Overbrook Park Library Provides Outreach Service to the Community!

 OVP’S   Staff visits The West Philly Senior Community Center

(R-L) Christina Holmes,Kahil Ferron,Tiasha Gerald, Mrs. Gloria Persia, and Marvin DeBose Sr.)

 

The “Seniors Enjoy Reading “ book club operates out of the West Philly Senior Community Center. My job as their advisor is to assist this group with selecting good titles to read and acquiring enough copies so that the seniors can borrow the books free through the “Free Library of Philadelphia” many of book club members are in the 80s age-range. Mrs. Gloria Persia, one of Overbrook Park's most beloved patrons, is the group's leader. She took on the responsibly of selecting the title for that month and coming to Overbrook Park to pick up the books for the group. Without her dedication many of these elderly members would not be able to receive their books.

 

Recently, the Overbrook Park staff surprised the Senior’s Enjoy Reading book club during the holiday by presenting them with a "vintage" 2007 Library Festival tote bag containing three brand new books for each member of the club donated by OVP Staff. The book club members were surprised when Tiasha Gerald (Librarian Assistant 1) and me, Marvin DeBose (Acting Librarian Supervisor) walked into their monthly book club meeting at the West Philly Senior Community Center located 41^st & Popular St. in the West Philly Section of Philadelphia with a bag containing their gifts.

 

OVP's Staff & Masons bring smiles to the residents of Interim House West

 

(R-L) Curtis Stewart,Marvin DeBose Sr (Acting Branch Manager)., Christiana Holmes(Children Librarian), Mrs. Williams (Interim House Director) Albert Johnson, and Rahim Forman)

Overbrook Park Library and Mt. Olive Lodge #27 Prince Hall Affiliated also collaborated on an outreach program at the Interim House West during the holiday season on Dec. 21 of last year. Interim House West Inc. is a residential shelter for substance or domestic abuse for mothers & their children located at 4108 Parkside Ave, Philadelphia, PA.

Mt. Olive Lodge #27 has been providing Christmas gifts to the children of this shelter since 1995, founded by Albert Johnson. Mr. Johnson allowed Overbrook Park staff to collaborate with them on this fulfilling event by providing books to the children of this shelter. The men of Mt. Olive Lodge provided Overbrook Staff members Holmes and I with a list of each resident's gender and age, so that the books can be distributed accordingly.

 

Along with Mt. Olive's bag full of toys for the 50-plus children, Overbrook Park staff provided books for every child as well. Holmes set up a display table with Free Library of Philadelphia promotional material. I discussed with the shelter staff & residents the different services that the library provides and also offer to return the Interim House for story time in the future.

Overall, these community outreach programs seemed to be memorable and heart-warming events for both the coordinators of the programs and patrons alike. Both Overbrook Park staff and Mt. Olive lodge members look forward to coordinating such events in the near future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania African American Library Association (P.A.A.L.A.) hosted “A Taste of Philly”

Pennsylvania African American American Library Association

Pennsylvania African American Library Association (P.A.A.L.A.) hosted “A Taste of Philly” reception on Saturday, January 25, 2014 during the ALA Midwinter Conference at The Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Library. The event was held celebrating PAALA’s 10 year anniversary and also finally becoming an Official affiliated Charter member Of BCALA.

The event was a great success with over 80 people in attendance also; many members of BCALA executive board was there enjoy the festivities including their President, Jerome Offord, Jr.

Library world stay tune for more great things from PAALA in the near future!



Jerome Offord, Jr. - President of BCALA

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Trivia Contest

Overbrook Park Library

7422 Haverford Avenue

Philadelphia, Pa 19151

Phone: 215-685-0182

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Birthday Celebration Trivia Contest

Contest Run Dates: December 28 - January 23, 2014

Come  together and learn plus test your knowledge about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Legacy and the History behind Martin Luther King,Jr. Day as a federal Holiday. Fill out a trivia questionnaire for a chance to win some great prizes.

Teen Prizes:                                  Adult Prizes:

1st Place Kamir Scott             $30 Target Gift Card                     

2ns Place  A.W.                        $10 Target Gift Card                    

 

Adult Prizes

1st Place Sarah Brownely        $30 Target Gift Card                    

2nd Abdul Sabir                         $10 Target Gift Card                   

Contest Rules: Trivia contest questionnaire will be distributed and completed in the presence of a Library Staff member. Questionnaire must be completed without the use of any outside materials. (cell phone, books, computer, etc)

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. -
                                                                           Martin Luther King, Jr.

"A Very Jazzy Christmas" Concert featuring The Andy Kahn Trio - 2013

By : Marvin DeBose Sr.



The Jazzy Christmas Concert 2013

To spread holiday cheer, the Overbrook Park Library hosted “The Jazzy Christmas” concert, a heartwarming musical celebration featuring the acclaimed Andy Kahn Trio. The Trio—Andy Kahn on piano, Kenny Davis on bass, and Overbrook Park’s own Bruce Klauber on drums—delivered an unforgettable holiday performance that filled the library and surrounding neighborhood with the spirit of the season.

In an unexpected twist for late December, the weather was unseasonably warm, with temperatures reaching up to 68 degrees. This added to the festive atmosphere, as residents in the nearby apartments opened their balcony doors to enjoy the music. Many even sang along to the Christmas melodies, turning the entire block into a living, breathing celebration of community and song.

The performance held deep emotional resonance for the trio as they dedicated the concert to the late Father John D’Amico, a beloved jazz artist who passed away in November. D’Amico had performed in last year’s Jazz Appreciation Month concert alongside Klauber and Davis, leaving a lasting impression on the community. In his honor, the trio performed a touching tribute piece that moved the audience.

A standout moment came when Bruce Klauber stepped out from behind the drums to sing the holiday favorite "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", earning a warm ovation from the crowd.

Inside the library, guests enjoyed refreshments provided by the library staff and received a thoughtful holiday gift—a winter-themed coffee mug—as a token of appreciation from Overbrook Park Library.

(L-R) Kenny Davis, Bruce Klauber, Andy Kahn and Marvin DeBose

 

Looking ahead, jazz and history lovers have more to be excited about. Bruce Klauber and I are currently collaborating on a major jazz project to be hosted at the Lucien E. Blackwell-West Philly Regional Library in the near future. Stay tuned for more updates!

The Overbrook Park Community Enjoying the Concert!