Built for Books, a four-month celebration of libraries, learning and philanthropy, honoring the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Pacific Grove Public Library in 1908, opens with a juried art exhibit and reception on Friday, April 6, 2018, at the Pacific Grove Public Library.
Special events throughout April, May, June and July include monthly architecture walks and talks at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds, a community poetry creation event with noted poet and Herald columnist Patrice Vecchione, a lecture by Asilomar historian Aubrie Morlet and a birthday celebration for all ages at Jewell Park on the date of the Library’s grand opening in May.
“Books are our best, our wisest and most faithful companions. They instruct, they entertain and console us…they are the bridges that span the centuries” proclaimed Horace Platt at the dedication ceremony to begin construction of the Pacific Grove Public Library.
The citizens of Pacific Grove have greatly benefitted from philanthropy, in legacies lasting more than a century, contributed by Andrew Carnegie to found a free public library and Phoebe Hearst to found Asilomar, and supported by many citizen donors and volunteers over the years. A Pacific Grove Library Renewal Project is underway, with contributions from a public-private partnership being raised to renew, renovate and restore the historic Carnegie library. A recent partnership at Asilomar has restored historic features and the return of the original Julia Morgan outdoor deck design to the Phoebe Hearst Social Hall.
“We are looking back with appreciation and forward with anticipation,” explained series co-creator Cathleen Gable. “We are celebrating our history, heritage, and a renewed commitment to continue these legacies at the Library and Asilomar.”
Series sponsors are the Pacific Grove Public Library, the Friends of the Pacific Grove Public Library, the Pacific Grove Public Library Foundation, California State Parks and the Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.
Friday April 6 - Friday July 6 Juried Art Exhibit
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Juried art work provides multi-dimensional, unique visions of creativity inspired by books and words.
Friday, April 6, 5:30 to 7:30 pm Artist Reception
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Free, opening reception for juried art show. Refreshments and Award Ceremony.
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Ave. Pacific Grove
Free. Meet at the flagpole.
One of three monthly tours focused on the lasting legacy of learning and architecture at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.
Friday, April 27, 5:30 to 7 p.m. A Poem in Your Pocket with Patrice Vecchione
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Free to Friends of the Pacific Grove Library members/$10 charge to non-member
Celebrate National Poetry month before it’s gone with poet, nonfiction author and teacher Patrice Vecchione. Patrice will perform a selection of poems from around the world and chat about the value of poetry in our lives. You’ll leave the evening with poems to carry you through your joys and challenges. And you, too, can be a poet! Patrice will lead the group in the writing of a group poem to celebrate the library.
Saturday, May 12, 1 to 3 pm Library 110th Birthday Bash in Jewell Park in Pacific Grove
Central Avenue, next to the Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Pacific Grove Public Library with birthday cake and lemonade, art projects and fun events for all ages. Meet Architect Karin Payson, of Karin Payson architecture + design, who is overseeing the Library Renewal Project. Tour the Library and hear about plans for the renewal of the historic Carnegie rotunda, renovation of public spaces and restrooms to ensure ADA compliance, improve accessibility and usability.
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Ave. Pacific Grove
Free. Meet at the flagpole.
One of three monthly tours focused on the lasting legacy of learning and architecture at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Free to Friends of the Pacific Grove Library members/$10 charge to non-member.
Learn about Asilomar's history of architecture and philanthropy from Asilomar’s historian and resource manager.
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Ave. Pacific Grove
Free. Meet at the flagpole.
One of three monthly tours focused on the lasting legacy of learning and architecture at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.
Friday, July 6, 5:30 to 7:30 pm Closing Reception
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Free, closing reception for juried art show. Refreshments and music.