Parenting Workshops

Amish Abstractions:  Amish Quilts: Geometry and Simplicity, Community and Belief

Fine Arts Museum’s Docent lecturer Judy Cunningham or Kay Payne will discuss Amish Quilts: Geometry and Simplicity, Community and Belief. The quilts, made with superior craftsmanship and great care, are visual distillations of the Amish faith and way of life, representing the principles of simplicity, humility, discipline, and community that govern their society. Experience the simple yet strong designs, rich saturated colors, intricate quilting patterns and fine and elaborate stitching of one of the finest aesthetic art forms in America. No registration required. Seating may be limited.

Saturday, January 16, 2010, 1:00 PM – Pacifica–Sharp Park Library
Thursday, January 28, 2010, 1:00 PM – Millbrae Library
Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 7:00 PM – San Carlos Library

Ansel Adams and the American Wilderness

Fine Arts Museum’s Docent Lecturer Kay Payne will discuss Ansel Adams and the American Wilderness.  Ansel Adams’ photographs convey his deep feeling for the wilderness and environment, with epic vistas and the elegant details of nature evoking an emotional response that matches or even outweighs the reality of what is in the picture.  No registration required.  Seating may be limited.

Sunday, January 10, 2:00 PM – Belmont Library
Monday, February 8, 7:00 PM – San Carlos Library
Saturday, February 27, 2:00 PM – Pacifica–Sharp Park Library
Friday, March 12, 7:00 PM – Atherton Library

Dare To be 100

Walter M. Bortz II, M.D. is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and a graduate of Williams College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.  Recognized as one of America's most distinguished scientific experts on aging and longevity. Dr. Walter Bortz's research has focused on the importance of physical exercise in the promotion of robust aging.  Dr. Bortz has published over 130 medical articles and authored numerous books, including We Live Too Short and Die Too Long, Dare to Be 100, and Living Longer for Dummies, and Diabetes Danger.  Dr. Bortz is past co-chairperson of the American Geriatric Society and is currently Chairperson of the Medical Advisory Board for the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation, as well as a Senior Advisor to Healthy Silicon Valley, a community collaborative effort which addresses the soaring incidence of obesity and diabetes.

Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 2:00 PM – Foster City Library
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 7:00 PM – Belmont Library
Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 1:00 PM – Millbrae Library
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 7:00 PM – San Carlos Library

Atherton Library

Jump for Joy Music
Monday, January 11 at 4:00 PM
An interactive concert for kids. For ages 4 and up.

Musical Movie Night: Chicago
Friday, January 15 at 7:00 PM
This 2002 musical starring Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere won 6 Oscars including Best Picture. Rated PG-13.

Final Friday Flicks: The Brave Little Toaster
Friday, January 29 at 7:00 PM
This charming 1987 animated film is about a group of household appliances that go on a quest to find their owner. It’s fun for both children and adults.

Belmont Library

Early Bird Computer Classes – Every Wednesday at 10:30 am in the Oracle Computer Classroom
January 6 Introduction to the Computer and Mouse – Learn the very basics!
January 13 Internet Café – Relaxed, drop-in, individualized help for your computer issues.
January 20 Beginning Word Processing – Learn Microsoft Word Basics. Must be proficient with mouse or have taken introductory class.
January 27 Internet Café — Relaxed, drop-in, individualized help for your computer issues.

Author Event – Highly-acclaimed Suspense Writer John Lescroart
Wednesday, January 20 at 7:00 PM
Best known for two series of legal and crime thrillers featuring the characters Dismas Hardy and Abe Litsky, Belmont- raised Lescroart has been described as “one of the best thriller writers to come down the pike.” He will be reading from his latest book, Treasure Hunt. This event is being cosponsored by M is for Mystery Bookstore and the Friends of the Belmont Library. Copies of the book may be purchased for signing or with a receipt from M is for Mystery. Refreshments will be served.

Science Club – Exploring 3-D Skulls
Saturday, January 23 at 2:00 PM
Seven-year olds and older, come explore the skulls of seven common California animals in a program designed by the California Academy of Sciences. This program will include some delicious experiments designed for your won incisors, canines and molars.

Get Ready for African-American History Month with Unique Derique
Saturday, January 30 at 2:00 PM
Derique will explore traditional physical comedy and Hambone body drumming. Best for five-year-olds and older.

Brisbane Library

Live at Mission Blue Brisbane Library Benefit Concert
Saturday, January 16 at 7:30 PM
Strengthen your community, catch up with your neighbors, and enjoy exceptional music. This year there is a single benefit concert to support the Brisbane Library, featuring the accomplished talents of soprano Celine Ricci and harpsichordist Jory Vinikour. Donations and ticket purchases can be made online at the Live at Mission Blue website.

Angelina Ciucci Firefighters Storytime
Monday, January 18 at 11:30 AM
Brisbane firefighters read stories and escort children through a real fire truck parked outside the library.

Paws for Tales: Reading to Dogs; Improving Reading Skills, Building Self Esteem
Wednesday, January 27 at 6:30 PM
Do you have a reluctant reader in your family? Studies show children who are reluctant to read in front of peers are much less anxious with an animal present. Children don't perceive animals to be judgmental; mere animal presence helps them become more confident readers. Sign up to read to a specially trained therapy dog. Pet Assisted Therapy teams and their handlers are from the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s “Paws for Tales” Program. Children will rotate as readers and have fun practicing and building upon their skills. Beginning readers are welcome.

East Palo Alto Library

East Palo Alto Library presents Ravenswood Family Health Center- Community Dialogue
Monday, January 14 at 4:00 PM in the Children's Area
How to stay healthy during the flu season. This community dialogue will cover steps on how to prevent, recognize and treat the flu, including the new H1N1 (swine) flu. This session is in English. For Adults.

Knitting Class
Wednesday, January 27 at 6:00 PM in the Children's Area
Learn to knit at this beginners' class and start on a simple scarf. Knitters of all levels are welcome to attend and discuss starting a knitting group at their library. Please bring your own needles and yarn. Contact Sereptha Strong at with questions. All ages.

East Palo Alto Library presents Ravenswood Family Health Center- Community Dialogue
Monday, January 28 at 4:00 PM in the Children's Area
How to stay healthy during the flu season. This community dialogue will cover steps on how to prevent, recognize and treat the flu, including the new H1N1 (swine) flu. This session is in Spanish. For Adults.

Foster City Library

Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, January 9  from 10 AM - 5 PM
Entertainment and activities all day

Dare to be 100!
Saturday, January 16 at 2 PM
Location: Living Edge

New Year, New You
Thursday, January 21 at 7 PM
Location: Living Edge

Musical Storyteller - Uncle Eye
Thursday, January 28 at 7 PM
Location: Children's Room

Half Moon Bay Library

Movie Night
January 9 at 6:00 PM
Feature film to be announced. Doors close at 6:30 PM.

Gaming Night
January 16 at 6:00 PM
Show your skills with the Xbox.

Millbrae Library

Over 50 and Re-entering the Job Market
Wednesday, January 13 at 7:00 PM
More than ever, a growing number of over 50 workers are re-entering the workforce. This workshop is designed to help these job seekers navigate the increasingly competitive market and overcome the misconceptions of older workers.

Paying for College
Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 PM
Join us for a workshop that will help students navigate the confusing and complex college financial aid application process. Mitch Gross will discuss planning and form completion and will offer tips to help maximize a student’s financial aid award package by unlocking secrets that financial aid award assessors use.

Toddler Dance Party with Keta Bill
Friday January 29 at 9:30 AM
Moms, Dads, and Kids put on your dancing shoes! We'll be singing and dancing today! (Program intended for babies and toddlers, ages 0-4)

Office 2007 Computer Class
Saturday, January 30 at 10:00 AM
Learn how to transition from Office 2003 to Office 2007 and take advantage of all of the new features. Previous computer basics and word processing or equivalent suggested. This class has no fee or sign ups, but come early to save your seat.

Pacifica-Sanchez Library

Knitting Night
Friday, January 8 from 6:30-8:00 PM
Join us for our monthly knitting night. Knitters of all ages and levels welcome!

Computer Help
Saturday, January 16 from 8:30-10:00 AM
Are you having trouble doing something on the computer? Come to the library and get your questions answered! Call Reeba Lynn at 359-3397 x323 to sign up.

Computer Help
Thursday, January 21 from 9:00-11:00 AM
Are you having trouble doing something on the computer? Come to the library and get your questions answered! Call Reeba Lynn at 359-3397 x323 to sign up.

Pacifica-Sharp Park Library

Computer Help
Wednesday, January 6 from 9:00-11:00 AM
Are you having trouble doing something on the computer? Come to the library and get your questions answered! Call Reeba Lynn at 359-3397 x323 to sign up.

Computer Help
Monday, January 25 from 6:00-7:30 PM
Are you having trouble doing something on the computer? Come to the library and get your questions answered! Call Reeba Lynn at 359-3397 x323 to sign up.

Teen Movie Night: Napoleon Dynamite
Friday, January 29 at 7:00 PM
Movie in the library with refreshments and games! Grades 5-8.

Portola Valley Library

Great news for the community!
Beginning Monday, January 4th, 2010, the Portola Valley Library will be opening one hour earlier Monday through Saturday. The new hours are:
Monday-Thursday 11 AM – 7 PM
Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 5 PM
Sunday closed.

Adult Non-Fiction Book Discussion Club
Thursday, January 21 at 1 PM
Please join us to discuss “Freedom at Midnight” by Larry Collins & Dominque Lapierre, a major work recounting the year India became free from British rule.

Uncle Eye: songs and stories
Thursday, January 21 at 4:30 PM
Uncle Eye and Miss Melody will be entertaining us with silly songs and stories featuring colorful characters such as Ruby the Rescue Cow, Wilbur the Rubber Chicken of Freedom and especially, the library...The Palace of Wonders! Interactive harmonious fun and high energy program for the whole family.

San Carlos Library

San Carlos Library Daytime Book Club
Monday, January 4 at 10:00 AM
We will be discussing The cloud of unknowing by Thomas H. Cook

San Carlos Library Non-Fiction Book Club
Thursday, January 14 at 10:15 AM
We will be discussing Animal, vegetable, miracle: a year of food life by Barbara Kingsolver

San Carlos Library Mystery Book Club
Wednesday, January 27 at 7:00 PM
We will be discussing Blue heaven by C. J. Box

Woodside Library

“Babies & Books” Musical Storytime
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM, January 20 and January 27
(No storytime on January 6 and January 13)
Age newborn to 24 months.
Rhymes, songs and lap-sit activities for parents and infants!

“Toddler Time” Musical Storytime
Wednesdays, 11:00 AM, January 20 and January 27
(No storytime on January 6 and January 13)
Age 18 to 36 months.
Finger plays, stories, and songs and fun!

Woodside Library Book Club
Tuesday, January 5 from 11 AM to 12 PM
Relishing the holidays just completed, we’ll be discussing Truman Capote’s nostalgic short story, A Christmas Memory.