FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2009

CONTACT:

Jonathan Lorenzo

Filipino American Library (FAL)

Tel: 213-382-0488

Email: filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net



THE FILIPINO AMERICAN LIBRARY OUTREACHES TO SAN FERNANDO VALLEY



LOS ANGELES (January 2009) – The first and largest Filipino library in the country continues to share Filipino children’s books to families around Greater Los Angeles. Through its Children’s Reading Program, the Filipino American Library (FAL) will have events on Saturday, January 24 at 2:00-3:30pm at the Panorama City Branch Library (14345 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City 91402) and Saturday, January 31 at 2:00-3:30pm at the Filipino American Library (135 N. Park View St., Los Angeles 90026). Please RSVP to these free events by contacting filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488.

On January 24, the children will be introduced to the work of illustrator Hermes Alegre. The featured books are The Mats by Francisco Arcellana and Bahay Kubo. They will participate in an art project to create a foam placemat. This first part of the event, 2:00-2:45pm, is recommended for children ages 6-10. After refreshments, the children will learn some traditional Filipino nursery rhymes. This second part of the event, 3:00-3:30pm, is recommended for children ages 3-7. The event is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Public Library.

On January 31, the event will highlight folktales about food, specifically rice and mango. The children will also learn how to make halo-halo, the popular Filipino dessert. It is recommended for children ages 6-10, but everyone is welcome. Featured stories are “The Three Crystal Boxes” and “The Chieftain’s Golden Heart” from Kneeling Carabao & Dancing Giants: Celebrating Filipino Festivals by Rena Krasno and illustrated by Ileana C. Lee. The event is co-sponsored by the Filipino American Service Group, Inc.

The FAL Children’s Reading Program promotes the love of reading and cultural diversity among children and their families through books and activities that feature different cultures and peoples. Admission is free and donations to FAL are accepted. Snacks and drinks are provided. 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 Walmart 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 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.



(For pictures to include for publication, please contact Jonathan Lorenzo as indicated above.)