DOWNEY - The Downey Symphony Guild will sponsor a bus trip for 30 people to tour the magnificent Cerritos Library on Wednesday, May 11.The bus departs promptly at 9:30 a.m. from the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center. This outreach program for members and the community, as always, is to benefit Music in the Schools and the Downey Symphony Orchestra. The Guild was proud to present a donation of $14,000 to the Symphonic Society at the last concert April 2. Because only 30 bus seats are available for this outing, it is advised to confirm reservations of $18 per person as soon as possible. The fee includes a Porto's Bakery box lunch. A docent will show our group through this remarkable building which is considered to be the most ambitious municipal library project ever attempted in the United States. A spectacular 10x21-foot saltwater aquarium is seen as we enter the building. The opposite side can be viewed from the charming children's area. Themed spaces in the building include a corridor named "Main Street" which captures the concept of honoring the past and imagining the future. An Old World reading room in dark, rich colors and a fireplace with a realistic hologram of a fire adds to the room's peaceful appeal. A Great Room features arts- and crafts-style furnishings and the Art Deco room houses the young adult section with designs of that period. Museum quality artwork is seen throughout the building. Of particular note is the 6-part blown glass installation by Dale Chihuly, the internationally known glass artist. It is composed of 400 individual glass elements. Reservations on a first-come, first-served basis can be made by sending payment to: The Downey Symphony Guild, 9700 Garnish Dr., Downey CA 90240. Payments must reach the guild by May 5. Questions? Call (562) 861-8507.

********** Published: April 14, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 52