King Library Events: April 29 - May 5, 2007.

Sunday, April 29, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Caret Plaza, Patio Area,
Friends of the King Library Bag Booksale
The Friends of the King Library are having a bag booksale. Just $5 for all the books you can fit into a large paper bag (bag supplied by the Friends). The revenues from these sales are donated back to the library for use in sponsoring a variety of community and literacy projects. For information call (408) 808-2681.

Friday, May 11, 12 :00 PM - 1 :00 PM
Room 255/257, 2nd Floor
San Jose State UPC Spring Speaker Series 2007
Join us for the third annual Spring Speaker Series put on by the San Jose State Urban Planning Coalition. Today's event features Al Savay on "Applying Smart Growth Principles: Row Houses in Mountain View." For more information, please email Brandi de Garmeaux, upcresponse@yahoo.com

Thursday, May 3, 7:00 PM
Schiro Program Room, 5th Floor
First Thursdays Presents: Following Clues Like Nancy Drew
What is it that drives ordinary people to research, write, and publish local history? One common trait is probably curiosity. That's what fueled Nancy Newlin's desire to write about the Hayes mansion, and what also led her to publish a second edition of her book, The Gem of Edenvale: San Jose's Historic Hayes Mansion, in time for the mansion's centennial in 2005. After an overview of the history of the mansion and the Hayes family, Ms. Newlin will share some stories of the frustrations and treasures of historical research. Sponsored by the California Room. Free admission but seating is limited. For information call (408) 808-2167.

Thursday, May 3, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Computer Lab 125, 1st Floor
Know How to Search the Library's Databases?
Do you have a subject to search? This workshop can save you hours of time and frustration by demonstrating how to select from among the many library database subscriptions. Retrieve information quickly and easily from among the thousands of magazine and newspaper articles available by using the database best suited to your needs. Presented by General Collections. Registration required. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Saturday, May 5, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Computer Lab 125, 1st Floor
Email: Consider the Possibilities! - Intermediate Email
A continuation of SJPL's beginning email class: learn how to send photos, attach a resume, and use other advanced features. Requisites: Basic computer skills and an email account. Presented by General Collections. Registration required. For information and to register call (408) 808-2397.

Saturday, May 5, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Room 255/257, 2nd Floor
San Jose Area Writing Project Super Saturday
The San Jose Area Writing Project is hosting a Super Saturday with the Young Adult author, Adrian Fogelin. She is the author of The Real Question, The Big Nothing, Sister Spider Knows, and Crossing Jordan, which was named an ALA Best Books for Young Adults. For more information, please contact Dr. Mary Warner at (408) 924-4417

Did you know? Tomorrow is Start Walking at Work Day!

This Wednesday, April 25th, is Start Walking at Work Day, promoting physical activity at the workplace in an effort to help Americans live longer, healthier, lives. A Harvard alumni study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that most people can gain 2 hours of life expectancy for every 1 hour of vigorous exercise. Studies also show walking to be the form of exercise that people are least likely to quit. Take a break and take a walk!

For genealogy researchers...

GenealogyBank.com has put a digital copy of the complete 1819-1820 U.S. Passenger List, free and online at: http://www.genealogybank.com/free. This is an exact digital copy of the original document that was published by the Federal Government and covers the arrivals in 35 ports in 14 states and the District of Columbia. You still have to pay to use all their features though!

TV Turnoff Week is next week!

Next week, try turning off your TV for the entire week. National TV-Turnoff week is an annual event that began in 1995; you can find out more information at this site: http://www.tvturnoff.org/week.htm. Visit our library for any reading suggestions - non-fiction or fiction!

Falcon Scope temporarily out of service.

The Falcon Scope, recently installed on the 8th floor at the King Library, has been taken down temporarily pending the arrival of parts intended to further stabilize the installation. The City webcam, which can be viewed from library public Internet access computers as well as Internet-capable home computers, remains the only option at this time that allows an actual view of the nest from a remote position. Check it out at http://sanjose.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=91/nest.

New features on the OPAC!

We've been upgrading our online catalog. Three major changes:

1) The Search Results display has been revised to include:
- cover images
- additional descriptive & edition information
- call numbers
- a "red flag" notice about holds when they exceed the number of available copies
- an additional link to the complete record for each result labeled "See Exact Location and Availability"

2) You will be able to change your "Home Library" in "My Account".

3) The expiration date for your library card will display in "My Account".

King Library Events: April 22 - 28, 2007.

Sunday, April 22, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Room 225/229, 2nd Floor
VietREADS presents Cookbook Author Andrea Nguyen
Join Southeast Asian food expert Andrea Nguyen in a lively discussion of the culinary traditions of Vietnam. Learn about the history, essential ingredients, and cooking methods of the cuisine. Then, observe and taste dishes prepared by this gifted teacher and writer. At the end of this event, Andrea will be signing copies of her new cookbook, Into the Vietnamese Kitchen (Ten Speed Press). Join us for a delicious afternoon! This event is one in the multi-author series VietREADS! - exploring the literature, history, food, music and arts of Vietnam. Hosted by General Collections. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Room 225/229, 2nd Floor
Readings of Phelan Poetry Winners
Student winners of various poetry contests, including the longstanding Phelan Contest, will read their poems. There will also be readings of works by many of the poets of SJSU's 150-Year Legacy of Poetry. Displays on SJSU's Legacy of Poetry may be viewed from 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM; readings begin at 7:00 PM. For more information, please contact Annette Nellen at (408) 924-3508.

Tuesday, April 24, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Caret Plaza (at Campus Entrance)
Moon Beams and Saturn Rings
Participate in a fantastic "moon gazing event" with the San José Astronomical Association. Several varieties of telescopes and high powered binoculars will be available to scope out the night’s luminaries. As an added bonus, Saturn is also scheduled to appear. Don't miss this very special opportunity. For grades 3-12 and families. For more information call (408) 808-2183.

Wednesday, April 25, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Room 225/229, 2nd Floor
In celebration of National Library Week: Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace - Reading and Reception with Book Signing
The Veteran's Writing Workshop proudly showcases a harvest of creative, redemptive storytelling spanning five wars in this anthology, Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace, edited by Maxine Hong Kingston. Come listen to the following contributors to the book:
Maureen Nerli - Vietnam War, USO Club, Saigon; Army Special Services
Doug Howerton - U.S. Navy; MOVE
John Swensson - West Point graduate, 2 tours of Vietnam
Sean McLain Brown - Gulf War I, Disabled Marine Corps officer
Nancy Sue Brink - Filmmaker
Lee Swenson - Former Director of the Institute for the Study of Nonviolence
Doug Zachary - U.S. Marines, Veterans for Peace
Hosted by General Collections. For more information call (408) 808-2397.

Thursday, April 26, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Room 225/229, 2nd Floor
An Evening with Andrew Lam
Journalist and short story writer Andrew Lam will read from his work. This will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. For more information, please contact Mitch Berman at (408) 924-4489.

Saturday, April 28, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Caret Plaza, Patio Area
Friends of the King Library Booksale
The Friends of the King Library are having a booksale. The revenues from these sales are donated back to the library for use in sponsoring a variety of community and literacy projects. All hardcover books are $1; all softcover books are $ .50! A bag booksale will follow on Sunday. For information call (408) 808-2681.

Saturday, April 28, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Discovery Meadow, in front of the Children's Discovery Museum
San José Children's Faire - Watch Me Grow!
The San José Children's Faire is a free one-day outdoor event that provides childcare, health and safety, and recreation resources for parents, along with fun activities and special attractions for children ages 2-12. For information call (408) 808-2617.

Saturday, April 28, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Rooms 255 & 257, 2nd Floor
A Saturday Afternoon of Poetry with Barbara Jane Reyes
Join us in a celebration for National Poetry Month with Barbara Jane Reyes. Ms. Reyes is the author of Gravities of Center and Poeta en San Francisco, which received the James Laughlin Award of the Academy of American Poets. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in such journals as Asian Pacific American Journal, Chain, New American Writing, North American Review, Notre Dame Review, and Parthenon West Review. Ms. Reyes is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Mills College. For information call (408) 808-2681.

King Library events for this week...

Thursday, April 19, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Rooms 255 & 257, 2nd Floor
Eight Reasons Why Funeral Directors (Almost) Always Have the Upper Hand
Every family needs to be prepared for what could be its third largest expense in life - a loved one's funeral. Discover your consumer rights, alternative ideas on funerals, ways to save on expenses, the pros and cons of pre-planning and pre-payment, ways to remain in control at the funeral home, and finally, becoming more confident about making decisions that are so final. A question-and-answer session follows the program. Presented by Marjorie Bridges of the Funeral Education Foundation. Hosted by General Collections. For more information call 408-808-2397.

Saturday, April 21, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Computer Lab 125, 1st Floor
Basic Email in Vietnamese
Learn the basics of setting up an email account and essential functions such as checking new mail, composing and sending, managing folders, etc. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of computers (mouse, keyboard and software) and some Internet use. Pre-registration required. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Saturday, April 21, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Room 225B, 2nd Floor
Classical Guitar Program with Peter Fletcher
Do you love classical guitar music? Join us for a joyous afternoon of music by award-winning guitarist Peter Fletcher, fresh from his successful New York City debut. He will entertain you by playing favorite works by Bach, Couperin, Sor, Satie, Lauro, Tarrega and others. Admission is free. Sponsored by General Collections. For Information call (408) 808-2397.

Saturday, April 21, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Room 225/229, 2nd Floor
AT&T Technology Showcase
This event gives the attendees a presentation on what GEAR UP is and what it has achieved over the past few years. Themes included in the presentation are: Acts, AT&T Tech Curriculum, Parent Workshops and Financial Aid Workshops. For more information, please contact Jessica Davis at (408) 347-4167.

San Jose Idol contest at Almaden - today!

We just got through with Almaden's San Jose Idol contest. Congratulations to all contestants - everyone did a great job, and the judges took quite a long time deliberating. Here are some photos from the event.

Kelly, who placed second, performing "Mama Mia":

Sharilyn, who was the first-place winner and will represent Almaden in the system-wide contest, performing "Cry me a River":

Kalpana, who was one of two third-place winners:

The judges:

Photos from yesterday's Sing-along with Juliette McDonald.

You can find out more about Juliette McDonald at her website: http://www.juliettemcdonald.com.

Mr. K introduces the performers.



A full house enjoys singing along.

Public hearing: help us name a new library.

The City of San Jose invites you to attend a public hearing on the naming of the new branch library located at the corner of Monterey Road and Branham Lane East. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, May 9, at 7 PM in the Santa Teresa Branch Library Community Room. Call 408-535-8429 with your suggestions prior to the hearing!

Exciting Harry Potter news!

We're one of the lucky libraries to host the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Knight Bus Tour! The Bus will be at the Cambrian Branch Library on Tuesday, July 10, from 10 AM to 1 PM, and then at the Berryessa Branch Library from 3 to 6 PM. See all tour dates and libraries at: http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/press041107.htm.

Database update.

The History Resource Centers: U.S. and World databases have been updated with new content. A long list of primary sources have been added to support and broaden new and existing reference and periodical content within the databases. Check them out at http://www.sjlibrary.org/research/databases/index.htm?getType=4.

The DMV wants you to know about its expanded online services.

Did you know that you can set up an appointment to visit the DMV, change your residence or mailing address for your drivers licence, renew your vehicle registration, and order vanity plates for your new car or boat, all online? Check out http://dmv.ca.gov/ to find out more!

City Hall Peregrine Falcons Now Viewable Live Online!

The City of San José, in conjunction with the UC Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group (SCPBRG), present Falcon Cam, a live, web-streaming camera trained on the city hall peregrine falcons’ nest box high atop City Hall. And in that nest box are three speckled salmon-colored eggs. Fans of City Hall Falcons, Clara and Jose, can now log onto the falcon cam at http://falconcam.sanjoseca.gov/nest and watch them as they incubate eggs and, hopefully, hatch their young.

In conjunction with the new webcam, the King Library Co-Managers agreed to allow installation of a spotting scope on the eighth floor of the King Library with a view toward the ledge above the nest box habitat. This telescope, generously donated by Orion Telescopes and Binoculars of Watsonville, California with the great coordination of the San Jose Public Library Foundation, will be available to the public during open hours of King Library (keep in mind the eighth floor is designated a "quiet" area). It should be installed and available by the end of today.

King Library Events: April 8-14, 2007.

Tuesday, April 10, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Room 225/229, 2nd Floor
headRush - Spoken Word Theatre Ensemble
Thrill to the sounds of headRush, a spoken word/performance trio comprised of Rosa Esperanza Gonzalez, Luis "Xago" Juarez and Simon Adinia Hanukai. They combine elements of Chicano/Hip-Hop/Street Theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed and spoken word poetry to create a unique rush of psycho-politico satire and popular education. Read about them at www.headrushcrew.com and enjoy the review on www.siliconvalleydebug.org. Everyone is welcome at this exciting event. For more information call (408) 808-2397.

Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Room 229A, 2nd Floor
Poetry Café
For poets and poetry lovers. The library is inviting poets, both published and non-published, to share their poetry. Come read, listen and enjoy. All ages are welcome. For more information call (408) 808-2397.

Thursday, April 12, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Room 255/257, 2nd Floor
San Jose State UPC Spring Speaker Series 2007
Join us for the third annual Spring Speaker Series put on by the San Jose State Urban Planning Coalition. For more information, please contact Brandi de Garmeaux at (415) 577-1813.

Thursday, April 12, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Room 225 And 229, 2nd Floor
A Reading with James Houston and Signing of Bird of Another Heaven
James D. Houston, author of eight novels, SJSU Alum and the 2006 Lurie and Distinguished Chair in Creative Writing at SJSU, will read from his latest novel, Bird of Another Heaven. Mr. Houston is the author of eight novels, and his recent publication Snow Mountain Passage was listed as the one the Year's Best Books. This event is cosponsored with the SJSU Center for the Literary Arts and the First Thursday’s program, and will include a book signing and reception. The reception will take place on the 5th Floor, Special Collections Lobby. For more information call (408) 629-1820.

Homework Center will be closed next week.

The Homework Center at Almaden Branch Library will be closed for Spring Break, from Monday, April 9 through Thursday, April 12. It will open again for tutoring on Monday, April 16.

Upcoming event at Almaden Branch Library : "5 Secrets to Looking and Feeling Young"

On Tuesday, April 10, at 12:30 PM, Dr. Joseph Chiu will give a free lecture. He is a leading expert on health and wellness. He is a practicing chiropractic and a volunteer speaker for the Wellness Awareness Foundation. He will discuss why diets don't work, why eating fat doesn't make you fat, what hormone is out of control in your body, and how to regain your energy and vitality. The event takes place in the Program Room.