Dinner and conversation at the Easton home during the Coronavirus Pandemic

'This photo shows Local History Librarian Monique Sugimoto in an emotional interview with best-selling author Mark Obmascik about his non-fiction book, The Storm on Our Shores, the heart-wrenching yet redemptive story of two soldiers whose lives intersected in a forgotten battle of WWII. The conversation was part of the Peninsula Friends of the Library Inaugural Literary Virtual Weekend to benefit the Palos Verdes Library District on March 19-21, 2021. Despite the pandemic, the Friends delivered a fantastic lineup of eight children, young adult and adult authors in conversation about their books ranging from overcoming shyness to solutions for Alzheimer’s in 30 days. On Saturday night, my husband Mark and I along with Joey, a 10 month-old Maltipoo enjoyed wine, dinner and dessert at home (as displayed in the photo) from local restaurants and sponsors, Truxton's and Misto's, while listening to Monique interview Mark. I was part of the Committee that organized this weekend and I was completely blown away by the result. I realized that quality, entertaining programs can be provided even during a pandemic if we are innovative and focus on meeting the needs of the community.  The kickoff Zoom panel on Friday night featured all of the authors talking about the inspirations for their books, why they write, and of course their connection to libraries. It was an enjoyable, successful weekend and hopefully next year the Friends will be able to offer in-person author dinners in private homes as well!  Pictured: Monique Sugimoto and Mark Obmascik. Location:  Rolling Hills Estates, California' , Your Story is the Peninsula's Story (YSPS) Online submission, March 25, 2021., Rosa Kwon Easton is a trustee of the Palos Verdes Library District.
Abstract/Description: 'This photo shows Local History Librarian Monique Sugimoto in an emotional interview with best-selling author Mark Obmascik about his non-fiction book, The Storm on Our Shores, the heart-wrenching yet redemptive story of two soldiers whose lives intersected in a forgotten battle of WWII. The conversation was part of the Peninsula Friends of the Library Inaugural Literary Virtual Weekend to benefit the Palos Verdes Library District on March 19-21, 2021. Despite the pandemic, the Friends delivered a fantastic lineup of eight children, young adult and adult authors in conversation about their books ranging from overcoming shyness to solutions for Alzheimer’s in 30 days. On Saturday night, my husband Mark and I along with Joey, a 10 month-old Maltipoo enjoyed wine, dinner and dessert at home (as displayed in the photo) from local restaurants and sponsors, Truxton's and Misto's, while listening to Monique interview Mark. I was part of the Committee that organized this weekend and I was completely blown away by the result. I realized that quality, entertaining programs can be provided even during a pandemic if we are innovative and focus on meeting the needs of the community. The kickoff Zoom panel on Friday night featured all of the authors talking about the inspirations for their books, why they write, and of course their connection to libraries. It was an enjoyable, successful weekend and hopefully next year the Friends will be able to offer in-person author dinners in private homes as well! Pictured: Monique Sugimoto and Mark Obmascik. Location:  Rolling Hills Estates, California' 
Subject(s): Coronavirus pandemic, 2019-2020
Rolling Hills Estates (Calif.)
2021-2030
Friends of the library
Authors--interviews
Special events
Peninsula Friends of the Library
Palos Verdes Library District