San Mateo County Library logo

February 2009

In This Issue:


Featured Programs

San Mateo County Libraries are highlighting three very different programs in February. All will enrich your lives and all are free and open to all. Be sure not to miss:

back to the top
Val McDermid

Val McDermid in conversation with Laurie King

M is for Mystery cosponsors this unique event pairing the British and American award-winning mystery writers.  McDermid is noted for A Place of Execution and Wire in the Blood and King is noted for her Mary Russell series beginning with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. Both authors will read from their most recently published books and will be selling and signing books as well. Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 pm Belmont Library


Chau Yoder

Be a Mindful Being: A Well-Being Workshop

Mindfulness, the Eastern art of learning to live in the present moment, is currently emerging in the Western hemisphere as a useful tool for enhancing well-being and reducing stress. Trainer Chau Yoder is a Chi Gung and Mindful Living Trainer. She has acquired her training from the highly respected Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh*. She has been offering various workshops, classes and training throughout the Bay Area to promote healthy and happy living since 1989.

Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 pm – Half Moon Bay Library
Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 pm – East Palo Alto Library
Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 pm – Millbrae Library
Saturday, March 28 at 3:30 pm – Belmont Library



Get Yourself in Shape at the PowerVie Boot Camp

Get Yourself in Shape at the PowerVie Boot Camp

Experience a free one-hour workout with the AlaVie's renowned PowerVie Boot Camp program, voted "Best Place to Get Fit!" by San Francisco Magazine and San Jose Magazine readers. Designed for people of all ages and fitness levels, the boot camps will bring out your inner athlete - and give you the tools to live healthier, happier, and in balance. Each session is facilitated by AlaVie’s expert coaches. Sign up at the following libraries before the day of the events.

Saturday, Feb 28th from Noon to 1:00 pm – East Palo Alto Library
Saturday, March 14th from 9:00-10:00 am – Belmont Library
Saturday, March 21st from 9:00-10:00 am – San Carlos Library

Parenting Workshops

This spring, the San Mateo County Libraries are pleased to offer a series of very topical parenting workshops brought to you by the educators from the Peninsula’s highly respected Parent’s Place. Here is a sneak preview of our offerings, free and open to all:

back to the top

Turning No into Yes – Encouraging Cooperative Behavior in Children

Learn strategies for positive redirection and limit setting that maintains a positive relationship.
Tuesday, March 3 at 10:30 am – Pacifica-Sharp ParkLibrary
Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 pm – Woodside Library
Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 pm – Atherton Library



Being and Making Friends

Learn ways to guide and support children in developing positive social relationships.
Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 pm – San Carlos Library



Solve Your Babies Sleep Problems

Learn about what to expect regarding children’s sleep issues at different stages in development, and look forward to getting more sleep yourself!
Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 pm – Belmont Library



Art of Fathering

Discussion about the importance of a father’s relationship in a child’s life, information on child development, and suggestions about father-child activities that can help men gain knowledge and comfort in their role as fathers.
Wednesday, March 18 at 7:00 pm – San Carlos Library
Monday, April 27 at 7:00 pm – Foster City Library



Understanding Your Child’s Temperament

Gain a better understanding of your child’s temperament and learn strategies for dealing with different types of temperament.
Monday, March 23 at 7:00 pm – Foster City Library
Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 pm – Brisbane Library
Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 pm – East Palo Alto Library (This workshop will be conducted in Spanish)



It’s Not Fair, You’re Ruining My Life: Effective Limit Setting for Adolescents

Discuss how to set limits and enforce rules in order to raise responsible and independent adolescents.
Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 pm – Belmont Library
Wednesday, April 22 AT 7:00 pm – Millbrae Library
Monday, May 4 at 5:00 pm – Portola Valley Library
Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 pm – Pacifica-Sanchez Library



Positive Discipline: Building Self-Esteem

Explore discipline techniques that aim to preserve and boost self-esteem. Discussion includes ways to nurture communication, cooperation and altruistic behavior.
Monday, March 30 at 7:00 pm – Half Moon Bay Library



Encouraging Responsibility

Review reasonable expectations of children at different ages regarding responsibility. Parents will identify the components of responsible behaviors and explore ways to teach your child the skills needed to be a responsible person.
Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00 pm – San Carlos Library



Bye Bye Diapers: Toilet Learning

Information to help you understand how to set up both an environment and an attitude that will guide and promote your child’s progress. You will learn how consistency with a routine can help your child feel more in control and gain independence.
Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00 pm – Belmont Library



Parenting as Partners

Learn strategies to strengthen your marital friendship, despite the stresses of parenthood. Included are exercises for enhancing positive communication and staying emotionally connected to your spouse.
Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 pm – San Carlos Library



Ready, Set Go: Preparing for Kindergarten

Learn what to expect from kindergarten programs and what makes a child ready for the experience. Receive suggestions on how you can help your child prepare socially, emotionally and academically for this transition.
Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 pm – Belmont Library



Getting Ready for High School

Examines the many physical, social and emotional changes teens face in high school and offers strategies for easing the transition.
Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 pm – Belmont Library


To unsubscribe from future mailings click here.
To subscribe to future issues via email or RSS, or to view past issues of the newsletter, click here.
If you have questions or comments about this newsletter, please email us at smcl@smcl.org.