By Kathryn Johnson

This spring is a very exciting time for your Allied Garden/Benjamin Branch Library. We expect to reopen the building on Monday, April 11 and can’t wait for everyone to see our new circulation desk and tile flooring. In addition to this, we will be starting a new grant-funded program for older adults that is sure to spark your creativity. 

Several months ago, San Diego Public Library received funding to host programs that focus on creativity in older adults. The program is run by Lifetime Arts, a nonprofit arts service organization that “offers a positive, modern, artistic lens thorough which to serve, inspire and engage America’s growing population of older adults.” Thanks to this grant, library patrons across the country have been able to build their skills in literary, performing and visual arts. Lifetime Arts hopes that this funding will help build libraries’ capacities for being hubs for exploration and imagination.

Many San Diego Public Library locations have already had the opportunity to hold their grant-funded classes which have ranged from memoir writing and acting to photography. Starting April 18, the Benjamin library will start its jewelry design and fabrication class. In this 10-week class, participants will learn about contemporary artists in the field and explore construction techniques for a variety of pieces. Participants will utilize their creativity and assorted materials to design necklaces, earrings and bracelets of their own. Space is limited so please register by emailing [email protected]. Priority will be given to registrants aged 55 and older.

Thank you to everyone in the community for your patience and understanding during our closure.  We look forward to seeing you (or meeting you, if you haven’t visited us yet) in April!

—Kathryn Johnson is the managing librarian at the Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch Library. Reach her at [email protected].