We try to anticipate the sorts of books, movies, and other materials you would like us to provide, but if we haven’t bought something you think we should have, you can let us know. From the library’s homepage you can click on “contact us” (on the upper right), then select the “tell us what to buy” link (second from the last choice). Or from the catalog search screen you can click on the “suggest a purchase” link (one of the gray choices at the bottom), then tell us whether you are a public library user or a university library user by choosing one of the "select a title for" options. Either way, once you’re at the light green “tell us what we should buy” screen, only a few info boxes are required (those with red stars), but the more information you can give us the easier it will be for us to find the item you want. We can’t promise that we will buy everything you suggest, but a librarian will consider your request, and most of the purchase requests we receive are granted. We are your library, so tell us how we can serve you!

Do you like to knit and/or crochet? Do you want to learn? You are welcome to attend the Knit and Crochet Club that meets Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 PM in Meeting Room B at the Edenvale Branch Library. Learn, mentor, or just come to work on your own projects in good company. Adults, teens and children are welcome.

The San José Public Library carries a lot of books about knitting and crocheting. Here are a few you may enjoy:

• The Knitting & Crochet Bible: The Complete Handbook for Creative Knitting and Crochet by Claire Crompton & Sue Whiting
• The Essential Stitch Collection: a Creative Guide to the 300 Stitches Every Knitter Really Needs to Know by Lesley Stanfield & Melody Griffiths
• Crochet: Fantastic Jewelry, Hats, Purses, Pillows & More by Jane Davis is a book especially for children; however, teens and adults may also enjoy the projects.

Check out other blog posts about knitting and crocheting. 

We hit the road in last week's installment of our "You Are Here" summer reading lists. It was a long drive, but we've finally arrived at the Atlantic. These books below take place along the East Coast. Get your passport ready, because next week we're crossing the pond.

Also, don't forget to enter your five book reviews online to score your free book and to get entered into our gift card raffles. If you create a video review, you'll also be entered to win a Nook Color. Keep up the great reading!

You Are Here: East Coast

The Daughters by Joanna Philbin

In New York City, three fourteen-year-old best friends who are all daughters of celebrities watch out for each other as they try to strike a balance between ordinary high school events, such as finding a date for the homecoming dance, and family functions like walking the red carpet with their famous parents.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

In this dystopian sci-fi tale, Lena looks forward to receiving the government-mandated cure that prevents the delirium of love and leads to a safe, predictable, and happy life in her hometown of Portland, Maine, until ninety-five days before her eighteenth birthday and her treatment, when she falls in love.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

It's the night of Nick, Norah and NYC. Their chance meeting turns into a crusade to find a legendary rock band's secret show, which somehow ends up as a first date, and ultimately becomes a night that will change their lives forever.

Summer of the Geek by Piper Banks

Fifteen-year-old Miranda's summer job in Florida as au pair to a ten-year-old piano prodigy proves to be as challenging as keeping out of her stepmother's way, passing her driving test, and holding her boyfriend's interest when his former girlfriend returns.

Surface Tension: A Novel in Four Summers by Brent Runyon

During the summer vacations of his thirteenth through his sixteenth year at the family's lake cottage in upstate New York, Luke realizes that although some things stay the same over the years that many more change.

Tell Us We're Home by Marina Budhos

Three immigrant girls from different parts of the world meet and become close friends in a small New Jersey town where their mothers have found domestic work, but their relationships are tested when one girl's mother is accused of stealing a precious heirloom.

Vampire High by Douglas Rees

When his family moves from California to New Sodom, Massachusetts, and Cody enters Vlad Dracul Magnet School, many things seem strange, from the dark-haired, pale-skinned, supernaturally strong students to Charon, the wolf who guides him around campus onthe first day.

Our Independence Day will be on Monday, July 4th. The library has several books and resources to help your child learn more about this special holiday and discover fun and memorable ways to celebrate it! Here are some recommended titles:
 

Books

Independence Day: Birthday of the United States by Elaine Landau

Learn about the meaning and history of Independence Day, the day when the United States declared its independence from England in 1776. This is a substantial book that contains historical facts about this holiday, information on how it is celebrated and two fun projects that you and your child can work on to celebrate: "Glitter Sparklers" and "Celebration Ice Cream Sundae."

Fourth of July Fireworks by Patrick Merrick

Ever wonder how Fourth of July fireworks are used and made? This book contains intriguing information about the Independence Day holiday and the fireworks that are used to make this holiday exciting, festive and memorable.

Star Spangled Crafts by Kathy Ross

Have a fun Independence Day by creating something special! This book will teach you and your child how to make a variety of Independence Day themed crafts, such as a firecracker lapel pin, a flag mosaic, an American eagle magnet and much more!

Ways to Celebrate

Here are fun ways to celebrate Independence Day:

• Attend the Rose, White & Blue Parade! Enjoy live music, arts & crafts booth, antique & classic car show and picnic on the Alameda. The parade starts at 10am at W. San Carlos and Shasta Ave on Monday, July 4th.
• Attend one of several fireworks shows that will be happening throughout the Bay Area!

Please see a librarian at your library for more recommendations.

No, no, no. You can't come to the library looking for a date. Well, actually, I suppose you can. After all, they do say "Check out a librarian!" But what I mean is that in this modern world where most of us are sitting at computers for most of the day, you can turn that screen time to productive use in finding that special someone. Oh, there are lots of online dating sites out there. And you may even have been brave enough to try out one (or two...). But here is how hip your library is: You can find materials on how to (and how NOT to) do it at the library! 

The 1949-1959 VW Beetle by Bob Wilson is the authority source for anyone looking to restore a Type 1 (Beetle) Volkswagen. The author documents, through both text and photo-illustrations, annual changes/modifications to the car. Since many of these changes were subtle, his research is invaluable and very difficult to locate in other sources. As my son & I restored our 1958 Beetle, we looked to this book many times as a guide in choosing a color, part, or material.

All PDF versions of books published by the National Academies Press are now free to download. This includes more than 4000 titles, and various future reports. Visit http://www.nap.edu to access these free eBooks.

Learn a language online with Mango Languages!   You are invited to see a demonstration at the Edenavle Branch Library on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 11:00 am.

Mango Languages can teach you conversation skills for a great variety of languages, including Spanish, French, and Vietnamese.  ESL courses are also available with Mango Languages.  This useful service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the library’s website.

You can find Mango Languages by visiting our Databases Page, then click on "Learn A Language" found under "Subject Specific Resources."   Click on "Mango Languages" then create a profile.   If you are using a computer outside of the library, you will need to enter your library card and pin number.

Happy learning!

I read this book initially to compare with the movie that will be in theatres November of this year. I enjoyed how there was a good amount of detail put in the book. She describes how the characters feel, what they are thinking, and so much more.  

Would you like to learn how to juggle? Would you like to watch a professional juggler as he balances watermelons and raw eggs? Would you like to see him do his tricks while riding a six-foot-high unicycle? Rock Steady Juggling," will present his one-man show "Eco-tainment" for the enjoyment of everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. Prepare to be entertained by music, juggling, plate-spinning and unicycle riding when Doug brings his unique blend of circus entertainment and ecological awareness to Vineland Library. The performance will take place in the library's community room. What better way to spend an hour on a summer afternoon? If you want a sneak preview, check out a video of Doug. And check out some library resources on juggling for more tips and tricks.

Like most parents, I have already signed up my children for the summer reading program.  My soon to be second grader wants to know "what else is going on at the library where you work, Mom."  While I jot down a list of fun things for her and her little sister to do at the Tully Library, I thought I'd share it with the rest of the parents in this community.

At the top of my list is the For Goodness Snakes program.  I hosted this program last year and everyone was absolutely fascinated with these amazing creatures.  It was wonderful to see both children and adults interacting with these fearsome looking, but quite gentle animals.  This is one program that Natalie will not miss this year!

There are four more items on that list of mine.  For my youngest daugher, I have the Music & Movement program to keep her entertained.  I also include Monsters of the World just in case Natalie likes to be scared a little.  For the family, the Kids in the Kitchen and the Spectacular Smoothie programs will be fun and educational at the same time.  Hopefully, everyone will learn to make healthier snacks after these workshops.

If you haven't signed up for tons of activities for your children already this summer, please check out these fun and free programs at your local library.

The Watery Part of the World by Michael Parker – This beautifully-written story takes place in two separate time periods which sometimes, like water, seem to blend together--the early 1800’s and the 1970’s--on storm-beaten Yaupon Island off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The historical portion of the novel deals with the mystery of the missing daughter of disgraced Vice-President Aaron Burr, Theodosia, who disappeared at sea in 1813. For purposes of this story, she was saved from death by pirates by feigning insanity and survived, barely, on Yaupon, forever cut off from the mainland and her former life. She is the ancestress of two older sisters, Maggie and Whaley, who struggle to remain on the island of their births, now down to a population of three, in the 70’s. Woodrow Thornton, the only other modern inhabitant and himself a descendant of a freed slave who worked for Theodosia, is the sisters’ only support system; together they cling to their intermingled yet solitary island lives.

The Silent Land by Graham Joyce – I really had a hard time putting this book down! I found myself wanting to finish it quickly without detouring to read other books as I often do. Essentially it is a love story about a married couple on a ski holiday who get caught in an avalanche but manage to rescue themselves, only to find themselves in an evacuated mountain village still being threatened. An impending sense of doom permeates, while at the same time the story is moving and uplifting. The novel can only be described as compelling because although the reader suspects where the story is going, it is necessary to find out the meaning of the trip!

Miss Timmin’s School for Girls by Nayana Currimbhoy – This atmospheric fiction debut is set in a girl’s boarding school in 1974 India where world societal changes that started in the sixties have filtered into even this closed society. In a bit of a switch, scandals are brought by the adults in charge rather than the students themselves.  Stories and rumors swirl around the proper headmistress and her teachers, including Charu Apte, the new teacher from a respectable family with secrets of its own, and the wild English woman teacher, Moira Prince, who sets her sights on Charu. Moira seduces sheltered 21-year-old Charu and introduces her to characters in the community offering the glamor of casual drugs and vice; then one night during the monsoon season the conflicted Charu quarrels with Moira who then falls - or is pushed - to her death in a mountainous area known as “table-land.” These plot lines are woven together as part cultural lesson and part 70’s history lesson, with portrayals of terrific student characters who turn into sleuths to attempt to solve all the mysteries.

Sister by Rosamund Lupton – This is another compelling read which is a psychological thriller/mystery but is also a moving family story about an older sister’s love for her younger sister. Beatrice rushes to London from her home in New York when she learns her free-spirited younger sister Tess is missing; when Tess is found dead and Beatrice learns that she died shortly after giving birth to a stillborn child, she refuses to believe that Tess took her own life. Soon she is virtually inhabiting her sister’s life, living where she lived, working where she worked, in an effort to solve the mystery of her untimely death. The story is written in the form of letter to her sister; the reader knows that somehow Beatrice has proved her theory and that Tess was actually murdered, but the search for the killer continues until the final twist ending. There is a lot of buzz about this book!

The Summer Reading Celebration begins tomorrow, June 18th, and in honor of this year’s theme for teens, I’ve put together some fun reading lists of recommended reads for teens that will take you around the world. I will be sharing these lists with you throughout the summer, with each list containing a set of books featuring a new location. Since all of travels start at home, I’m kicking it off with a set of books that take place right here in the Bay Area. Read and enjoy, and don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Celebration!

You Are Here: Bay Area, California

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

While working at summer jobs in San Francisco, twins Sophie and Josh find themselves caught up in the deadly, centuries-old struggle between rival alchemists.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

This graphic novel features three intertwining stories about Chinese Americans, including Jin Wang, a boy raised in San Francisco's Chinatown who moves with his family to the suburbs.

Estrella’s Quinceañera by Malín Alegría

San Jose teen Estrella is turning 15, and her mother and aunt are planning a gaudy, traditional quinceañera for her, even though it is the last thing she wants.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

After being wrongly imprisoned by the Department of Homeland Security in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco, seventeen-year-old Marcus must use his computer hacking skills to set things right in this action-packed techno-thriller.

The Wild Girls by Pat Murphy

 When thirteen-year-old Joan moves to the Bay Area in 1972, she becomes friends with Sarah, who shares her passion for creative writing, and after winning a writing contest together, they are recruited for an exclusive summer writing class that gives them new insights into themselves and others.

Wish: A Novel by Alexandra Bullen

After her vivacious twin sister dies, a shy teenage girl moves with her parents to San Francisco, where she meets a magical seamstress who grants her one wish.

Update: the winner of the booktrailer contest is Nathan Verdonk from the Willow Glen Branch. Congratulations Nathan!

Watch the winning video here:  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37SkNFhUQM8

Teens: are you tired of just writing book reviews for Summer Reading?

How about a book trailer instead?

Tape a short clip, upload it to YouTube or a similar website, share the link with us and be entered into the contest to win a NOOK color.

You can be as creative as you want - just don't give away the ending!

Here are the details:

Tape a short clip, upload it to YouTube or a similiar website

Sign up for Summer Reading by creating your account here

Enter the title of the book you are reviewing

In the box where you would usually type your book review, post the link to your video

That's it!

Don't have a digital camera? Need help uploading the clip? Come to the taping session at the Cambrian Branch on July 19th from 3pm to 5pm.

Of course this will also count towards your Summer Reading goal and will enter you in the bi-weekly drawings.

Entries for the contest will be accepted from June 18th until July 30th. The winner will be announced in August.

Meriwest Credit Union has partnered with us to provide 2 seminars on Access to Capital for Small Business.  These seminars will explain what financial institutions are looking for when underwriting small business loans and what entrepreneurs can do to improve their chances of approval of their loan request.  If you are starting up a business and need funding these seminars should be very informative. The Tully Community Branch Library and the Rosegarden Branch Library will be hosting the seminars on Wednesday, June 22 and June 29 respectively from 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm. 

Open a Book, Open a World

San José’s Summer Reading Celebration Kicks Off June 18

SAN JOSE, Calif. ---San José Public Library’s Summer Reading Celebration kicks off on  Saturday, June 18 at all 19 locations. This year’s theme allows participants to travel to a foreign destination through their neighborhood library. 

All are welcome to enrich their minds through reading and learning this summer.  Signing up for the reading celebration is quick, easy and free.  Teens and adults will have the opportunity to register online starting June 18 and create a personal account to record reading accomplishments.  Children are invited to stop by their local branch library with a parent or guardian to sign up and pickup a reading passport to track their progress. 

Once the sign-up is completed, every eBook, audio book and/or book the participant reads or listens to from June 18 through July 30 will count toward program prize requirements.  Full prize details are available at www.sjpl.org/SRC2011. Prizes can be claimed at a local library.

• Children, birth through age 12, start receiving prizes after reading 15 books by themselves, with friends, or with a parent.  Books read to children are also eligible for prizes.  
• Teens, ages 12-18, start receiving prizes after reading five books and either writing or submitting a link to an original video review of each book read.  Those who prefer to submit a video review will be entered into a drawing for an eReader that will be awarded at the end of the reading celebration.
• Adults, ages 18 and over, do not have reading goals, but are encouraged to post a short review of each book they read. Those who do, become eligible for biweekly prize drawings.

The library will also host a variety of multicultural events for all ages that include live performances, activities and programs.  Check the library’s online Calendar page at www.sjpl.org/calendar for event details and listings at all 19 locations. 

This year’s Summer Reading Celebration is made possible with additional support from the Friends of the King Library and branch library Friends groups.

For more information on the Summer Reading Celebration contact your local branch library or visit www.sjpl.org/SRC2011.

About San José Public Library

San José Public Library system (SJPL) is the largest public library system between San Francisco and Los Angeles, serving a culturally diverse population of approximately 946,000 in the nation’s 10th largest city.  SJPL is recognized across the country for its innovation and leadership in the field and is one of the busiest library systems nationwide, with an annual checkout rate of nearly 14 million items.

I don't know about you, but I like too cook.  I, like many people, have a standard battery of receipes that I know basically from memory that I can throw together without too much effort and make/prepare quickly.  Some of my culinary arsenal are:  chicken in tarragon-mustard sauce; Hungarian goulash; chicken a l'orange; grilled asparagus with truffle oil and chopped pistachios, braised pork chops or pork loin in apple cider, roast beef with carrots and potatoes.  However I struggle with some dishes that don't always turn out right.  One of my challenges is to make the perfect creme brulee that doesn't curdle and has the creamiest texture.  Cooking for geeks  

The Edenvale Branch Library is happy to present the "Critters & Continents Puppet Show" by Tony Borders on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11:00 am.

Families will learn about different continents and hear from the special animals who live there! Tony Borders, puppeteer, magician and ventriloquist, will present this fun show for the entire family in the Edenvale Branch Library Community Room.

Check out Tony Borders' website to see pictures of some awesome puppets!

This delightful show will also be presented at the following locations:

• Willow Glen Branch Library - Saturday, June 18, 2011 @ 11:00 am
   
• East San José Carnegie Branch Library - Tuesday, June 21, 2011 @ 6:00 pm
   
• West Valley Branch Library - Thursday, June 23, 2011 @ 3:30 pm
   
• Joyce Ellington Branch Library - Wednesday, July 20, 2011 @ 4:00 pm
   
• Evergreen Branch Library - Thursday, July 28, 2011 @ 4:00 pm

QR codes are 2D barcodes that are used to contain information on URLs, addresses, text messages etc. They can be read (scanned) using QR code reader software, if it is downloaded to your mobile device or computer. Recently they are used by the libraries to direct patrons with mobile devices to certain URLs with information on virtual tours, catalog pages, to text messages on policies or interlibrary loan information.

You can generate your own QR code by going to QR code generators pages (just type in "QR code generator" using Google). Easy to use sites that generate QR codes for you: qrcode.kaywa.com and delivr.com/qr-code-generator.

The QR Codes site describes very well the usage of QR coding in the libraries.

I loved Ann Patchett's Bel Canto and Run is just as good. Race relations, politics, faith, family loyalty and death are just some of the major themes. Every character is so well drawn - from the emotionally spent former mayor of Boston to the young girl who stalks the mayor and his two adopted sons. A couple of passages are so memorable and full of meaning, that I've read them over and over: the inner thoughts of the old priest in the retirement home ("It would be possible to overlook just about anything if you were trained to constantly strain forward to see the power and the glory that way waiting up ahead. What a shame it would have been to miss God while waiting for Him."), and of the poor young black girl sprinting around the track at Harvard ("She no longer felt like touching all the dirt and the muck she had so patiently submitted herself to so that people would think she was a very nice girl. She was not such a very nice girl. Nobody who was very, very nice would ever work this hard to take something they wanted only for themselves.").

This year's theme is Travel and World Culture. Come to the library to see fun performers like Caterpillar Puppets performing 'Aztec Pinocchio'; pick up a stamp and mailing label so you can send us a postcard from wherever the summer takes you (from Milpitas to Miami to Madrid); and, of course, read books to earn prizes!  For more information, please visit our Summer Reading 2011 page. 

If you'd like to start reading books that are related to the theme, try these book lists created by librarians at other libraries:

One World, Many Stories (for children)

You Are Here (for teens)

Novel Destinations (for adults)

Or, of course, visit your local library and ask a librarian for recommendations.

Several weeks ago I went to the Bay Area Maker Faire, an annual event for inventors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts. A combination county fair with side shows of steam punk vehicle rides, the Maker Faire has been described as a playground for geeks. In the building featuring O’Reilly Publications (a sponsor), I found Cooking for Geeks: Real Science, Great Hacks and Good Food. This is a cookbook for those wanting to know how food works: there are sections on the chemical reactions that occur when heating and cooling food, the role of air in baking, food additives (make your own liquid smoke), and kitchen hardware as well as ways to organize your equipment and ingredients. Interspersed are recipes and interviews with innovative cooks, scientists and foodies. Writer Jeff Potter has his own blog and you can sign up for email, Facebook and Twitter updates.

By the way, another Maker Faire sponsor TechShop will open up a site this month in downtown San Jose a few blocks from King Library.

After months of debating which eReader to buy, I finally decided to go with the new Simple Touch Reader Nook from Barnes & Noble. The reviews so far have been overwhelmingly positive, with sites like CNET & PC Magazine naming it a top pick. It features a featherweight ergonomic design, amazing battery life, and e-ink technology. I personally prefer it to the Nook Color because I find the Nook Color’s LCD screen a bit harder on the eyes for extended reading. The new Simple Touch Nook doesn’t have the bells and whistles of an iPad or other tablet computer, but if you’re looking for something simple, fairly affordable, and hassle-free to use just for reading books, then this Nook might be for you.

Check out some great Nook-specific instructions on how to get started with SJPL’s OverDrive eBook collection, or visit OverDrive's help page. I’m having a great time so far with the many titles available for download. It’s exciting to be able to continue to use the many great (and free!) resources that the library has to offer, but in a brand new way.  

See a program on Tully's Event Calendar that you're curious about? Check out some of these fun videos for programs that have been offered at the Tully Library:
 

• Play and Learn Textures
  Play is a great way for children to learn about the world around them. This event allows children and their parents to try out a variety of hands-on activities that stimulate a child’s brain, teaching sensory awareness. Hosted by Shirley Tanase.
• Free Child ID
  Mass Mutual provided Free Child ID cards for emergency identification. All the child's information, including weight, height, fingerprints and a photo were printed onto identification paperwork and ID cards for emergencies such as a child going missing.
• Kids in the Kitchen
  Tully Community Branch librarian Candice Tran shows parents and kids how to make fruit cabobs, a healthy alternative to snacks. During this program, she explains other aspects of healthy eating and living and encourages parents to bring their kids into the kitchen and prepare healthy snacks together with them.
• Vietnamese-English Bilingual Family Storytime
  Tully Community Branch Library's Family Learning Center Coordinator Candice Tran hosted this special bilingual family storytime, featuring music, rhythm sticks and the Vietnamese and English story Chúng ta đi săn gấu/We're going on a bear hunt.
• Music & Movement with Preschoolers
  Children love music and movement – and both stimulate the brain! Music & Movement is a program designed for families to enjoy songs, parachute play, and other activities with their children. This program is targeted toward Preschool-1st grade but younger and older children are encouraged to attend too!
• Đội Kèn Tí Hon: Vietnamese Children's Dance Performance
  The Tully Community Branch Library hosted this program (in Vietnamese) on Saturday, May 7 2011 featuring singing and dance performances by Vietnamese youth. Enjoy the music and wonderful talent of the participants in this video of the event!
• Cinco de Mayo Storytime and Piñata Craft
  The Tully Community Branch Library held a special bilingual storytime and piñata craft in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. This program was hosted by Shirley Tanase from San José Public Library's Unit for Programing Services.
• Vietnamese Calligraphy Class Graduation Ceremony
  The Tully Community Branch Library hosted a Vietnamese Calligraphy Class every Saturday until Saturday, April 30, 2011, when they held a Graduation Ceremony for their students. This video, like the program, is in Vietnamese, but the beauty and art of calligraphy can be appreciated in any language.
• Dia de los Niños
  Dia de los Niños celebrates the Day of the Young Child and was held today, on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Tully Community Branch Library. Beyond just being entertaining for children and their parents, this program featured an emphasis on reading readiness so that parents can prepare their children to read even before they can read on their own.
• Cambodian Cultural Dance Performance
  On Saturday, April 23, 2011, the Tully Community Branch Library hosted a Cambodian Cultural Dance Performance in celebration of Cambodian New Year, which began on April 13. The program featured a variety of traditional performances by dancers who have been practicing every Friday evening at the Tully Library.
• Santa Visits the Tully Community Branch Library
  On Saturday, December 18, Santa visited the Tully Community Branch Library and families were offered the opportunity to receive free pictures with Santa. Also included as part of the program were crafts, free book giveaway, raffle and more! Also hear what a few of the nearly 3,000 visitors who came to the library that day had to say!
• Halloween Festival!
  On Saturday, October 30th, the Tully Library held a very special Halloween Festival filled with spookily fun activities like games, crafts, haunted house and even a costume contest!
• Family Fun Night
  On Wednesday, October 6, 2010, the Tully Community Branch Library held a very special Family Fun Night featuring tons of activities, including a library tour, crafts, prizes and much more! Check out the video for not only a look at all the fun, but it's also a great look at the library in general. If you've never visited Tully, this is a great starting place!
• Children's Moon Festival
  On Saturday, September 18 the Tully Community Branch Library held a special Children's Moon Festival event featuring singing and traditional dress contests, lion dancing and an awards ceremony presented by members of the community.
• Mixing in Math: Boatful of Pennies
  Saturday, September 4th 2-3pm at the Tully Library: How many pennies can your boat hold? This activity has loads of hands-on fun by creating a simple boat and learning a little bit about the basic principles of flotation.
• Month of the Young Child Celebration: Fairy Magic Show
  On Thursday April 29, Tully Library held a Fairy Magic Show in celebration of the Month of the Young Child. This event featured a performance by the Fae Diddle Faeries, a magic show, balloon twisting and face painting.
• Smoothie Spectacular!
  A smoothie making demonstration was held at the Tully Community Branch Library in celebration of the end of Adult Summer Reading. The program offered recipes as well as samples of these healthy drink alternatives.
• Community Cooking with Francisco
  Community Cooking is a free program that explained how to prepare a meal of lasagna. Free food was also provided. 
• Live Joyfully! Vietnamese Family Night
  The Live Joyfully Vietnamese Family Night was an opportunity for families in the Vietnamese community to learn the skills necessary to prevent domestic violence. The free event featured an interactive workshop as well as an information resource fair.
• Mixing in Math
  Mixing in Math combines activities that help kids learn about math while having fun. This program was made possible at the Tully Community Branch Library with the help of librarian Angela Vu and a group of United Way volunteers.

Mass Mutual provided Free Child ID cards for emergency identification at the Tully Community Branch Library on Saturday, June 11. All the child's information, including weight, height, fingerprints and a photo were printed onto identification paperwork and ID cards for emergencies such as a child going missing.

This free service will be held at the following libraries throughout the month:

Tuesday, June 14: Alviso Branch

Wednesday, June 15: Hillview Branch

Thursday, June 16: Pearl Avenue Branch

Thursday, June 23: Evergreen Branch

Saturday, June 25: Berryessa Branch

Wednesday, June 29: Joyce Ellington Branch

Also, safety is an important part of childhood.  Here are some books about safety that parents may wish to share with their children:
Keeping Safe by Cath Senker
Say No and Go: Stranger Safety by Jill L. Donahue
I Can Be Safe: A First Look at Safety by Pat Thomas, also available in Spanish

Who likes reading?       

Who likes ice cream?

Who likes both?

Kids who like both should get to Santa Teresa Library early on Saturday, June 18 (we open at 10 am). That is the first day of our Summer Reading Celebration and we are offering free ice cream to the first 100 kids who sign up for Summer Reading. And that’s just the beginning of the fun day we have planned.

There will be Story Time at 11:00 am; a surprise entertainment 11:30 am-1:00 pm and at 2:00 pm you are invited to enjoy the comedy and antics of the Corny Crow Show. We hope kids will join us for as much of the day as they can. And while all of that is going on we will also be having a Mini-Book Sale. The Friends of the Santa Teresa Library and our TeensReach volunteers will be offering a handpicked selection of our best gently used books—stop by and pick up something for your summer reading pleasure. All proceeds will be used to benefit the library. 

In the weeks to come there will be more Summer Reading fun in store. On Tuesday, June 21 at 3:00 pm we will be having a World Craft Day where kids can experiment with traditional crafts from other countries; and on Saturday, June 25 Mark Sanders will be here at 3:00 pm with his exciting show of Magic, Comedy and Illusion.

Summer Reading continues through July and we will be having more special events in the coming month. Be sure to pick up a calendar in the library or check online.

Summer Reading is open to all ages from Toddlers to Adults.  Find out how to participate.

Happy Summer Reading to All!

The Rose Garden Branch Knitting Circle will donate their finished blanket to Project Linus.

The Knitting Circle volunteer group meets twice a month and is always looking for new members. The next meeting will be June 21st at 6:30pm downstairs in the Rose Garden Branch Library's Community Room. Beginners are welcome!

On Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, representatives from Mass Mutual will be available at the Edenvale Branch Library in order to create free child ID cards for emergency identification.

Safety is an important part of childhood.  Here are some books about safety that parents may wish to share with their children.

Keeping Safe by Cath Senker
Say No and Go: Stranger Safety by Jill L. Donahue
I Can Be Safe: A First Look at Safety by Pat Thomas, also available in Spanish

In the first book of this series we were introduced to King. He’s a dog, and a detective, who solved mysteries with his human, Kayla. When his family didn’t return as planned from a trip to Springtown to visit Grandma, King ended up in the P-O-U-N-D. By being friendly, King, now known as Buddy, was adopted.

In the second book, The Case of the Mixed-Up Mutts, Buddy is adjusting to living with his new family, a boy named Connor and his mother. They live in his old neighborhood. As the book begins, Buddy is once again thinking about looking for his first family. But before he can begin his search, he becomes involved in a new mystery, two dogs have been switched! Can Buddy help them both get back to their real owners? While Buddy is helping these two dogs find their homes, he uses the (dog) Network to help the dogs who were switched. Buddy’s plan to help the two dogs also helps him. He learns more about Springtown, where Kayla and her Dad went. Maybe something really did happen to them while they were there.

In the third book, The Case of the Missing Family, Buddy notices people moving furniture out of the house where he lived with Kayla and her family. He decides he must investigate and try to find out what happened to Kayla and her family. By now, thanks to the Network, Buddy has learned that there was a tornado in Springtown. Who are the people taking furniture from Kayla’s house and where are they taking the furniture – to Kayla and her family?  Is Kayla’s Mom still away with the National Guard? Are they all OK?

When Buddy realizes he knows the people who are taking things away from his old house he decides to take action. He will stowaway in the van and see if it takes him to Kayla. Read book three to find out if Buddy finds Kayla and finally solves his most difficult mystery. A fun to read series about dogs and their people by Dori Hillestad Butler.

Updated April 2012

There are two additional books available in our collection as part of The Buddy Files series:  The Case of the Fire Alarm and The Case of the Library Monster.

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Nigerian writer Lola Shoneyin, was an impulse title, one of those books that caught my eye demanding to be read. Not all is well in the household of the Alao family consisting of businessman Baba Segi, his four wives and seven children. After two years of marriage, Baba Segi’s newest wife, Bolanle has not conceived and Baba Segi takes her to the hospital to find out why. The other wives, Iya Segi, Iya Tope and Iya Femi, all mothers of children, are jealous of Bolanle’s college education and plot to make her leave. As Baba Segi and his wives take turns telling what happens in subsequent weeks, we learn more of the dynamics of this polygamist household, how Baba Segi acquired his wives and how the women have adapted and why they continue to remain in this plural marriage.

To find novels and short stories set in Nigeria, by Nigerian authors and other writers, do a keyword search in the library catalog using the words Nigeria fiction.

It’s 1935 and 12-year-old Moose Flanagan has moved with his family to Alcatraz Island – home to such notorious criminals as Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone. Moose’s father has taken a job on the island as an electrician and prison guard while his mother focuses on getting his sister Natalie, who isn’t like other kids, into a special school in San Francisco. Al Capone Does My Shirts is alternately funny and poignant as Moose tries to fit in at his new school, protect his sister, and stay out of trouble created by the warden’s scheming daughter. Author Gennifer Choldenko researched civilian life on Alcatraz in the 1930s and has produced a believable tale that, besides being a fun read, makes a good choice for a historical fiction assignment for students in grades 5-8. Choldenko also draws upon her own experience as a family member of someone with special needs; children who have a sibling with autism or another developmental disability will especially relate to the story. For more of Moose’s adventures on Alcatraz, check out the sequel, Al Capone Shines My Shoes.

* Kayak with dolphins

* Hike in a rain forest, swim in a bioluminescent bay

* Collect waterfalls

* Follow the mission trail

* Pitch a tent by the sea

These are some of 100s of activities you could do this summer - listed in The 100 Best Affordable Vacations by Jane Woolridge and Larry Bleiberg (published by National Geographic Society, 2011.)  Unique among travel books, 100 Best is arranged by activities rather than locations, with a focus on North America.  Under each activity, ideal places, geographical and historical details are listed.  While most activities have their own localities, some are marked as nationwide with place recommendations, such as Celebrate American Folk Arts, Check Out "Unknown" Parks, Ride Historic Rails, etc.  Each entry ends with "How To Get In Touch" section for more information gathering by address, phone, or email/Web.  100 Best is one of the few travel books that you could read without being overwhelmed by maps and other information.  With 100 Best you will discover a world of adventures this summer without emptying your bank account.

Rafi and Rosi: Carnival! by Lulu Delacre is a touching story about brothers and sisters. Rafi the frog is willing to work exceptionally hard to make his younger sister Rosi happy. After he made a mask to prepare for the Carnival in Ponce, he also made her a wagon-turned-float to take her up and down their street in her own parade. I love this book because of the surprises at the end:  A bit of history of the Carnival in Ponce, Puerto Rico, instructions on how to make a wagon float, how to make a periscope, and how to make a vejigante mask.

Another cute book about brothers and sisters worth checking out is by Laura Numeroff, What Sisters Do Best; What Brothers Do Best.

Having insomnia or other sleep problems?  Want to find out what losing sleep does to our bodies? Join John Mitscha and learn about sleep disorders and how to get help in this Wake Up to a Better Life workshop at the Santa Teresa Branch Library on Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

Biblioburro by Jeanette Winter is a true story about a young teacher, Luis Soriano, who has a passion for reading. He travels into the remote villages of rural Colombia with his biblioburro to bring books to children and spread knowledge. Luis Soriano is a true inspiration to all librarians and teachers.

A representative from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) will present A Consumer’s Guide to Auto Repair. The presentation will include an overview of:

1. What is BAR and what does it do?
2. How to choose an automotive repair shop
3. What to look for and what to avoid
4. Consumer rights when taking vehicles to a repair shops

This presentation will take place in the Community Room of the Edenvale Branch Library on Saturday, June 4 at 1:00 PM.

Check out the Bureau of Automotive Repair's website where you will find a lot of useful information. 

I try to mix up my recreational reading and challenge myself with a variety of genres and themes, but I have to admit that every now and then, it feels good to curl up with a nice piece of well-written chick lit. After having read a few of her books now, I must agree with the masses that YA author Sarah Dessen has truly mastered this art: real characters, a good story with all the right amounts of drama and romance, and a slightly surprising yet happy ending.

I just finished listening to the audiobook Lock and Key via the Overdrive app on my mobile phone. While it's not my favorite Dessen novel thus far, (that award goes to This Lullaby), it's a great story of redemption and second chances. 17-year-old Ruby is reunited with her estranged older sister Cora after her neglectful mother finally takes off for good. Cora and her husband Jamie (founder of a successful Facebook-esque social networking site) are able to offer Ruby all of the things she never dreamed she would have: a beautiful house, new clothes, a good high school, hopes for college, and above all, a real family. Nate, the charming boy-next-door that reaches out to her, is also too good to be true. But despite this amazing new life, Ruby still can't seem to take off the old key around her neck that belongs to the crumbling house where her mom left her. As the story progresses, we begin to see Ruby's transformation, as well as the characters around her. Things aren't always what they seem, family can be a flexible term, and it's never too late to give up hope. Eventually we'll find the right keys to the doors we're looking for.

Sarah Dessen's latest novel, What Happened to Goodbye, is another story about reclaiming identity and coming to terms with not-so-perfect family. Be one of the first to read it, and let us know what you think!

Sixth Cousin, also known as Bandit, of the House of Wong, lived halfway around the world from New York City. Her father has been travelling for a very long time, while Bandit and her mother remained in China with her father’s family. One day a letter arrives. While this letter makes her mother very happy, it makes her grandmother cry and her grandfather angry. No one tells Bandit anything.  What is going on?

Finally, Bandit is told that she and her mother are going to America to join her father. Bandit selects her American name, Shirley Temple Wong, and so begins their journey. It is a difficult transition from China to America; at times Shirley feels happy and other times sad. But after she makes her first new school friend, and discovers baseball, her transition into everyday American life truly begins.

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson is not a new book, but with many children in our local community who recently arrived from other countries, there is a perfect audience for this thoughtful and relevant book. New arrivals will identify with Shirley’s struggles, and successes, as she learns to adapt to her new life. Anyone who has felt different or lonely can identify and sympathize with Shirley when she finds herself the only Chinese speaking student in her school. The language used and emotions discussed by Bette Bao Lord are suitable for ages 8 and up. 

We’ve just launched a new feature in the library catalog – RSS feeds for "My Account" activity.  Subscribe to the feed with an RSS feed reader and keep up to date with your library account without having to go to our website and login. Not familiar with RSS feeds? - Watch a quick video that explains them.

To get the address for the feed: Login to your account and click on the little RSS icon by "Account Activity".

The feed will generate alert messages for the following activity:

• Requested library item(s) are ready for pickup
• Link+ item(s) are ready for pickup
• Item(s) are due soon 
• Item(s) are due today
• Item(s) are overdue
• New fine(s) or fee(s)

For privacy, the feed just mentions this generic activity; it doesn’t say specifically which titles are due, on the hold shelf, etc.  You can click on one of the messages and then login to your account to see the exact details.  A date appears at the beginning of each message so you can tell which activity is current. Enjoy!

Before Gossip Girl, before Twilight, there was Sweet Valley High. Never great literature, the prolific teen series by Francine Pascal and a team of ghostwriters featured identical twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield who were as different as night and day. Their adventures and those of their friends and family members were recounted in several spin off series as well, each depicting the same characters at different ages. Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley Kids and Sweet Valley Junior High featured younger versions of the same characters. Eventually everyone graduated and moved on to SVU (Sweet Valley University). As a librarian in the late 1980s and early 1990s I sometimes joked that readers never had to leave Sweet Valley. The characters would just age with them until everyone ended up at Sweet Valley Convalescent Hospital.

Now Pascal has caught up with her characters ten years after the original series ended. As usual, couples are getting together, breaking up, and revealing secrets. Who’s out of the closet? Will Todd Wilkins end up with Jessica or long-time love Elizabeth? Like watching a reunion movie from a familiar TV series, Sweet Valley Confidential is a quick opportunity to reconnect with the characters you once knew well. But don’t be surprised to find out that while you’ve grown and changed, Sweet Valley remains the same.  

Ever want to visit the future? What about encountering the futuristic world of “Star Trek,” with Phasers, being able to beam down to a strange planet, or lift your shields to prevent a Klingon attack? In Physics of the Impossible, Michio Kaku addresses what might be possible in the next century…or beyond. The 23rd century is not as far away as it seems. The author divides these ideas, not yet developed, into three distinct categories, 1, 2 and 3 “impossibilities”. This means that these ideas are not currently possible, but may become possible in the future. Class one impossibilities are ones that will probably take place within the next hundred years. These are ideas that are within our comprehension based on what we currently know of the laws of physics. Class two impossibilities are a bit more far-fetched based on our current technology, and may take a few centuries longer to bring to fruition. They are much more difficult to achieve, but do not violate physical laws. Class three impossibilities directly violate the laws of physics as we know them, and will never happen.

I particularly liked two things about this book. The first was the clear way in which the author addressed the physics behind the idea in layman’s terms, and explained why this might be soon within reach of modern technology. Teleportation is a class one impossibility if you are talking about elements or simple compounds—but you’re going to have to wait at least until the “Star Trek” universe takes place before saying “Beam Me Up, Scotty”. Teleporting a human being is apparently significantly more complex. The second thing that I enjoyed is that he addresses each segment with the earliest mentions of each idea in stories and novels. Clearly a Star Trek fan as well as a voracious reader of popular Science Fiction, he was able to draw on our common modern mythology to elaborate how we came to imagine these wondrous machines that might someday become reality. I also liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, emphasizing that dreaming the absurd and the impossible is mandatory if we are to explore the universe and be capable of doing more tomorrow than we did today.

I was surprised at how much is possible today of which I was unaware. The impossible is being invented as we speak, and will continue to be, well, for some time to come. There will always be people willing to invent the future, and what seems impossible today will be enjoyed at birthday parties by our children’s children. The future is rapidly approaching. I’m just glad that we have someone like Michio Kaku who is willing to draw a blueprint for us of where we’re going to go. After all, we don’t want to get lost.