Mega Library

Recently I visited the Cerritos Library off of 183rd Street across from Cerritos High School and safetly nestled between the Sheriffs Station and a business complex. The address is 18025 Bloomfield Ave, Cerritos CA 90703. The parking lot is similar to a courthouse parking lot that is underground with above ground parking. It was a crowded lot, but after a few minutes I squeezed into a spot.
I first visited the Sculpture Gardens, it has a Zen Greek feel. It was sunny with many shady area to sit down and take in the natural art of flora and metal. The balance was even with free flowing water sculptures with statues built around them. The mini maze of hedges was impressive.
As I entered the walkway to the library I passes an oversized round water pond that is home to brightly colored coi fish, live water Lilly's, and vibrant flower sculptures made of metal. The entrance to the library is through glass automatic doors that lead to a huge wall of fish in an aquarium. Next to that is a friendly helper of the library waiting there to greet and assist anyone. The aquarium is the wall that separates the Children's Library from the general areas in this architectural beauty. The Children's Library holds a small theater used for story telling and activities. A service offered is a Summer Reading Program and pre-school level activities for the family. There is a rocket ship you can walk through and sit in for reading or pretending to explore the universe. A t-Rex skeleton hangs suspended from the ceiling and is quite terrifying yet really exciting to see. Mini tables and lamps scatter the area for your children's reading pleasure. Rows of books, computers, and magazines are strategically placed throughout leaving room for quiet cubicles for those needing a special nook to study in. Large sitting areas are nestled next to smaller seating areas for parents who are patiently waiting for their baby book worms to finish chomping through the pages of bound fare.
This Library has many books that are available in the Korean and Chinese language, a convenience for the large population of Asians who live in the community. The children's section offers computers for children to work on and must sign in and out with a library helper. They can print out their work for a small fee and get assistance with their homework.

The first level offers a den like reading area that contains all the latest books and the most popular reading options. On this level you will find a gift shop, mini museum of the library, clean restrooms, business counter, computer area, and a newsstand. You may read any newspaper or magazine at the designated seating areas. Up the winding stair case is another floor of books and stainless steel sitting areas. Against the southern wall are class conference rooms that can be reserved for meetings, study groups, and special events. The library features different authors who meet with readers to share their inspiration and background regarding their latest writings for rent or purchase. This is part of the Service for Teens that is available for young readers, writer, visitors, and artists. This teen area is dedicated to these youths to help encourage their interests.
The Cerritos Library also provides a unique service for visitors with disabilities. They offer assistance for the hearing impaired, visually impaired, and mobility impaired. You can find large text books and headphones to help serve your needs.
Besides a literal reference desk you can access an online reference desk. Just type in a question or comment and you will have a response via email.
This library is one of the top ten libraries in the U.S. and even offers Fine Art displayed for the visitors of the library.
The catalog of books is easy to use on the many computers they have to look up the location of the book you are interested in, however I had a tough time location the books. I tried three times and in the end I had to have a volunteer walk me to the location and hand me the book. It's very confusing, they use the Dewey Decimal system but it is very frustrating since the library is large and high tech.
The fee for a library card is 100.00 dollars unless you are a resident or student of the ABC Unified School district.
My favorite part of the library is definately the asthetics of it. My least favorite of this library is the fact that I feel it's rather complicated and I didn't feel comfortable asking for help. It has a trendy feel that would make you feel uncool if you have to ask for help. The staff are not very patient and the library is busy and noisy.

"Hello World!"

Hello All,
This is the very first time I have blogged or set up a blog. It is a cinch to set up, however I did not understand the process. I am not sure if I have ever read a blog. This creation is a practice for Lib3 online course at LBCC. Not quite sure who will read this, but I have a feeling once I click Publish someone will. At least I will since I have to review it to see it's outcome. Oh yes, this is also my first online course. I am used to sitting at a desk in a classroom. Feels kinda cool to be in lounging clothes watching Scary Movie while doing my work.