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GUESTS: Yusef Omowale, Director, and Michelle Welsing, Communications Director of the Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research

Housing a veritable “people’s history of Los Angeles,” the Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research is a hidden treasure in LA. Founded by Emil Freed more than 40 years ago, the library houses important print, visual, and audio collections from the 1930s to today on labor, women’s rights, civil rights, and other social movements. The archives are in the form of books, pamphlets, posters, photos, films, videos, audiotapes, subject files, organizational records, and even personal papers. The library also has a large repository of materials on Charlotta Bass, one of the most influential African Americans of the twentieth century. Access is a key value at the library – anyone can walk in and browse the collections. Checking materials out requires an inexpensive yearly membership. Like KPFK, the Southern California Library is funded almost entirely by subscribers, and relies heavily on volunteer help and the support of the community.

The Southern California Library’s 2007 Annual Event, “Without Fear… Claiming Safe Communities Without Sacrificing Ourselves” is taking place this Thursday April 26th from 6-9 pm at the L.A. River Center, 570 West Avenue 26, Los Angeles 90065.

There will be a reception, Exhibit, and Silent Auction, as well as live music featuring Dwight Trible. The event will be honoring Ruthie Gilmore and the late Michael Zinzun.

Tickets are available at (323) 759-6063 or online at www.socallib.org.