Chapman University and Pacific Symphony join forces again to present the annual INTERPLAY Festival of music, culture and ideas. With many events free and open to the public, the festival offers audiences a fascinating in-depth look at a particular facet of our culture that will entertain, enlighten, illuminate and inspire. This year we celebrate California’s rich, diverse human landscape and
its role as a unique cultural crossroads, a meeting point for our state’s indigenous people and immigrants from across the nation and around the world. “Golden Dreams” will honor and explore the history, heritage and ideas of those who were here, those who came here – and how their interactions changed the world.

The Leatherby Libraries is proud to be a partner in this wonderful initiative.

Archivist, Lauren Menges has created a display on the first floor of the Leatherby Libraries, promoting California over the years. The left side of the case focuses on historical documents. This includes books, pamphlets and other papers that were used to draw tourists, farmers and small businesses to the states. Also known as “boosterism.” Some of the titles include: California for Health, Pleasure and Residence: A Book for Travelers and Settlers, (1882), California Calls You, published by the Union Pacific Railroad Company in 1921 and Spring Eternal: Orange County, California (1915).  The right half of the display case exhibits screenshots of Huell Howser episodes that portray the many different cultural and immigrant groups that now live in California.

Also a panel discussion titled “The Dream of America” featuring Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients, moderated by President Daniele Struppa  will be held on Wednesday, March 29 in the Doy and Dee Henley Reading Room, 5:00pm Reception, 6:00pm Panel Discussion. The event is free and open to the public. Please check the library’s events page for more information about the panel.

If you find yourself on the first floor of the library, make sure to visit the new display case.