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More Bedtime Stories!
Here are two more new titles for bedtime: My Dad is Big and Strong, But . . . : a Bed Time Story by Coralie Saudo and Bedtime for Monsters by Ed Vere. Both are charming with a funny twist at the end. You have to check them out. Because they are both brand new to San Jose Public Libraries, you will find them on our new picture book display pyramids.
eBook Download Assistance
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For those San Jose Public Library customers who need support and assistance with eBook downloads, the following companies have staff available to answer any technical questions:
Axis 360 Help
- by Phone: (209) 720-2280 - 7 AM to 3 PM, weekdays only
EBSCO Help
- by Phone: (800) 758-5995 - press the #3 key after calling in
OneClickdigital Help
- by Email: support@oneclickdigital.com
- by Phone: (877) 77-AUDIO - 4:30 AM to 3 PM, weekdays only
If you have a problem with OverDrive, first please make sure that your account is clear of any issues. If you have a fine or an expired card, you cannot use OverDrive. If your account is clear and you are still having download problems, you can contact our eBook support team at: sjplebooksupport@gmail.com.
If you have a Kindle/Nook and need help getting started, please view the introductory videos:
Kindle: http://youtu.be/eS6I7vJKZS0, Nook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6EKw_yQocM
Meet Best-Selling Author: Khaled Hosseini
Enjoy a special evening with Khaled Hosseini, best-selling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Date: Thursday, August 23, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Almaden Branch Library and Community Center
6445 Camden Ave. San José, CA
The event is free and open to the public.
Light snacks and refreshments will be available.
Join us as author Khaled Hosseini talks about his writing inspirations, life experiences and upcoming projects. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet the best-selling author. The event will be followed by a book signing.
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About the author:
Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, moved to San José as a teenager, earned a bachelor's degree in Biology at Santa Clara University, and a Medical Degree at the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine.
While in medical practice, Hosseini began writing his first novel, The Kite Runner. In 2003, The Kite Runner, was published and became an international bestseller, published in 70 countries. In 2006, he was named a goodwill envoy to UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. His second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns was published in May 2007. Khaled works to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan through The Khaled Hosseini Foundation.
Our Online Book Club is reading The Kite Runner this month.
This program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
2011 Newberry Award Winner: Moon Over Manifest
Moon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool, is the story of a young twelve year old, Abilene, who is sent to live with her father's friend in Manifest, a small lazy town in Kansas. She feels abandoned by the father she loves and is at loss for why he would do this. She only knows that her father had changed after her sickness, when she had an accident and her leg became infected. So, now, alone, in Manifest, the town where her father considers home, Abilene is trying to sort our her father's past and his identity and her own destiny. Through the course of a summer, she discovers Manifest's history, her father's history, and her own place in Manifest's destiny.
A Newberry Award Winner for 2011, Moon Over Manifest is, in my opinion, a simply wonderful book, but I would not recommend it for everyone, because its narrative is sophisticated and complex with three threads which the author skillfully weaves to reveal a narrative which is a colorful depiction of life in small town Kansas. This book is a book for a good reader, probably a girl, and for someone around 6th or 7th grade because the main character is young, but the scope of the story is big and the narrative complex.
New Baby Picture Books
I often receive requests for picture books to introduce children to a new baby on the information desk, and oftentimes, I am hard pressed to name a few good titles. Here are two that I have run across, which I like: Mail Harry to the Moon and There's Going to Be a Baby. Mail Harry to the Moon by Robie H Harris is funny and wacky, and I'm sure more than enough young ones may identify with the main character, who is fed up with his or her little baby brother. There's Going to be a Baby, written by John Burningham, a renown author, is touching and sweet. The story recounts the story of a young child anticipating the birth of his sibling. I love both, but they are so different.
Funny Picture Books that Your Child May Like
Here are two titles that your child may like if he or she particularly likes wise cracking, smart alecky characters. In The Getaway by Ed Vere, the mouse, who stole the cheese, is driving a motorbike to run away from the elephant investigator, and in Cat Secrets by JefCzekaj, a cat is reading a book, titled Cat Secrets, but the cat does not want to give away secrets to anyone who is not a cat--especially to you, the reader. Both are fun and sharp, with a caustic attitude.
Bedtime Picture Books
Some of my favorite going to bed picture books are : Bedtime for Frances by Lillian Hoban, Maybe a Bear Ate It by Robie Harris, Wynken Blynken and Nod by Eugene Field, and Clara and Asha by Eric Rohmann. Each is special in its own way. Bedtime for Frances describes a child's reluctance to go to bed so perfectly that your child will see reality mirrored in fiction. Maybe a Bear Ate It is funny and imaginative, and Wynken Blynken and Nod and Clara and Asha are magical.
Bingo Schmingo Music Program
Everyone is invited to Bingo Schmingo Music on Thursday, July 12th 2012 at 4:30 PM at Almaden Branch Library.
Come have loads of musical fun with plenty of interactive songs and stories for the entire family courtesy of Kathleen Rushing.
"Kathleen is a retired Kindergarten teacher/Music and Movement Specialist. She currently teaches Pre-K - 2nd grade vocal music.... Bingo Schmingo Music has been developed over 45 years experience playing guitar and leading children in song. Music is her passion and Bingo Schmingo Music is a culmination of her study and understanding of the importance of music in a child's intellectual, emotional and social growth and through observation of how children learn best - through fun!" — About Bingo Schmingo Music
Join us for this lively presentation, offering creative musical and social experiences to promote phonemic awareness, rhythm, and rhyme.
This program is made possible through the generous contributions of the Friends of the Almaden Branch Library.
Wildlife Program: Nocturnal Animals in Your Neighborhood
Everyone is invited to this attend the special "WHoooo's Not Afraid of the Dark" wildlife program on Wednesday, July 11th 2012, at 4:00 PM at the Almaden Branch Library.
There are all kinds of fascinating animals that rarely see daylight and they have some amazing talents.
Among these animals are raccoons, owls, opossums, wild pigs, various felines, foxes, and others.
Would you like to learn all about them?
Come on over and meet us for an engaging program all about nocturnal animals that live right here in your Santa Clara Open Spaces!
For all ages.
Almaden Branch Library Teen Volunteers Stage a Puppet & Variety Show
On Thursday, June 21, 2012, teensReach volunteers (with the assistance of the staff) presented a fun puppet and variety show at the Almaden Branch Library. This program was part of the Summer Reading Celebration and was held in the large Community Room. The show's directors were Almaden Branch Librarian, Ed Koetitz and Pirjo Polari-Khan, adult volunteer (photo on the left). Opening the show were the colorful chicken and duck marionettes that danced and interacted with the children to their delight. A humoreous musical skit was presented called "Dog Rules" that detailed the rules that all dogs must follow. Featured at the end of the show, was the puppet play called "Mr. Eagle's Park," which was written by Irma Polari, Polari-Khan's mother, and tells the story of an eagle that takes over a park but soon learns that it's no fun to play by himself. Carol Rosen, Correspondant for the MercuryNew.Com wrote an informative article that can be found here.
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