Monday, August 17, 2009

#13: Mission Hills Branch

Visiting Time: 1:00-1:45PM
Did I get lost on my way? No. I checked my directions three times.
Book Checked Out: My Alexandria (Mark Doty)

Book Selection: 2 bookmarks
Seating: 2 bookmarks
Staff: 4+ bookmarks
Architecture/Atmosphere: 2 bookmarks
Total: 10+ bookmarks

Before today, Bryan was the only person who's accompanied me to a library. Today, Larry Himmel and his cameraman, Bruce, from CBS/KFMB came along.

The story will air (and will probably be teased as "a nutty woman is secreting herself away in libraries this summer--details after the break") on Tuesday during the 5 o'clock news.

A good reporter not only asks smart questions, but also makes their interviewee feel at ease. From Larry's questions, it was clear that he'd researched me and my project; from the way he posed his questions, it was clear he has a gift for working with people.

I think every San Diegan remembers Larry Himmel reporting in front of the rubble of his house during the 2007 wildfires. The news is current events. It is wars and health care bills and crime. It is also the experiences of people, the very things that make us up, like a reporter turning the microphone on himself for a personal tragedy. And maybe even one woman's quest for books.

A librarian named Harlynne (who is also a professional storyteller) helped me choose a poetry book. She talked up an Edna St. Vincent Millay poem but, alas, we couldn't find it. So I settled for Mark Doty's My Alexandria, which really isn't settling at all.

Pictures:
(Bryan tries to sell Larry on a news story about pond scum.)


(A mobile from a previous summer's "Go for the Gold" reading program.)


(Bruce asks me a question of his own.)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thats not pond scum Mich!

Its green gold, san diego soda, texas green tea, and um well... a sapphire jewel!

Did I miss any others Bry? Yes I just made up the green tea thing lol Does sapphire need a PR rep? haha

And btw don't stand in the middle of the street taking pics, can you say future ER patient?

BP

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for mentioning me and my website!

I hope people go to the website and click on shows to find out where they can go to libraries and the Timken Museum to see free storytelling shows for their children and themselves.

(The Timken is a free art museum in Balboa Park and is aimed at adults and children ages five and up).

Harlynne

Harlynne

Michelle Panik said...

Luckily (and oddly), that street was completely deserted.

I hope to see you again soon, Harlynne, at a San Diego branch library!

Cranky Cupcake said...

Mark was telling us all about your cool library adventures. I think it's awesome that the news covered it. You looked gorgeous on camera.

I have always had a love affair with the library. I remember practicing writing my name over and over in Kindergarten just so I could check out books. I take our boys to the library at least once a week. We have a new one on Santa Ana Canyon & Weir Canyon that is really nice. The old Canyon branch on Nohl Ranch Rd. is still there too.

So how smart are Lawyers? :)

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