Immigrant Books in High Demand at Larchmont Library

Notice from Immigration Celebration

See also: Aren't We All Immigrants? Celebrate at the Emelin 9/25

(9/14/02) There has been "a lot of interest" in the new special reading section on immigrants and immigration at the Larchmont Public Library since it was set up August 30th, Diane Courtney, Director of the Library reported.

She said book circulation has been very active and that librarians Ellen Fentas and Frank Connelly, who developed the special section, ”have had to restock shelves with additional books at least a half dozen times. We are pleased that we are able to bring such a large collection of books on this subject together."

Diane Courtney, Director of the Larchmont Public Library, picks out a book from the new special reading section on immigrants and immigration set up August 30th.

The immigrant reading section was put together to coincide with the "Celebration of Immigrants Day," September 25th, jointly proclaimed by the two mayors and supervisor of the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck and the Town of Mamaroneck. The designation is believed to be the first such proclamation in the area.

Another related first is a "Celebration of Immigrants" event that will take place at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 25th at the Emelin Theater in Mamaroneck, organized by the Hispanic Resource Center of Larchmont and Mamaroneck with the help of other local groups. The event will feature two original videos about local immigrants, a presentation about the area's immigrant history, music by a Mamaroneck High School choral group and a special showing of Charlie Chaplin's 1917 silent film classic "The Immigrants" with live piano accompaniment.

Ms. Courtney said that local residents are quite interested in their immigrant background, a subject that interests her as well. "The contributions of immigrants speak to everything we value today," she said. Her own father came to this country from Italy at age 6, began earning a living after high school, became an importer and maintained a life-long devotion to reading and learning.

Asked about her own favorite book on immigrants and immigrant life she cited “China Boy" by Gus Lee, a story about a young Chinese immigrant growing up in California.

Proceeds from the ticket sales and other contributions associated with the “Celebration of Immigrants: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" at the Emelin Theater will help fund the Hispanic Resource Center's integration of new immigrants. The Center, set up by local citizens three years ago for this purpose, is located at the Community Action Program Center at 134 Center Ave., Mamaroneck. For Tickets call: 835-1512.

for information:
Harold Wolfson--- 834-6229
Elaine Chapnick---834-3049 or 834-3217

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