Downey Library :: Customers And Staff Look Forward To New Beginnings

At The Downey Library, Customers And Staff Look Forward To New Beginnings

Downey Patriot: 3.19.2019 by Lorine Parks

Under a bright blue sky, when the trees around the Downey City Library are about to put forth green buds and leaves, a party was going on. The amazing blue ribbon library staff had invited kids and their parents, and had balloons and Spin The Wheel Games of chance with candy and books and puzzles as prizes. Finger painting on hither-to untouchable white walls.

And it almost looked like business as usual. In the Friends’ Used Book Room, sales were brisk. Book lover Mitch proudly held up his catch of the day, Marcella, one of Johnny Gruelle’s Raggedy Ann’s stories, Volunteer Marcia toted up his purchases while his wife Joy stood by, ready to pay.

But the Library is about to close for 15 months, and this new beginnings party was to celebrate the new phase of life for this beloved Downey institution.

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Claudia took time from her busy schedule to show us how so many Downey organizations will be proxy-hosting for the library. Literacy program tutoring, which is near and dear to Claudia’s heart, is every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 2 pm at the First Baptist Church. Adult Communication Class will meet Mondays at 11 am at the Downey Women’s Club.

The Library’s book discussion club, Booked For Lunch, which has 20 or so active members, will meet Thursdays at 10:30 am at the First Baptist Church.  Summer reading shows will be scheduled on Mondays in June and July at the Downey Theatre.  Impressive.

“The renovation gives library staff an opportunity to pause,” Ben said, “and rethink how we work and what we offer. The construction gives us time to develop these programs.”  READ MORE >>