Let me tell you how exciting it has been for me to introduce the Adult Summer Reading program to adult ESL learners at Tully Community Branch Library. For the first time since we started the Adult Summer Reading program at San José Public Library, I felt the excitement and anticipation of the students in my ESL Conversation Group to join this program. They never thought it was possible for them to join such a program since they are English learners. Somehow, I managed to convince them it is possible and that they can read books in any language and be able to fully participate in the fun drawings for prizes. It took some convincing, but the results were so well worth it. For the past 3 weeks, I have been correcting little book reviews in English from my ESL learners.  I am so excited to present these museum tickets to this adult learner. The program will end on July 30. But, you still have time to complete your book and be part of the excitement!

Children at Willow Glen Library recently enjoyed "Aztec Pinocchio," a funny and engaging bilingual puppet show presented by Caterpillar Puppets. Skilled puppeteer Joe Leon had the kids shrieking with laughter throughout the performance, which tells the story of Maldo the Magician and how he brings his marionette boy to life using a butterfly for a heart. The show was presented as part of our Summer Reading Celebration and funded by Friends of Willow Glen Library. If you missed it, you can catch another performance at King Library on Saturday July 23 at 2 p.m. Or, join us here at Willow Glen on July 23 for music and magic with Peter Apel.

Willow Glen Library is offering a variety of fun events for kids and families as part of our Summer Reading Celebration, "One World, Many Stories." Our special events are scheduled for Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. Already we've enjoyed the magic and puppetry of Tony Borders and Latin American music from Colibri, shown in the video clip. If you missed these, don't despair; there are several more exciting events coming up! Mark your calendars for:

World Craft Day, Saturday July 2 at 2 p.m. Make a paper flower, an origami rabbit, a Chinese fan, and other crafts from around the world!

Monsters of the World craft and story, Saturday, July 9, at 2 p.m. Hear a folktale, make a paper collage monster, and learn how monsters can be found in folktales throughout the world.

Puppet Show, Saturday, July 16, at 2 p.m. Enjoy Caterpillar Puppets' new bilingual show, "Aztec Pinocchio."

Family Concert with Peter Apel, Saturday, July 23, at 2 p.m.  Singer-songwriter Peter Apel will delight even the youngest children with his quirky original songs and magic tricks.

All events are free. See you there!

Tony Borders recently brought his unique brand of puppetry, ventriloquism and magic to Willow Glen Library as we kicked off our Summer Reading Celebration. Tony entertained children and families with his "Critter Continents" show about animals from around the world. Missed it? You can catch Tony's show at Joyce Ellington Branch Library on July 12 or at the Evergreen Branch Library on July 28. Check the library calendar for more events throughout the summer.

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.

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.