May 8, 2008

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Spring means starting gardens

By Ed Koetitz, Almaden Youth Services Librarian
Special to the Times

You say tomato … Join the Master Gardeners and the Almaden Library on Saturday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a hands-on talk about how to grow luscious tomatoes, chilies and peppers.

The objectives of the Master Gardeners are to support the educational activities of the University of California Cooperative Extension and to provide continuing horticulture enrichment and education to the community. For those interested in attending the workshop, please sign up at the library’s information desk or call (408) 808-3040. Drop-in attendees are also welcome.

Adult ESL Book Club
On Thursday, May 15 from 1 to 2 p.m. the Adult ESL Book Club is discussing the classic novel “Sounder.” William H. Armstrong's Newbery Award-winning novel quickly became a classic as a moving portrayal of resilience and hope in the face of profound human tragedy. All adult ESL learners are welcome to attend. For more information, call (408) 808-3040, or visit the library’s information desk.

Basic computer use, Internet class
Never used the computer before? Have no idea about the World Wide Web? Do you want an e-mail address? Then sign up for our free computer class!

This class will be held on Friday, May 16 from 10 to 11 a.m. and will focus on basic computer and internet skills. This event takes place in the Tech Center and pre-registration is required. Please sign up at the library’s information desk, or call (408) 808-3040.

Events

- Family Story Time will be held on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s program room.

- 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.

- Toddler Story Times will be held on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

- 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.

- Almaden Branch Library’s Homework Center is open Monday through Thursday, 3 to 5:30 p.m. This free educational program has two paid staff members and is held in the library’s program room.

- History Book Club – Join us on Tuesday, June 3 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. for an insightful discussion about the Civil War. This month, join the History Book Club as we discuss California’s role during the Civil War. Tea and cookies will be served. This event is held in the library’s program room.

- On Friday, June 6 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. At this meeting, there will be a training session preparing those wanting to volunteer for the Summer Reading Celebration. There will be a second opportunity for training on Wednesday, June 11 at 4 p.m.

- Hand Art Contest – On Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in honor of the Hand Therapy Awareness and Injury Prevention Week (June 9-13), we are pleased 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 artwork (may be art work of any medium that features the hands) for display and judging. There will prizes of $100 for junior high, $100 for senior high and $200 for adult participants.

- “Catch the Reading Bug!” will be the theme of the 2008 Summer Reading Celebration for children from birth through grade five at San Jose 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. Check our Web pages for more information, including special programs scheduled throughout the city.

Almaden Branch Library is located at 6445 Camden Avenue. Please note: The library will be closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day. Our regular hours are Monday 2 – 7 p.m.; Tuesday – Wednesday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For questions, please call (408) 808-3040 during business hours. E-mail may be sent at any time: ab.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.