Constitution Story Time, Wednesday, September 17th

We are pleased to offer a special "Constitution Story Time" geared for the whole family. Our special guests are from the Daughters of the American Revolution and they will help explain to the children the history and importance of the U.S. Constitution. There will also be a fun craft project for the children.This event takes place in the Program Room on Wednesday, September 17th, 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, September 16th, 6:30-7:30

Travel back in time to the truth behind the legends of when the Persian Empire invaded the Greek city-states and read Persian Fire: the First World Empire and the Battle for the West by Tom Holland. Publishers Weekly says that "Holland doesn't impose a modern sensibility on the ancient civilizations he describes, and he delves into the background histories of both sides with equally fascinating detail. Though matters of Greek history like the brutal social structure of the Spartans are well known, the story of the Persian empire—like the usurper Darius's claim that every royal personage he assassinated was actually an imposter—should be fresh and surprising to many readers, while Holland's graceful, modern voice will captivate those intimidated by Herodotus." Join us for our discussion in the Program Room of the Almaden Library over tea and cookies.

ESL Book Club reads The Joy Luck Club

Join the ESL Book Club at 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 18th to discuss Amy Tan's famous and beloved work, The Joy Luck Club. This book focuses on the stories of four different Chinese-American women and their daughters. "With wit and sensitivity, Amy Tan examines the sometimes painful, often tender, and always deep connection between mothers and daughters. As each woman reveals her secrets, trying to unravel the truth about her life, the strings become more tangled, more entwined. Mothers boast or despair over daughters, and daughters roll their eyes even as they feel the inextricable tightening of their matriarchal ties. Tan is an astute storyteller, enticing readers to immerse themselves into these lives of complexity and mystery" (Amazon). All teen and adult ESL learners are invited to attend.

Spare the Air!

Tomorrow, Wednesday August 27, is a Spare the Air Day in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution are forecast to be unhealthy tomorrow. Hot temperatures and light winds will combine to produce poor air quality for the Bay Area.
To help prevent smog tomorrow, please:
- Drive less
- Telecommute -- work from home instead of driving to work
- Take public transit, walk or bike - visit 511.org for transit info
- Carpool or vanpool with friends or co-workers
- Refuel on the way home in the evening and don't top off
Public transit is NOT free tomorrow.
To plan your commute online, visit 511.org.
To monitor current air quality conditions, visit www.sparetheair.org
This AirAlert is provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Thank you for doing your part to Spare the Air!

Author Art Rodriguez: Reading and Book Signing

Wednesday, August 27, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
King Library, 150 E San Fernando, San Jose
Rooms 225/229, 2nd Floor
Art Rodriguez, author of East Side Dreams; Forgotten Memories; The Monkey Box; and Those Oldies but Goodies, will read from his books and discuss his life and work. Book sale and signing will follow. Light refreshments will be served. For information, call (408) 808-2397.

Story Time for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

We are pleased to offer a series of three Story Times tailored for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ages 3-7). Offered on the 2nd Saturday of September, October and November at 10:30 a.m., there will be music, fingerplays, stories and puppets for the children's entertainment and socialization. Youth Services Librarian, Ed Koetitz, “Mr. K” is a seasoned storyteller and will have his trusty sidekick "Shaggy the Sheepdog" to keep things interesting. Please call (408) 808-3040 for more information and preregistration.

September 2nd--New Book Club Meeting

The Almaden Library is starting a brand new Book Club! We will be focusing on reading fiction and popular interest titles. Come to our first meeting to discuss March by Geraldine Brooks, and help choose our titles to read for future meetings.

Our first meeting is Tuesday, September 2nd from 1-2 p.m. in the Program Room.

Remember, even if this book isn't your cup of tea, come to the meeting anyway--controversy just makes the discussion more exciting!

Project Vote Smart Bus Stops at King Library

Sunday, August 17, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Corner of Fourth and San Fernando Streets

Project Vote Smart, a nonpartisan voter education organization, is currently touring the nation with their Voter Self-Defense System bus. The bus will be in San Jose and parked in front of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM on Sunday, August 17. The Voter Self-Defense System is designed to teach voters how to defend themselves against the rhetoric and misinformation of modern political campaigns. For more information, call 408) 808-2042.

Sizzlin' Summer Night Car Show and Carnival

The Almaden Community Center and Library are pleased to host their first annual Sizzlin' Summer Night Car Show and Carnival. This event takes place on Friday, August 15th from 6-9 p.m.

In addition to the amazing show cars and carnival games, there will be food, cotton candy, art activities, music, and fun prizes. All of the proceeds will be donated to Almaden Community Center's Scholarship Fund. This event takes place in the Parking Lot and Courtyard. Call (408) 268-1133 for more information.

Databases--What are they?

Learn how to use the library even when you are at home! Databases combine the top academic and popular magazines into one easy, searchable platform. If you want reliable information, databases are a must. Please call ahead to reserve your spot, or sign up at the Almaden Library Information Desk. These event will take place on Friday, August 15th from 10-10:50 a.m. inside the Tech Center.