The Chicana/ Latina Foundation, through a grant intended to help bridge the digital divide by providing computers to all first-time Internet service enrollees in underserved areas, will be conducting workshops at the following libraries:

Get Connected with the Internet!
Location: Alviso Branch Library
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
 

Get Connected with the Internet!
Location: Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Get Connected with the Internet!
Location: Joyce Ellington Branch Library
Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 11:00am - 12:00pm

Get Connected with the Internet!
Location: East San José Carnegie Branch Library
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Come learn about this FREE program and get connected! 

If you need internet access? Don't forget that your library card allows you access to the internet on computers at any of the San José Public Libraries and Wi-Fi is also available at all SJPL branches. Get connected @ your library!

Child abductions appear in the headlines from time to time and capture the attention of the public. The media outlets interview distraught family members and flash pictures of the missing child on our TV screens or in the papers. The public imagines the living hell of the parents and family members as they search in anguish.

The Year of Fog takes the reader into the lives of adults left searching and wondering in the aftermath of a sudden child abduction. The story opens on a foggy morning in early summer, on a San Francisco beach, when photographer Abby Mason turns her attention for a few seconds away from her fiancee Jake's daughter, Emma. Was the six year old swept out to sea? Was she snatched by strangers? As the months pass, and even Emma's father has given up the search for his child, Abby's quest for answers and atonement for her failure to keep Emma safe continues, as she walks the streets of the city by day or night, reliving the fateful moment and calling up emotional memories of her own past. The novel reads like a mystery as Abby tries to piece together the events of that morning with the help of her spotty recollection, hypnotists, the local surfing community and the photographs she snapped as Emma ran ahead of her on the sand. Silicon Valley Reads selection, 2011.

Are you one of the many folks in search of a new job because you got laid-off due to these tough economic times? Or are you just looking to start a new career?

Well, the Hillview Branch Library is offering a workshop on job searching on Saturday, June 4th from 2pm - 3pm. You will have the opportunity to learn what online resources (databases, job related weblinks and other electronic resources) and print materials the library offers to help in your job searching.

Take advantage of this opportunity to find out what Free resources and tools you can find in the library that will help you in a successful job search.

“Where did you score those?”

“I just took a plain white cotton shirt and a pair of socks, and I dyed them myself.”

“Groovy!  Where did you learn to do that?”

“Check it out – I went to my local library and found a DVD titled Tie Dye 101: The Basics of Making Exceptional Tie Dye. That disc is awesome!  It taught me everything I needed to do to get these really great designs, including all the tools I needed and how to use them. There’s this brother and this chick that own a company called “True Tie Dye,” and those two are genius! They show the process step by step so it’s really clear and they really make sure you know what to do to stay safe while working with the chemicals.  They’ve got it all figured out, including how to avoid most of the problems they say can occur when tie dyeing.”

“After I tried out the techniques from that DVD I went back to the library and checked out some books on how to create a variety of different patterns with tie dye. Tie-dye: The How to Book by Virginia Gleser is right on, with a variety of other patterns to try, and The Ultimate T-shirt Book by Deborah Morganthal has some pretty righteous designs, as well. They also have Tie-dyeing: Get Started in a New Craft with Easy-to-Follow Projects for Beginners by Celia Buchanan, as well as books on how to do other cool things with fabrics and dye.”

“Now that I’m feeling more confident with my skill as a dye artist I’m going back to the library to check out True Tie Dye’s other title, Advanced Tie Dye Techniques. It has two discs, Tie Dye 202, which shows how to make various shapes, such as hearts, stars, alien heads…”

“Far out!  You can tie dye alien heads?”

“Sure, man! Not only that, but the second disc, Tie Dye 303, shows how to do really complex patterns, like mandalas, lotus blossoms and suns!  I can hardly wait to get started.”

“What a trip!  I can dig that. Mind if I come with you and give it a try?”

“Right on.”

Here are two items that you must add to your To Do list. Come to the King Library before July 5 to see the exhibit that is currently on the second floor. The exhibit is called From Our Land and celebrates Japanese American farmers from the 1900s until they were forced to leave for internment camps during World War II.

An excellent book by Jamie Ford is called Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. It is a novel that describes a family in Seattle in 1942 who were forced to take only what they could carry to live temporarily in a barn in southern Washington before being relocated to a camp for 10,000 people in southern Idaho. It tells how the 12-year-old daughter has to say goodbye to a Chinese boy who makes a promise that he will wait for her until the war ends. The book is available in Chinese, electronic format, large print, and audio.

Together, both the exhibit and the book give a picture of a difficult time in our country's history.

Chủ đề cho Chương Trình Đọc Sách Vào Mùa Hè năm nay là "Một Thế Giới, Nhiều Mẫu Chuyện".  Cũng như mọi năm, chúng ta cố gắng thi đua đọc thật nhiều sách để được tặng nhiều quà.  Đây là một khích lệ nho nhỏ dành riêng cho các tí hon để tập cho các em thú đọc sách. 

Năm nay, Chương Trình Đọc Sách Vào Mùa Hè sẽ bắt đầu Ngày 18 Tháng 6 và kết thúc Ngày 30 Tháng 7.  Từ già đến trẻ, tất cả mọi người đều có thể tham gia.  Xin quý vị phụ huynh và quý ông bà làm cái gương sáng cho các em nôi theo.  Quý vị hãy ghi danh đọc sách và hãy quyến khích các em ghi danh và đem các em đến Thư Viện để tham gia những buổi trình diễn hoặc chương trình đặc sắc và nhiều thú vị của mùa hè năm nay!

The San José Public Library has partnered with Business Owner Space to put on Growing Your Business with Social Media. This big event will take place Thursday, June 23rd at San José City Hall with speakers and workshops all geared toward using social media to grow your business. So, if your business could use a boost using social media to market your business, this event is a must attend. Find out more info and register here http://businessownerspace.com/page/1974

I know that we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I admit a cover caught my eye recently. It belonged to Rescue Ink, written by Rescue Ink and Denise Flaim. Not a viewer of the TV show on the National Geographic Channel, I had never heard of this unique group of volunteer animal rescuers. Behind the curve, that’s me.

Based in Long Island, New York, the group consists of ten men who are street tough but who have a soft spot for animals. They are not afraid to knock on the door of the local nasty who’s known for abusing his pit bull, and tell him to cut it out. They educate those who are willing to learn about the responsibilities of pet ownership, in order to turn neglect into care. They organize searches for lost or stolen animals. They accepted a donated vehicle that didn’t run and turned it into a full-service animal ambulance. Together, these guys have helped or rescued hundreds of animals, mostly dogs and cats,  but some horses, pigs, and other animals, too.

The story of the group’s founding and the men’s personal histories were fascinating. I learned a lot, too, about some forms of abuse that I’d never heard of before: the inhumane practices of Mexican slaughterhouses that buy unwanted American horses for meat, to get around the law banning the practice in the US.  Also, I didn’t know that Amish country is the location of so many puppy mills. The Rescue Ink website is currently down, but I did find a Facebook page. 

This book got me thinking about animal rescue awareness. Most kids naturally love animals, so picture books such as Fleabag, Finding Susie, and The Dog Who Belonged to No One have a natural appeal. They encourage empathy with the additional message that there are unwanted animals out there who need homes. There is a series of chapter books called Vet Volunteers, and a whole host of other fiction for kids. And, of course, there are fun library visits by Furry Friends and Canine Companions, many of whom are rescued, with their "reading to dogs" events at West Valley, Willow Glen, and Santa Teresa branch libraries. Pets certainly enrich our lives. If a family is looking for a special pet, the San Jose shelter is a good place to go. Spread the love!

Join us for these computer classes at Berryessa Library in June:
 

* June 4, 10 am – Mousing and Typing: In this basic computer class for adults, we will practice using the mouse and keyboard. Students will learn basic skills such as cut/paste, click, double click, and 10 finger typing. Students do not need to have used a computer before.
 

* June 11, 10 am – Email: Learn the basics of creating and using email. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of computer, keyboard, mouse, Internet.
 

* June 14, 6:30 pm – Intro to Microsoft Word: Learn the basics of this popular word processor program: starting a document, basic typing/formatting/printing. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of computer, keyboard and mouse.

Pre-registrations required for all classes.  Please call (408) 808-3050 to register.

The Magician’s Book: A Skeptic’s Adventures in Narnia by Laura Miller

When she was in grade school, Laura’s teacher gave her a book and said, “I think you’ll like this one”. The book was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Reading it began a lifelong love of the Narnia series of C.S. Lewis that has still not left her in adulthood. Indeed, who would not want to be part of Lewis’ creation, where animals talk, magic thrives and the world has yet to be discovered? Unlike the extensively detailed adventures in Lord of the Rings, there is more imagination and less detail in Narnia. This makes it more appealing to younger readers, and perhaps lays the groundwork for those readers to enjoy Tolkien’s work at an older age.

There were two things I particularly liked about this book. The first was that the author glossed over the nature of Lewis’s religious beliefs, which were quite strong. Much has been written about C.S. Lewis’ piety, and it was not the intention of this book to delve into that subject. The second was the real focus on the author’s love for this series, and of many other people’s reactions as well. Lewis intended that these books would draw young readers to Christianity, but if that was the intention then this fact was lost on the author. She was far more drawn to the people, to the magic and to the wonder of this marvelous fantasy land than to the allegory that Lewis had envisioned himself. This is, I think, the correct attitude to have in any work dealing with the land of Narnia. This is the type of love that classics are made of: wanting to become part of the author’s world, to be engaged by what he wrote but not necessarily what he intended to write about. The author makes an important point as part of the book when she goes back to see where C.S. Lewis grew up, and tried to find the landscapes that might have inspired Lewis’ creation. Despite visiting the same countryside, the author could not see where he might have drawn from life to create Narnia’s geography. That’s okay, however—Narnia existed in the mind of the creator, and that’s really all we need to know.

I read this book because I had recently read “Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” to my 11-year-old daughter. I also had a deep love for the series as a child—I even played Aslan in my 3rd grade play (the other kids wanted me to be the witch, but the teacher vetoed that idea). This book reawakened my love for Narnia. I realize now that I might have done my daughter an injustice by pointing out some of the things that Lewis wanted to say about moral attitudes and beliefs. The important thing, as the author points out, is to enjoy the story. It is really up to the reader to draw what they want from it regardless of who the author is. As Stephen King once pointed out, “It is the story, not he who told it”. The fact that these stories have persisted as favorites over the decades certainly indicates that we can all gain something from them—even if they aren’t what the author had originally intended.

“The mind is the forerunner of all experience.”

• The Buddha

For one deeply depressed, agoraphobic woman with the unusual name of Byron Katie, four simple questions (posed to her stressful thoughts) have made all the difference. They are:

1. Is it true?
2. Can you absolutely know that it's true?
3. How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?
4. Who would you be without the thought?

She contends that these straightforward questions can transform your approach to almost any seemingly unworkable situation. The San José Public Library audio book, Your Inner Awakening (a 6-CD set) by Byron Katie allows you to sit in on her fascinating method of self-inquiry -- one that has subsequently benefited both her and many people throughout the world.

Take a page from Socrates and further your quest for self-knowledge with the library's wealth of audio books! Its easier than you think: all nonfiction titles can be requested and sent to any branch, simply with your library card and PIN.

I recently had a conversation with a colleague in which we agreed that movies based on books, no matter how good, are virtually never as good as the book itself. However, I've become a big fan of audiobooks, and I believe that many audiobooks are as good or even better that the print version of the book. Listening to books instead of reading them has obvious benefits for people who have a vision impairment or who want to enjoy a book while driving, walking, or exercising. But beyond that, some books seem especially cut out for the audio format because there are multiple narrators, each of whom can be supplied with a distinct voice. A well-read (acted?) audiobook can add intonation, accents, and other elements that enrich the story. Case in point: The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Set in the early 60s during the civil rights era in Jackson, Mississippi, the book is told through the viewpoints of two black maids and a young white woman who wishes to write a chronicle of the maids' stories. Listening to the book, I find it hard to imagine that I could enjoy it any more in print format (although, with the book's bestseller status, the print version is doing just fine, thank you). Another book I found particularly suited to audio format is The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger -- again, because the book is told from the standpoint of more than one narrator. San José Public Library has an increasing number of audio options available to customers. In addition to books on CD, you can download audiobooks with your library card via Overdrive, MyiLibrary, and NetLibrary. I was able to download The Help from Overdrive with no waiting, and transferred it to my iPod. I'm looking forward to the movie scheduled for release in August... but I doubt it will be as good as the (audio)book!

"Cute girl wizard Lucy wants to join the Fairy Tail, a club for the most powerful wizards. But instead, her ambitions land her in the clutches of a gang of unsavory pirates led by a devious magician. Her only hope is Natsu, a strange boy she happens to meet on her travels. Natsu’s not your typical hero–he gets motion sickness, eats like a pig, and his best friend is a talking cat. With friends like this, is Lucy better off with her enemies?" from Random House, Inc.

More annotation... "Small-town wizard Lucy would love to join Fairy Tail, a guild for powerful wizards, but instead finds herself teaming up with Natsu, a crazy fire wizard whose best friend is a talking, flying cat named Happy" from Baker and Taylor

Check out this newly ordered Graphic Novel series Fairy Tail. This series is on order but currently available to request to pick up at your local San José Public Library. You do need to have a current library card with valid pin number. If you haven't got one, make sure to apply for one.

Read review online from School Journal, Lucy is a wizard who's looking to join the Fairy Tail Guild, which is famous for its members' out-of-control antics. When she meets Natsu, she never imagines that he's really Salamander of Fairy Tail. He spends much of his time as an ordinary guy who suffers from severe motion sickness in trains, boats, and even horse-drawn carriages. But when he taps into his magical abilities, he turns into an awesome fighter who uses fire to vanquish his enemies. By the end of the first volume, Lucy has joined the guild as well as Natsu and his flying cat as a team member. In the second volume, the team steals a magical book from the evil Duke Everlue and joins forces with Erza Scarlet to fight a guild that plans to use death-curse magic. Lucy and Natsu are the central figures in a large cast of characters, many of whom have unique abilities. Readers never see Erza's special skills in action, but it's clear that they involve lots of blood. The beings summoned by Lucy from the celestial spirit world are often temperamental and sometimes politically incorrect. The humor is often jaw-droppingly funny, meaning that the characters' jaws drop so low and so often that they look like something out of a Tex Avery cartoon. The illustrations are lively and keep the stories moving briskly. Each volume is filled with magic and humor and ends with a suspenseful cliff-hanger that will draw readers into the rest of the series.-Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library.

Publisher Weekly states Mashima (Rave Master ) is back with a brand new series about the juvenile delinquents of wizardry and magic, set in a mythical world of small towns, steam engines and horse-drawn carts, where magic is mainstream, young wizards follow glossy magazines that profile popular wizard guilds and everyone has hidden magical abilities. Fire-eating wizard Natsu initiates young and sexy Lucy, a celestial wizard, into his oddball guild, Fairy Tail. Soon we meet the womanizing Loke; the ice wizard Gray Fullbuster, who is often found wandering around in just his boxers; and the heavy-drinking Cana, who is never far from a barrel of wine. It's goofy fun and playful troublemaking—minus any sort of criminal element. Mashima sets a careful balance between showing the Fairy Tail wizards' troublemaking mentality while still establishing that the heart of each wizard is the heart of a hero. With a violence that harks back to the Looney Tunes where all combatants suffer heavy blows but always come out alive, albeit with some scratches, the story is more akin to Bugs Bunny than Harry Potter. But fans of both will be pleasantly entertained. The first two volumes of this series are being released simultaneously.

The Baby-sitter's Club was one of my absolute favorite book series when I was a kid. In this series by author Ann M. Martin, a group of middle school girls come together to form a neighborhood babysitting service called The Baby-sitter's Club. Throughout the series, these friends experience various middle school adventures, both on the job and off. The stories running throughout the series are funny, heart-warming, exciting, realistic, engaging, and more! I loved getting to know the different characters, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks. There's headstrong and athletic Kristy, artistic and eccentrically-dressed Claudia, shy and sensitive Mary Anne, sophisticated city-girl Stacey, California-girl environmentalist Dawn, and the "junior members," Mallory and Jessi. And now, the burning question that my friends and I used to debate...What BSC member are YOU most like? Now you can find out with an online quiz.

I was happy to discover that Scholastic is introducing the Baby-sitter's Club series to a whole new generation of readers. They’ve republished the first several books in the series (with some minor adjustments to “modernize” the series, according to this article), and Ann M. Martin recently wrote a great prequel to the series called The Summer Before. This book follows the four original BSC members during their summer before 7th grade and before the start of the Baby-sitter’s Club, (which is Kristy’s Great Idea, the official first book of the series). I recommend The Summer Before to readers in grades 3-6 who want to start reading this great series for the first time, or to any former children of the late 80's-90's out there that want to reminisce about these familiar characters from our childhood.

Are you fascinated by the different taste of international cuisines?

Do you want to learn how some international delicious dishes are prepared?

Would you be interested in tasting something you never tasted before?

Come join us at the Hillview Branch Library on Saturdays from 2pm - 3pm!

And learn about and sample the  exquisite cuisines of Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Mexican and Vietnamese - May 7th

Cuban and Nicaraguan - May 14th

Salvadorian and Taiwanese - May 21st

Korean and Thai - May 28th

Filipino and Peruvian - June 4th

Everyone is welcomed to join us!

“May you live in interesting times” is said to be an old curse, and this book brings that idea to life. Horrifying, repellent, and yet fascinating, The Corpse Walker is one of the more troubling books you are likely to read. Journalist Liao Yiwu has traveled China for a number of years, interviewing survivors of that country’s tumultuous 20th century. There are tales of sickening brutality, inspiring courage, unbelievable tyranny, steadfast loyalty, and these elements often occur in the same tale, sometimes even from the same person, in this hellish portrayal of life under Communism. Those with an interest in history and foreign cultures will also be absorbed by the stories of changing times and peculiar (to a Westerner) vocations, such as the corpse walkers of the title. When an individual passed away far from home, the corpse walkers would tie the dead body to themselves and literally walk the body, as if it were a life-size marionette, back home, to create the illusion that the dearly departed was merely taking one last stroll back to say farewell to friends and family. Discover just how alien another human culture can seem through this disturbing but engrossing read.

Idea Man by Paul Allen details the author's involvement in the founding of Microsoft and his relationship with Bill Gates. The 2nd half of the book deals with his investments in things like sport teams (TrailBlazers and Seahawks) and space planes, life as a wealthy mogul, and recent events.
Contrary to the press reports, Idea Man draws a neutral portrait of Bill Gates. He is both highly praised and criticized. The book truly delivers an unvarnished view of Bill Gates and the beginnings of Microsoft. If you are into tech-history, this book should not be missed.

Even for the non-computer geek, there's bound to be something in his tale that will capture your imagination. Overall, Idea Man offers a compelling look at how timing, luck, opportunity, obsession and personalities came together to create a global company.

Readers interested in the history of Microsoft should also try the road ahead and Bill Gates Speaks. In both, Gates gives strong endorsement and credit to Paul Allen for the co-founding of Microsoft.

You can also research current and past Microsoft activities through our database, Business Source Complete: http://0-web.ebscohost.com.catalog.sjlibrary.org/bsi/search?sid=27c98c05-b29c-4be2-b37d-e064fb9b637e%40sessionmgr11&vid=1&hid=12

Join us every Saturday from 10:30 - 11:00 AM for Family Storytime!

Songs, stories, flannel stories, finger plays and more for the whole family!

Are you an early riser? Happy Hollow Park and Zoo has just the class for you! Sign up for their Sunrise Safari May 28 and be the first through the gate to wake up with the animals before the zoo opens! This unique tour will lead you through the zoo and behind the scenes to learn about early risers in the animal kingdom and how they start their day off on the right foot, paw, or hoof. This tour is open to animal lovers of all ages and begins promptly at 9:00 am. The cost is $20 for park members and $25 for non-members. This fee will admit one adult and one child. Additional participants may be added for $10 each. Pre-registration is required. Download a registration form or call 408-794-6420 for more information.

Our STUFF! program has become so popular we are now offering it twice a month at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. Please join us on Saturday, May 21 at 3:00 PM when our very artistic volunteer, Chris, teaches us how to draw pictures using basic shapes. The library has a wonderful series called Let's Draw with Shapes that shows us how to use this technique plus tons of other books on how to draw almost anything: dinosaurs, dogs, faces, buildings, cartoons and much much more. Here's a short video featuring Bob Ostrom, illustrator of children's books, who demonstrates the "drawing with shapes" technique. We may not be doing anything this elaborate but Chris will give us the basics. This will be a fun program for all those budding artists out there! Please remember that parking is FREE until 6:00 PM at the 4th Street garage located above the Flames restaurant.

I Wish I'd Been There..

Have you ever wanted to go back in time and be present at an important occasion in history? “What historical period or incident would you like to have witnessed – and why?“ was the question Byron Hollinshead, president of American Historical Publications put to a number of historians.

These questions are answered in two collections of readable essays describing and commenting on historical events. The first volume covers American history from the Cahokian period, AD 1030 to Lyndon Johnson’s confrontation with George Wallace. The second volume explores topics in European history from the death of Alexander the Great to the German surrender to Montgomery at Luneburg Heath, 1945.

If you’re interested in reading more, each essay has a list of suggestions for further reading.

Summer Reading Program Celebration!

Children (Ages 0-12)

How to Participate ...

1. Sign up at your local library starting June 18

2. Achieve your goal by reading alone or with others. 

3. Only those items read between Saturday, June 18 and Saturday, July 30 will be eligible.

4. Read 15 books and celebrate your success by coming to the library to pick up your prize book and certificate starting June 25.

5. Read MORE, Earn MORE - receive exciting prizes when you read.

6. Claim all your prizes at the Summer Reading Celebration desk by August 6. 

Summer Reading Prizes for Kids!!

• Read 5 books to receive a sticker!
• Read 15 books to receive a reading cerificate and a book.

BONUS PRIZES ....

• Read 20 books to receive a scratch-and sniff bookmark and tattoo.
• Read 30 books to receive an inflatable globe.

  Participate this summer in the

 3rd annual Graphic Novel Contest! 

 Part of the Summer Reading Celebration.

Check our calendar page for other FREE activities to enjoy this summer!

June 18 - July 30, 2011

  Children (Ages 0-12): sign up!      Teens (Ages 12-18): sign up!       Adults (Ages 18+): sign up!

Summer Reading Celebration is an enjoyable activity that everyone can participate in.

The six-week-long program encourages recreational reading as a family activity.

Enjoy FREE Summer Reading Events at a library near you!

Participate this summer in the

3rd annual Graphic Novel Contest!

Part of the Summer Reading Celebration. 

Co-Sponsors: Friends of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Friends of the Branch Libraries     

with additional support from other community organizations, with additional support from Hotel Valencia Santana Row.

Historically, the most frequently told story of a slave revolt in America’s history has been that of John Brown’s ill-fated attack at Harper’s Ferry. This is, as Daniel Rasmussen points out in American Uprising, was not the biggest revolt of slaves. It is simply the one that is the best known. In January, 1811, a group of about 500 slaves living in appalling conditions gathered behind two of their own, Kook and Quamara, and set out to attack the city of New Orleans. They had many things in their favor: the element of surprise; two leaders who were well versed in warfare; a rigid order of command; and well laid-out plans. In pouring-down rain between the dates of January 8 and January 11, 1811, they attacked their owners and went on to attack the city. Their plan might well have worked if not for several factors: a few slave owners surviving the attack and warning others, a lack of weapons and the reluctance of many fellow slaves to join the plan. By January 18, many of those who participated in the rebellion were dead. Had it been up to the slave owners, the account of the rebellion would also have been equally laid to rest. It is fortunate that a few remembered, and kept the memory alive, for us to be aware of it two centuries later.

As we currently read about atrocities happening overseas, one is reminded that such appalling oppression also happened on our own shores. The average life expectancy of a slave on a sugar plantation was just four years. Punishment and torture were common-place. One wonders how the owners could be blind to such suffering, and yet they were. Furthermore, the establishment did their best to wipe this matter from the record, to have it be forgotten lest others try to do the same—attempting to claim their freedom, their humanity, and their dignity. As I read this, I wanted the revolt to succeed, and knew it could not.  I was more curious as to how far the revolt went before it was suppressed, and found myself quite disappointed that it did not get very far indeed.

If there is one thing that disappointed me about the book in particular, it is that it did not spend very long on the rebellion itself. The author lost himself in other matters—how the white ruling class ignored the signs of rebellion and discontent (while at the same time being terrified of the monster they themselves had created); the aftermath of the rebellion, and how the revolt resurfaced as a historical fact. Certainly the author is not to blame too much for this; the attempt to suppress the record was very thorough. Yet the rebellion itself was far too brief for me to really appreciate what they must have gone through to nearly reach the point of victory--it's climax is far too brief. Nevertheless, I am indebted to the author for bringing attention to this event for us to appreciate several centuries after the fact. This is just the type of thing that books are meant for: to shine light where there once was darkness, and to be aware that unwritten events can be written once again. The efforts of Kook and Quamara were not in vain.

I love my portable, electronic, navigation device. It got a work-out recently while visiting family back east. Besides local attractions and friend's addresses it also listed local libraries for me to visit. If you are wondering how to locate a San Jose library near you and do not have such a device we got you covered. Just go to our homepage > http://www.sjpl.org/ and select Locations. Once you're there you can input your address and find a branch closest to your location. Clicking on the branch, then on the more info link will take you to the branch page where you will find a Google map, driving directions, and bus routes. We hope to see you soon.

Fans of 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live will appreciate Bossypants, a witty and insightful new memoir by comedian and writer Tina Fey.

From her childhood in Chicago to her rise in fame, Tina Fey takes us through the backroads of her life in and out of the spotlight. Delightfully awkward, and sarcastic, Fey turns the routine memoir on its head with her rendition. Written as a series of essays detailing various aspects of her life, Fey lets down her guard. Her breezy writing style and one-liner jokes has the feel of an intimate side-by-side chat with the actress. For an added kick of humor, make sure to request Bossypants in the audio version, read by Tina Fey herself.

If this book isn't enough, make sure to check out these additional Tina Fey comedies:

• 30 Rock seasons 1 to 4
• Mean Girls staring Tina Fey & Lindsay Lohan
• Megamind with the voices of Tina Fey and Will Ferrel

In the nation's consciousness polygamy is wrong. We recall images of fundamentalist cults with defiant men, mousey wives and hundreds of children all dressed alike. It brings up fears of abuse and mistreatment of the women and children. But recently on television, polygamy has been shown in a different light. In TV shows such as the fictional Big Love and the docudrama Sister Wives, we see modern women making informed choices to live this lifestyle. The wives in these stories are not mousey at all - they have minds of their own and they let their husbands know just what they think. The children seem as bratty and bouncy and boggling and beautiful as yours and mine. So is it right or is it wrong? San Jose Public Library has many books on polygamy as well as microfiche of government hearings and the Mormon Church's discussions of the practice from the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Beginning Saturday, May 14, at 4:00-5:30 p.m., Almaden Branch Library is offering a 4-week introduction to reading the Farsi language for children ages 8 to 13. After this first session, the program will continue for 3 more sessions: May 21, May 28, and June 4, all at 4:00-5:30 p.m. The program will take place in the library's Program Room.

The program’s goal is decoding and word recognition. Children will be instructed to match consonant and vowel sounds to appropriate letters and read simple one-syllable words. Storytelling and playing games are part of the program to improve comprehension and create a fun learning environment.

Pre-registration is required. Please register in person at the Almaden Library Information Desk or by calling (408) 808-3040. Note: Space is limited to 10 children for the entire program. If you miss the first session, however, you may register your child prior to the second session if there are still openings.

You can help an adult improve reading and writing skills by becoming a volunteer tutor. Being a tutor is rewarding and exciting because you will open doors for an adult who will be able to do more.

Almost half of adults in the U. S. have some type of reading or writing problem that prevents them from functioning effectively at home, at work, and in the community. Partners in Reading is welcoming a new group of enthusiastic volunteer tutors who are being trained to work with adults with limited literacy. The volunteers will help adults read to their children, read directions on medicine bottles, and write grocery lists, among many other goals. They will help adults get jobs and do their jobs better. To join the next Partners in Reading tutor training, please call (408) 808-2361 or visit the Partners in Reading office on the first floor of the King Library. You can also learn more about Partners in Reading on our website.

Did you know that you can check in your own materials at Evergreen Branch Library? And did you know that you can get a receipt listing the items you returned on the new machines? Watch a brief video here to learn more.  

Recently I purchased a Motorola Xoom so that I can read books, check email, etc. while I am on the train or BART without having to carry my laptop computer with me.  One of the wonderful features of this little device is that one may download MP3 audiobooks or epub books onto it. One book that I recently took the opportunity to download is People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.   The audio version of this book is read by the actress Edwina Wren who does a wonderful job reading the book and making its characters "come alive."   This work of historical fiction is about the history of the Sarajevo Haggadah, a 13th Century illuminated manuscript which has a turbulent history. When I was in graduate school, I had to study many medieval  liturgical texts, but this was the first time I had heard of this notable, very beautiful, illuminated manuscript.   As you read through this book, Brooks takes you on a journey backwards through time through tales of Nazi intrigue, the relationship between a  vienniese physician and his patient in the 19th century, a 15th century  censor for the Inquisition, and a North African illuminator in the late 15th century.  With each story, Brooks tells a tale of how the book came to be created, acquired wine and salt stains, lost its silver clasps, how it has survived destruction several times and its role in an international cover up. 

Joselin a wanted her friend Piggy Sue to come over to play. Big Pig Papa said yes with one condition:  Joselina had to clean her room first. Did she do her job right at first? Or did Big Pig Papa have to check again and again? Children will enjoy this book because they will identify themselves with Joselina.  I, as a parent, find Joselina Piggy Cleans Her Room by Elizabeth Claire Alberts funny because it reflects accurately the true nature of children at that age.  I applaud the way it was written because it proves that disciplining children can be achieved in a firm manner and yet, in a creative way.

If you and your child enjoy this book, you might want to check out Messy Bessey by Pat McKissack;  it has become a favorite for many girls as young as 2 or 3 years old. A related book for parents is Have A New Kid By Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman.  It shows how to turn bad behavior in your children around.

Shane's first day as deputy sheriff of Red Hill is not going well.  He has misplaced his revolver, the locals mistrust him and a dangerous escaped convict is headed to town with scores to settle.  When the sheriff refuses to call for outside backup, he suspects that more is going on than meets the eye.  A New York Times Critics' Pick, Red Hill stars Ryan Kwanten and has a 77 percent rating at Rotten Tomatoes.

Yes, we're going to make a rose out of tape, Duct Tape, of course! I just learned how to do this and my roses aren't perfect yet but it sure is fun to do. Join us at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library on Thursday, May 12 at 5:00 PM in the Exploration Room to give it a try. This program is geared toward children 10 years and over plus adults might enjoy it also.

Besides roses there are so many things you can make out of duct tape. Who knew? In addition to the book Got Tape? Roll Out the Fun with Duct Tape, the library does have some other duct tape craft books and there are many videos on the web that you can watch. Here is a sampler which shows you how to make a rose plus lots of other duct tape crafts. Come try your hand at some duct tape art! If you can't make the program at the King Library it is also being offered at the Alviso Branch on May 13 at 3:00 PM and at the Almaden Branch on May 21 at 10:00 AM.

Get up close and personal with today's celebrities! In Wisdom, photographer Andrew Zuckerman profiles portraits and words of wisdom of more than 50 prominent figures in arts, politics, music, film, religion, and business. On the list you could find Madeleine Albright, Clint Eastwood, Judi Dench, Jane Goodall, Henry Kissinger, Nelson Mandela, Dave Brubeck, Willie Nelson, and many more. Access code for a free downloadable movie is provided in the book.

Đây là buổi liên hoan của Lớp Thư Pháp Việt Ngữ tại Thư Viện Tully. Thành thật cám ơn Thầy Cung Tâm, Cô Hoàng Cúc và sự hiện diện của tất cả quý vị. Vì yêu thư pháp và yêu ca dao, văn, thơ Việt, Thầy Cung Tâm và Cô Cúc đã không ngại bỏ thời giờ quý báo để hướng dẫn các học sinh Thư Pháp Việt Ngữ vào mỗi chiều Thứ Bảy tại Thư Viện Tully. Đây là một sinh hoạt đầy ý nghĩa để bảo tồn văn hóa Việt Nam. Một lần nữa thành thật cám ơn tất cả quý vị!

The Tully Community Branch Library hosted a Vietnamese Calligraphy Class every Saturday until Saturday, April 30, 2011, when they held a Graduation Ceremony for their students. This video, like the program, is in Vietnamese, but the beauty and art of calligraphy can be appreciated in any language.

Willow Glen Library visitors were recently treated to a delightful free performance by Grupo Folklorico Los Laureles, who presented several dances in the authentic traditional style of Mexico. The San Jose-based dance company offers classes for all age levels; for more information visit Grupo Folklorico Los Laureles website. San José Public Library also has a selection of books and videos featuring Mexican folk dancing that you may enjoy. Check the library events calendar often for other performances and activities of all types -- everything is free and open to the public!

Have you ever wondered what science fiction would be like if it was written by a lawyer? Okay, me neither. But the answer turns out to be, “pretty good.” John C. Wright’s Golden Age trilogy feels like a hero’s epic from classical mythology, and has elements of adventure, intrigue, and philosophy. Wright has carefully constructed a highly detailed and interesting future society in which artificial intelligence mediates all aspects of life, and then he delves into the ethics and ramifications of a human society which lives in symbiosis with artificial servitors who are wiser and smarter than the people are, and where the dividing line between human and machine is obscure, and unimportant. Follow Wright’s protagonist as he crusades across this fascinating world, falling from grace and fighting his way back to triumph. The volumes of the trilogy are:

• The Golden Age
• The Phoenix Exultant
• The Golden Transcendence

On Saturday May 21 from 2:00-3:00 pm Opera San Jose will be presenting their One-Act Touring performance of Hansel and Gretel at Vineland Branch Library. This condensed version of Engelbert Humperdinck's classic opera will feature fully costumed singers with live piano accompaniment.  Children will get a positive experience of an art form that may be new to them.  The production lasts approximately 45 minutes, including 10 minutes for Q&A. 

Did you know that it's Children's Book Week? According to the official CBW website:

Children's Book Week is the national celebration of books and reading for youth. Since 1919, Children's Book Week has been celebrated countrywide with author & illustrator appearances, parties, storytelling, and other book-related events in schools, libraries, bookstores, clubs -- anywhere where kids and books connect.
 

The Children's Choice Book Awards are announced during Children's Book Week. Every year, kids are invited to cast their vote for their favorite books, authors, and illustrators. Check out this year's winners, including the unstoppable Rick Riordan as Author of the Year for his popular new Heroes of Olympus series and David Wiesner as Illustrator of the Year for his amazing illustrations in Art & Max.

We hope that you'll visit your local San José Public Library location and celebrate this week (or any week, really!) with some good reads.

Find some great deals on books, CDs and DVDs at the Friends of the Library Spring Booksale on Saturday, May 7th. The sale will run from 10:00 am- 4:30 pm in Vineland Branch Community Room. Hardback books will be priced at $1.00; children's books, $ .50; music CDs, and DVDs, $2.00. Come early for the best selection! 

One of the great appeals of the Willow Glen area is that it is such a pedestrian-friendly and canine-friendly neighborhood! Resident dogs enjoy strolling the downtown sidewalks with their owners and sniffing noses with friends old and new. If they get to linger at the table of one of the many sidewalk cafes, or step into a shop with a bowl of water by the door and a jar of dog treats on the counter, that's even better! The adorable Churro is one of those resident dogs. This Chihuahua/Dachshund mix is five years old and started her puppyhood in an animal shelter before her forever family found her.

Did you know that both the Chihuahua and the Dachshund are listed in the top ten dog breeds for children by the American Humane Society? So it's perfect that Churro now belongs to youngsters Sora and Lucas and their doting parents. One sunny but cold spring day, little Churro visited the Willow Glen Branch Library with her family, showing off a pink jacket which protects her from the weather. Pets are not allowed inside the library, but they do occasionally accompany their people here. It's not unusual to see a dog leashed to the bike rack on a sunny afternoon while a customer runs inside to pick up a request--maybe something to read relaxing at a Lincoln Avenue cafe or Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park.

May is here which means new Friday Fun events at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. Remember all Friday Fun events start at 4:00PM and are FREE! These events are a great way to start off your weekend. Here's our May line-up:

May 6 - Mother's Day Crafts presented by "The Organized Socialites," of San Jose State University. We'll be making mother's day cards, balloon animals and paper/tissue flowers. Loads of fun!

May 13 - Make a Pinata. It's never too late to celebrate "Cinco de Mayo." Children will have the opportunity to make mini pinatas filled with fun prizes! All supplies will be provided.

May 20 - The "Art of Japanese Calligraphy" with Hikaru.

May 27 - More Origami Fun - we'll be making simple origami figures and creating a collage. Don't miss out!

David Foster Wallace completed one novel, Infinite Jest, and several short story collections in his brief life. The content is a stream of consciousness, complex look at individual's desire to cut through media and bureaucracy to connect. His work is the rare fiction that includes footnotes. And within the footnotes are important background information about his characters. The Infinite Jest title refers to a film that viewers find impossible to stop watching. The writing flowed from a place that only the really gifted find. His agent has posthumously released his new novel, The Pale King, to big advance reviews in Time Magazine and other sources.  

You are warmly invited to a special visit at Almaden Branch Library on Saturday, May 7, at 2:00 p.m. from Julie Riera Matsushima, an advocate for special needs children and author of For the Love of Aimee, her memoir about helping to raise her special needs granddaughter, Aimee.

"Aimee and her twin sister were the first grandchildren born to Julie Matsushima, but the family's joy at birth quickly turned to panic when Aimee was diagnosed with irreparable brain damage. From those first heartbreaking days of Aimee's life, as Julie sat at her bedside in the neonatal intensive care unit, a special bond formed between them. Even at only a day or two old, Aimee drew Julie in with a responsiveness that seemed to defy her grim diagnosis." — book cover

Julie’s book “invites the reader to share in the disappointments, challenges and amazing accomplishments Julie and Aimee experience together during Aimee's first ten years. This incredible book will elevate the awareness of everyone touched by a special needs child to the difficulties facing them.”

This program will be an informative and inspirational visit with a local author, grandparent, activist, and community leader. We hope that you can join us.