Booked with plans for library week

Lindsay Sandham

National Library Week begins Saturday, and the Newport Beach Public

Library has a variety of events planned for this annual celebration.

As a response to concerns that literacy was dropping off with the

growing popularity of radio and television, the American Library

Assn. sponsored the first library week in 1958 with the theme “Wake

Up and Read.”

The role of America’s libraries has changed with technology, and

in keeping up with the times, this year’s theme is “Something for

Everyone.”

Newport Beach Library Services Director Linda Katsouleas said this

year’s schedule of events includes art, music, literature, poetry and

literary lectures.

“Every year we try to respond to the needs of the community,” she

said. “We try to get something for everyone.”

Katsouleas said National Library Week is the time of year to

celebrate libraries.

“It truly is a national celebration of what libraries are and what

libraries are becoming,” she said.

The following are National Library Week events at Newport Beach

Public Library:

TODAY

* 3 p.m.: A look at the work of late animator Chuck Jones, with an

art exhibit and lecture by his daughter, Linda Jones. Information:

(949) 717-3870.

SUNDAY

* 3 p.m.: A Sunday musicale with Scarborough Trio, featuring

flutist Erin Lesser, bassoonist Gina Valvano, and pianist Tom

Cuffari. Information: (949) 717-3800, option 2.

MONDAY

* 7 p.m.: Pajama story time with Newport Beach City Manager Homer

Bludau. Information: (949) 717-3830.

TUESDAY

* 10:30 a.m.: Preschool story time with local leaders, featuring

Councilman Don Webb at Mariners Branch Library, and Councilman Tod

Ridgeway at the Balboa Branch Library. Information: (949) 717-3830.

* 11 a.m.: The Newport Beach Public Library is holding open house

celebrations at the Balboa, Corona del Mar and Mariners branch

libraries. Information: (949) 717-3800, option 2.

* 3:30 p.m.: After-school movies, featuring Looney Tunes cartoon

classics, with animated characters created by Chuck Jones.

Information: (949) 717-3830.

* 7 p.m.: Teens can take part in the teen poetry slam by

performing their own work or listening to others’. For students in

grades seven through 12. Information: (949) 717-3808.

WEDNESDAY

* 9:30 a.m.: Toddler story time with Mayor Steve Bromberg.

* 10:30 a.m.: Preschool story time with library board of trustees

member Karen Clark. Information: (949) 717-3830.

* 3:30 p.m.: “American Girls” tea party, for children in the first

grade and up. Reservations are required. Information: (949) 717-3830.

THURSDAY

* 7 p.m.: A mystery-authors panel, with guest writers Jan Burke

(“Irene Kelly” mystery series), Barbara Seranella (“Munch Mancini”),

and Doug Lyle (“Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and

Forensic Questions for Mystery Writers”). Information: (949)

717-3800, option 2.

FRIDAY

* 6 p.m.: Eric Schlosser, author of “Fast Food Nation: The Dark

Side of the All-American Meal.” This event is part of the

foundation’s distinguished speakers lecture series. Tickets are $55

per person, including wine and a buffet dinner. Call (866) 301-2411

to make reservations.

April 16

* 2 p.m.: Eric Schlosser, author of “Fast Food Nation: The Dark

Side of the All-American Meal.” The event is part of the foundation’s

distinguished speakers lecture series. Tickets are $20 per person,

including light refreshments. Call (866) 301-2411 to make

reservations.