On display at the Sunland-Tujunga library through the end of January is a display that commemorates the first proclamation made by Los Angeles City Councilmember Felipe Fuentes on Aug. 9, 2013 at city hall in Los Angeles. The proclamation officially brought Los Angeles into the worldwide celebration of Art Day, a day that falls on the second Friday in August that is dedicated to the arts and artists of all disciplines.

Fuentes spoke of the 7th Council District as being the scene of a “burgeoning arts community,” and applauded the contribution of local artists. This proclamation was also on display in the fall of 2013 at Tierra del Sol in Sunland, during the time between their two arts festivals.

Jane Dobija, senior librarian of the S-T library, welcomed the display.

“Community activities like Art Day and the Art Day Games are a great idea,” she said. “So many people have talents they won’t pursue without opportunity. More people will explore their artistic sides.”

Dobija’s artistic side is as a writer and includes journalism, poetry, drama and fiction. She is currently working on a novel about Poland, where she lived from 1983 to 1999. While there, she reported on the 1989 revolution that toppled the Russian regime. Her global perspective enhances her role in the community.

“I believe in librarianship because it gives us the opportunity to make sure our citizens have the resources they need to be informed,” Dobija said. “Without that, we wouldn’t have a functioning democracy.”

When she arrived at the library, she noticed that the Hispanic community was not well served. Two holiday programs, one in December and the other earlier this month, celebrated Hispanic traditions and were organized with the help of parents from Plainview Elementary School. This resulted in over 100 people coming to the library. Pleased with the outcome, Dobija requests that the community keep her informed of what they need, and welcomes volunteers to help the Friends of the Library.

Additionally, the library hosts a book club. Extra copies of the novel “Out Stealing Horses” by Norway author Per Petterson are on hand to read before the February book club meeting at the library on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.

For more information or to see the Art Day display, stop by the Sunland-Tujunga Library, 7771 Foothill Blvd. For more information, call (818) 352-4481, or visit www.lapl.org/branches/sunland-tujunga.

For information about this year’s Art Day games in August (featuring musicians and sculptors, with every participant winning a small prize), email Sunland resident Becky Mate at artday@earthlink.net. Three of her art cards are on display at the library presenting her paintings of Sunland-Tujunga scenes, including one of the local rock stacks (aka cairns).

  Rebecca MATE