Support is Motivating

Support continues to grow for a bilingual library and museum in Stockton, CA. One of the first people, outside of my family, I shared my idea with was Stockton Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina of District 5. District 5 includes the Fair Oaks Neighborhood, the area of Stockton which desperately needs a library.
From that first day, as I excitedly shared my idea, to now having a written formidable plan, Dyane has been helpful, patient, and most of all encouraging.

Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina speaks to a crowd 

at the Put Stockton First Kick Off on February 1, 2014. 

Stepping out with an idea can be intimidating. During this process, there have been lulls, delays and set backs. But it's all a part of a learning process. Each pause was a moment to look at the successes and progress of other worthy causes in my community, such as Put Stockton First. These moments reassured me that all projects take time but I need to keep moving forward! 

Thank you Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina for your support and motivation! 

Friday Recap!

Researching bilingual libraries, bookstores and bookshops this week lead to more questions about the vision to revive Fair Oaks Library. What will it look like? What days & hours will it be open? What services will the community really want from their library & tech center? It's exciting to uncover the possibilities!
Take another look at 2 inspirational places >>

Searching for other bilingual bookstores...

Searching further, I came across another bilingual bookshop, Libros Schmibros, in Los Angeles, CA Boyle Heights neighborhood. I’m excited to make time to look around this wonderful place soon!

David Kipen, a former book critic for the San Francisco Chronicle and former director of national reading initiatives at the National Endowment for the Arts, opened Libros Schmibros in July, 2010.
David writes an interesting article on his bookshop here: www.jewishjournal.com/cover_story/article/bringing_books_to_boyle_heights_20110713/

I had to smile at his comment, “A year ago, on July 19 (2010), I opened Libros Schmibros to the public. Nobody knew what to make of it at first — not my family and friends, not my new neighbors, really not me either.” I feel this sentiment as well right now knowing a bilingual bookstore should exist here in Stockton but no exact details yet. And I’m excited by that thought. I have no details and therefore the canvas is clear; ready to be developed by the community it will serve.