ILLUMINART IS HERE!

Next time you visit the Main Library, make sure to check out our visiting display in the Children's Department!  The Illuminart is visiting for the summer, thanks to our friends at the Rancho Cucamonga Library.  The Illuminart is part of a larger family of displays called Play and Learn Islands. For more information on playing and learning in the library, please visit the Rancho Cucamonga Library website.

 

www.lbpl.org

DISPLAY YOUR COLLECTION @ THE LIBRARY!

SILLY BANDZ

ERASERS

SQUINKIES

Recent displays have included Silly Bandz, erasers, and Squinkies. Different items are featured each month at the Main Library in the Children's Department. If you are interested in having your collection displayed at the library, please contact us at (562)570-5644.

www.lbpl.org



2011 SUMMER READING PROGRAM

2011 SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Begins Saturday, June 18, 2011
For All Ages!

Are you ready to explore new destinations, faraway places, and stories from around the world? Readers of all ages are invited to join the Summer Reading Program at their Long Beach neighborhood library! Read a new book about new worlds and exotic places, or reread a favorite novel. Also, check out the fun and exciting programs, crafts, and prizes awaiting you at your local library!

Visit the LBPL Website Summer Reading Program page for more information.

www.lbpl.org

SWALLOWS RETURN TO SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO -- TODAY

Song of the Swallows

By Leo Politi



The miracle of the "Swallows" of Capistrano takes place each year at the Mission San Juan Capistano, on March 19th, St. Joseph's Day.

 As the little birds wing their way back to the most famous Mission in California, the village of San Juan Capistrano takes on a fiesta air and the visitors from all parts of the world, and all walks of life, gather in great numbers to witness the "miracle" of the return of the swallows.
 Each year the "Scout Swallows" precede the main flock by a few days and it seems to be their chief duty to clear the way for the main flock to arrive at the "Old Mission" of Capistrano.

 With the arrival of early dawn on St. Joseph's Day, the little birds begin to arrive and begin rebuilding their mud nests, which are clinging to the ruins of the old stone church of San Juan Capistrano. The arches of the two story, high vaulted Chapel were left bare and exposed, as the roof collapsed during the earthquake of 1812.

 This Chapel, said to be the largest and most ornate in any of the missions, now has a more humble destiny--that of housing the birds that St. Francis loved so well.

 After the summer spent within the sheltered walls of the Old Mission in San Juan Capistrano, the swallows take flight again, and on the Day of San Juan, October 23, they leave after circling the Mission bidding farewell to the "JEWEL OF ALL MISSIONS" San Juan Capistrano, California.

 
[ Information from: www.sanjuancapistrano.net/swallows ]

JAPAN IS WITH US

Our condolences go out to the people of Japan and those who have been impacted by these recent catastrophic events.

Explaining these types of situations can sometimes be a challenge.  Below are links to a few news sites that are appropriate for children to view and access:

Scholastic News Online

Time for Kids

DOGO News!

National Geographic Kids

And, don't forget to search the Library Catalog where you can child level information on Japan, tsunamis and related topics.

www.lbpl.org