MONTEBELLO—On Saturday, March 23 the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dro Gomideh announced the grand re-opening of the Hrayr Maroukhian Library as a digital media center and youth room. The library had been in use as part of the ARF Archives institute for the past several years, however recent changes presented the opportunity for the conversion of the library to a digital media center.
In deciding the best use for the library, the Committee reviewed several options and according to Co-Chair Ara Malazian determined that “We are entering the digital age. The new generation no longer looks to books for research and information. The new generation relies on digital resources including the internet, digital audio and video recordings and other electronic media. Our goal is to provide our youth with access to all of the tools the new generation is accustomed to; wireless internet access, high speed internet connections, video conferencing, digital media presentations and digital archives.”
The renovations were made possible thanks to a generous donation from the family of Sarkis and Alin Nourian.
In addition to functioning as a digital media center, the library will serve dual purposes as a youth room. Visitors will have access to cable television, movies, music and video game systems. “Our goal is to create a fun, welcoming environment for our youth so that when they come to the Armenian Center and visit the library, it’s a place that they want to stay,” said Malazian.
