May 2008
In This Issue:

• Featured Programs

• At a Library Near You...

Atherton Belmont Brisbane East Palo Alto

Foster City Half Moon Bay Millbrae Pacifica-Sanchez

Pacifica-Sharp Park Portola Valley San Carlos Woodside

• Acontecimientos Bilingües y en Español

Luck, Love & Resistance: the Chinese Experience on Both Sides of the Pacific Ruthanne Lum McCunn, an Eurasian of Chinese and Scottish descent, was born in San Francisco’s Chinatown, grew up in Hong Kong, and has written many award-winning books about the Chinese experience on both sides of the Pacifica. McCunn will be selling and signing copies of her most recent book, God of Luck. Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 pm – Belmont Library Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 pm – Millbrae Library Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00 pm – Foster City Library

At a Library Near You...

• Chess for Fun
  Wednesday, May 7 at 6:00 pm
  These free one and a half hour sessions for children are presented by United States Chess Federation Expert Dennis Myers and are funded by the Atherton Police Activities League. Aimed at beginning level players in second grade or above, kids will learn new chess strategies and practical techniques to improve their skills and will have the opportunity to play other students. Knowledge of basic chess moves is required for enrollment. Classes meet one Wednesday each month.
• Storyteller Grace "Megumi" Fleming
  Monday, May 12 at 4:00 pm
  Megumi is a bilingual storyteller who will share "Folktales from Japan" in honor of Children's Book Week.. Ages 4 and up.
• Final Friday Flicks: Valiant (2005)
  Friday, May 30 at 7:00 pm
  Valiant and his feathered friends take to the sky to prove themselves as they work their way into the Royal Air Force during World War II. Plus free popcorn! 76 min. Rated G.

STORYTIMES

• Musical Storytime
  Musical Storytimes are taking a break during May. They will resume June 11.
• Toddler Storytime
  Tuesday, May 27 at 10:30 am
  For children ages 18 months to 36 months.
  Please note that storytimes are on a break until May 27.
• Preschool Storytime
  Tuesday, May 27 at 3:30 pm
  For children ages 3-6.
  Please note that storytimes are on a break until May 27.

• Jazz singer Kat Parra
  Sunday, May 2 st 2:00 pm in the Taube Room.
  Kat Parra will be performing.
• Author Ruth Lum McCunn
  Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 pm in the Taube Room
  Author Ruth Lum McCunn will be talking about her most recently published book God of Luck, in honor of "Asian Pacific Heritage Month."
• Sister Roseanne Murphy of NDNU
  Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 pm in the Taube Rom. 
  Belmont Friends will be hosting Sister Roseanne Murphy of NDNU, author of the recently published Martyr of the Amazon: the Life of Sister Dorothy Stang, as the keynote speaker for their annual meeting. .  A short business meeting will begin the event with election of officers for the new fiscal year.  Refreshments will be served.
• Librarian/author Pam Mayer
  Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 pm in the Taube Room.
  Librarian/author Pam Mayer will present her program entitled"Seven Myths About Writing a Children's Book".  This will be an interactive worskhp addressing some of the common misconceptions that aspiring writers have.

CHILDREN EVENTS

• Mother/Daughter Book Club
  Friday, May 2 at 4:00 pm in the Children's Room
  Mothers and daughters (grandmothers, aunts, cousins, all are welcome!) come to our Mother/Daughter Book Club.  The book we will be discussing is The Ghost of Poplar Point by Cynthia DeFelice.  Some mothers and daughters also will be reading Miss Spitfire:  Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah Elizabeth Miller.  Grade 3+.
• Dinosaur Storytime and Crafts
  Saturday, August 25 at 10:30 am in the Children's Room
  Join us for some stories about dinosaurs!  Then, do some simple crafts.  Ages 3+.
• Friday Flicks/Adventure Book Club
  Friday, May 16 at 4:00 pm in the Taube Room
  Come see Alex Rider:  Operation Stormbreaker (PG; 93 minutes), then discuss how the movie is the same and different than the book, Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz.  The book and book-on-CD are available at the library.  Refreshments will be served at the movie.
• Tree Frog Treks
  Thursday, May 29 at 9:30 am and 10:30 am in the Taube Room
  Learn and touch life reptiles and see fun fun science experiments.  As both programs are identical, please attend one show only.  Ages 3+.  Thank you to the Friends of the Belmont Library for sponsoring these shows!
• Children's Talent Show
  Friday, May 30 at 4:00 pm in the Taube Room
  Plan now to sing, dance, play an instrument, perform magic or tell jokes at our Talent Show!  Or, come and see all the talented kids!  Each act should last no longer than 2-3 minutes.  What if you don't have a talent?  Come to the library and check out joke books, magic books, etc. and learn a new talent!  Please contact Marsi O'Malley-Riley at (650) 591-8286 X235 by May 27 if you wish to perform.  Leave your name, telephone number or e-mail address, and the type of act you will be performing.  All ages.

HOMEWORK CENTER PROGRAMS AND CLUBS
The Homework Center is open Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm.  Pedro Remotti supervises the students and assists with homework questions.  In addition, several programs and clubs are being offered through the Homework Center  For additional information on the following programs, please contact Pedro at (650) 591-8286 X225.  The following programs and clubs are being offered through the Homework Center:

• Animal Club
  Wednesdays, May 7 and 21 at 3:30 pm in the Homework Center
• Art-Created by Kids for Kids
  Wednesdays, May 14 and 18 at 4 pm in the Homework Center
• Creative Writing Workshops
  Wednesdays, May 14 and 28 from 6:30-8 pm or Fridays, May 9 and 23 from 4-5:30 pm

• Pet Wellness Seminar
  Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 pm in the Community Center (below the Library)
  Celebrate National Pet Week as we kick-off a yearlong series of pet-related programs with veterinarian Dr. Elaine Salinger.  Dr. Salinger will address various aspects of pet health including the wellness exam, nutrition, vaccinations, pests, parasites and older pets.  Dr. Salinger is the medical director and owner of White Ivie Pet Hospital in San Bruno.
• Toddler Dance Party with Charity Kahn
  Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 am in the Community Center
  Rock, dance and singalong with singer/songwriter Charity Kahn and her ultra-high energy family style hootenany.  Hey dads, it's a special Saturday Dance Party, so come join the fun.

STORYTIMES

• Toddler/Preschool Storytime
  Mondays at 11:30 am for ages 2 and up.
  Brisbane firefighters read stories and lead a trip to a fire truck on the third Monday of every month.
• Babies & Books Storytime
  Wednesdays at 11:30 am
  For babies and infants to 2 years old.

• Lucia Gonzalez
  Saturday, May 3 at 2:00 pm
  Come and hear the award winning author of The Bossy Gallito, Señor Cat's Romance, and The Storyteller's Candle. Lucia Gonzalez,  a dynamic and versatile storyteller, will delight us with her stories, puppetry, audience participation and anecdotes about her immigrant
  experience.
• Kat Parra
  Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 pm
  Join us in the Community Room/City Council Chambers across the hall from the East Palo Alto Library for Afro-Cuban Jazz.   We are pleased to offer this LIVE performance with vocalist Kat Parra and her band. Award-winning singer/songwriter Kat Parra belts out an expressive soprano that can float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Her program, which encompasses Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Cha Cha, Samba, Charanga - some with a Middle Eastern flavoring – sets her apart from other contemporary jazz musicians. Come celebrate the diversity of jazz!
• Jose-Luis Orozco
  Friday, May 23 at 3:00 pm
  Join us as José-Luis Orozco, children’s author, songwriter, performer and recording artist takes us on a musical journey through Latin American history, language and culture.

STORYTIMES

• Bilingual Baby and Toddler Storytime
  Mondays at 11:15 am
  A discussion group to help new parents of babies, ages 0-3, understand and advance their child's emotional and behavioral development.
• Pajama/Family Storytime
  Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
  Come in your pajamas or come as you like! Ages 3-8.
• Baby and Preschool Storytime
  Wednesdays at 11:00 am
  Please join us for songs, stories, finger-plays, and more! Ages 3-5.
• Family Storytime in Spanish
  Thursdays at 11:00 am
  Please join us for stories, songs and fun!
• Family Storytime
  Saturdays at 10:30 am
  Please join us for stories, songs and fun! Ages 3-8

• Ellen Sussman
  Tuesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.
  New Book Room
• Easy Health on the Web
  Thursday, May 8 at 9-10 am
  Internet class for seniors
  
• Mother's Day Craft
  Friday, May 9 at 4:00 p.m.
  For children 3 and older.
• Ruthanne Lum McCunn will discuss her new novel God of Luck. 
  Wednesday May 21 at 7:00 pm
• Teen Event!
  Friday May 30th at 6 pm  
  After hours Wii games and scavenger hunt.  Students in sixth grade to twelfth are welcome.  Food, games and fun. Call 650-574-4842 x236 for details.
• Storytime Reader Training:
  Adult volunteers are needed to promote early literacy to preschool children in the library and/or at local child care centers. Registration is required. For more information or to register please call 574-4842 x224 or e-mail hroziencik@smcl.org 
  Training sessions:
  • Wednesday, May 7 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Friday, May 9 from 9 a.m. - 11:30 am
    

• Perez & Martina Puppet Show – Pescadero
  Friday, May 2 at 6:00PM
• Writing for Children Workshop
  Children’s author Pam Mayer discusses the “7 Myths About Writing Children’s Books
  Friday, May 2 at 7:00PM
• Perez & Martina Puppet Show – HMB
  Saturday, May 3 at 6:00PM
• Kat Parra – Latin Jazz
  FRiday, May 9 at 7:00PM
• Dad & Me @ the Library
  Saturday, May 10 at 10:30AM
  Puppet Arts Theater
  
• Family Film Night
  The Spiderwick Chronicles
  Friday, May 16 at 7:00PM
• Sing Along with Jose Luis Orozco
  Friday, May 23 at 7:00PM
• Handbell Choir
  Friday, May 30 at 7:00PM

STORYTIMES

• Baby & Toddler Storytime
  Mondays at 11:30 am
  Stories and sing-alongs for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. Ages birth – 3.
• Preschool Storytime
  Tuesdays at 10:30 am
  Stories and songs for children ages 3 – 5.
• Bilingual Storytime
  Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
  Stories in English and Spanish for the whole family.
• Libros y Bebes
  Saturdays at 9:30 am
  Stories and songs in Spanish and English. Ages birth – 3.
• Saturday Crafts
  Saturdays at 10:30 am
  Learn a new craft each Saturday.
  

• Mother’s Day Crafts
  Saturday, May 3, 10:00 am
  Kids 7-12 years old are invited to create a special Mother's Day gift. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited. Must pre-register.
• Play Chess @ The Millbrae Library
  Saturday, May 3, 2:00-5:00 pm / Monday, May 5,12, & 19, 6:00-8:00 pm
  From beginners to advanced players. Your skills will improve the more you play! All ages welcome.
• Friends of the Millbrae Library Book Discussion Group
  Monday, May 5, 1:00 pm
  Come join us for a discussion on the book OF LOVE AND OTHER DEMONS by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Open to all.
• Have a "Bookwormy" Summer! Special Event
  Tuesday, May 13, 7:00 pm
  Children's Book Expert and Consultant, JoJo Hilliard will give parents pointers on how to help your child achieve academic success, plus how to encourage your children to read for the pure fun of it! Parents will meet in the Homework Center while your children enjoy stories and/or crafts in the Children's Room. Suggestions for children of all ages will be presented.
• Author Ruth Lum McCunn
  Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 pm
  Author Ruth Lum McCunn will be talking about her most recently published book God of Luck, in honor of "Asian Pacific Heritage Month."
• Friends of the Millbrae Library Yearly Meeting/Election & Book Talk
  Thursday, May 29, 10:30 am
  Don't miss this exciting meeting, followed by a book talk at 1:00 pm on, LOCAL GIRL MAKES HISTORY; EXPLORING NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S KITSCH MONUMENTS
• Friends of the Millbrae Library Book Discussion Group
  Monday, April 2, 1:00 pm
  Come discuss DON'T LETS GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT: AN AFRICAN CHILDHOOD by Alexandra Fuller. Open to all.

• New "Senior Moments" Book Group
  Friday, May 2 at 11:00 pm
  The book is "The Kite Runner"
  Join us for a fun and lively discussion!
• MOTHER/DAUGHTER BOOK CLUB
  
  • Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 pm
    For girls 8-11 with a female adult.
    Dovey Coe by Frances O'Roark Dowell
  • Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 pm
    Girls aged 12-14 with female adult.
    Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
• Art in the Library
  Lynda Golden ’s Mixed Stew of colorful paintings

STORYTIMES

• Babies & Books Storytime
  Saturdays at 11:30 am
  Newborn - 24 months.
• Toddler Storytime
  Wednesdays at 10:45 am
  18 months - 3 years, with an adult .
• Preschool Storytime
  Wednesdays at 11:30 am
  Ages 3-6
• Musical Storytime (begins April 8 - May 30)
  Fridays at 4:00 pm
  All ages.
• Pajama Storytime
  Stories & crafts for ages 4 and up
  • Monday, May 12at 7:00pm
    Hola! Celebrate Hispanic culture.
    

• Toni Mirosevich Author Reading
  Friday, May 9 at 7:00pm in the Community Room
  Local poet/author will read from her book "Pink Harvest", a collection
  of 25 "tales of happenstance".
• Insect Discovery Lab
  Wednesday, May 28 at 3:30pm in the Community Room
  Come see, touch and learn about insects from around the world.  Audience
  for touching insects limited to 50 people.  A great way to jump-start the children's
  Summer Reading with its theme "Catch the Reading Bug."
• Art at the Library
  May 1st-June 1st
  Artist Aljona Andrejeff will be displaying her watercolor Wildlife paintings.
  Aljona will donate any proceeds from sales to the National Wildlife Federation
  or Defenders of Wildlife.
• Friends of the Library Book Sale
  Saturday, May 16 from 12:00pm-7:00pm
  Sunday, May 17 from 10:00am-4:00pm
• Raising A Reader Event
  Wednesday, May 14 from 6:30-8:00pm
  Emergent literacy discussion with storytime
  and refreshments

STORYTIMES

• Babies and Books Storytime
  Mondays at 11:00 am upstairs in the Children's Room
  Newborn -24 months
• Preschool Storytime
  Tuesdays at 10:30 am in the Community Room
  Ages 3-6 with adult caregiver
• Family Storytime
  Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the Children's Room
  Join us each week for stories, song and activities for all ages.
• Musical Storytime (begins April 8 - May 30 at Sanchez Library)
  Fridays at 4:00 pm
  All ages.

• Stories to take you far and away...
  Thursday, May 8, 4:30 PM in the Historic Schoolhouse at Town Center
  Kirk Waller, mime, singer and storyteller, will magically transport you to a different time and place with his dynamic storytelling. For all ages.

ADULT EVENTS

• NON-FICTION BOOK CLUB
  Thursday, May 15 at 1:00 pm at the Portola Valley Library
  Please join us for a lively discussion on the book The Culture Code by Clotaire Rapaille.
  French-born marketing consultant and psychoanalyst Rapaille takes a truism—different cultures are, well, different—and expands it by explaining how a nation's history and cultural myths are psychological templates to which its citizens respond unconsciously.

STORYTIMES HELD AT PORTOLA VALLEY LIBRARY
(Temporary Location at Corte Madera School, 4575 Alpine Rd.)

• Babies & Books Storytime
  Monday mornings at 11:00 am
  For children ages birth to 2 years.
• Toddler Time Storytime
  Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am
  For children ages 18 months to 3 years.
• Preschool Storytime
  Wednesday afternoons at 1:30 pm
  For children ages 3 - 6 years.

• Artist Sabrina Carreno will display her work entitled “Garden of Eden” during the months of May and June 2008 at the San Carlos Library.
• Internet Classes
  • Monday, May 12 at 9-10 AM
    Health Information Internet Class for Older Adults. To register call 650.591.0341 ext. 235
  • Thursday, May 15 at 7-8 PM
    Beginner’s Internet Class To register call 650.591.0341 ext. 222
• Library Tours
  Wednesday, May 21 at 12 PM in the lobby
  The San Carlos Library offers an “insider’s tour” of the library every month. Contact Rhea Bradley at 650.591.0341 ext. 237 for further information.
• Friends of the Library Monthly Book Sale
  • Sunday, May 18 at 1-4 PM
  • Sunday, June 15 at 1-4 PM

CHILDREN & FAMILY EVENTS

• Children’s Musician Charity Kahn
  Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 pm
  A magic potion of rock, soul, and folksy funk joyfully celebrated by parents and children alike. If you love to sing and dance with your kids, this one’s for you.

STORYTIMES

• Babies & Books
  Monday Mornings at 10:15 and at 11:00 AM
  For children ages birth to 2 years in the 2nd Floor Community Room
• Spanish/English Bilingual Storytime
  Tuesday Mornings at 10:15 AM
  For ages 3 to 6 years in the Parent/Teacher Room
• Pajama Storytime
  Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 PM
  For all ages in the Parent/Teacher Room
• Toddler Storytime
  Wednesday Mornings at 10:15 AM
  For ages 18 months to 36 months in the Parent/Teacher Room
• Chinese/English Bilingual Storytime
  Wednesday, May 7 at 11:15 AM
  For ages 3 to 6 years in the Parent/Teacher Room.
• Preschool Storytime
  Thursday Mornings at 10:15 AM
  For ages 3 to 6 years in the Parent/Teacher Room

BOOK CLUBS

• Daytime Book Club
  Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 10:00 AM, in the Library Reading Lounge.
  • May 5 Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson
  • June 2 The road by Cormac McCarthy
• Friends of the Library Evening Book Club
  Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 PM, in Conference Room C. 
  • May 12 The bluest eye by Toni Morrison
  • June 9 Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk
  • July 14 A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini
• Non-Fiction Book Club
  Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 10:10 AM in the Library Reading Lounge. 
  • May 8 Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
  • June 12 Worst hard time by Timothy Egan
  • July 10 Stolen lives: twenty years in a desert jail by Malika Oufkir
• Mystery Book Club
  Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Library Reading Lounge.
  • May 28 Company man by Joseph Finder

• Woodside Book Club - meets the 1st Tuesday of every month at 11:15 am
  • Tuesday, May 6 at 11:15 am
    The Sea Captain's Wife by Martha Hodes.
    Based on a collection of five hundred family letters this book chronicles the remarkable life of Eunice Connolly, her poverty-stricken upbringing in New England, marriage to a Southern man who died fighting for the Confederacy during the Civil War, return to New England, marriage to a black sea captain, and move to the West Indies.
• What to Read Next -Hot Picks for Summer!
  Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 pm
  Get some great book recommendations for your summer reading or your next book club from your friendly local librarians, plus share some online resources for book sharing and reviews!  Book raffles and refreshment provided. 

CHILDREN EVENTS

• Going Batty at the Library
  Wednesday, May 7 at 3:30 pm
  Ever wondered about those night flyers?  Meet a few friendly bats and discover the difference between bat fact and bat fiction with Monique Lee of the California Bat Conservation Fund.  Best for ages 5 and up!

STORYTIMES

• Babies and Books Musical Storytime
  Wednesdays at 10:00 am
  For newborns to 2 years old.
• Toddler Time Musical Storytime
  Wednesdays at 11:00 am
  For ages 18 months to 3 years old.

• Hora de Cuentos Para Bebés y Niños Pequeños
  Los Lunes a las 11:15 AM
  Traiga a su bebé para escuchar cuentos, rimas y canciones en español.
• Hora de Cuentos en Pijamas
  Los Martes a las 7 PM
  ¡Ven en tu pijama o ven como gustes! Para las edades de 3-8.
• Hora de Cuentos Pre-escolares y Bebés
  Los Miércoles a las 11:00 AM
  ¡Por favor acompáñenos para escuchar canciones, cuentos, juegos de manos, y más! Para niños entre las edades de 0-5 y para sus proveedores de cuidado.
• Hora de Cuentos para la Familia en Español
  Los Jueves a las 11:00 AM
  Por favor acompáñenos para escuchar canciones y cuentos con su familia y amigos.
• Hora de Cuentos para la Familia
  Los Sabados a las 10:30 AM
  Por favor acompáñenos para escuchar canciones y cuentos con su familia y amigos.
• El Centro de Aprendizaje QUEST
  Un programa del Sistema de la Biblioteca de San Mateo, opera un programa de asistencia con la tarea en la Biblioteca de East Palo Alto. Para información, contacte a la Director del Programa al 650.321.7712 ext. 226.