Thank you Salinas for showing your support!
Over 15,000 people attended Salinas Public Library’s 100th Birthday Bash, Sunday September 27th, 2009.
Events were held at the John Steinbeck, Cesar Chavez, and El Gabilan libraries. Everyone had a good time! The editorial in The Californian stated it was truly the day that the Library rose from a financial crisis to become the “soul of the city.” There are many highlights from this historic day.
Each library had a three-tier Birthday cake decorated with book covers and a model train running around on the 2nd tier. The cakes fed 1,200 people each and were gone within two hours. The chocolate fountain with strawberries were also a delicious treat. Children were given free Snappy (the Library Tortoise) T-Shirts. Most children put them on immediately.
The Time Capsule to be opened in 2109 was sealed with “letters to the future” written by children. Students also nominated items that represent how we live today. Items included a Computers for Dummies book, iPhone, coffee maker, oak pods (so there will be trees), and the American flag “because it will always be here.” Snappy was in attendance for the time capsule event since she might be the only one of us still alive in 2109.
There was a Read-In with musicians, authors, and poets. The PBS Emmy Award winning “Between the Lions” performed. The Friends of the Salinas Public Library held a giant Book Sale. Children had their photos taken with Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer, Big Bird, Elmo, Scooby Do, and Winnie the Pooh. Lastly, the recently restored historic Lester Boronda and Hurd paintings (curated by the National Steinbeck Center) were displayed.
It was truly a GREAT celebration for the Salinas Public Library. Thank you Salinas!
