
Library. From starting your own business to digging
into your family genealogy, it’s never been easier to
learn how to use the resources of the Library.
Illustrations: Florian Brożek
Browse the Library’s
calendar of arts and
crafts activities to keep
inspired this summer
from the Crochet and
Knitting Club at Valley
Plaza to the LACMA
Teen Art Workshops
at Pio Pico-Koreatown.
This summer Gershick will direct a dramatic reading
of these letters for the ALOUD stage, in a production she
titled “Dear ONE: Love and Longing in Mid-Century
Queer America.” As Gershick worked her way through
Loftin’s collection, she fell in love with each letter.
“Each one gives us a window into an era of terrible
prejudice. Many people today don’t know that American
queerfolk of that era, if discovered, could be jailed,
disemployed, imprisoned in mental hospitals, or
lobotomized. The letters reflect this reality. Some letter
writers boldly signed their names; others remained
anonymous. But each correspondent, in the simple act
of writing, asserts his/her right to be,” she says.
Despite all of the hardships facing gay people at the time,
Loftin says he was surprised by the resilience and
optimism of the writers, “So many letters had an upbeat
tone even when they described tragic events. Some
of them were hysterically funny. Instead of thinking
about gay people in the 1950s as victims, I began seeing
them as dynamic and creative historical agents carving
out a niche for themselves in a hostile society. In these
letters, one finds early stirrings of a gay rights
consciousness at a mass level.”
From gay marriage to employment discrimination, the
letters shed light on many issues still being confronted
today. “No two letters are quite the same. Reading the
letters, we try to imagine who these people were, what
they looked like, where they lived, the details of their
lives. We try to imagine how their voice might have
sounded. We bring our own experiences to these letters
and make sense of them in our own ways,” says Loftin.
Gershick hopes her adaptation will capture these deeply
moving voices, “Upon hearing these letters performed
aloud, I hope that the audience laughs, cries, learns
a little history and embraces our humanity.”
Stay tuned for updates
on lfla.org
Zsa Zsa Gershick
Saturday, June 28, 4:00 PM
Co-presented with ONE Archives Foundation
Dear ONE: Love & Longing
in Mid-Century Queer America
A Dramatic Reading directed
by Zsa Zsa Gershick
Performed by Dalila Ali Rajah, Zsa Zsa Gershick,
Hunter Lee Hughes, Paul Jacek, and Beverly Mickins
Visit lfla.org/aloud for reservations.
SAVE THE DATE
22nd Anniversary
Celebration
and Gala Dinner
September 20, 2014, 6:30 PM
Honoring
Judith Krantz
Light of Learning Award
Junot Díaz
Literary Award
This biennial event honors two remarkable individuals: Judith Krantz,
who is one of the Library Foundation’s most dedicated and beloved
supporters, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Díaz.
For patron and ticketing inquiries, please contact Major Gifts and
Stewardship Officer Christa Lorenz, at [email protected],
or 213.228.7051.
Summer 2014 213.228.7500 www.lfla.org 7
The Library Foundation Calendar Summer 2014
A celebrated literary series of conversations, readings, and performances at the downtown Central Library, ALOUD
brings together today’s brightest cultural, scientific, and political luminaries to the city of Los Angeles and beyond.
ALOUD at Central Library programs are FREE, unless otherwise indicated. Programs are subject to change.
June
Eric Liu. Photo: Alan Alabastro
More information on ALOUD
lfla.org/aloud
(or 213.228.7025)
ALOUDla
@ALOUDla
RESERVATION POLICY
Reservations are strongly recommended.
As the majority of ALOUD programs are free
of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the
case of a full program, your reservation may
not guarantee admission. We recommend
arriving early. Space permitting, unclaimed
reservations are released at 7:00 PM to standby
patrons. Standby numbers are distributed
for free programs one hour prior to start time.
July
Tuesday, June 3, 7:15 PM
Lost for Words
Edward St. Aubyn
In conversation with Michael Silverblatt,
host of KCRW’s “Bookworm”
Edward St. Aubyn’s five-volume series of
semi-autobiographical Patrick Melrose
novels are one of the most acclaimed
fiction cycles in English literature. Michael
Silverblatt talks with St. Aubyn about his
first novel since completing his series,
hailed for its satirizing of the English
aristocracy. In Lost for Words, St. Aubyn
employs his lethal dose of humor in a
send-up of England’s premier literary prize
and its controversial, eco-disastrous
sponsor. St. Aubyn’s acid pen skewers the
competing authors as well as the judges
and corporate, political and media interests
that influence such prizes.
Tuesday, June 10, 7:15 PM
Moving, Speaking, Watching:
Talk and Dance Performance
Wendy Perron, Simone Forti,
and Victoria Marks
Wednesday, June 18, 7:15 PM
LC
Love:
Three Perspectives—
Two Novels and a Psychoanalyst
Michelle Huneven and
Mona Simpson
In conversation with psychoanalyst
Christopher Bollas
New novels from Michelle Huneven (Off
Course) and Mona Simpson (Casebook)
both deal with love and its moral varieties,
from quite different perspectives. As their
characters variously struggle to forge lasting
connections, they evoke issues long familiar
to the psychoanalyst. Is it possible to
separate out the strands of fantasy and
projection, family patterning, and primal
need from adult love? What makes highly
intelligent, thoughtful people so thoroughly
lose their way in love’s enchantment?
Joining the authors to discuss love’s tangled
and complex morality is eminent psychoanalyst and theorist Dr. Christopher Bollas. While writing and dancing are thought to
originate from opposite sides of the brain,
these three veterans of the dance world
bridge that gap, discovering new ways to
bring words and movement together.
United on the same stage to explore these
forms, Perron, former editor of Dance
Magazine, will read from her new book,
Through the Eyes of a Dancer; Forti, known
internationally as a pioneer of postmodern
dance, will perform one of her trademark
“News Animations;” and Marks, a pillar
of the Los Angeles dance community, will
perform a work-in-progress. ALOUD thanks its generous sponsors:
Monday, June 23, 7:15 PM
Co-presented with WordTheatre
Denis Johnson and
“The Starlight on Idaho”
Adapted and directed by Darrell
Larson, produced by Cedering Fox
Performed by Chris Bauer (True Blood),
Jeff Perry (Scandal), and more
Q&A with Denis Johnson
For decades, celebrated fiction author
Denis Johnson (Jesus’ Son and Tree of
Smoke) has been writing some of the most
adventurous plays in modern American
theater, with a major trilogy focused on the
Cassandra family, a clan so star-crossed
that several members are incarcerated,
institutionalized or in and out of rehab.
The epistolary “The Starlight on Idaho”
finds the youngest son, Cass, sobering up
in a clinic housed in what was once a hotsheet motel on Idaho Street, the Starlight.
While he’s there he writes screeds, pleas
and confessions to members of his family,
his AA sponsor, his grade school love and
Satan. In this unique adaptation, addressor
and addressee voice the letters together.
Literature as only Denis Johnson can
create it, “The Starlight on Idaho” is not
quite a story, not quite a play, it is pure
WordTheatre.
Thursday, June 26, 7:15 PM
How I Turned into
the Writer I am Not
Geoff Dyer In conversation with Howard A.
Rodman, Professor of Screenwriting,
USC School of Cinematic Arts
The work of British writer Geoff Dyer is
frequently classified as “unclassifiable;” his
writing is wildly eclectic, yet gorgeously
coherent. His new book, Another Great Day
at Sea—about life on an American aircraft
carrier—is at the same time a travelogue,
unerring social observation, and honed
comedy. Zona, his meditation on the film
Stalker, by Russian director Andrei
Tarkovsky, was supposed to be a book about
tennis; his book about D.H. Lawrence, Out of Sheer Rage, is essentially about
not writing a book about D.H. Lawrence;
and Yoga for People Who Can’t Be Bothered
to Do It is definitely not a self-help book.
Rodman and Dyer will attempt to account
for the “singular restlessness” of Dyer’s
writing, while happily digressing on
other subjects.
Saturday, June 28, 4:00 PM
Co-presented with ONE Archives Foundation
Dear ONE: Love & Longing
in Mid-Century Queer America
A Dramatic Reading adapted
and directed by Zsa Zsa Gershick
Performed by Dalila Ali Rajah,
Zsa Zsa Gershick, Hunter Lee Hughes,
Paul Jacek, and Beverly Mickins
Q&A with Letters to ONE editor
Craig M. Loftin
“Dear ONE,” illuminates the lives of
ordinary queer Americans as recounted
through letters written between 1953 and
1967, to L.A.’s ONE Magazine, the first
openly gay and lesbian periodical in the
United States. Looking for love, friendship,
advice or understanding, readers wrote
of loneliness and longing, of joy and
fulfillment, and of their daily lives, hidden
from history. This dramatic reading is
adapted and directed by Zsa Zsa Gershick
from material from ONE National Gay
& Lesbian Archives at USC.
Additional support provided by:
Not Uniquely Human:
The Astonishing Connection
Between Human and
Animal Health
Laurel Braitman, Kathryn Bowers
and Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz
In conversation
In their groundbreaking book Zoobiquity,
cardiologist Barbara Natterson-Horowitz
and science writer Kathryn Bowers
describe how they arrived at a pan-species
approach to medicine. Animals do indeed
get diseases ranging from brain tumors and
heart attacks to anxiety and eating disorders,
just like we do—and the authors explore
how animal and human commonality can
be used to diagnose, treat, and heal patients
of all species. In her illuminating new book,
Animal Madness, Laurel Braitman
chronicles her parallel discoveries of what
nonhuman animals can teach us about
mental illness and recovery. Join us to hear
what we can learn from a blind elephant,
compulsive parrots, depressed gorillas,
and a cow with anger management issues.
Thursday, July 17, 7:15 PM
The Interior Circuit:
A Mexico City Chronicle
Francisco Goldman
In conversation with Rubén Martínez,
Fletcher Jones Chair in Literature &
Writing, Loyola Marymount University
In a follow-up to his masterful Say Her
Name, The Interior Circuit is Goldman’s
emergence from the grief of his wife’s death
as he embraces Mexico’s capital as his
home—a city which stands defiantly apart
from so many of the social ills and violence
wracking Mexico. Yet as the narco war
rages on and with the restoration to power
of the Institutional Revolutionary Party,
Mexico City’s special apartness seems
threatened. In setting out to understand
the menacing challenges the city now faces,
Goldman delivers a poetic and philosophical
chronicle that explores a remarkable and
often misunderstood metropolis.
Saturday, July 26, 8:00 PM
Machinations in the Library
Artistic Interventions with
Machine Project Artists
Installations and Performances
With Joel Fox, Jibade-Khalil Huffman,
Jeepneys, Jmy James Kidd, and
Tara Jane ONeil
One of L.A.’s most experimental and
dynamic programming teams turn their
curatorial eye to the Central Library to
reimagine and respond to the Library’s
space and collections. From a sound and
dance improvisation inspired by a
photograph of legendary choreographer
Bella Lewitzky in the Los Angeles Public
Library’s photo collection, to site-specific
video installations (including one based
on used books unearthed in a library book
sale)—these artists will transform various
areas of Central Library into an interactive
multimedia playground, allowing for a
unique participatory experience.
Tuesday, July 29, 7:15 PM
It’s Complicated:
The Social Lives
of Networked Teens
danah boyd
In conversation with Henry Jenkins,
Professor of Communication,
Journalism, and Cinematic Arts, USC
Has the Internet ruined everything or is
it our savior? boyd, a principal researcher
at Microsoft Research, skewers
misunderstandings and anxieties about
the online lives of teens often voiced by
teachers and parents in her eye-opening
new book. Integrating a decade’s worth
of interviews with teens, boyd injects
nuances and complexity into the discussion
of how they are trying to carve out a space
of their own, as their lives are increasingly
mediated through services like Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram. Anyone interested
in the impact of emerging technologies on
society, culture, and commerce in the years
to come will want to catch this conversation.
Wednesday, July 30, 7:15 PM
A Chinaman’s Chance:
One Family’s Journey
and the Chinese American Dream
Eric Liu
In conversation with Gregory
Rodriguez, Executive Director,
Zócalo Public Square
Weaving history, journalism, and memoir,
the author of The Accidental Asian and
founder of Citizen University explores the
parallel rise of China and the Chinese
American—how Chinese immigrants have
excelled despite racism and xenophobia,
and how they reconcile competing beliefs
about what constitutes success, virtue,
and belonging in a time of deep flux. From
Confucius to the Constitution, Liu discusses
his new collection of personal essays that
provide insight into the evolving Chinese
American dream.
Assistive Listening Devices available
AUTHOR SIGNINGS/BOOK SALES
ALOUD is one of the many free programs the
Library Foundation makes possible at the
Los Angeles Public Library. Most ALOUD
author programs are followed by book signings.
To help sustain this valuable cultural exchange,
at least one copy of the author’s book must be
purchased from The Library Store if you wish
to participate in the post-program book signing.
Proceeds support the Los Angeles Public Library.
Library Foundation Members receive a 15%
discount on all Library Store purchases.
Young Literati cocktails to follow
LC Leadership Circle reception
before program
LOCATION
Unless otherwise indicated,
programs take place at:
Richard J. Riordan Central Library
Mark Taper Auditorium
Downtown Los Angeles
630 W. Fifth Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
PARKING
Westlawn Garage, 524 S. Flower Street
Parking validation available during Library
open hours. $1 for cars entering after 3:00 PM
until 9:00 PM with validation.
SUPPORT ALOUD
To support programs made possible by the
Library Foundation, call 213.228.7500 or visit
lfla.org
CENTRAL LIBRARY HOURS
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:30 PM
Not printed at City expense
The Library Foundation and ALOUD thank its most recent generous sponsor,
Sharon Oxborough, who has established an endowed fund to support ALOUD
programs, podcasts, and videos, and to sustain access to the range of authors,
artists, and thinkers ALOUD has provided to the public for more than 20 years.
The Stay Home
and Read a Book BallTM
And individual Library Foundation Members
Thursday, July 10, 7:15 PM
Media support provided by:
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
8
danah boyd
Francisco Goldman. Photo: Mélanie Morand
Geoff Dyer. Photo: Chris Steele-Perkins
Denis Johnson. Photo: Cindy Lee Johnson
Simone Forti. Photo: Jason Underhill
Edward St. Aubyn. Photo: Timothy Allen
INFORMATION
Classical KUSC FM 91.5
Summer 2014 213.228.7500 www.lfla.org 9
Live from the Library
Top 5 Literary Gifts
at The Library Store
Our curated collection is the perfect source for unique gifts.
Whether you need a quick something for that co-worker’s birthday
or a thoughtfully picked present for a loved one, we’ve got you
covered. We’ll even tie the bow!
Facebook.com/TheLibraryStore
Twitter @TheLibraryStore
Instagram @TheLibraryStore
To place an order call: 213.228.7550
or visit us online: lfla.org/store
James Cuno, CEO and President of the Getty Trust,
Los Angeles City Council Member Mitch O’Farrell,
and City Librarian John F. Szabo
I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie Tote
$22.00/Regular
$18.70 /Member
This tote bag says it all — bigger is better!
(We’re talking about books, really.)
4
Guests enjoy the exhibition opening
Marcia Hoak Vickery, Diane Cook, and others peruse books
on Los Angeles architecture
Behind the scenes with our
most generous supporters
Photos: Rick Mendoza
5
Photos: Rick Mendoza
Members enjoy the opening
of No Further West:
The Story of Los Angeles
Union Station
Leadership Circle Member F. Elliott Ryder, and guests enjoy
hors d’oeuvres before the ALOUD program featuring George Packer
Leadership Circle Members
Peter and Roz Bonerz
Leadership Circle Members Traute and Gene Gleeson,
Stephen and Christy McAvoy
3
Highlights from
the ALOUD spring season
Photos: Gary Leonard
2
Go Away I’m Reading Boxed Sign
$14.00/Regular
$11.90/Member
Help your friend send the message. Loud and clear.
Library Card iPhone 5 Case
$26.00/Regular
$22.10/Member
Give an old school friend an
incentive to embrace technology.
Chavez biographer Miriam Pawel discussed
the life of Cesar Chavez with Luis Valdez,
founding director of El Teatro Campesino
Graduate students from writing programs at CalArts, Otis, UCI,
UCR, and USC gathered for a first-ever reading of their new work
Pianist Jeremy Denk and L.A. Chamber Orchestra
Director Jeffrey Kahane playing a duet during
a special performance and conversation
1
Card Catalog Notecard Set
$19.95/Regular
Member/$16.96
The perfect stationery for the real bookish type.
10
Reading is Sexy Mug
$14.00/Regular
$11.90/Member
A great gift with a bag of tea
and a companion to read with.
Photos: Rick Mendoza
Highlights from
The Council’s spring season
John Hotchkis, Joni Smith, Rosemarie Reed Hashimoto,
and Brian Hashimoto enjoy a reception before author
Annie Jacobsen’s talk
Author Annie Jacobsen discusses her newest
book, Operation Paperclip: The Secret
Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi
Scientists to America
Author Annie Jacobsen signs a book for Larry and Joni Flax
Summer 2014 213.228.7500 www.lfla.org 11
630 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles
provides critical support to the
Los Angeles Public Library resulting in
free programs, resources and services
available to thousands of adults,
children and youth in Los Angeles.
We accomplish this mission through
fundraising, advocacy and innovative
programs that strengthen the
Library and promote greater
awareness of its valuable resources.
Support free access to information and the civic,
cultural, and educational core of our community.
Become a Member of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
to strengthen the Los Angeles Public Library!
www.lfla.org
213.228.7500