It's Flu Season

We love to see you at the Library, but when you visit the Library while sick, you endanger the health and well-being of other patrons and of our staff.  Help prevent the spread of the flu by getting vaccinated, washing your hands regularly, and staying home when you’re sick.  Learn more about the flu from the San Mateo County Health System.

The Garden: An Al Fresco Studio for Impressionist Painters

Fine Arts Museum’s Docent lecturer Carol Nelson will discuss The Garden: An Al Fresco Studio for Impressionist Painters. Gardens inspired so many of the Impressionist painters; it is hard to tell which came first - an interest in the garden or in painting. From Caillebotte, with gardens in Yerres and Petit Genevillers; to Monet and Renoir, both of whom created lush, beautiful flower gardens in their homes; and Cezanne, whose garden in Provence reflected the countryside in the south of France, artists used their gardens as a resource for their art. No registration required.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 7:00 PM – Belmont Library
Sunday, March 28, 2010, 2:00 PM – Pacifica–Sanchez Library
Friday, April 23, 2010, 7:00 PM – Atherton Library
Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 7:00 PM – Millbrae Library

Emerald Cities: Arts of Siam and Burma, 1775-1950

A docent from the Asian Art Museum will give a slide lecture highlighting their newest exhibit, Emerald Cities: Arts of Siam and Burma, 1775-1950. This exhibition of decorative and religious arts explores Thailand and Burma’s shared aesthetic despite their contrasting histories. The more than 140 artworks include gilded and mirrored ritual vessels, black lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture, and vibrant, colorful paintings.

Saturday November 7 at 7:00 PM – Pacifica–Sharp Park Library
Friday December 4 at7:00 PM – Atherton Library
Monday December 14 at 7:00 PM – San Carlos Library

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.

Friday, November 20, 2009, 7:00 PM – Atherton Library
Sunday, December 6, 2009, 2:00 PM – Belmont Library
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

Michael Chabon in Conversation with John McMurtrie at the Belmont Library

Michael Chabon, the Pulitzer-Prize winning author of Kavalier and Clay will appear in conversation with San Francisco Chronicle book editor John McMurtrie. A wine and cheese reception will precede the event at 6:30 pm. Both the reception and program are free and open to all.

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.

Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00 PM – Belmont Library

Personal Finance Series

In partnership with the local San Francisco Bay Area chapter of SOFA (Society for Financial Awareness) we are pleased to invite our communities to these free, engaging workshops. Fiscally Fit will cover basic financial principles, wealth accumulation, financial blueprints, and more. Maximizing the Right Mortgage Strategy will focus on what to look for in a foreclose, how to evaluate your refinancing options, whether refinancing is good idea, and other timely mortgage concerns and strategies. Highly skilled professionals teach the workshops and take questions afterwards. Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to secure the future you desire. Workshop dates take place throughout November and December.

Fiscally Fit

Children's Book Week Author Festival

The San Mateo County Library System, in collaboration with local schools, will be hosting a week long Author Festival, starting Monday, November 2 through Friday, November 6. The Festival features children’s authors and illustrators, whose books and art work have inspired many children nationwide. This year’s Festival includes the following:

David Schwartz, author of How Much is a Million
Monday, November 2 at 4:00 PM – Pacifica–Sharp Park Library

Elisa Kleven, author of A Carousel Tale
Tuesday, November 3 at 4:00 PM – East Palo Alto Library

Deborah Gilson, author of Humanimals
Thursday, November 5 at 8:30 AM – Woodside Library

Ingrid Law, author of the sensational new children’s book Savvy
Friday, November 6 at 4:00 PM – Belmont Library

San Mateo County Library presents Lawyers in the Library

Each month the library, in partnership with the San Mateo County Bar Association, holds free legal clinics. Find out more and schedule a one-on-one twenty minute consultation with a volunteer lawyer at your local library. Each evening at each library has a scheduled focus--topics include family law, wills and trusts, guardianship, general topics, real estate, and more. Sign up at a participating library today! In November, this program will be expanding to East Palo Alto and Half Moon Bay.

For a more detailed discussion contact the San Mateo County Bar Association lawyer referral service.

First Tuesdays from 7-9 PM – Belmont Library
Starting this month. Second Thursdays from 6-8 PM – East Palo Alto Library
Third Tuesdays from 7-9 PM – Foster City Library @ the Peninsula Jewish Community Center
Starting this month. First Sundays from 11 AM-1 PM – Half Moon Bay Library
Third Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM – Millbrae Library

Atherton Library Needs Your Help

In Atherton, we have begun the exciting work of a Needs Assessment; the goal of the assessment is to connect with as many people served by the library as possible and to get feedback on how well the library is currently meeting people's needs,  wants, and expectations. We will be interviewing key informants from the community and holding a focus group. We have also made an online survey available and hope a large sample of the population will participate.

pending a few minutes now will help Atherton library ensure a responsive future. Everyone who lives or works in Atherton or who is served by the Atherton library is encouraged to fill out the survey. We look forward to hearing from you!

Free Counseling for Medicare Prescription Drug Program

Atherton Library

Penguins, Poems, and Popcorn
Monday, November 9 at 4:00 PM
Enjoy popcorn while listening to penguin poems and stories. For ages 4 and up.

Musical Storytime
Thursday, November 12 at 4:00 PM
Sing along to songs and listen to stories. Children will have the opportunity to play an instrument during the closing song.

Thanksgiving Movie Night: What’s Cooking?
Friday, November 13 at 7:00 PM
An excellent cast in a movie about four Los Angeles families—black, Asian, Latino, and Jewish—as they prepare for Thanksgiving and deal with a variety of domestic crises. Rated PG-13. There will be a raffle for a gift card at the end of the movie.

Knit Together at the Atherton Library
Saturdays, November 14 and 28 at 2:00 PM
Come and knit with other community knitters on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Learn how to knit or show off your skills and projects! All ages and skill levels are welcome. Are you a knitting expert? Share your expertise with beginners. Please bring your own supplies.

Belmont Library

Medicare Drug Coverage Workshop
Wednesday, November 4 at 10:30 AM & Wednesday, December 9 at 10:30 AM
The Medicare Annual Election Period is November 15-December 31st. HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) counselors will provide an introduction to Medicare Part D options and assist participants with finding an option that meets their individual needs.

Baby Sign Language
Monday, November 16 at 10:30 AM
This workshop introduces basic baby signs that are based on American Sign Language (ASL) and designed for parents with hearing babies. It covers the latest research and all the tricks on teaching your baby to sign.

Danny Carnahan – Author/Musician
Thursday, December 3 at 7:00 PM
Danny Carnahan, popular Bay Area musician and mystery writer, will appear in a combined mini-concert/ author event. Best known for his Celtic cross-over band Wake the Dead, Danny will perform in a rare solo concert, featuring traditional Celtic songs and tunes as well as his own Celtic-infused originals.

Brisbane Library

Story Adventures
Wednesday, November 4 at 3:00 PM
Storyteller Tamberly Mott is bringing adventure to the Brisbane Library on Wednesday afternoons this fall.  Geared for elementary school children, but all ages are welcome.   Children 4 and under must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver.

Angelina Ciucci Firefighter’s Storytime
Monday, November 16 at 11:30 AM
Brisbane Firefighters read stories and lead a visit to the big red truck.  All ages welcome.

East Palo Alto Library

Tales and Trails Story Telling
Friday, November 13 at 4:00 PM
The program features traditional folktales in the oral tradition accented by a little music. Audience participation in almost every story is encouraged; from quiet gentle participation, to noisy exuberant participation everyone will find their voice and have fun in the process.

Knitting Program
Wednesday, November 18 at 6:00 PM
Learn to knit at this beginners’ class starting with a simple scarf. Knitters of all levels are welcome to attend and discuss starting a knitting group at the library. Please bring your own needles and yarn. Contact Sereptha Strong with questions.

Foster City Library

Family Pajama Storytime
Mondays, November 2, 16, & 30 at 7 PM.
At the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA

Children's Storytime
November 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, & 30 at 10:30 AM.
At Parents Place, 2001 Winward Way, Foster City, CA

Adult Book Club
Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30 PM.
Topic: Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernieres
At the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA

Foster City Discussion Group
Monday, November 9 at 7:00 PM.
Topic: E-Stress (Stress caused by all of our electronic devices)
In the Port Room

Half Moon Bay Library

Music and Magic Show
Saturday, November 7 at 3:00PM
Laughs and fun for the whole family!

Gaming Night
Saturday, November 14 at 6:00PM
Celebrate “National Gaming Week” with the Wii.
Teens

Family Movie Night
Saturday, November 21 at 6:00PM
This month’s feature film is UP.
Doors close at 6:15PM

Millbrae Library

Easy Nutrition Tips for Savvy Seniors
Thursday, November 5 at 1:00 PM
Learn how to choose foods that taste great and optimize your health. Presented by Gerda Endemann,B.S. in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics from U.C. Berkeley and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism from M.I.T.

Drop-in Crafts – Thank You Cards
Saturday, November 14 at 10:00 AM
Come get creative and decorate a thank you card for someone special. We’ll be using dried leaves to create impressions and make designs. For ages 7 and up – if child is younger parent help is required.

Magic Dan Magic Show and Harry Potter Quilt Raffle
Tuesday November 17 at 7:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of magic with Magic Dan and join us as we raffle off a spectacular handmade Harry Potter quilt. The quilt will be on display at the library between October 1 and November 17.

“Morningstar Online” Computer Class
Thursday, November 19 at 6:30 PM
Learn how to research stocks and mutual funds using Morningstar Investment Research Center. Previous computer basics and beginning internet or equivalent suggested.

Pacifica-Sanchez Library

Mother/Daughter Book Club
Wednesday, November 10 at 7:00 PM
For girls ages 8-11 with a female adult.
We will be reading The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan

Knitting Night
Friday, November 13 from 6:30-8:00 PM
Join us for our monthly knitting night. Knitters of all ages and levels welcome!

Family Movie Night: Disney’s The Jungle Book
Saturday, November 14 at 7:00 PM
Come in your PJs! Snacks provided!

Pajama Storytime: Thanksgiving Treats
Monday, November 23 at 7:00 PM
Stories and crafts for ages 4 and up. Wear your PJs!

Pacifica-Sharp Park Library

Teen Movie Night: The Dark Knight
Friday, November 6 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room
This movie is rated PG-13. Teens 13-18.

Author Event: Sara Zarr
Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 PM
Sara Zarr, young adult author of the award-winning novel Story of a Girl, will be visiting the Pacifica-Sharp Park Library to talk about her new book, Once was Lost. A book signing will follow her talk.

Teen Movie Night: Iron Man
Friday, November 20 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room
This movie is rated PG-13. Teens 13-18.

Teen Game Night!
Friday, November 20 at 7:00 PM
Wii, board games, Rock Band, and more!

Portola Valley Library

Adult Non-Fiction Book Discussion Club
Tuesday, November 17at 7:00 PM & Thursday, November 19 at 1:00 PM
Please join us, at your convenience, either for the afternoon or evening group, as we
discuss “Hot, Flat and Crowded: why we need a green revolution----and how it can renew America” by Thomas Friedman.  “Friedman cogently explains the complex challenges we face, reminds us of our adaptability and defines environmentalism as the key to peace and democracy.”

Tales & Trails of Native Americans
Thursday, November 12 at 4:30 PM
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Bob Kanegis of Tales & Trails Storytelling will be telling stories that celebrate the rich culture of native people.  Bob teaches storytelling in pueblo communities in New Mexico and lived for many years in Alaska where he first heard and fell in love with stories that celebrate the spirit of animals and the earth.  Interactive and fun for all ages

San Carlos Library

Non-Fiction Book Club
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM
We will be discussing Outliers: the story of success by Malcolm Gladwell

Mystery Book Club
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 7:00 PM
We will be discussing Tell no one: a novel by Harlan Coben

Woodside Library

“Babies & Books” Musical Storytime
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM, November 4, November 18, November 25
(No storytime on November 11 because of Veterans Day)
Age newborn to 24 months.
Rhymes, songs and lap-sit activities for parents and infants!

“Toddler Time” Musical Storytime
Wednesdays, 11:00 AM, November 4, November 18, November 25
(No storytime on November 11 because of Veterans Day)
Age 18 to 36 months.
Finger plays, stories, and songs and fun!

Celebrate Autumn Creativity!
Monday, November 9 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Adults, come share what you’ve been working on: projects in fabric, paper, paint, wood and metal. Perhaps it’s a possible gift idea for the holidays?
We will snack and talk and celebrate creativity in a “Show and Tell” session.

Origami Jewelry Making
Thursday, November 19 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Teeny-tiny colorful papers transform into unique earrings and pins; designed for ages 10 and up, prior sign up is required.