If you have a talent for creating illustrated short stories, you are invited to enter San José Public Library’s Graphic Novel Contest for all ages as part of our Summer Reading Celebration, 2011. This contest is sponsored by San José Public Library and TRY Japan Culture Group.

Here’s how to enter …

• Create your own graphic novel with a maximum length of 8 pages of text and black-and-white drawings using letter-size paper, including the cover page.
• Each submission must be the creative and original work of a single individual—the author/illustrator.
• Be sure to include your NAME, AGE and CONTACT INFORMATION on the back of your entry.
• Submit a photocopy that is an accurate reflection of the original (please do not submit original work as submissions are non-returnable).
• Entries can be submitted to any San José Public Library location no later than 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2011. There is a limit of one entry per contestant.

Entries will be judged on content and illustrations by a panel of library staff and comic industry professionals. All winners will get a gift card.

• Children (up to age 12):  first prize $50; second prize $25; third prize $20
• Teens (ages 12-18):  first prize $100; second prize $75; third prize $50
• Adults (age 18 and above):  first prize $100; second prize $75; third prize $50

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at a reception to be held at the Berryessa Branch Library on August 27th at 3:00p.m.in the Community Room. Check out the winners here.

San José Public Library staff members are ineligible to participate.

San José Public Library reserves the right to refuse submissions that are not appropriate for a general audience.

June 18 - July 30, 2011

  Children (Ages 0-12): sign up!      Teens (Ages 12-18): sign up!       Adults (Ages 18+): sign up!

Summer Reading Celebration is an enjoyable activity that everyone can participate in.

The six-week-long program encourages recreational reading as a family activity.

Enjoy FREE Summer Reading Events at a library near you!

Participate this summer in the

3rd annual Graphic Novel Contest!

Part of the Summer Reading Celebration. 

Co-Sponsors: Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Friends of the Branch Libraries     

with additional support from other community organizations, with additional support from Hotel Valencia Santana Row.

The theme of the 2011 Summer Reading Celebration is One World, Many Stories! Starting June 18th, your local San José Public Library location will be having special events to celebrate.

Childhood is a great time to start learning a second language (or continue exposure to a first language). In the month of June, the San Jose Public Library will offer several performances that give you the opportunity to be entertained, while immersing your child& in Spanish.

Kids Concert:

Mariela Herrera

This  bilingual (Spanish / English) show will include songs, stories, music and fun for children age 1-6. 

Mariela will perform at the Cambrian Branch Library on Saturday June 18, 2011 at 2:00pm and at the Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library on Friday July 1, 2011 at 3:00pm.

Puppet Show:

Aztec Pinocchio with Caterpillar puppets

This show tells the story of Maldo the Magician and how he brings to life his little marionette boy, using a butterfly for a heart.

This bilingual performance will take place at:

Hillview Branch Library on Wednesday June 22, 2011 at 6:30pm,

Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library on Thursday June 23, 2011 at 3:00pm,

Dr. Cruz-Alum Rock Branch Library on Saturday June 25, 2011 at 2:00pm,

Family Concert:

Colibrí

Colibrí, Spanish for hummingbird, is a duo that presents lively, interactive musical journeys through Latin America. Using an exciting array of traditional folk instruments, Lichi Fuentes and Alisa Peres create a bridge linking children in the U.S. with those in the Spanish-speaking world.

You can enjoy the music of Colibrí at:

Willow Glen Branch Library on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 2:00pm

Almaden Branch Library on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 3:00pm

Dr. Cruz-Alum Rock Branch Library on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 2:00pm

The San José Public Library also offers a variety of Spanish/English bilingual books for children and parents to enjoy. Here are a few favorites:

• My Colors, My World = Mis Colores, Mi Mundo by Maya Christina Gonzalez
• Just a Minute by Yuyi Morales
• Uno, Dos, Tres; One, Two, Three by Pat Mora.

To convince my 7 year old daughter to eat healthier snacks, I had to shock her with the "Sugar Shockers".  I basically showed her the amount of sugar in her favorite snacks and drinks.  Then together, we prepared a healthier, but still yummy alternative in our kitchen.

On Wednesday, May 25 from 4-5PM at Tully Community Branch Library, I'll do the same for you and your children.  Together, we will learn to read those "tricky" Nutrition Facts labels on food containers and make a healthy snack for your family.

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 8th! Visit your library for a special Mother’s Day Storytime and Craft starting Tuesday, May 3rd to Wednesday, May 11th! You and your children will enjoy a Mother’s Day themed storytime and then have fun creating a craft designed to give to your mom. View our events calendar for the time and location of this special program.

Here are other ways to celebrate Mother’s Day:

• Create a personalized Mother’s Day greeting card.
• Work on a Mother’s Day craft project.
• Write a thoughtful poem for mom.
•  Play mom’s favorite board games with her such as chess, cards, etc.

Books

The library has a great collection of books and resources for your child to make Mother’s Day special and memorable! Here are a few recommended titles: 

Mother's Day by Anne Rockwell

The students in Mrs. Madoff's class share how they will celebrate Mother's Day with their families.

The Mother's Day Mice by Eve Bunting

Three little mouse brothers go into the meadow to find a present for their mother but it is the littlest mouse that comes up with the most unusual gift of all.

Happy Mother's Day, Mami! by Leslie Valdes

It's Mother's Day! Dora has decided to make a special cake for her mami, but first she must gather all the ingredients.

Freaky Friday by Mary Rodgers

A thirteen-year-old girl gains a much more sympathetic understanding of her relationship with her mother when she has to spend a day in her mother's body.

Mother's Day Crafts by Arlene and Herbert Erlbach

Presents easy craft projects to make for Mother's Day. Learn how to make the following: cupcake magnets, flower photo card, jewel case photo frame and more!

For more recommendations, please see a Youth Services Librarian at your library.

The 2nd annual San José Public Library Scholastic Open will take place in the Santa Teresa Branch Library Community Room on Saturday, July 9 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Tournament Information

2 sections: USCF and unrated. (50 players maximum each)

Schedule: 6 rounds, G/30, round times: 9:30 am, 10:45 am, 12:00 noon, 2:30 pm, 3:45 pm, 5:00 pm.

Half point byes: OK all, limit 2, must commit before round 1.

Tournament Organizers/Directors: Mathew Benson (SA), Chris Black (KL).

Prizes: Trophies to top 3 in each section. All others will receive chess puzzles.

Special Rules: All players must be pre-K through 12 grade during 2010/2011 school year. Players in USCF section must have valid USCF membership at time of event. USCF section must follow USCF rules.

Notes:  Swiss tournament. Players will only play others in their section. Please bring clocks, all other equipment is provided. USCF section will be USCF rated.

Registration: Call (408) 808-3068 or register in person at the Santa Teresa Branch Library information desk. 

This program is co-sponsored by Let's Play Chess and the Friends of the Santa Teresa Library.

Want to learn more about chess? Find chess books at the library such as Capablanca: A Primer of Checkmate. Or visit chessthings.com where you'll find information about chess activities and education in the Bay Area.