We all need to get away every now and then. Instead of spending hours on a plane or a car, why not discover a nearby Bay Area gem?  The newly reopened Exploratorium in San Francisco is no doubt on the to-do list of most families. But that's just scratching the surface of a rich and vibrant region.

Whether you're new to the area or lived here your whole life, there is much to explore outside of your door. From restaurants, museums, hiking and biking, there's something for everyone.

The library has a rich selection of resources to help you plan a fun excursion. In addition, our Discover and Go service offers free or reduced ticket prices for Bay Area Museums. 

Here are some library materials to help you discover the Bay Area:

• Newcomers
• Foodies
• Dog Lovers
• Families
• Missions
• Hiking
• Biking
• Museums
• Fishing
• Weekend Getaways

 Have you ever wanted to meet an author? Well kids, teens and adults now is your chance. On Saturday ,October 13 @ 3:00PM Kelly Preston, author of the book Real Dogs Don't Whisper will be at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in the Exploration Room. Ms. Preston will give tips about the writing process, answer questions and read from her heart warming book. "Kelly Preston is, first and foremost, an animal lover growing up with horses, rabbits , and of course dogs." Her book is the story of 4 special needs dogs, Gizmo, Betty Boop, Carla Mae and Mr. MaGoo that Ms. Preston rescued, and how they taught her about life, hope, acceptance and love. Come meet Ms. Preston, get some tips about writing and perhaps hear some stories about these wonderful animals.

Children love to read books about animals and the Children's Room at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library has just received some new fun ones that I'd like to share with you.

Chloe (2012) by Peter McCarty. Chloe has ten older brothers and sisters and ten younger brothers and sisters which puts her right in the middle where she's happy to be. Chloe especially enjoys the evenings when the whole family gets together for family fun time. One evening dad brings home a surprise which threatens to ruin the family fun time that she loves. What can the surprise be and how does Chloe manage to bring everyone together? We first met Chloe in Henry in Love by McCarty and I think that this bunny will be having many more adventures to share with us, so stay tuned.

Dini Dinosaur (2012) by Karen Beaumont. After having a great time playing in the mud all day Dini Dinosaur is ready to take a bath, or is he? Children will laugh at Dini's antics but of course with mom's help Dini gets his bath and lovingly gets tucked into bed. Sweet story. Be sure to check out the other books by Karen Beaumont; another one of my favorites is Who Ate all the Cookie Dough?

My Rhinoceros (2011) by Jon Agee. What kind of animal can you buy in a store called "Exotic Pets?" A rhinoceros of course! Our little friend buys one and at first he is quite disappointed since his rhinoceros doesn't do much: he doesn't chase stuff, he doesn't roll over, he just sits around and keeps to himself - BORING! So it's off to a rhinoceros expert who tells him that rhinoceroses only do two things - they pop balloons and poke holes in kites, how pathetic! Or is it? This special rhinoceros, by using its talents, is able to catch two bank robbers plus our little friend learns about another one of its talents - this rhinoceros can fly! What a fantastic pet and what a fun book! Mr. Agee is the author of a dozen highly acclaimed picture books; check out Milo's Hat Trick, Terrific and Nothing.

I Got Two Dogs (2008) by John Lithgow. John Lithgow has written many books for children but this one is my favorite. The book , which is a song and is accompanied by a CD, is about two dogs named Fanny and Blue who are much loved by their owner. It's wonderfully illustrated and it is such a bouncy song that you won't be able to get it out of your head! Just listen:

The Well Mannered Pooch - some ideas from the SJPL collection:

Good dog! : The Easy Way to Train Your Dog, by Sarah Whitehead. London, England: Collins & Brown, c2011.

Sarah’s credentials: owner of Clever Dog Training Company, Masters degree in Animal Behavior, member of the Association of Pet Behavior Counselors, and MD of Alpha Education. She is the author of several books on animal behavior.

Philosophy: “Training is all about clever strategy – not bullish tactics”

Good Dog! is a beautifully photographed training manual illustrating the instructional moves of both human trainer and canine subjects. Sprinkled throughout the chapter on “Training Your Dog,” are red-boxed highlighted common problems/solution charts to assist in the progress of the pupil.

It’s Me Or The Dog, How To Have The Perfect Pet, by Victoria Stillwell. New York: Hyperion, c2007.

Victoria’s credentials: Dog walker, volunteer and then staff member of a number of rescue agencies and shelters, star of Animal Planet’s, Me or the Dog,  behavior advisor to rescue shelters throughout the world and wasthe 2011 recipient of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award, recognizes individuals in the media who have the power to influence millions of people and use this to positively promote the joys and benefits of pet ownership”

Philosophy: “Training isn’t about imposing your will on your dog; it’s about giving him the tools he needs to live in your world.”

It’s Me or the Dog teaches humans basic canine communication and treat based cognitive instruction. Nice layout – less impressive photography. Information on toys, tricks, leashes and collars included.

No Bad Dogs : The Woodhouse Way, by Barbara Woodhouse. New York, N.Y.: Fireside, 1992, c1982.

Barbara’s credentials: trainer of 17,000 dogs and their owners in her 30 years of experience, international star of PBS series, “Training Dogs the Woodhouse Way.” (Note: Barbara passed away in 1988.)

Philosophy: “There is no such thing as a difficult dog, only an inexperienced owner.”

No Bad Dogs, written in old school style, is a classic. Some questionable advise, but thoroughly entertaining. Black and white photos included.

SEARCHING FOR DOGS AND TRAINING THROUGH THE CATALOG

• Key word search:  Dog Training
• Key word search:  Dog Behavior
• Key word search:  Dog Training and Fiction
• Keyword search:   Dog and Training and Juvenile
• Keyword search:   DVDs on Dog Training

Remember: should you not have a four footed companion to practice your teaching skills on, please visit:  The San José Animal Care Center today. Share your heart and your home. Behavior modification links available. Also, some of the best training may not get through your four footed friend's noggin in the first round of instruction. If necessary, for some of the more egregious offenses, please consult with Nolo Press’, Dog Law.

As Keats proclaimed, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” how much more so, when the one depicted as the object d’art is a four legged being regarded as man’s (and woman’s) best friend. From oft the printed page of the three titles listed below, surely you’ll find within an artistic representation of a beloved or nefarious canine, which speaks to you.

Dog: A Dog's Life in Art and Literature,by Iain Zaczek.

Dog - historical and symbolic, inscripted on caves, as sculpted pieces, depicted in oils and photographs, all with a European bent.  Poetry included - "The rich man's guardian and the poor man's friend, the only creature faithful to the end."  George Crabbe, as quoted on page 82, alongside Mayde Meiers Herberg's brilliant, On Vincent Oh.

Blue Dog Speaks, by George Rodrigue.

A blue dog, a blonde woman and a lonely artist - an illustrated love story.

The Art of Stephen Huneck, by Laura Beach

Sculpted dogs, a canine chapel proclaiming on its marquee, "Welcome all creeds, all breeds, no dogmas allowed."  Whimsical and adorable, this Vermont artist has given dogs life beyond their unfortunately abbreviated span.

As it has been said, "Ain't nothing like the real thing" ... If you'd like a four footed friend to share your life with, please visit the City of San José Animal Care Center today.

Pugs in a Bug by Carolyn Crimi first caught my eye because of the beautiful purples on the cover and the humorous-looking dogs sitting in the Volkswagon.  Sure enough, the wonderful illustrations are a delight to behold.  When reading the jacket, I was surprised that the artist, Stephanie Buscema,  has worked for Marvel and DC comics!  As I mentioned before, I really like to see artists stretch beyond their comfortable niches!

As a big proponent of developing reading readiness skills, I was pleasantly surprised to see the phonetic structure and narrative of the book.  Young children will enjoy the rhymes along with the funny dogs.  I especially enjoyed the way the pastel colors blend from page to page.  Add the concept of counting, and you have a great book for toddlers! 

Young children will throughly enjoy the story of six dogs as they are each picked up for a pleasant drive.  Unexpectedly, they come upon a dog parade and join in for fun and games.  Pick this title up for your fun-loving toddler!