Drumming Up Interest

To mark the Chinese New Year, the Glendale Public Library is holding a program Saturday for children 4 and older called “Twirling Drums,” featuring readings and crafts.

Mindy Liberman, manager of the library’s Children’s Room, will read from books describing the holiday many people of Chinese heritage are celebrating this week.

Young visitors will receive materials to make their own version of a traditional instrument called a hand drum.

The drums are described in the book “Hands-On Asia: Art Activities For All Ages” by Y.Y. Merrill, said Liberman. She recently invited 6-year-old library visitor Armine Kalajian of Atwater to sample the crafts materials that will be available Saturday. Armine assembled bits of wood, paper plates and string with a focused energy.

“She takes everything seriously,” said Armine’s mother, Zara Kalajian.

Soon there arose an exotic clattering and pinging sound from the Chinese hand drum that Armine had made, and she was complimented on her swift handiwork.

“I want to be an artist,” she said.

Liberman said she hopes such events will encourage young library visitors to check out books on various world cultures. This week’s celebration will provide an opportunity to display and read from books such as “Six Chinese Brothers: An Ancient Tale” by Cheng Hou-tien and “Wishbones: A Folktale From China,” a Chinese version of Cinderella by Barbara Ker Wilson.

On display for kids to check out will be titles such as “Chin Chiang and the Dragon’s Dance” by Ian Wallace and “Celebrating Chinese New Year” by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith, which includes descriptions of Chinese-American celebrations.

During her visit to the library, Armine decided to take home “Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan’s Chinese New Year” by Kate Waters and Madeline Slovenz-Low.

“She reads a book a day,” her mother said.

BE THERE

“Twirling Drums,” Chinese New Year storytime and crafts, Saturday, 2-3 p.m., Glendale Public Library Children’s Room, 222 E. Harvard St. Glendale. Free. Call (818) 548-2035.