Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library Honors Branch’s Namesake
Fans of Maya Angelou, an esteemed literary voice and award winning poet, are invited to gather at the Maya Angelou Branch Library to celebrate her life’s work on Saturday, June 7, at 4:00 p.m. Maya Angelou passed away on May 28; however, her work and her wisdom live on at the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library.
This free event is open to the public and will include light refreshments, respected guest speakers, and the reading of a few select pieces from Maya Angelou’s vast collection of writings. Leading the program will be “With Our Words” Director Tama Brisbane. Guest speakers will include Councilmember Michael Tubbs and other respected citizens of Stockton.
“It is a sad time when one of the most beloved voices of a generation has been silenced,” said Interim Director of Community Services Craig Bronzan. “The blessing comes from knowing that her legend lives on in the books she wrote; books that are freely available to the community by visiting most any public library.”
“Maya Angelou was among the greatest poets of the 20th century. Her writings served as inspiration for all who sought to overcome discrimination and abuse, most of all women and African-Americans. Her presence as an artist and leader for social rights will be missed,” said City Librarian Chris Freeman.
Dr. Maya Angelou visited Stockton on several occasions throughout her life. The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library was honored to host her visit for the naming ceremony of the Maya Angelou Branch Library on November 25, 1996.
The Maya Angelou Branch Library is a 10,500 square foot building is located in Southeast Stockton at 2324 Pock Lane. The branch is open 25 hours a week, 5 days a week, and has a collection of over 36,600 items. As of April of this fiscal year, Maya Angelou customers checked out over 32,000 items, answered over 5,500 reference questions, and held 39 programs with over 1,800 people in attendance at those programs.
Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library is comprised of 12 branch libraries and two mobile vehicles that serve residents throughout Stockton and San Joaquin County. The Cesar Chavez Central Library is located at 605 N. El Dorado Street. For more information about the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library call (209) 937-8221 (Stockton), or countywide toll-free at (866) 805-7323. Visit the Library’s website at www.ssjcpl.org. Find SSJCPL on Twitter (twitter.com/ssjcpl) or Facebook (facebook.com/ssjcpl), and join in conversations celebrating literacy.