Herb Siguenza, left, and Ric Salinas of Culture Clash got big laughs on April 2. The duo read from their provocative dramas for the OPL's annual National Library Week performance.  

 
A nationwide campaign to put free books donated by book publishers into the hands of recuperating teen patients will benefit Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, thanks to the efforts of Oakland Public Library's Teen Services Department. (In the photo, above, are Librarian Jodi Mitchell; Wendy Bloom, RN; Leyda Perez, a teen patient; and Maggie Greenblatt, teacher of the Hospital School Program.) 
 
Teen Outreach Librarian Jodi Mitchell contacted readergirlz and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), co-sponsors of the initiative along with Guys Lit Wire, and requested that Children's Hospital Oakland be added to the list of recipients. As a result, Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland received 600 brand new teen books in time for Support Teen Literature Day, on April 16. 

The Oakland Public Library is collaborating with Children's Hospital Oakland and the Oakland Unified School District Hospital School Program to ensure that the new books get into the hands of patients and their families.
 
"We were already working with Children's Hospital Oakland and OUSD on efforts to provide reading materials to teen patients, so when Operation TBD came along, it seemed serendipitous," commented librarian Jodi Mitchell. "Operation TBD encourages reading for pleasure and helps those hospitalized young people most in need of entertainment and inspiration." 
 
According to Wendy Bloom, RN, "We have some wonderful readers who have gone through all the titles in our collection. These new additions will be most welcome by our teen patients! We really appreciate the generosity of the publishers who donated."
 
In its second year, Operation TBD will be distributing 8,000 young adult novels, audiobooks, and graphic novels donated by 18 publishers to pediatric hospitals across the nation. Children's Hospital Oakland is the only northern California recipient.
 
For more information about the program, please contact Jodi Mitchell at (510) 238-7233.

 

 
On Saturday, May 16, Lakeview Branch will celebrate six decades at its 550 El Embarcadero home, on Lake Merritt, with a huge party. All are welcome to hear local dignitaries speak, hear original literary works, see a play, knit, play chess, and dance to funky music! The festivities begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m.
 
Here's a schedule for the day's events:

Fore more information, please call 238-7344.
 

 

 
On Thursday May 21, 2009, 1:30 PM, the Main Library, 125 14th St., is pleased to present Jacqueline Woodson, award-winning author of more than 20 books for children and young adults.
 
Ms. Woodson has earned a loyal following of readers with such titles as Lena, The House You Pass on the Way, and After Tupac and D Foster. She takes great joy in encouraging young people to be expressive and creative. During her talk at the Main Library, she will share insights into how she wrote her latest book, Peace, Locomotion.
 
This event will be held in the Library's West Auditorium. Groups must register in advance by calling (510) 238-3615; space is extremely limited. (Please note that books will not be available for sale at this event.)  

 

 

 

 

The Spring 2009 Travel Series concludes on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m., with The Art and Culture of Cuba. Painter, musician, and art instructor Sue Matthews presents a talk and slide show on the diverse culture and rich history of Cuba. As a frequent traveler to Cuba, Ms. Matthews will also share practical tips on how to go, some of her favorite activities, the arts scene, and more.

For information, please call (510) 238-3136 or visit the Oakland Public Library's Website.