The Little Tokyo Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library recently unveiled a colorful rendition of Downtown LA’s cityscape with City Hall appearing in a messy mix of bright colored hues including fuchsia and yellow. The Colburn School of Performing Arts shows a blue smiley face on the front of the building and one can almost imagine the tiny hands stroking blotches of color on the exterior of the Los Angeles Contemporary Art Museum.
Crystal Noe, the Children’s Librarian explains: “These are all buildings that are important to the kids in this community.”
The display titled “LA Metropolis Remade” is bright, refreshing and cheerful. It was completed by local children in time for the ribbon cutting ceremony which took place on June 28 with participation by LAPD officers.
Other fun activities happening at this particular branch include art workshops, interactive activities and book readings in Japanese (the library currently holds the largest collection of Japanese-language books for kids and adults).
“Even though done in Japanese, it’s open to anyone who wants to come,” explains Noe. “It’s learning through immersion and it’s very animated. It’s entertaining even if it’s not something you can understand.”
For more information visit the Los Angeles Public Library website
