Friday, May 09, 2008

“Catch the Reading Bug!” Starts Saturday, June 14th

■ “Catch the Reading Bug!” will be the theme of the 2008 Summer Reading Celebration for children from birth through grade 5 at San José Public Library. A complementary theme, “Metamorphosis @ your library,” invites concurrent teen participation. The entire family is encouraged to sign up and earn credits together for accumulated minutes of reading starting Saturday, June 14. Credits may be cashed in for a fun prize at any one of several milestones, cumulatively representing 30 hours of reading or being read to. Parents may also choose to participate in the adult summer reading program, “Savor the Summer @ your library.” Check our web pages for more information, including special programs scheduled throughout the city. Summer Reading Celebration is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Round Table Pizza and the San Jose Mercury News, with additional support from Bay Area Parent™ and other community organizations.

Hand Art Contest--Saturday June 7, 11 a.m.--2 p.m.

Hand Art Contest - Hand Therapy Awareness and Injury Prevention Week
In honor of the Hand Therapy Awareness and Injury Prevention Week (June 9-13), we are please to host a unique hand art contest, which is sponsored by the American Society of Hand Therapist (California Chapter). On the day of the art show, bring your hand art work (may be art work of any medium that features the hands) for display and judging. There will be prizes of $100 dollars for Junior High, $100 for Senior High and $200 for Adult participants.

California and the Civil War


Join the History Book Club on Tuesday, June 3rd, 6:30-7:30 p.m. to discuss California's role during the Civil War. We are reading The California Gold Rush and the Coming of the Civil War by Leonard L. Richards. “Richards, a leading historian of 19th-century America superbly illuminates gold rush California as a land in contention between national pro- and anti-slavery lobbies in the decade leading up to the Civil War.” Tea and cookies will be served. For more information, please call the Almaden Library at 408-808-3040.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Tomatoes, Chilies and Peppers with the Master Gardeners!


You say tomato....Saturday, May 31st
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.


Join the Master Gardeners and the Almaden Library for a hands-on workshop on how to grow your best 2008 tomatoes, chilies and peppers. Enjoy having fresh grown fixings for salsa, gazpacho and bruschetta all summer long. For more information, or to sign up, visit the Almaden Library Information Desk or call 408-808-3040. Drop in attendees are also welcome.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Stories Under the Stars


On Friday, May 2 at 8 p.m., the Almaden Library and Community Center (6445 Camden Ave., San Jose) is pleased to host a "Stories Under the Stars" program. This event will feature stories and songs about the wonders of the night sky and will take place in the small amphitheater next to the Almaden Library (please dress warmly and bring blankets). The astronomers from the San Jose Astronomical Association will give a brief presentation at 8:20 p.m. and afterwards everyone will have an opportunity to observe the Moon, Mars, Saturn, a few double stars, and several distant star clusters. The astronomers will stay as long as there are people wanting to view the night sky. Special thanks go to Jim Van Nuland from the San Jose Astronomical Association who helped make this event possible. This event is tailored for families with children ages 6 to 12. For more information please call (408) 808-3040.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Adults--Give us your input!

The San Jose Public Library is seeking to expand and improve the range of programs we offer for adults. Please take a few minutes to let us know areas of interest to you. Click on the link below to take the survey.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB227P7KACMJN

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Continued discussion for Team of Rivals--Tuesday, May 6th

This month, join the History Book Club on Tuesday, May 6th at 6:30 p.m. as we continue our discussion with part 2 of Doris Kearns Goodwin's work, Team of Rivals: the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. In this work, Lincoln's ability to bring disparate groups and men into his presidency and use their talents to hold the country together is exemplified. Tea and cookies will be served. In this work, Lincoln's ability to bring disparate groups and men into his presidency and use their talents to hold the country together is exemplified. Tea and cookies will be served.

Parent Workshop - Music and Movement with Preschoolers


Music and Movement with Preschoolers - Parent Workshop will be featured Thursday, April 17, 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children love music and both music and movement stimulate the brain. Learn to use simple rhythm instruments and techniques to keep a beat. This parent workshop will immediately follow the regularly scheduled Toddler Story Time that starts at 10:30 AM.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Friends of the Almaden Library - Spring Book Sale


Almaden Friends' Spring Book Sale – an event you won’t want to miss. On Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Almaden Branch Library is having its huge Spring Book Sale. This popular event is sponsored by the Friends of the Almaden Branch Libray 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. The Almaden Branch Library is located at 6445 Camden Avenue. For more information, please call (408) 808-3040.

San Jose Teen Idol Contest at Almaden Library


Almaden’s San Jose Teen Idol Contest will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you are 12-19 years old and live in San Jose, you can compete in the San Jose Public Library's singing competition! Please register at the Almaden Branch Library by April 25 at the library's Information Desk. First prize will win $50.00, second prize $25.00 and third prize $10.00. The first place winner will be one of the finalists to compete for the grand prize downtown on Saturday, May 17th.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

ESL Book Club--Thursday, April 17th 1-2 p.m.


Join the ESL Book Club to discuss the touching classic, Charlotte's Web. Author "E.B. White reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things" and communicates the value of friendship and love. All adult ESL learners are welcome to attend. For more information, call (408) 808-3040, or visit the Information Desk.

Andrea's Musical Adventure--Saturday, April 19th

As part of our salute to the Month of the Young Child, we are pleased to have Andrea come and share her musical talent and storytelling skills. Come join the fun as we learn, sing , dance, and play! This event takes place in the Library's Family Place from 2:00--2:45 p.m. Andrea is Bay Area Parent's Family Favorite winner of 2007.

Friday, April 04, 2008

Saturday, April 5th--New Almaden Historical Event

Tomorrow, Saturday April 5th, from 2-4 join the Almaden Library and Community Center for a dedication of historical New Almaden photographs!

We will dedicate historic photos of New Almaden, a local history display, and a collection of materials of local historical interest. Following the dedication, docents will be stationed throughout the facility to add additional interpretation and information regarding the history of New Almaden. Displays and interpretation made possible by the efforts of the Committee for Almaden Historical Awareness and the New Almaden Quicksilver Country Park Association. This event takes place in the Large Community Room.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Free Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A.)--King Library

Saturday, March 29, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Room 322, 3rd Floor, King Library

Free Income Tax Assistance is provided by V.I.T.A. every Saturday, beginning February 9 through April 5, 2008. The V.I.T.A. program will offer free income tax assistance for low income, disabled, elderly, or limited English-speaking persons. No appointments are necessary. Customers will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. A sign-up sheet will be available in front of Room 322 on the day of the program. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-829-1040.

Friday, March 14, 2008

The History Book Club is reading about Lincoln


Please join the History Book Club at the Almaden Library to read Part I of Doris Kearns Goodwin's work, Team of Rivals: the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. One reviewer states that "this engaging work reveals why'Lincoln's road to success was longer, more tortuous, and far less likely' than the other men and why, when opportunity beckoned, Lincoln was "the best prepared to answer the call." We will read this book over two months. Part I will be discussed on Tuesday, April 1st from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Program Room.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

History Book Club--Punctuation and Manners!


Join the History Book Club Tuesday, March 4th from 6:30-7:30 in a foray outside of the realm of history, and into the world of grammar and manners when we discuss Eats, Shoots & Leaves: the zero tolerance approach to punctuation and Talk to the Hand: the utter bloody rudeness of the world today, or six good reasons to stay home and bolt the door by Lynne Truss. Tea and cookies will be served. For further information, please call (408) 808-3040, or ask at the Information Desk.This event takes place in the Program Room.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Battle of the Bands--March 1st, 2-4 p.m.

Time's running out! Calling all teen musicians! Now's your chance to be heard. Enter online by February 15th for your chance to compete at a live concert on March 1st and win awesome prizes! Almaden Branch Library is honored to host the exciting "Battle of the Bands" play-off on Saturday, March 1, 2-4 p.m. Join us in the large community room and enjoy the musicianship of our remarkable San Jose teen finalists. In order to enter, contestants must submit an entry email to sjplbattleofthebands@gmail.com by February 15th, which must include a link to the band/performer's music on line. For more details get the official rules at the participating branches or call Katherine Buckles at (408) 244-4766. This program is part of the Teen Tech Week.

Friday Feb 29th--Celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday!


Help us celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday! We'll have stories, crafts, prizes, refreshments, and more! Read Across America is an organization that encourages the love of reading and literacy for all children. All ages are welcome. This event takes place from 3-5 p.m.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Got tax questions?--Information on Schedule A and Schedule C Deductions


Do you know what you can deduct? Do you have a 1040? Schedule A or Schedule C deductions? Do you want to use Education Credits? Join the professionals of H&R Block and the Almaden Library to have your questions answered. Please sign up for this free program at the Information Desk, or by phone, (408) 808-3040. Drop-in participants are also welcome to attend. This event takes place in the Program Room on Tuesday, February 26th from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Meditation for Better Health--Saturday, Feb 23rd


Join us at Almaden Library on Saturday, February 23rd from 1-3 p.m. for a lively, fascinating workshop with an experienced physician/researcher exploring and demonstrating the latest and most astonishing discoveries into the preventative, healing, and pain-relieving effects of meditation. If you want to stay healthy or regain your health, don’t miss this unique workshop. Based on Inner and Outer Peace by Rajinder Singh. Please call (408) 808-3040 to sign up, or visit the Almaden Library Information Desk. Drop-in attendees are also welcome.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

King Library--"The Adventures of Eddie Fung"

Tuesday, January 29, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rooms 225/229, 2nd Floor

The Adventures of Eddie Fung - Slide Show & Talk, Edited by his wife Judy Yung
"The Adventures of Eddie Fung" tells the story of how a Chinatown kid reinvented himself as a Texas cowboy before going overseas with the U.S. Army. On the way to the Philippines, his battalion is captured by the Japanese in Java and sent to Burma to undertake the impossible task of building a railroad through 262 miles of tropical jungle - a project made famous by the film The Bridge on the River Kwai. Working under brutal slave labor conditions, the men completed the railroad in fourteen months at the cost of 12,500 POW and 70,000 Asian civilian lives. Eddie lived to tell how his background helped him to survive captivity as a Japanese POW and how his experiences as the sole Chinese-American member of the most decorated Texan unit of any war all shaped his later life. Ruthanne Lum McCunn, author of God of Luck, describes this book as "a vibrant, compelling portrait of what it means to be a Chinese American, a survivor, a mensch." Hosted by General Collections. Co-sponsored by Friends of the King Library. Book signing follows the program. For more information, call (408) 808-2397.

Friday, January 18, 2008

teensReach meeting--February 1st

Teens (ages 13-18) are invited to participate in our monthly teensReach meeting held in the library’s program room. We are please to have author, Phyllis Mattson as our special guest. Her book is an insightful memoir entitled, War Orphan in San Francisco. Community service credits are given to participating students. Light refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Almaden Library.This event takes place in the Program Room.

History Book Club meets February 5th


Join the History Book Club in discussing volume two of Winston Churchill's writings on the Second World War, Their Finest Hour, which discusses the isolation of Britain in 1940 while Germany was on the offense. Tea and cookies will be served. This event takes place in the Program Room of the Almaden Library. For further information, please call (408) 808-3040, or ask at the Information Desk.This event takes place in the Program Room

Author Bo Caldwell to visit Almaden February 16th


Join the Almaden Library on Saturday, February 16th to hear the Silicon Valley Reads featured author, Bo Caldwell, speaking on her wonderful book, The Distant Land of my Father. Tea and Treats will be served in the Community Room, while Caldwell speaks to the audience. This event is free, and will take place from 3-5 p.m.

ESL Adult Book Club


Yesterday, we had our very first meeting of our all new ESL Book Club! This Book Club is open to all ESL adults who would like to improve their English reading skills, and who would like to spend time with other learners in a fun environment to discuss what they have read. The atmosphere is friendly and informal. So far, our group has eight members, and we have the space for a lot more! Our next meeting is Thursday, February 21st from 1-2 p.m. We will be reading Avi's book, The End of the Beginning: being the adventures of a small snail (and an even smaller ant). To find out more about the Book Club, or to join, call the Almaden Library at 408-808-3040.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

teensReach Meeting--Friday, January 11th

Teens (ages 13-18) are invited to participate in our monthly teensReach meeting held in the library's program room on Friday, January 11th, from 4:00-4:45 pm. Community service credits are given to participating students. Light refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Almaden Library.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Voter Education--Tuesday, January 15th, 6:15-7:45


Join the League of Women Voters as they present their nonpartisan voter education tool, SmartVoter.org. During the presentation, they will explain how to use SmartVoter and EasyVoter to obtain information on candidates, issues, and ballot measures. There will also be time for some questions and answers, as well as a description of the key points affecting our community in the February 5th primaries. Tea and cookies will be served. This event takes place in the Program Room of the Almaden Library on Tuesday, January 15th, from 6:15 until 7:45 p.m. For further information, or to express interest in attending, contact the Almaden Library at (408) 808-3040 or sign up at the Information Desk.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Teen GameFest--Friday, Dec 21st


On Friday, December 21, 3:30 – 5 p.m., teens (12-18) are invited to a fun afternoon of board games and PlayStation 2 action (Dance, Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and Star Wars). This event is held in the library’s program room. Light refreshments will be served courtesy of the Friends of Almaden Library.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

December 20th--Basic Internet Class

Thu, Dec 20
10:00 AM - 10:55 AM

Never used the computer before? Have no idea about the World Wide Web? Do you want an email address? Then sign up for our free computer class!

Almaden Branch Library
6445 Camden Ave.
(408) 808-3040

Events at the King Library

Sunday, December 16, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Caret Plaza, Patio Area
Friends of the King Library Bag Book Sale
The Friends Group at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Library are having a Holiday Season bag book sale. All the books you can fit into a bag (provided by the Friends) for only $5! 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, December 21, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Exploration Room, Mezzanine
Friday Fun: Winter Sing-Along Join us in some winter fun and sing winter songs! Activity hosted by Youth Services. For information, call (408) 808-2183.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Saturday, December 8th--Family Puppet Show


Sat, Dec 8, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
P&T Puppets presents The Elves and the Shoemaker.


Kick off the holiday season at the Almaden Branch Library as P&T Puppets presents the beloved Grimm's fairy tale "The Elves and the Shoemaker." Jack Frost, Frosty the Snowman and Jingles the Dwarf will also be on hand to entertain everyone. Fun for the whole family! This event takes place in the Large Community Room.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

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.

Monday, November 19, 2007

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.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

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

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

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.”

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

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.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

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.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

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.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

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.

Friday, October 05, 2007

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!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

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!

Friday, September 21, 2007

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.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

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.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

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.

Monday, September 17, 2007

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.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

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/.

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

King Library Events: September 9 - 15, 2007.

Tuesday, September 11, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Room 225, 2nd Floor
William Poy Lee, Author of The Eighth Promise

Join us for a reading, discussion and reception with author William Poy Lee. The writer of The Eighth Promise: An American Son's Tribute to His Toisanese Mother, Lee gives us a rare view of the Chinese-American experience from a mother-son perspective. When political rivalries, murder, and racism ensnare a Chinatown family, a mother reaches back to ancient traditions, and a promise she once made, to save her sons. Book signing follows this program. This event is hosted by the General Collections Department and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, MOSIAC Cross Cultural Center, and the Chinese Historical & Cultural Project. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Friday, September 14, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Exploration Room, Mezzanine
Friday Fun: Hispanic Heritage Crafts

Get an early start on celebrating the Independence Day of Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua with these fun craft projects. A free program suitable for all ages. Vamos a celebrar los Días de Independencia de Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua con manualidades para niños y sus familias. Un programa gratis para todos. For information call (408) 808-2183.

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Happy Labor Day!

Remember that the Bay Bridge will be closed all weekend.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Today is another Spare the Air day.

Try to take mass transit and drive less!

Catalogs of new Vietnamese materials are now online.

Links to updated PDF lists of Vietnamese media and books are now on the following pages:

Vietnamese Language Gateway (Cong Chao Viet Ngu): http://www.sjlibrary.org/gateways/vietnamese/index.htm
6th link labeled “Sach Moi” – New books
7th link labeled “Nhac & Phim Moi” – New media

Library Catalog in Vietnamese: http://mill1.sjlibrary.org/search*vie
Bottom of page, right column:
“Sach Moi” - New books
“Nhac & Phim Moi” – New media

These lists will be updated quarterly.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

King Library Events: September 2- 8, 2007.

Wednesday, September 5, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Room 229, 2nd Floor
Poetry Cafe at the Library

All writers are welcome to a monthly open mic featuring the creative side of the human spirit! Experience performance, spoken word, songs, poetry, readings, and short stories. Come read, listen and enjoy. All ages are welcome. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Wednesday, September 5, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
Docent Tour Volunteer Orientation

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library seeks volunteers interested in joining our team of dynamic docent tour leaders. Share the unique history and features of this first-of-its-kind collaborative library. Position requires one year of volunteer commitment following a free, 6-session training course. For additional information about this opportunity, you may visit SJLibrary.org or call the Volunteer Services Office at (408) 808-2181. Orientation attendees must be available to attend additional training sessions on September 12, 19, 26 and October 3, 10 from 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM.

Thursday, September 6, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Schiro Program Room, 5th Floor
Open-Forum: Conversations on Activism on Heroes and Heroines of the Civil Rights Movement

During the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, San Jose State University student activists and community members protested housing discrimination and held demonstrations for the rights of African Americans in solidarity with southern demonstrations and for the rights of all oppressed minorities. San Jose State University will honor alumni civil rights movement veterans in celebration of its 150th anniversary. Civil rights movement veterans will share their experiences of San Jose's and the Nation's Civil Rights struggle. The Special Collections department will also be hosting an exhibit of photographs, buttons and memorabilia from the Library’s Special Collections. This event will kick off the King Library Special Collection’s First Thursday series, which will be the last of the University’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Admission is free but seating is limited. Sponsored by SJSU Special Collections and Archives. For information call (408) 808-2061.

Friday, September 7, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Exploration Room (Mezzanine)
Friday Fun: Grandparent's Day Craft

Make greeting cards and gifts for your Grandparents. This free program is great for children of all ages and their families. For information call (408) 808-2183.

Saturday, September 8, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Children's Room, 1st Floor
Grandparent's Day Story Time

Delightful stories, about grandparents for children and families. Songs and finger plays are included. Bring your grandparents and other family members. For information call (408) 808-2183.

Spare the Air today!

Public transit is free until 1 PM today, too.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Tell us what you want.

Help us plan our next book club at Almaden. Please complete the survey on the right side of the page. Or, you can come in to the branch to fill out a paper survey. Thanks!

King Library Events: August 26 - September 1, 2007.

Sunday, August 26, 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.


Wednesday, August 29, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Caret Plaza, Patio Area
Summer Dance Series - Bollywood Bhangra

Learn how to dance and get healthy at the August Summer Dance Series conducted in Caret Plaza, located just outside the campus entrance to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. Several dance forms are covered in this FREE five-week lunch-hour series. Instructors from local dance studios will demonstrate a variety of fun and easy dance styles, proving once and for all that getting healthy and fit needn't be dull. This week’s class features Bollywood Bhangra. Audience participation is encouraged. Hosted by General Collections. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, California Line Dance Association of America, Hellenic Heritage Institute, Carolina Lugo's Brisas de Espana Flamenco Dance Company, All Now! Performance, and Aarti Ahuja. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Be a docent at King Library!

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library seeks volunteers interested in joining our team of dynamic docent tour leaders. Share the unique history and features of this first-of-its-kind collaborative library. Position requires one year of volunteer commitment following a free, 6-session training course. For additional information about this opportunity, you may visit SJLibrary.org or call the Volunteer Services Office at (408) 808-2181. Orientation attendees must be available to attend additional training sessions on September 12, 19, 26 and October 3, 10 from 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM.

Docent Tour Volunteer Orientation

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
150 E. San Fernando St. - Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
(408) 808-2181

Wed, Sep 5
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Webcast report: Single Payer System - our thoughts.

Our likes:
- Guaranteed coverage for all, affordable for all.
- One common fund, we're all in the same pool.
- Gets everyone in the umbrella.

Concerns:
- Existing and former office holders not be a part of it – so that politicians are really in it for the people.
- No provision for rising pharm costs – how to deal with research costs, etc.
- Government bureaucrats making health care decisions is frightening; look at the bridge that just collapsed. Our infrastructure is falling apart; why turn over control of health care to politicians?
- The issue of wellness – collectively, if we buy wellness intervention, then we will have a genuine way to allow people to come together as the cost of the system will be controlled.
Wellness and prevention are the key component to cost containment. People are rushing around now; we rely on ER for health care – but the organizational change will force a paradigm shift towards slower health care that emphasizes wellness and prevention.
- Perhaps a quasi public/private cooperation is the way to go – use the existing bureacrary and offer incentives to insurance companies to provide good service. Performance drives rewards.

Under what conditions would you support this:
- Accountability – this is the key concern with a government agency. There needs to be something in place to ensure this.
- Limited number of layers in decision making – needs to be simple.

All day, the discussion has been about a lack of trust with insurance companies. Doctors need to make decisions, not administrators, and not have to fight for treatment and/or services. Care needs to be more physician directed, not insurance company-directed, with some accountability and checks and balances on their actions. Multiple billings and fraud needs to be avoided.

Webcast report: Our feelings on the issue of individual responsibility.

Concerns and What's Missing:
- Enforcement will prove to be difficult.
- How do undocumented people fall into the picture? They still impact the environment!

We're also wondering, did social security discussions have the same kind of emotional weight and impact back then?

Is a heavily competitive, capitalist system required to drive medical innovation?

Webcast report: Change in agenda - to include Single Payer discussion.

Due the amazing pressure from the folks up in Humboldt county, we'll be talking about the Single Payer initiative later on today. It's truly been an organic democratic discussion!

Webcast report: Our response to insurer responsibility issues.

- If health care is a business, of course you won't insure someone who will lose you money. How can we change this paradigm?

- Insurance is simply a money management system – it's hard to see how involving insurance companies will be effective in any way. Get them out of the picture!

- Costs are often hidden, such as for surgeries; more transparency in the system is needed. Viewing insurance as contracted, heavily regulated service is the way to go.

- Clinicians should determine 'preexisting' conditions – not insurance administrators.

- This does need to be part of a comprehensive expansive proposal to increase the number of people in the system in order to be effective.

- Premium costs aren't addressed in any way.

Webcast report: Did you know?

Half of all bankruptcies in the US are due to medial expenses.
71 percent of people over 50 use alternative medical care options.

The fastest growing cost category for health care expenses is prescription drug costs. The second fastest is administration.

Webcast report: Our response to the issue of government responsibility.

Likes:
- Covers all children regardless of citizenship status. Will reduce impact on reliance on ER.

- Cap at 5% seems fair at the beginning but is there a huge variance on how people take care of themselves based on income?

Missing or Concerns:

- Who will run this show? Politicians need to stay out of this.

- Can it really be reworked to actually work? Or is the entire system broken?

- For all at-risk populations – for all vulnerable – need to be protected and covered.

- Wellness programs that HMOs were supposed to address – this hasn't happened because it's not in their best interest to provide such services.
Joint government and employer side that addresses wellness.
Some incentives need to be placed to enforce wellness. Subsidize community exercise programs, increase health awareness. Auto insurance works with incentives – if you exercise often.

- But what happens if people don't fit in these boxes?

Webcast report: Our response to Employer responsibility.

Likes:

- Employers should opt in or pay some percentage of wages towards health insurance.

- Brings everyone into the pool, like car insurance.

Missing or Concerns:
- Loophole potential – as start-up firms will be excluded, what does that exactly entail? Many companies may classify themselves as start-up firms. Companies will often be comprised of exactly ten employees.

- Employers are stuck with increases in health care premiums anyway – advantage would be that this would contain the increases; an attractive thing for employers – flatten increases over time. Asks for less of employers than the current system.

- What about part-time employees? There is no stipulations for them.

- Wages may be affected.

- How will“low income”be defined? Especially in California, costs of living are very high. Different steps of subsidies are needed.

- Target is that everyone is covered and that we don't need to get involved with who is employing us. A baseline of coverage is key – that way no great negotiations are needed. This gets too complicated when looking at employment status. This all reverts to the value issue. “ping pong negotiation”

- But how do we move away from a profit-based system?

- Wellness vs recovery as a framework for looking at medical treatment issues.

- The most vulnerable people aren't affected by this at all – ie the homeless, the people who use ER for basic health care.

Webcast report: Health care reform values.

Our group:

- accessibility and equality
- absolute unequivocal inclusion
- coverage for all and accountability for insurance costs
- affordability – even for those with the lowest income
- realism for realistic solutions and innovation – creative solutions to meet various needs

Group vote from webcast:

- coverage for all
- affordability
- people before profit
- wellness and prevention

Webcast report: Some statistics from the webcast...

- 4.9 million Californians do not have health insurance.
- The percentage of Californians receiving health care from an employer has decreased 10% in the past two decades.
- Only 71% of employers in California actually pay for health insurance for employees.

Health care reform webcast is streaming now.

Go to www.californiaspeaks.org to join the discussion. The Governor just gave his welcome address and stressed the importance of getting the message to legistlators to act on this now. There's a small group of us at Almaden viewing and discussing the issues raised.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Reminder: Health Care Reform Webcast tomorrow!

Join thousands of Californians in a statewide conversation on health care reform. View the webcast and join the community discussion. You'll be able to review these proposals and provide feedback and opinions directly to legislators and decision-makers for their consideration before they adjourn in September. Hope you will consider joining your neighbors to discuss this key topic.

When: Tomorrow, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Program Room

Attention Macy's Shoppers and Library Supporters!

Between August 6 and September 12, California Macy’s customers can make a $3 donation to Reading is Fundamental (RIF) at any Macy’s register. Each customer who makes a donation will receive a savings pass for $10 off a future Macy’s purchase of $50 or more, which will be redeemable in most departments within a Macy’s store.

This year, 5% of all the funds raised through this effort in California will go to participating California public libraries who are part of the State Library's Reading is Fundamental program. Those libraries use these funds to buy books to give away to children in need in their communities to encourage reading and build home libraries.

Don't miss the state-wide health care reform discussion!

Join thousands of Californians in a statewide conversation on health care reform. View the webcast and join the community discussion. You'll be able to review these proposals and provide feedback and opinions directly to legislators and decision-makers for their consideration before they adjourn in September.

When: SATURDAY AUGUST 11, 2007 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: @Almaden Branch Library
Program Room
6445 Camden Ave. San Jose, CA 95120
Light refreshments provided. Brown bag lunches welcome.

For more information about CaliforniaSpeaks go to www.californiaspeaks.org.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

King Library Events: August 12 - 18, 2007.

Wednesday, August 15, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Caret Plaza, Patio Area
Summer Dance Series - 'Salsenco' - The New Social Dance!

Learn how to dance and get healthy at the August Summer Dance Series conducted in Caret Plaza, located just outside the campus entrance to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. Several dance forms are covered in this FREE five-week lunch-hour series. Instructors from local dance studios will demonstrate a variety of fun and easy dance styles, proving once and for all that getting healthy and fit needn't be dull. This week features ‘Salsenco,’ the new social dance. Audience participation is encouraged. Hosted by General Collections. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, California Line Dance Association of America, Hellenic Heritage Institute, Carolina Lugo's Brisas de Espana Flamenco Dance Company, All Now! Performance, and Aarti Ahuja. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Wednesday, August 15, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
Paid Family Focus Group for Family Members of Iraq War Veterans

Facilitated by Swords for Plowshares, a vets Organization in San Francisco and by Dr. Anne Roesler, Professor at San Jose State University. Focus group for family members of Iraq War veterans regarding transitional services-housing, employment, and healthcare. Participants will receive $75 for attending. For additional information, contact Jennifer Smith at (415) 252-4787 ext. 350.

Friday, August 17, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Teen Center, 3rd Floor
teensReach Meeting

Teens are invited to the monthly teensReach meeting. teensReach is the youth council for the San José Public Library. It provides a key way for young adults to build their leadership skills by developing and participating in library activities, as well as becoming library advisors and advocates. Meetings at the King Library take place at 4:00 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. This program is for students in grades 8 -12, ages 13-18. For information call (408) 808-2397.


Saturday, August 18, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Room 225, 2nd Floor
Touring Seoul via Korean TV Dramas

Ms. Fennah Chou, best-selling author on travel, literature and culinary art, will take you on a trip to historic Seoul. This scenic city, steeped in Korean culture and tradition, is the backdrop for many famous Korean TV dramas. Her presentation in Mandarin will be supported by many colorful slides she took in Korea. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

CaliforniaSpeaks: Make your voice heard on healthcare! Saturday, August 11, from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Join thousands of Californians in a statewide conversation on health care reform. Meetings in eight regions in California will be simultaneously webcast offering an opportunity for Californians who are not able to participate in one of the regional meetings to be part of the discussion and provide their views.

When: SATURDAY AUGUST 11, 2007 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: @Almaden Branch Library
Program Room
6445 Camden Ave. San Jose, CA 95120
Light refreshments provided. Brown bag lunches welcome.

For more information about CaliforniaSpeaks go to www.californiaspeaks.org.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

No storytimes in August.

There will be no storytimes in August at the Almaden Branch - as well as the Vineland and Cambrian branches. Storytimes resume in September.

King Library Events: July 29 - August 11, 2007.

Tuesday, July 31, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rooms 255, 257, 225, 229, 2nd Floor
'Make a Date with Mystery' - Culminating Program for the First Adult Summer Reading Celebration

Welcome authors Camille Minichino, Mark Coggins and Hailey Lind for the culminating Adult Summer Reading Celebration Mystery Writer program. "Make a Date with Mystery" is the theme of a program series supporting the first Adult Summer Reading Program. Camille Minichino, a PhD in Physics, has written several titles in the Periodical Table Series including The Boric Acid Murder, The Nitrogen Murder, and The Oxygen Murder. Mark Coggins' newest release is Candy From Strangers. His mysteries are set in San Francisco. The plots involve high tech and software since he studied and worked in places like Netscape and Silicon Valley which influenced his writing. Hailey Lind has two titles in The Art Lover's Series: Feint of Art and The Shooting Gallery. Her upcoming novel is Brush with Death. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Wednesday, August 1, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Caret Plaza, Patio Area
Summer Dance Series - Line Dance

Learn how to dance and get healthy at the August Summer Dance Series conducted in Caret Plaza, located just outside the campus entrance to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. Several dance forms are covered in this FREE five-week lunch-hour series. Instructors from local dance studios will demonstrate a variety of fun and easy dance styles, proving once and for all that getting healthy and fit needn't be dull. This week’s class features line dancing. Audience participation is encouraged. Hosted by General Collections. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, California Line Dance Association of America, Hellenic Heritage Institute, Carolina Lugo's Brisas de Espana Flamenco Dance Company, All Now! Performance, and Aarti Ahuja. For information call (408) 808-2397.


Wednesday, August 1, 3:00 PM
Exploration Room, Mezzanine
Write a Short Mystery Story

Write a Short Mystery Story. Part of our Summer Reading Celebration. For information call (408) 808-2183.

Thursday, August 2, 11:00 AM
Children's Room, 1st Floor
Get a Clue with the Young Detectives from the Children's Discovery Museum Summer of Service

Join us for a live show presented by youth from the Children's Discovery Museum's Summer of Service program. Afterwards, there will be crafts and games for children of all ages. The show begins at 11:00 AM in the Children's Room, 1st Floor. Games and Craft program immediately following in the Exploration Room, Mezzanine. Part of our Summer Reading Celebration. For information call (408) 808-2183.


Saturday, August 4, 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.

Sunday, August 5, 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, August 5, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
The Ebbs and Flows of Wetland Protection

Please join Dr. John Callaway, University of San Francisco professor of environmental studies, as he explores wetland protection since the enactment of the Clean Water Act. This program is free and will be open to the public. Light refreshments and beverages will be served. This event is sponsored by the Ecological Society of America, in affiliation with San Jose State University and the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. For additional information, contact Colleen Fahey at (202) 833-8773, ext.224.

Wednesday, August 8, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Caret Plaza, Patio Area
Summer Dance Series - Greek Dance

Learn how to dance and get healthy at the August Summer Dance Series conducted in Caret Plaza, located just outside the campus entrance to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. Several dance forms are covered in this FREE five-week lunch-hour series. Instructors from local dance studios will demonstrate a variety of fun and easy dance styles, proving once and for all that getting healthy and fit needn't be dull. Audience participation is encouraged. Hosted by General Collections. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, California Line Dance Association of America, Hellenic Heritage Institute, Carolina Lugo's Brisas de Espana Flamenco Dance Company, All Now! Performance, and Aarti Ahuja. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Friday, August 10, 3:00 PM
Children’s Room
Magician Phil Ackerly Presents - Mystery Magic Theater

Award-winning entertainer, Phil Ackerly celebrates reading this summer with his "Mystery Magic Theater." Witness feats of legerdemain and prestidigitation (find out what these words mean!) and see a live rabbit appear right before your eyes. All sleuths, both young and old (that's you the audience) will learn how to perform a magic trick. The show will last 45-minutes and is appropriate for ages 3 and up. Part of our Summer Reading Celebration. For more information call (408) 808-2183.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Join us for Summer Reading Fun!

Mystery themed reading programs use fun incentives to encourage reading. Signups begin Saturday, June 16. Get all the details at the following pages.

Get a Clue @ Your Library (Children's through Grade 5): http://www.sjlibrary.org/gateways/kids/src/index.htm

YNK @ Your Library (Teens, Grades 6 -1):
http://www.sjlibrary.org/gateways/teens/src.htm

Summer Sleuthing @ Your Library (Adults):
http://www.sjlibrary.org/services/readers/adult_src.htm

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Photos and coverage from the Harry Potter book release party.

Here's the link to the Almaden Resident article: http://www.community-newspapers.com/almaden/news3.shtml

Click on each image for a larger version!


www.flickr.com



Link+ Enhancements are coming!

LINK+ will have a new keyword search engine installed this summer, all without any service interruptions. New features include: improved support for diacritic searches, searches for numeric strings containing commas or periods, simpler wildcard searching, and support for searching for the words “before” and “after” as these words will no longer be used as Boolean operators.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Countdown to the new Harry Potter book....

We're getting ready for the big release party tomorrow night! Hope you'll join us for fun, games, and yummy treats. The festivities start at 10 PM - join us.

Monday, July 16, 2007

What's happening at the Almaden Library?

Harry Potter Magic Transforms Almaden Library and Community Center
San José Public Library will host a “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” Release Party from 10 p.m. to midnight on Friday, July 20 at Almaden Library and Community Center (6445 Camden Ave). To help local fans through the last couple of hours of nail-biting impatience before the release of the book, at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, the library has planned fun activities recalling the characters and world of Hogwarts to keep fans entertained until the stroke of midnight.
When the clock strikes twelve, library customers—who are among the first 400 to have both reserved the standard print edition of the seventh book AND designated Almaden Library as their pickup point—will be able to check out their copy and immediately begin uncovering the answers to all the burning questions that have tantalized them from the beginning; chief among them:
Who will live and who will die?
Does Harry kill Voldemort?
Do Ron and Hermione get together?

Participants are welcome and encouraged to come in costume, but it is not a requirement. Minors 15 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult; drop-offs are not permitted. Those who are eligible to check out their reserve copy of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” must have addressed all potential blocks on their library card account by 11:30 p.m. Fine or fee payments will be accepted by credit card only. No other library services will be available that evening.

P&T Theatre Puppets at the Almaden Branch Library
On Thursday, July 26, 2:30 p.m., the ever-popular P&T Puppet Theatre presents “The Adventures of Spider and Fly!” Follow the adventures of this dynamic duo as they seek to rescue Little Miss Muffet and other popular literary figures. Will they figure out the clues in time? This program is Peter Brizzi’s newest show and is guaranteed to entertain young and old alike. We are grateful to the Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Library who have generously provided the funds for this program.

Events

■ Family Story Time will be held on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s program room. There will be fun stories, songs, and finger plays geared for the whole family (no story time in August).
■ Preschool Story Times will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m. in the library’s program room. “Mr. K” will be sharing stories, finger plays, songs and puppets, for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers (no story time in August).
■ Mother Goose Story Time is held on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Barbara Gilbert, children’s librarian, will present nursery rhymes, finger plays, stories and songs for children (12 months to 2 years) and their caregivers (no story time in August).
■ Saturdays, July 21, 28 & August 4 from 4 to 5 p.m., get personalized instruction from a friendly and knowledgeable volunteer. Questions regarding Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, and all things Web or Internet related will be answered. This class is held in the library’s tech center and is limited to four participants; please register at the library’s information desk.
■ ‘Reading to Children’ volunteers will be available in the children’s area on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m.
■ ESL Conversation Club is held Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. in the library’s program room. Come practice your English speaking skills with our friendly conversation group.
■ Join us for a fun Adult Summer Reading Murder Mystery Party, Saturday, July 28 at 4 p.m. This murder mystery party will keep our adult summer reading sleuths on their collective toes.
■ On Thursday, August 2 at 3 p.m., Fratello Marionettes will present the delightful puppet play, Peter and the Wolf. Accompanied by the majestic music of Sergei Prokofiev, follow Peter on his remarkable journey of discovery. This program is guaranteed to entertain both young and old. This program is part of the Summer Reading Celebration and is made possible by the Friends of the Almaden Library.
■ On Friday, August 3 at 4 p.m., teens (ages 13-18) are invited to participate in our monthly Teens Reach meeting held in the library’s program room. Community service credits are given to participating students. Light refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Almaden Library.
■ Join our History Book Club Tuesday, August 7, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., to discuss Giles Milton’s “Nathaniel’s Nutmeg: or, the True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History.” Tea and cookies will be served. This event takes place in the library’s program room.
■ Summer Reading Celebration Talent Show - Join us Thursday, August 9 at 3 p.m. for Almaden Library’s 2nd annual Talent Show. Young people from ages 4 through 18 are invited to demonstrate their creative and musical skills at this fun-filled event. Pre-registration is required.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

King Library Events: July 15-21, 2007.

Through July 31
Summer Sleuthing @ your library

Why should kids have all the fun? This year we introduce a summer reading program just for adults. Read and enter weekly prize drawings during the month of July. You could take home tickets from Camera Cinema Theatres, or gift certificates from bookstores, restaurants or coffee shops. Mystery lovers can enjoy guest appearances by authors affiliated with Sisters in Crime. For information, contact King Library General Collections at (408) 808-2397.


Saturday, July 14, 2:00 PM
Exploration Room, Mezzanine
Harry Potter Guessing Program

Join other Harry Potter fans to guess what will happen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Part of our Summer Reading Celebration. For information call (408) 808-2183.


Wednesday, July 18, 4:00 PM
Children's Room, 1st Floor
P&T Puppet Theater Presents - The Adventures of Spider and Fly!

A spider and fly discover a common complaint: though they both possess powers applauded in super heroes, they are despised. Their solution? To become a new dynamic duo, Spider and Fly! Follow their adventures as they follow clues to rescue Little Miss Muffet, Wilbur the Pig from "Charlotte's Web", and the Tailor from "Seven in One Blow", Grimm's Fairy Tales. Will they figure out the clues? Tune in for the exciting adventures of this dynamic duo! Part of our Summer Reading Celebration. For more information call (408) 808-2183.

Friday, July 20, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Teen Center, 3rd Floor
teensReach Meeting

Teens: you are invited to the monthly teensReach Meeting. teensReach is the youth council for the San José Public Library. It provides a key way for young adults to build their leadership skills by developing and participating in library activities, as well as becoming library advisors and advocates. Meetings at the King Library take place at 4:00 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. This program is for students in grades 8 -12, ages 13-18. For information call (408) 808-2397.

Saturday, July 21, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Rooms 255/257, 2nd Floor
Free Phones for Those Who Qualify

The California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) provides specialized phones to people who have difficulty hearing, seeing, moving, speaking, or remembering. To qualify for a free phone (not a cell phone) with no income requirement, you must be a California resident, have existing residential phone service, complete a certification form and obtain a doctor's signature. This presentation provides program details and equipment demonstrations for seniors, the disabled, and caregivers and relatives of seniors and the disabled. For information call (408) 808-2397.


Saturday, July 21, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Exploration Room, Mezzanine
Teen Event: Decorate a Canvas Bag

Let your artistic talent flow! Teens are invited to decorate a canvas bag. Art stencils, paints, pencils and fabric markers, as well as one bag, will be provided free. Part of our Summer Reading Celebration. Registration required. Please register by calling (408) 808-2397.

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

King Library Events: July 8-14, 2007.

July 1 – 31
Summer Sleuthing @ your library

Why should kids have all the fun? This year we introduce a summer reading program just for adults. Read and enter weekly prize drawings during the month of July. You could take home tickets from Camera Cinema Theatres, or gift certificates from bookstores, restaurants or coffee shops. Mystery lovers can enjoy guest appearances by authors affiliated with Sisters in Crime. For information, contact King Library General Collections at (408) 808-2397.

Thursday, July 12, 2:00 PM
Children's Room, 1st Floor
Learn about Crime Scene Investigation

Meet a police detective and learn how crimes are solved through fingerprinting and other techniques that detectives use. Part of our Summer Reading Celebration. For information call (408) 808-2183.

Saturday, July 14, 2:00 PM
Exploration Room, Mezzanine
Harry Potter Guessing Program

Join other Harry Potter fans to guess what will happen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Part of our Summer Reading Celebration. For information call (408) 808-2183.