With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
New L.A. Public Library Card Is A Work Of Art
Listen
• 4:14
(
Jessica Flores/KPCC
)
The L.A. Public Library is issuing new art cards that feature a painting of a Japanese folklore character by artist Gajin Fujita, who grew up going to his public library in Boyle Heights.
The new card is adorned with Fujita's painting, titled Guardian Angel. It’s an image of the Japanese folklore character Kintaro, also known as Golden Boy, fighting a demon. Kintaro represents strength and courage, and is celebrated on Children’s Day in Japan.
Fujita's art card image gives Kintaro a contemporary L.A. twist -- he's dressed in a Dodgers jersey with a bright blue bandana around his neck.
There are only 100,000 of these new cards. New applicants can get them for free at all 73 locations, and if you’re already a card holder, you can exchange it for $3.
Support for LAist comes from
Read more at LAist: What Do You Get When You Put A Dodgers Jersey On A Superhuman Japanese Folk Hero? A Library Card!
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist