December 1st--Family Holiday Festival

Councilmember Nancy Pyle cordially invites you to attend her Second Annual Family Holiday Festival & Toys for Tots Gift Drive. The event will take place at the Almaden Community Center on Saturday December 1st, from 1:30-4:00.

Some of the events featured are Holiday Crafts & Activities, a performance from the Castillero Middle School Choir, a storytime from Mr. K. (of the Almaden Library) at 3:00 PM, and a visit from Santa!

Toys for Tots will be collecting any unwrapped toy to give to a child, and the Second Harvest Food Bank will be collecting non-perishable food to help make someone's holiday special. Donations to these two charities will be collected all season long at the Almaden Library and Community Center.

The Almaden Community Center and Almaden Library are located at 6445 Camden Ave. in San Jose. For further information regarding this specific event, you may contact Stephanie Holm at Stephanie.Holm@ sanjoseca.gov, or call 408-535-4982. For more information about the Almaden Library, call 408-808-3040.

Closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving

Happy

Thanksgiving,

everyone!

The Almaden Branch Library will be closed Thursday the 22nd and Friday the 23rd of November. The library will reopen on Saturday the 24th, at 10 am.

Doris Dillon Library Dedication

We had a great turnout for the Doris Dillon Children's Library Dedication. Approximately 150 people showed up, and we were able to hear from members of the community that knew and loved Ms. Dillon. Children's author, Robert San Souci graciously spoke at length about his experiences in learning to write, and becoming an established author. He was very engaging and articulate. The dedication was a great success.

War Memoir Workshop report.

We had a great turnout for the memoir writing workshop today.

Here's the keynote speaker, retired Air Force Major Don Clawson speaking on his war experiences:

Here's Kaye introducing key writing concepts:

Thank you to all the participants for your time and sharing your stories.

Also, here's a video story from one of the participants from today's program, H. Bjerke:
http://www.digiclub.org/sofs/index.php?page_id=17&video_id=204

Doris Dillon Dedication Ceremony

Join us as we dedicate the Doris Dillon Children’s Library on Saturday, November 17, 2 to 4 p.m. Nationally recognized librarian and educator, Doris Dillon inspired Almaden students to love reading, learning, and life in a career spanning over thirty years. Twice named Teacher of the Year by local schools, Mrs. Dillon was known for bringing literary characters to life. Although Doris Dillon died of ALS in 2001, the Children's Library of the Almaden Branch, named in her honor, will carry on her legacy, introducing children to the joys of reading for many years to come. The schedule of the day's events include: Doris Dillon Children's Library Dedication, a light reception, visiting author program featuring Robert San Souci and a book signing opportunity with a closing reception. The Doris Dillon Children’s Library prominently displays a quote by her that captures her philosophy of life: “Never lose sight of the big picture and how precious each day is – there is so much sunshine to gather.”

Fall Book Sale

Fall Book Sale - Bargain hunters, you won’t want to miss this!
On Saturday, November 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Almaden Branch Library is having its Fall Book Sale. This hugely popular event will be staged in the large community room next to the library's entrance. At this book sale there will be a large selection of gently used and sometimes new books covering a wide range of topics and interests. Entertainment videos, DVDs, CDs and cassettes will also be available for purchase. There will be a special "Bag of Books" sale from 2 to 3 p.m. All proceeds benefit Almaden Branch Library programs and services. If you love books, you won't want to miss this event. This Almaden Branch Library is located at 6445 Camden Avenue. For more information, please call (408) 808-3040.

Wartime Memory Sharing and Luncheon

Saturday, November 10th, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Almaden Community Center.
Memories of Service Overseas and at Home
The Almaden Branch Library and the Almaden Community Center are co-sponsoring a Wartime Memory Sharing event. Our special guest, Major Don Clawson (ret.), will be speaking on his career in the United States Air Force during the height of the Cold War tensions. In addition, he will be sharing his experiences related to the task of writing about difficult and painful war memories. Afterwards, participants will get a chance to write their memoirs about wartime experiences, whether they were enlisted, or if they were on the home front, perhaps going to work for the first time because of the war. Afterwards, a light luncheon will be served and there will be an opportunity for open sharing and discussion. To sign up for the event, please call 808-3040, or visit the Almaden Library Information Desk. Signing up in advance is not required, but it is helpful to obtain a rough headcount for the luncheon.

Events at King Library

Sunday, October 28, 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.

Sunday, October 28, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Rooms 225 & 229, 2nd Floor
Inside Out: Learning About Your Body Can Be the First Step Towards Improved Health and Wellness Come see a special exhibit piece from "Bodyworlds 2 & The Three Pound Gem", Gunther von Hagens' Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies, and learn more about the complex and beautiful human body. Like all of the 200 read human body specimens in the exhibition at The Tech Museum of Innovation, this female torso specimen has been preserved through a process called Plastination. Featured speaker is Patricia Yeung, M.D., physician at the San Jose State University Student Health Center. Admission is free. This event also includes a drawing for 2 free tickets to Bodyworlds. Sponsored by TheHEALTHTrust. Hosted by General Collections. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Sunday, October 28, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Exploration Room, Mezzanine
Jaliya: Guardians of the Word Celebrate African and African American stories, music, poetry and art. Listen to drumming and storytelling of the West African jelis, or storytelling musicians, as they tell the tale of the Signified Monkey and the perils and pratfalls of gossip. For children ages 5 and above and their families. For information call (408) 808-2183.

Monday, October 29, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
International Week Kick-Off Event This is the Kick-Off Event for SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Monday, October 29, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Room 255/257, 2nd Floor
Professor Bob Gliner Film - The Tourist Join us for a viewing of Professor Bob Gliner's Film The Tourist. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Tuesday, October 30, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Room 255/257, 2nd Floor
Conversation on International Communication There will be a Conversation on International Communication with Prof. Rona Halualani. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Tuesday, October 30, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
Professor Bob Gliner Film - Making a Difference Join us for a viewing of the Professor Bob Gliner film Making a Difference. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Wednesday, October 31, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM. Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
The Cult of the Flag - Talk by Scot Guenter There will be a talk by Scot Guenter entitled "The Cult of the Flag". Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Wednesday, October 31, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Caret Plaza, Patio Area
Study Abroad Fair There will be a Study Abroad Fair. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Wednesday, October 31, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
Professor Bob Gliner Film - Heifer There will be a viewing of the Professor Bob Gliner Film Heifer. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Wednesday, October 31, 3:00 PM. Children's Room, 1st Floor
Halloween Story Time and Parade Children and their families are invited to join us at 3:00 for some stories, songs and finger plays to celebrate Halloween in the library. After the Halloween story time, join us in the fun-filled, traditional parade in the library. Children of all ages and their families are invited. Costumes are encouraged. For information call (408) 808-2183.

Wednesday, October 31, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
Study Abroad Panel
Join us for a Study Abroad Panel. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Wednesday, October 31, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Rooms 225/229, 2nd Floor
The Role of Education in Building a More Sustainable World Charles Hopkins is a world renowned scholar and lecturer, currently the UNESCO Chair Reorienting Teacher Education to Address Sustainability, and United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development. For additional information, contact San Jose State University, Office of the Provost at (408) 924-2400.

Thursday, November 1, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM. Rooms 225/229, 2nd Floor
Jochen Fried, Salzburg Scholar Lecture by Salzburg Scholar Jochen Fried. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Thursday, November 1, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM. Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
Talk on Cuba There will be a discussion on Cuba. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Thursday, November 1, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
Professor Bob Gliner Film - Cuba There will be a viewing of Professor Bob Gliner film, Cuba. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Thursday, November 1, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Schiro Program Room, 5th Floor
Treasures from the Vault: An Exploration of Beethoveniana from the Center's Collection Admission is free but seating in limited. Sponsored by the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Center. For information call (408) 808-2058.

Thursday, November 1, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Room 225, 2nd Floor
Eavan Boland: Reading and Book Signing Ireland's preeminent female poet Eavan Boland reads her poetry and signs copies of her books in this event co-sponsored by Poetry Center San Jose. Dr. Boland is currently Professor of English and Director of the Creative Writing Program at Stanford University. Born in Dublin, she lives there with her husband and two daughters when not in residence at Stanford. She has published eight volumes of poetry, her most recent being Domestic Violence in March 2007. She has received many honors and awards, among them a Lannan Foundation Award in Poetry and an American Ireland Fund Literary Award. Hosted by General Collections. For Information call (408) 808-2397.

Friday, November 2, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Rooms 225/229, 2nd Floor
International IQ Quiz Take an International IQ Quiz. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.


Friday, November 2, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
Professor Bob Gliner Film, Vietnam A viewing of the Professor Bob Gliner film, Vietnam. Part of SJSU’s International Week. For more information, visit www.sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=4645 or contact Helen at (408) 924-5922.

Saturday, November 3, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Computer Lab 125, 1st Floor
Email: Consider the Possibilities In this intermediate-level email class, you will learn how to send photos, attach a resume, and other advanced features. Prerequisites: Basic computer skills and an email account. Registration required. For more information, call (408) 808-2397.

Saturday, November 3, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM. Room L04, Lower Level
Explore the Microform Machines This program is a demonstration of the microform collection and the machines used to read them. Attendees will obtain knowledge and experience on using primary sources, old newspapers, and browse old records. Customers will be able to learn how to operate the machines and use the options of view, print, save, and email. Registration required. For more information, call (408) 808-2397.


ONGOING

Daily, throughout 2007, during library hours
Exhibit Area, 2nd FloorWhere Tradition Meets Tomorrow
A special, year-long exhibit tracing SJSU's evolution from teachers college to major metropolitan university using a never-seen-before collection culled from personal and university archives. At the exhibit, see an ornate graduation gown from 1880. Examine an antique microscope once used in SJSU labs. Salute those honored by a memorial flag adorned with a single star for each student who served in World War II. Or check out a drum once used by alumnus Krazy George, the first person to coax people in a stadium to do the wave. Exhibit is sponsored by Comerica Bank as part of San Jose State University's sesquicentennial celebration. For more information on SJSU's sesquicentennial, visit www.sjsu.edu/150TH.

Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 27th, the Almaden Community Center and Library will be celebrating its 1st Annual Harvest Festival. The event will begin at 11 a.m., and finish at 4 p.m.

Join the community in celebrating local artists, tasty food and lots of fun! Pick a pumpkin from our Pumpkin Patch, get spooked in the Haunted House, and enjoy story time with the Library. Children are encouraged to wear a costume.

LOL @ Your Library - Teen Gamefest

In recognition of the Teen Read Week 2007 (Oct. 15-20) we are pleased to host a fun "Teen Gamefest," Friday, October 19th from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. This year's slogan, "LOL @ your library" suggests that humor and fun can happen in the library. There will be traditional board games and PlayStation2 games (DDR, Guitar Hero, etc.) for your enjoyment. Students ages 12-19 are invited for the fun and games. Light refreshments will be served courtesy of the Friends of the Almaden Library.

Bye Almaden!

I'll be transferring to the Alum Rock branch as of next week. Keep checking the blog though, for updates and news, and if you're ever in the area do visit!

One Day Only: FREE E-waste Collection Event!

Saturday, October 20, 2007
9:00am - 4:00pm

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo will have a one-day-only e-waste collection event. Items can be dropped off for free at the collection site in the parking lot behind the History Park - located at the end of Phelan Avenue, off Senter Road in San Jose. Drop-off Map

Receive a Happy Hollow admission pass when you bring in a monitor or TV, as these items are the most toxic when disposed of improperly. Drop-off is FREE and all items will be recycled by ASL, a state-authorized e-waste recycler.

For more information, please call 408.277.4193.

Accepted items: computers, monitors, CPUs, Televisions, FAX machines, radios, DVD/VCR players, speakers, ZIP drives, lab equipment, printers, shredders, power supplies, cables/cords, telephones/cell phones, and stereos.

NOTE: No kitchen appliances, fluids, copiers, ink/toner cartridges, or batteries.

FYI: Scheduled down-time this Saturday, 9/29/07.

This weekend - Sept 29th - The Library's network and servers will be shutdown for maintenance. All San Jose and University library network resources will be unavailable.

The shutdown will begin when the library closes at 6:00 PM on Saturday - Sept 29th – and the network will remain down until repairs are completed. Please check your accounts before Friday night!

A million visitors to Almaden!

Yesterday, our gate count just hit one million! That means that since opening in May 2006, we've had one million visitors to the Almaden Branch - quite a milestone.

Celebrate Banned Books Week.

Banned Books Week is September 29 - October 6, 2007. Come by Almaden to check out our book display and pick up a Banned Books bookmark. Also, pen your thoughts in our annual Banned Books Week journal; you can read last year's comments too! Visit http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.htm for more information on Banned Books Week.

A new Spanish health site for older adults.

The National Institute on Aging has launched a user-friendly, Spanish-language Web site, http://www.nia.nih.gov/Espanol, featuring accurate, updated information on health issues affecting Hispanic seniors. The site covers everything from Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and diabetes to how to choose a doctor and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Links to free publications in Spanish and other Spanish health Web sites also are available.

King Library Events: September 23 - 29, 2007.

Sunday, September 23, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Rooms 225 & 229, 2nd Floor
February Flowers - A Reading by Fan Wu
Acclaimed San Jose author Fan Wu reads from her new novel, February Flowers. Her reading will be followed by a discussion and book signing. Sandra Cisneros says of Ms. Wu's novel, "An exquisitely beautiful book about that uncertain border between girlhood and womanhood, between passion and desire, a country only too familiar to all women. Fan Wu's story swept me away." For information call (408) 808-2397.

Thursday, September 27, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Children’s Room, 1st Floor
Hispanic Heritage Stories and Craft
Listen to stories in Spanish and English, then join us for a craft project honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. A free program for all ages. Escuchen cuentos en español e ingles. Después, hagan manualidades para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Un programa gratis para todos. For information call (408) 808-2183.

Thursday, September 27, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Rooms 225 & 229, 2nd Floor
Programs for New Americans: Overview of Naturalization
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services presenters will make a brief presentation and then answer questions from the public. All workshops are free and open to the public. It is NOT necessary to sign up in advance. Everyone is welcome to attend this workshop. Presented by USCIS in English. Hosted by General Collections. For information call (408) 808-2397.


Friday, September 28, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Exploration Room, Mezzanine
Friday Fun: Paper Flowers - Flores de Papel
Learn how to create beautiful flowers out of colorful tissue paper and pipe cleaners. For information call (408) 808-2183.

Friday, September 28, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Teen Center, 3rd Floor
Beat the Librarian at Guitar Hero
Have you spent hours strumming a fake guitar? When you sleep do you see red, green, and blue circles coming at you? Have you beaten Freebird on expert? If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you should compete in: Beat the Librarian at Guitar Hero! Prove your Rockstar status by participating in our first Guitar Hero competition. If you don't want to play, join us anyway to watch all of the action and drama that is sure to unfold. Prizes will be awarded to our winners and snacks will be provided for everyone! Signups will take place 30 minutes before we start and there are a limited number of open spaces so be sure to get there early! This program is for teens 12-18 years old. For information call (408) 808-2397.


Saturday, September 29, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Rooms 225 & 229, 2nd Floor
2nd Annual Tour for Seniors
Visit and enjoy a guided tour of the downtown Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. Meet your librarians and let us introduce you to resources available for Seniors. Light refreshments will be provided. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Saturday, September 29, 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.

Wonders of our Water Works Tour information.

Join a FREE tour of the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant and the adjacent Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, September 29 or Saturday, November 3. Two tour times are available: 9 a.m. – noon OR 1– 4 p.m. Learn firsthand how our everyday activities impact the Bay and its wetlands. Visit http://www.sanjoseca.gov/esd/plantmasterplan/tour-reservations.asp for details.

War and peace.

While PBS stations around the country are focusing on Ken Burn's newest offering, entitled The War, KRCB, the PBS station serving the North Bay communities of Sonoma, Napa, and Marin, and much of the greater Bay area, is presenting a unique collection of programs in September and October - The Peace Film Series. Complete program descriptions are available at http://www.krcb.org/peace_films.htm

At Almaden, our History and Non-Fiction Book club will be discussing two books related to war at our Tuesday, November 6, at 6:30 PM meeting. We will discuss "Blackwater : the rise of the world's most powerful mercenary army" by Jeremy Scahill, and "War is a force that gives us meaning" by Chris Hedges. Tea and cookies will be served.

Two great web-based tools I just learned about.

A free web-based family tree creator : http://www.geni.com.

Create and share diagrams, like flow charts : http://gliffy.com/.