Everyone, please forward this email to families who may be interested in attending. We would like to continue our Children’s Reading Program for a very long time, so please consider giving a donation at http://www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org. Thank you very much for your support. – Jonathan Lorenzo

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2008

CONTACT:
Jonathan Lorenzo
Administrator
Filipino American Library (FAL)
Tel: 213-382-0488
Email: filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net


THE FILIPINO AMERICAN LIBRARY CONTINUES OUTREACHING THROUGHOUT GREATER LOS ANGELES


LOS ANGELES (August 2008) – The first and largest Filipino library in the country continues to share Filipino children’s books to families around Greater Los Angeles. Through its new Children’s Reading Program, the Filipino American Library (FAL) will have events on Saturday, August 30 at 2:00-4:00pm at the Asian Pacific Resource Center (Montebello Regional Library, 1550 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello 90640) and Saturday, September 6 at 1:00-3:00pm at the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture – FPAC (Point Fermin Park, 807 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro 90731). They are recommended for children ages 3-8. Please RSVP to filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488.

On August 30, children will be introduced to some of the works of acclaimed author and illustrator, Jose Aruego. They will listen to stories and participate in an art and learning project. Mr. Aruego was honored by the government of the Philippines with the Outstanding Filipino Abroad in the Arts Award. Admission is free and donations to FAL are accepted. Snacks and drinks will be provided. This event is co-sponsored by the County of Los Angeles Public Library.

On September 6, children will learn about Filipino folktales at the Eskuwela Kultura Youth Pavilion of FPAC. Four 25-minute events featuring a folktale reading and hands-on activity will begin at 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, and 2:30. They are co-sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS). FPAC is the largest annual Filipino gathering in the region. For ticket information, please visit http://www.filamarts.org.

The FAL Children’s Reading Program promotes the value of diversity to children in Greater Los Angeles through the reading of Filipino children’s books. It is coordinated by Celeste B. Diaz, the FAL Children’s Librarian. Ms. Diaz has 10 years experience working as an elementary school teacher and school librarian. The program is funded by grants from Wal-Mart and Citigroup Foundation.

Founded on October 13, 1985 by “Auntie Helen” Agcaoili Summers Brown, FAL is the first and largest Filipino library in the country with a collection of more than 6,000 titles. Its mission is to actively promote the history, culture, and professional achievements of Filipinos and Filipino Americans through the book collection, leadership development, and cultural programming, thereby contributing to the achievement of a culturally dynamic, multiethnic America.

Given that FAL primarily survives on individual donations and one major annual fundraiser, it relies on its many supporters to continue its programs and services throughout the year. If anyone would like to give a donation online, please feel free to visit http://www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org. Checks may also be mailed to 135 N. Park View St., Los Angeles, CA 90026 and made payable to “Filipino American Library”. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

FAL is a division of the Filipino American Heritage Institute (Nonprofit Tax ID Number 95-4282571). It is open Mondays-Fridays 1:00-5:00pm and by appointment. For more information, please contact filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488.


(If you would like pictures to include for publication, please contact Jonathan Lorenzo.)