Tag: libraries

Biggest baseball library west of Cooperstown in San Diego!

Visitor to eighth floor of San Diego's downtown public library checks out photographs in the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center.
Visitor to eighth floor of San Diego’s downtown public library checks out photographs in the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center.

Many San Diegans don’t realize that our city–our amazing new Central Library, to be exact–contains a unique and important repository of American history. The Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center, located on the eighth floor of the downtown library, is home to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Collection. It constitutes the largest baseball library west of Cooperstown! Shelves of books, magazines, journals, scrapbooks and other historical documents, and many photographs, have recorded in detail the fascinating history of American baseball. And it’s all open to the public!

The research center is directly adjacent to the spacious, high-domed reading room. In the center of the collection is a shiny sculpture of a player swinging a bat, titled Male baseball #1, created in 2009 by artist Yoram Wolberger. On one wall among many old photos, a video screen shows scenes from baseball history. This is one super cool section of the library!

According to the website of the Society for American Baseball Research: “The Baseball Research Center opened in 2001, with an initial collection of books and microfilm donated by SABR’s Ted Williams Chapter. In the years since, it has grown to more than 3,000 publications, books, and journals, and 300 microfilm reels.”

Today, the collection is housed in museum-like grandeur, and to peruse the many photographs and titles is like taking a wonderful, nostalgic journey back through time. Anyone who is a fan of baseball in San Diego needs to check it out!

Bronze and chrome Yoram Wolberger statue of a baseball player swinging a bat.
Bronze and chrome Yoram Wolberger statue of a baseball player swinging a bat.
Many historical photographs can be enjoyed on one wall of the baseball research center.
Many historical photographs can be enjoyed on one wall of the baseball research center.
Anyone who is interested in sports, and America's Pastime in particular, should visit the SABR Collection in San Diego.
Anyone who is interested in sports, and America’s Pastime in particular, should visit the SABR Collection in San Diego.
The collection includes many books, periodicals and artifacts concerning the great sport of baseball.
The collection includes many books, periodicals and artifacts concerning the great sport of baseball.
Photo of one display case, which contains a copy of Baseball Magazine, plus various programs and record books.
Photo of one display case, which contains a copy of Baseball Magazine, plus various programs and record books.
Another exhibit, with an old newspaper, World Series Records, Sporting News publication, team photograph.
Another display case, with an old newspaper, World Series Records, Sporting News publication, team photograph.
Shelves in the library contain hundreds of baseball reference books and registers.
Shelves in the library contain hundreds of baseball reference books and registers.
One small exhibit focuses on fan photography, called Fantography.
One small exhibit focuses on fan photography, called Fantography.
Cool photo of the KGB Chicken between two Padrettes. Ted Giannoulas later became known as The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Cool photo of the KGB Chicken between two Padrettes. Ted Giannoulas later became known as The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Image of San Diego past superstar Dave Winfield in stadium greeting fans.
Image of San Diego past superstar Dave Winfield in stadium greeting fans.
Wonderful photo of San Diego Padres legendary Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn with his family out on the playing field.
Wonderful photo of San Diego Padres legendary Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn with his family out on the playing field.

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Ocean Beach Public Library needs activism and help!

The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!
The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!

I wasn’t expecting to write this blog. But I have to.

During this morning’s Ocean Beach Street Fair, I took a few photos of a smiling lady in a Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat hat. My senses were so dazzled by all the cool sights and activity round about me that I didn’t really notice the important purpose of her booth.

As I left the festival, I popped into the local library to use the restroom. And there, standing behind the front counter, was the Cat in the Hat hat lady!  She greeted me–she was a librarian! She had noticed me taking photos.

They’re for a blog, I said. Help us raise a million dollars, she said. I laughed, promised I’d try!

It wasn’t until this afternoon, as I looked closely at my photographs, that I realized she wasn’t kidding! The Ocean Beach branch of the San Diego Public Library really does need to raise money! Check out the poster which I enlarged!

So now I have to keep a promise.

Please help the Ocean Beach public library raise funds for much needed improvements!

Here is their Facebook page. It contains contact info.

Is this a cause you’d like to support? You might like to help them out! The OB Library is overdue for expansion. Spread the word! Let’s get it done!

Why expand the library? The children's area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
Why expand the library? The children’s area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach.
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach!

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San Diego Library exhibit: Lincoln and Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln, slavery, the Constitution, dissent, the Civil War, and lingering questions.
Abraham Lincoln, slavery, the Constitution, dissent, the Civil War, and lingering questions.

A thought-provoking historical exhibit is currently on display in downtown San Diego’s Central Library. Titled “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,” the large multi-paneled exhibit outlines and discusses a number of controversial issues that arose during the time of America’s Civil War. The exhibit, which has visited a number of different libraries, was created by the American Library Association and the National Constitution Center.

Old photos and texts help visitors to understand the election of Abraham Lincoln, the secession of the southern states, and the Civil War itself; complex topics that are explored include slavery and the plight of African Americans, the Constitution and state sovereignty, and civil liberties.

If you happen to find yourself in East Village, pop into the library. The large display is on the ground floor and very difficult to miss. The traveling exhibit will remain at this location through January 9, 2015.

Lincoln: the Constitution and the Civil War is on display in San Diego's Central Library.
Lincoln: the Constitution and the Civil War is on display in San Diego’s Central Library.
Meet Mr. Lincoln. The new American president was viewed by some with uncertainty or distrust.
Meet Mr. Lincoln. The new American president was viewed by some with uncertainty or distrust.
People at San Diego's new downtown public library check out a provocative historical exhibit.
People at San Diego’s new downtown public library check out a provocative historical exhibit.
The Confederacy attacked Fort Sumter after Lincoln decided to resupply the fortification.
The Confederacy attacked Fort Sumter after Lincoln decided to resupply the fortification.
Old envelope depicts a boxing match between Lincoln and Jefferson Davis.
Old envelope depicts a boxing match between Lincoln and Jefferson Davis.
The Civil War, fought for complex reasons, effectively ended slavery in America.
The Civil War, fought for complex reasons, effectively ended slavery in America.
The original Constitution didn't abolish slavery. It left the matter to the states.
The original Constitution didn’t abolish slavery. It left the matter to the states.
Exhibit examines dissent, and Lincoln's choice to suspend the writ of habeas corpus.
Exhibit examines dissent, and Lincoln’s choice to suspend the writ of habeas corpus.
Traveling library exhibit asks about the state of equality, freedom and democracy today.
Traveling library exhibit asks about the state of equality, freedom and democracy today.
It is for us the living...to be dedicated here to the unfinished work.
It is for us the living…to be dedicated here to the unfinished work.

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Coronado Public Library’s amazing Oz exhibit!

L. Frank Baum authored many fantastic children's books.
L. Frank Baum wrote many fantastic, very popular children’s books.

The Coronado Public Library is featuring a world-class exhibit of Oz art and artifacts this month! Two huge glass cases full of books and collectibles and a large wall display of original graphic art are alive with the beloved characters that populate author L. Frank Baum’s fantasy land of Oz. The artwork, toys, figures and other cool stuff have been assembled from several important Oz collections, and made available to the viewing public during Oz Con International.

I’d like to share a few photos that I took!

Eisner Award-winning Eric Shanower's graphic novels.
Eisner Award-winning Eric Shanower’s graphic novels.
Oz collectibles and artifacts in many languages on display.
Oz collectibles and artifacts in many languages on display.
First edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz used by a Dorothy actress.
First edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz used by a Dorothy actress.
Oz books and cool stuff in an exhibit at the Coronado Public Library.
Oz books and cool stuff in an exhibit at the Coronado Public Library.
Colorful panels of Oz art catch the eye of library visitors.
Colorful panels of Oz art catch the eye of library visitors.
Troll Queen original comic art from Shanower's The Forgotten Forest of Oz.
Troll Queen original comic art from Shanower’s The Forgotten Forest of Oz.
More artwork based on the fairy tale creations of L. Frank Baum.
More artwork based on the fairy tale creations of L. Frank Baum.
Scarecrow and Tin Woodman among many characters in the collection.
Scarecrow and Tin Woodman among many characters in the collection.
This Wicked Witch is cooking up trouble!
This Wicked Witch is cooking up trouble!

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Festival celebrates Wizard of Oz in Coronado!

Festival celebrates Oz at Spreckels Park in Coronado.
Festival celebrates all things Oz at Spreckels Park in Coronado.

Today a special event was held in Coronado’s Spreckels Park celebrating The Wizard of Oz and L. Frank Baum’s other popular children’s novels. The family festival was put on to coincide with the 50th annual Winkie Con, a convention for fans of the Land of Oz.

Winkie Con, now also called Oz Con International (I suspect to sound like Comic-Con International), is growing in popularity and will be held next week for the first time in San Diego. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the classic Wizard of Oz movie, starring Judy Garland!

I strolled through the happy, colorful Coronado festival and got a few pics. According to what I’ve read, there were all sorts of activities during the day, including a children’s parade.

I then sauntered across Orange Avenue and took several photos of the famous Wizard of Oz stained glass wall inside the Coronado Public Library!

Dorothy and a Wicked Witch walk along checking out some art.
Dorothy and a Wicked Witch walk along checking out some art.
Art along Orange Avenue sidewalk includes images from the Oz books.
Art along Orange Avenue sidewalk includes images from the Oz books.
Wizard of Oz characters were all over Spreckels Park today!
Wizard of Oz characters were all over Spreckels Park today!
People enjoy music at the bandstand on a warm summer day.
People enjoy music at the bandstand on a warm summer day.
Kids can follow the yellow brick road and spin a prize wheel.
Kids could follow the yellow brick road and spin a prize wheel.
These signs and balloons were all over the green grass.
These signs and balloons were all over the green grass.

I assume these were part of a fun kids activity.

The Cowardly Lion on stained glass at Coronado Public Library.
The Cowardly Lion on stained glass at Coronado Public Library.

Now I’m visiting the Coronado Library which is located across the street from Spreckels Park.

Author L. Frank Baum spent a good deal of time in Coronado, writing many of his novels in a rented house not far from the Hotel del Coronado.  (You might check out my earlier blog post on this subject!)  He modeled the Emerald City of Oz after the fantastic, world famous Victorian beach resort hotel.

Because of its strong connection with L. Frank Baum, Coronado today is often referred to as the Emerald City!

These fun Wizard of Oz glass panels in the library were created by artist Brenda Smith.

The Scarecrow greets library visitors.
The Scarecrow greets two crows and library visitors.
Dorothy, Toto and Munchkins are a permanent feature of the library!
Dorothy, Toto and Munchkins are a permanent feature of the library!

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Lingering images from an abandoned library.

Figures above entrance of old San Diego Central Library.
Figures associated with books linger in relief above entrance of old San Diego Central Library.  Literature East, by famed local artist Donal Hord, 1953.

San Diego’s old Central Library on E Street was never really much to look at–in my opinion, at least. It was just a small, nondescript, almost colorless building across from the downtown Post Office. When the brand new gleaming Central Library opened in East Village, the doors of the old library were shut forever. But a few notable images–beautiful works of art near the entrance–still remain.

The classic Literature Panels at either side of the library entrance were created in 1953, when the building was new, by important San Diego artist Donal Hord, whose iconic works can be seen throughout the city. These reliefs depict readers and writers of books in human history.

Because of poor health as a child, he spent many hours in the San Diego Public Library and developed a love for reading.

Elegant art depicts history, music, culture and learning.
Timeless art by an internationally renowned San Diego sculptor depicts books and their association with history, music and culture.  Literature West, by Donal Hord, 1953.

Clock shows midnight on closed San Diego library.

Clock shows midnight on east side of closed San Diego library.

The lamp of learning still burns on the little-used sidewalk.
A lamp still burns on the vacant library’s front sidewalk.
The empty sidewalk contains images tread by many feet.
The empty sidewalk contains images once tread by many feet.
Graphic on sidewalk in front of old library tells of dreams, boldness and genius.
Graphic on sidewalk in front of old library tells of dreams, boldness and genius.
Books still line the parking lot behind vacant library.
Books still line the parking lot behind vacant library.
Little remains to be seen at the old Central Library.
Little else remains to be seen at the old Central Library.

A look inside new San Diego Central Library!

Front desk and spacious entrance of new downtown San Diego Central Library.
Front desk and spacious entrance of new downtown San Diego Central Library.

Here are some interior pics of San Diego’s brand new downtown public library! It’s been open for only one week!

The first photo is what you’ll likely see upon entering the new building. It’s the front desk and lobby area, containing escalators, a view of three floors, helpful librarians and lots of library patrons!

a look inside the new san diego central library shop

The beautiful library shop is just steps from the main entrance. It’s full of great library-related gifts!

votes for women exhibit at san diego central library

As I meandered about the first floor, I discovered this historical exhibit in the middle of rows of bookshelves. It explains how women, after a hard fight, earned the right to vote in California in 1911.

the cat in the hat on san diego central library wall

On the first floor you’ll find the children’s section of the library. The walls are painted with characters and scenes taken from Dr. Seuss’s popular picture books. Check out the Cat in the Hat! As many San Diego residents know, Dr. Seuss’s real name was Theodor Geisel, and he was a resident of La Jolla just up the coast.

reading room of san diego central library offers city views

Check out the reading room on the eighth floor of the new Central Library! It’s roomy, filled with light and lots of comfy chairs. The immense view toward South Bay is awesome!

looking upward in reading room of san diego central library

Here we’re looking upward toward the ceiling of the big reading room. That’s the interior of the Central Library’s iconic steel lattice dome!

display of baseball history in san diego central library

There’s a cool baseball history archive and exhibit right next to the reading room. Check out the silvery statue of a baseball player, and all the nostalgic photos on the wall! The exhibit is made possible by the San Diego Ted Williams chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research.

A couple more pics I took during a later visit…

Outside view of upper dome structure and nearby building from 9th floor of San Diego downtown library.
Outside view of upper dome structure and nearby building from 9th floor of San Diego downtown library.
Library patron in reading room creates cool graffiti art with the aid of research materials.
Library patron in reading room creates cool graffiti art with the aid of research materials.

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Cool pics of San Diego’s new downtown library!

The new central library as seen from the intersection of K Street and 11th Avenue.
The new Central Library has become a dazzling landmark in San Diego’s East Village.

Here are a few more cool pics of San Diego’s brand new Central Library! I took these photographs today after the ceremony celebrating the grand opening. Check out the modern, inventive architecture of this truly eye-popping downtown landmark! The amazing design is by San Diego architect Rob Wellington Quigley.

The first photo is from 11th Avenue and K Street, in the heart of East Village, facing roughly northeast. This is the way you’d likely go if walking from Petco Park. What you see is just a fraction of the cool sight to come…

view of new san diego library from south

Here’s a photograph from almost due south. Wow! Beautiful landscaping and palm trees complement the distinctive building, which features a metal lattice dome and a gigantic, airy reading room. Other features include an auditorium, community meeting rooms, a sculpture garden . . . even a downtown high school occupying two floors!

photo of new san diego library and trolley

Now we’re looking toward the northwest. Here comes a red San Diego trolley! Views from the trolley are very cool. You can peer up and into the lower windows of the new library. During the past couple months, riding the trolley, I watched as shelves of books slowly appeared as if by magic throughout the spacious building. Our old downtown library was less than half the size, ugly, and lacked many amenities.

wise words on exterior of san diego library

From the trolley and nearby sidewalk you can also see a handful of wise quotes engraved in the library’s concrete exterior. Here’s a pic of the following inscription: WE WILL BE KNOWN FOREVER BY THE TRACKS WE LEAVE.

UPDATE!

I walked around the now “relatively new” library in early November 2014 and took more pics…

Looking up into the modern library from the southwest corner.
Looking up into the very large library from the southwest corner.
Reflection in west side windows shows colorful building across the street.
Reflection in west side windows shows colorful building across the street.
Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat walks along a north window.
Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat walks along a north window.
Angled glass windows along passage on Park Boulevard side of complex building.
Angled glass windows along passage on Park Boulevard side of complex building.
Closer exterior look at intricate dome around library's huge reading room.
Closer exterior look at intricate dome around library’s huge reading room.
New San Diego Public Library in East Village shines in sunlight.
The distinctive San Diego Central Library in East Village shines in the sunlight.

San Diego’s new library has a grand opening!

people arrive for san diego library celebration

Check out these photos of the new San Diego Central Library’s grand opening! Located in East Village, one block from Petco Park, the new downtown library is a state-of-the-art multi-use facility containing a high school, job training center, auditorium, art gallery, sculpture courtyard, terraces with amazing city and bay views, roof gardens, and half a dozen community meeting rooms. Thirty years in the making, it’s enormous, beautiful and really amazing!

At the “Celebration and Sneak Peek” event, held late this morning, dignitaries, local politicians and benefactors gathered on an outdoor stage to dedicate the new library. A large crowd gathered to watch and applaud, showing great enthusiasm for San Diego’s new urban landmark.

The first photo, above, shows the festive arch through which many attendees arrived. On it are the words: THE STORY BEGINS. DISCOVER YOUR NEXT CHAPTER. The various colorful condos and office buildings you see are located in San Diego’s thriving East Village neighborhood.

navy band arrives for new library dedication

The second photo shows members of the regional Navy Band assembling by some tents not far from the stage. They would perform during the historic ceremony. The yellowish-orange building on the right is a tiny glimpse of Petco Park.

san diego gay men's chorus performs

The next photo shows the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus performing while dignitaries gather on the stage. The diverse crowd has become quite large and enthusiastic.

colorful people in crowd at library opening

A variety of costumed people could be spotted in the audience, and among the large crowds surrounding the library. They looked like roving characters from a Shakespeare Festival!

presentation of colors at library grand opening

Everyone here is watching the presentation of colors, just before the speeches begin. The kids in front of the stage are the San Diego Children’s Choir, who sang their hearts out. At the podium stands interim San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

big crowd at san diego library grand opening

Here’s a wider photograph of the ceremony, taken while the requisite speeches were underway. The unique open metal dome of the new San Diego Central Library shines brilliantly in the sun!

kids have fun at san diego library celebration

Lastly, here’s a pic taken on 11th Avenue beside our fantastic, functional new downtown library. Numerous booths were attracting a stream of curious people. Information concerning community services, activities, educational opportunities, and all sorts of interesting stuff was made available to the public. This booth encouraged young kids to sing and create their own art.

The new library opens to the public for its first full day this coming Monday!