Author Steve Lopez at Peninsula Center Library

Author and active columnist for the LA Times, Mr. Steve Lopez, gave a one-hour free lecture on the rooftop of the Peninsula Center Library on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Despite the heat, the temporary tent erected on the rooftop was filled to capacity. Mr. Lopez is the author of the bestseller, "The Soloist" which was made into a movie starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx. The book tells the story of his friendship with Mr. Nathaniel Anthony Ayers who he met in Pershing Square in Los Angeles. Mr. Ayers was playing a violin with great skill and this encounter fostered their enduring friendship.

The Friends of the Library, the non-profit organization that supports the Palos Verdes Library District, hosted this free event. A tent, seating, water, a cellist and Mr. Lopez's appearance were all provided by The Friends.

Mr. Lopez was introduced by Mrs. Stella March, age 97, who has been an activist for the mentally ill for over 40 years. She has supported Mr. Lopez in his outreach to help Mr. Ayers over the years. Mrs. March has been recognized by NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) whom she works closely with. She shared that one in every four families has someone with a mental illness in their family.

Mr. Lopez held the full attention of the large crowd during his entire presentation. A master storyteller, he shared how he met and befriended Mr. Ayers. He said that this friendship changed his life for the better. He encouraged the audience to help the mentally ill in even the smallest way. So many of the residents of Skid Row are veterans or people who have been disenfranchised by government and social agencies. Not everyone would go to the extreme of forming a friendship with those afflicted with a mentally ill person, but there are many smaller ways we can help. 

One of the most gripping stories he told was of reuniting Mr. Ayers with Yo Yo Ma at the Disney Concert Hall. As young men, they had both attended Juliard School of Music in New York City, and played in the same orchestra together. Yo Yo Ma embraced Mr. Ayers and called him his brother. 

Local bookstore, The Book Frog, brought cartons of The Soloist along and sold out!

The Friends of the Library provided a table where attendees could learn more about the Friends. Representatives from the local NAMI chapter were on hand to answer questions.