larrymantle The centerpiece of this year’s edition of the Long Beach Reads One Book program—the 10th anniversary of the nationwide project by StoryCorps—is tonight at the Centre Theatre: a program that will include the Dave Isay, the editor of this year’s book selection, “Listening is an Act of Love.” The event runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Also included in the $21.99 price of admission is an on-stage interview of Larry Mantle, host of the weekday Air Talk program on KPCC-FM (89.3), who for the past 25 years has made his living asking the questions.
In this case, however, the interrogator will be Rich Archbold of the Press-Telegram, who was recently removed as Executive Editor by the paper’s corporate owner, MediaNews Group, and given the title of Community Liaison Director/Editor Emeritus.

Later, Mantle will interview winners of a city-wide contest whose stories were selected as “Best in Long Beach.” Poly High’s chamber orchestra will also perform.

Tickets are available by telephone (800.838.3006) and online www.brownpapertickets.com/event/156830.

Other events:

Long Beach Public Library Book Clubs and Programs
Various Neighborhood Libraries
The Long Beach Public Library will celebrate Long
Beach Reads One Book with book clubs and other programs in the various neighborhood libraries. Information: Check with your local branch or visit www.lbpl.org for a complete listing.

Thursdays, March 31, April 7
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Children’s Storytime at Borders
Borders Books & Music Long Beach
2110 Bellflower Blvd.
Borders on Bellflower Blvd. will offer 10 a.m. storytimes for children under 5, and 6:30 p.m. storytimes for children 5 – 8 years old.
Information: (562) 799-0486.

Saturday, April 9 11 a.m. – noon
Neighborhood Stories from El Dorado Park South
El Dorado Park Library
2900 Studebaker Road
The El Dorado Park South Neighborhood Association has collected interviews, neighborhood newsletter articles, newspaper clippings, and other historical information about the history of this 1954 east Long Beach tract including videotaped memories of original owners. This program will show what can be done to preserve neighborhood history, and how it can enrich current residents’ sense of community. It will feature long-time residents of he neighborhood.
Information: Dee Abrahamse, (562) 430-3981, Dee@abrahamse.org.