The wizarding world

Back at the Downey City Library, there is an exhibit celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which arrived in American bookstores on September 1, 1998.

Do you remember your first exposure to Harry Potter? I do. I kept reading encouraging reviews, and finally decided to read it myself. I fell in love with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hedwig, Hogwarts...I could go on and on. I immediately read the book out loud to my daughter. And I joined the millions of kids (young and old) who eagerly awaited each new volume. Each one got longer and longer, but that was OK, because it was just more to enjoy.

And then, there were the audio versions, with the absolutely delightful Jim Dale reading the books. Did you know that he once held a Guinness World Record for the number of voices he created for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (147)? He and Harry made my daily commute so much more fun. Sometimes, I was sorry to get home!

Books! I love them, and I love that they are freely available for all at the library, for a new generation to fall in love with books new and old.

Politely quiet

It's Monday night, and the library is quiet. On the adult side, most of the rows are empty. The kid's area is busier, but still quiet, with groups of kids and their parents, working on projects.

"A library is like the best person you know - politely quiet but endlessly informative, amazingly knowledgeable but charmingly discreet, open to everyone yet subject to your every whim, and, sadly, flammable if one isn't careful. Be careful with yours."
~ Lemony Snicket

Sunset over the library

This picture combines some of my favorite things—books (the Downey City Library was a favorite destination when I was a child), sunsets (our crazy weather these last few days has made for some colorful ones), and wiggy tree branches silhouetted against the sky.

The light of knowledge

Earlier this week I posted a picture of a match. That match was a symbol of how we each have a light in us that we can share with others and make that light explode.

Now, I'd like to share a picture of the Downey City Library. It is here that you can grow your light of knowledge. Choose a subject and take advantage of the free books. Bring the whole family and make an evening of it. Be sure to encourage everyone to share what they learned from the books.

Library lights

Okay, so you can't check out a book at midnight at the library. But the lights are really pretty down town at night.

Making Downey beautiful

The Downey City Library has been serving the community for over 50 years. I noticed the other day on one of my morning bike rides, that they have curbside service on Brookshire. Oh wait, that’s actually an electrical box painted to look like bookshelves!

The City Council authorized a campaign recently to make Downey more beautiful. You can see this fun take on the movement with these splashes of color all around Downey. To learn more about this project, see The Downey Patriot - Public art coming to a theater near you.

“I go into my library, and all history unrolls before me.”
Alexander Smith (1830 – 1867). Dreamthorp, 11, 1863

Guest Blogger, Steve Mansell

Welcome to Downey, future unlimited

Last Thursday night I went to Downey City Library for a book signing and presentation by Larry Latimer. Larry's book "Images of America DOWNEY" was the reason for the event. It was a fun, informative evening filled with pictures of Downey's humble beginnings brought to life through Larry's stories. It was a good reminder that pictures alone are not enough. You need the stories, the details to help understand the past.

Larry really knows Downey history. (He spent the last 3 years researching at the Downey Historical Society.) I was amazed to learn the first land grant of this area was in 1784 for 300,000 acres that stretched from Whittier to the ocean! Equally surprising were the pictures of the first schools in Downey — from the begining we were diverse with kids of many races attending.

The second picture was taken in 1890 at the northeast corner of what is today Firestone Blvd. and Downey Avenue. I just can't get over that it looks like it was taken somewhere in the old west. Included in the picture, sitting on the porch is "Indian Joe," who is buried in Downey Cemetery and was mentioned in a previous Downey Daily post.

I continue to be amazed at the depth of history we have surrounding us and I appreciated Larry's insight and willingness to put together this book so we can all learn a little bit more about our city.

Reading corner

Wandering the children's section of the Downey City library reminds me of all the children's books I loved (and still love) to read.