April 2011 Vol. 42 No. 4 Public Library: An American Commons The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man. - T.S. Eliot Public Library: An American Commons is an exhibition and photographic survey of public libraries throughout the U.S. by San Francisco-based photographer Robert Dawson. There are more than 17,000 public libraries in this country. Since Dawson began the project in 1994 he has photographed hundreds of libraries in 16 states. From Alaska to Florida and from New England to California, the photo- graphs show a vibrant, essential yet vulnerable system. This exhibition, on view in the Jewett Gallery at the Main Library, April 9-June 12, includes approximately 70 black and white and color photographs. Among the images is a photograph of the Tulare County (Calif.) Free Public Library, in Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, which was founded as an agricultural community in the 19th century by a group of former slaves. Another photograph shows a library from New Orleans, La., damaged in 2007 by Hurricane Katrina; this library remains closed and patrons must check their books out of a nearby trailer. Tulare County Free Public Library Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Photo: Robert Dawson Libraries are local but Dawson chose to view this remarkable system value and what we share. as a whole. While each library has its This exhibition comes at an important time for the San Francisco Public own unique set of needs, the nation- Library when it will celebrate National Library Week, April 11-15, and the 15th wide system of local libraries consti- anniversary of the Main Library that opened April 18, 1996. 2011 also marks the tutes an important part of a healthy 50th anniversary of Friends of the San Francisco Public Library who help make society. In the 19th century there was a exhibitions and many of their related programs possible. strong correlation between the public library movement and the movement Related Programs: for public education. People under- Artist Talk with Robert Dawson: stood that the future of democracy was April 12, 6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library contingent upon an educated citizenry Gallery Walkthrough with Robert Dawson and that every citizen should have May 7, 4 p.m., Jewett Gallery, Main Library the right of free access to community- owned resources. These ideas coalesced From Carnegie to Koolhaas: Robert Dawson’s Photographs of Public Libraries: into today’s public libraries, which func- May 14, 3 p.m., Noe Valley Branch Library tion as a system of non-commercial Carnegie to Contemporary: Building San Francisco Public Libraries: Hurricane Katrina-damaged Library, centers that help us define what we Panel discussion. May 18, 6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library. New Orleans, LA. Photo: Robert Dawson National Poetry Month Tricksters: The Library celebrates National Poetry Month with Professional and emerging filmmakers and video art- Gerald events and workshops for all ages. ists from the Bay Area and beyond made short films based on poems by WritersCorps youth. Two screen- McDermott For Children ings will be held on April 19, at 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., California Poets in the Schools (CPTIS), in collabora- in the Main Library, Koret Auditorium. The screenings and the tion with the Library, and funded by the Walter and will show a variety of videos—from on-the-street Elise Haas Fund and the California Arts Council, will documentaries to spirited animated shorts—that Art of the Folktale be presenting poetry and bookmaking workshops cover a range of young people’s thoughts and expe- The 15th Annual Effie Lee Morris lecture: for children and teens at four libraries and poetry riences including love, nature, politics, and growing April 5, 6 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium reading events at three libraries, including a citywide up in the Bay Area. celebration at the Main Library on April 16. Check the And the Beats go on…. calendar, page 6, for details. This program is the largest writers-in-the-schools program of its kind in the coun- Curious to learn where Jack Kerouac and Gary try, and is in its 46th year of sending published writers Snyder hiked in Kerouac’s book Dharma Bums? Want Alerts with Library Elf into classrooms, libraries, juvenile halls, and hospital to know where Allen Ginsberg first read his epic Try Library Elf, a new service that enables text programs to help students recognize and celebrate poem Howl? Author Bill Morgan takes us on a jour- messages, e-mails and/or RSS alerts to help library their own creativity and intellectual curiosity. ney across the U.S. showing the Beat Generation’s users keep track of what’s due, overdue, or ready for favorite haunts in his new book Beat Atlas. Co-spon- pickup from the holds shelf, for one or more library For Teens sored by City Lights Books and City Guides. accounts. The free service is not operated by SFPL. The Main Library hosts the world premiere of the Po- Beat Atlas/Bill Morgan: April 26, 6:30 p.m. Main To try out the service, sign up at libraryelf.org. etry Projection Project, WritersCorps’ first film event. Library, Koret Auditorium. Coming Up: MAY 4 MAY 14 MAY 20 MAY 24 Adam Hochschild Merced Branch Library Bike-to-Work Day Making Home from War: To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty Reopening Celebration Special author visit: David Stories of Japanese American and Rebellion, 1914-1918 1 p.m. V. Herlihy, The Lost Cyclist Exile and Resettlement Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m. Main, Latino/Hispanic Main, Latino/Hispanic Commu- Community Room, 12:30 p.m. nity Meeting Room, 6 p.m. SFPL.ORG AT THE LIBRARY APRIL 2011 1 Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) Park Branch Library Reopens Hundreds joined us to celebrate 101-year-old Park Branch Library’s reopening on Feb. 26. Top: (L – R) Department of Public Works Director Ed Reiskin, Library Commission President Jewelle Gomez, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Supervisor Scott Wiener, Friends of SFPL Executive Director Donna Bero, City Librarian Luis Herrera, State Senator Mark Leno, Mayor Edwin Lee, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, and architect Mark Schatz, cut the ribbon to reopen the library. Bottom row: (L – R) Library Page David Kazmierczak; Branch Manager Cathy Delneo accepts a State Senate proclamation for the branch reopening; Users load up on books. Photos: Jason Doiy Projects of the Year Bayview Branch The Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association Library Closing (APWA) awarded the recent renovations of the Bernal Heights and Eureka Val- ley/Harvey Milk Memorial branch libraries as Projects of the Year. in April “The Branch Library Improvement Program is the largest preservation proj- ect in the City,” explained City Librarian Luis Herrera. “It’s wonderful to be recog- he Bayview Branch Library nized for our achievements in historic preservation. Both renovations have pre- closes in April while the new served the beautiful historic features of the branches while creating updated Tlarger, library building is con- spaces that offer new technology, flexible uses for our diverse communities and structed. Stay tuned for details about seismically safe buildings that can be enjoyed for generations to come.” the new library which will include a The APWA is an international educational and professional association of new program room for community public agencies, private sector companies and individuals dedicated to provid- meetings, an expanded collection of ing high quality public works goods and services. Chartered in 1938, APWA is materials, more computers, an inner the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the world with over 25,000 courtyard, and a sustainable building members. Formed in 1947, the Northern California Chapter covers 11 counties designed to Leadership in Energy and and was the first APWA Chapter “west of the Mississippi.” Environmental Design silver certi- “DPW is extremely honored to be presented with these prestigious awards. fication standards as set by the U.S. Bernal Heights and Eureka Valley were designed by our very own Bureau of Green Building Council. In the interim, Architecture and this recognition exemplifies our dedication toward preserving a temporary site will be open at the and restoring beautiful historic buildings into buildings that are highly func- local Bayview Hunters Point YMCA, tional, sustainable and accessible for residents of San Francisco to enjoy,” said 1601 Lane St., which will have a small Ed Reiskin, Director of the Department of Public Works collection of books and materials, The Bernal Heights Branch received the Project of the Year award for an computer access, and programs for Top: Entrance to Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk historic restoration project in the $5 million to $25 million range. The Eureka children and teens. Memorial Library; Bottom: Reading room Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch was named Project of the Year in the less at Bernal Heights Branch Library. Photos: Michael Kromat than $5 million category. Temporary Services Schedule BLIP Update The Library provides the following services during branch renovations. Branches under construction and projected opening dates: Temporary Site Hours: Bookmobile Locations: Bayview Anza Merced – May 14, 2011 (1601 Lane St.) (Balboa St., at 31st Ave.) Merced Monday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (Buckingham Way, near Stonestown Anza – 2011 Tuesday: 10 a.m. –6 p.m. Saturday: 1:30–5 p.m. movie theater.) Visitacion Valley – 2011 Wednesday: 10 a.m. –7:30 p.m. Monday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. –7:30 p.m. Golden Gate Valley Saturday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.