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Kids: Celebrate National Gardening Month!
April is National Gardening Month! Help your child discover the fun activity of gardening! Here are some recommended books to get your child excited about gardening:
Gardening Stories
My Garden by Kevin Henkes
Imagine how fun it would be to be in a magical garden where jelly beans would grow on bushes and flowers that would change colors and patterns by just thinking of them! Read this book to learn more about this beautiful garden that a creative girl is envisioning.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
One day, Liam discovers a dying garden and decides to nurture it back to life by taking care of it. As Liam continues to care for the garden, it grows and transforms a barren city into a beautiful, lush place!
A Green, Green Garden by Mercer Mayer
Spring has arrived and Little Critter and his family work on growing a garden. Throughout this book, watch them take care of their garden by watering the plants, weeding and waiting for something to sprout! Be inspired to plant something in your garden by reading this book!
Gardening Guides
Kids' Container Gardening: Year-Round Projects for Inside and Out by Cindy Krezel
Work on 18 gardening projects that are easy, simple and fun! Make special projects such as "Great Garden Bowls for Mom" and sand art terrariums! This practical book also includes a glossary and a list of plant resources.
Grow It, Cook It by Jill Bloomfield
This book combines simple instructions and helpful illustrations on how to plant and cook your own homegrown vegetables. Make delicious recipes including onion and leek soup, giant beanstalk stir-fry, carrot and orange muffins and more!
Garden by Robert Maass
This book contains colorful photos and information about a different variety of gardens and how to maintain them.
And as always, you can ask a librarian to help you find more gardening resources at your local library branch.
National Preservation Week
National Preservation Week is later this month and on Saturday at King Library you can participate by bringing in some of your historic photographs or documents to be scanned. Library staff will be on hand to assist you and you will receive a copy of your scanned photos on CD.
Scanning will take place from 11am to 1pm on the 3rd floor in Study Room 390. Bring up to 10 items for scanning on a first come, first served basis.
Making digital copies of old family photos is a great way to share your past with your children and other family members who may live far away. This photo is of me on Easter Day in 1969.
Introducing iPad Art
Are you interested in learning how to create digital paintings on your iPad? If you are, please come to the Evergreen Branch Library on Wednesday, April 11, 2011 at 5:00PM. This program will be presented by Sumit Vishwakarma in the Community Room. Everyone is welcome to this program, no registration required.
By profession Sumit is an Electronics Engineer who builds computer chips. But art and animation has always fascinated him and he has been very passionate about painting since childhood. As a child he used to draw on walls, his hands, his friend’s hand, his clothes and where ever his pencil worked. Even after several time-outs at school and home, he couldn’t resist drawing. As he grew up, family obligations and work responsibilities took over and that passion faded away. Sumit says that he bought his first iPhone in 2010 and downloaded some doodle apps. He started to draw again and realized that he didn’t need any paper, or water, so no mess. He could paint on the go and whenever inspiration hits. The only limitation was the screen size.
Then last year he attended an iPad Art workshop at Apple’s San Francisco Store. There he learned about various drawing and paintings apps and has not looked back since. At Macworld 2012, he was invited as an Artist at their sketch station and there he met several other iPad artists.
Sumit confirmed that this workshop will also work for those that do not have an ipad. Most of the paintings apps are also available for Android tablets. So these painting techniques can be easily applied to other tablet devices.
When asked what advice he had for budding artists in the digital medium, he says that he believes in simple and effortless learning. Though he has immense respect for traditional art medium - oil paint, water color- he feels that the digital medium can expedite the learning curve. When creating art, one should not get overwhelmed with the details of a painting, says Sumit. “Start with the basic sketch and build over it. This is where iPad art differentiates from traditional medium. One can use basic layers to sketch and then add finer details in subsequent layers. All layers can then be merged to create outstanding piece of work. You can undo and redo without hiccups. The goal of my workshop is to expose people to these techniques of iPad art and inspire new iPad artists.”
Today is Autism Awareness Day
April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day. Recently the Centers for Disease Control published that the incidence of autism occurs in 1 in 88 people rather than 1 in 110 as previously reported. Just today, Steve Silberman wrote a blog post entitled Autism Awareness is Not Enough: Here's How to Change the World which features responses to the question from a number of activists who are parents of and individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Their thoughtful insight included should not be missed.
At SJPL, we have resources for families with children on the Autism Spectrum and other special needs. Below are just a few titles available on the topic.
Our Inclusive Storytimes are geared for children of all abilities and everyone is welcome. Inclusive storytimes have some adaptations that we have made to help everyone participate and have a good time. Our librarians went through disability awareness and adapted storytime training with staff from Parents Helping Parents, a local organization that specializes in working with families of children with special needs.
Teens, find out if you would do better on the SAT or the ACT!
San Jose public Library and Kaplan will be offering a series of practice tests in April that give you the opportunity see how you would score on the SAT and ACT tests. In this 4 hour practice exam, you will take half of each test, and try your hand at the types of questions you will see on the actual tests. These practice tests are open to all High School Students.
Thursday, April 12, 2012 - 1:00pm
Saturday, April 14, 2012 - 1:00pm
King Library (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library)
Saturday, April 21, 2012 - 11:00am
Saturday, April 21, 2012 - 1:00pm
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 1:00pm
Please note that pre-registration is required for all of these events. Please contact the library where you would like to take the practice test, in order to pre-register.
In addition, you can check out a variety of new study books for both the SAT and the ACT.
Lastly, you may also want to look at the LearningExpress Library Tutorials, Tests, eBooks which are accessible with you library card, and have great College Preparation materials, including tools and tips for both the SAT and ACT.
For You And Your Baby: Signing in ASL
Your baby will start talking at around 2 years old, but he or she can actually communicate with you using their hands much earlier than that - as early as 6 months old! Imagine your baby being able to share with you that he would like some milk or that her tummy aches using sign language instead of fussing, crying, and whining.
In this 4 week series, parents will learn the benefits of signing using fun activities. Our instructor is trained in ASL (American Sign Language) and will share her expertise with you and your baby.
Location:
Preregistration required?: No
Date/Time:
Thursday, April 5, 2012 - 11:30am
Thursday, April 12, 2012 - 11:30am
Thursday, April 19, 2012 - 11:30am
Thursday, April 26, 2012 - 11:30am
Astronaut Megan McArthur's Visit to Evergreen Branch
San Jose Public Library customers enjoyed meeting astronaut Dr. Megan McArthur on March 5th, 2012 at Evergreen Branch Library. This visit was scheduled due to NASA's International Space Station (ISS) national awareness campaign that promotes research opportunities, educates communities about activities performed on the ISS, and communicates the real and potential impacts of the station on our everyday lives. Dr. McArthur was reading Astronaut Handbook children's book on how to become an astronaut and answered questions about ISS, where she was working 14 days, when in space. Adam Padilla, SJPL staff member, filmed a wonderful video of this visit.
Free For All Community Information
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The causes of Whitney Houston’s death were announced last week – and cocaine abuse appeared to be a major contributing factor. Something else that happened last week while I was working at the Tully Community Library was that a representative of the nonprofit Asian American Recovery Services came into the branch bringing a stack of newsletters with Houston’s tragic death as one of its front page stories. It was filled with articles on all the ways that someone can come under the power of addiction: alcohol, prescription and illegal drugs, emotional abuse, smoking – but the one I knew the least about was problem gambling – which apparently can be a real problem for people and their families.
Our neighbors come into the library for a lot of reasons, of course, but one is that it is a clearinghouse for free and useful information for the entire community. Some of this helpful information can be found in the “Community Bulletin Board / Free for All” area in every library branch. For example, there are the services that Asian American Recovery Services offers, such as support, counseling, resources and education are either free, based on a sliding-scale or Medi-Cal paid. Their mission is to decrease the incidence of substance abuse and other addiction in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the Bay Area. You can reach them at (408) 271-3900.
Social Workers in the Library
Social Workers in the Library Now Offered Three Times a Month
At King Library: Now offered twice a month – every first and fourth Mondays of the month, 6 to 8 p.m.
Call: (408) 808-2350
Or
At Biblioteca Latinoamericana – offered once a month – every third Wed. of the month 6 to 8 p.m. (Spanish/English bilingual Social Worker available)
Call: (408) 294-1237
Is something happening in your life that you have questions about concerning:
- Education
- Emergency Services - food/clothing/housing and crisis support
- Employment
- Family Matters - parenting, childcare, divorce, elder issues and domestic violence
- Health Improvement - mental, physical and health insurance
- Immigration
- Support Groups - men, women and teens
Make an appointment to get a FREE 20 minute session of information and referral or advice, from a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Everyone at some point in their lives could use the advice of a social worker. Our volunteer social workers are offering it - Free of Charge.
Social Workers in the Library, is a partnership of the San José Public Library, San José State University's School of Social Work, National Association Of Social Workers - California Chapter, and SJSU School of Library and Information Services.
Tully Branch Library On-Going Programs
If you haven’t been to our Tully Community Branch Library, come and check it out. Lots of fun programs and lots of materials to check out! DVDs nowadays can be checked out for three weeks. Valid library card and PIN are needed at checkout.
Inclusive Storytime with Stay and Play: 1st Tuesday 11:30-12:00 Noon in Storytime Area.
Bilingual Vietnamese/English Storytime: 2nd Thursday 10:30-11:00 AM in Storytime Area.
Preschool Storytime with Stay and Play: Every Thursday 10:30-11:30 AM except for 1st and 2nd Thursday.
Toddler Storytime with Stay and Play: Every Tuesday 11:30 AM-12:30 PM except for 1st Tuesday.
Stories with Ms. Kathy: Every Tuesday 6:30-7:30 PM in Storytime Area. The program is performed by our wonderful Storytelling volunteer, Kathy B.
Wednesday Fun: Every Wednesday starting at 4 PM in Community Room. Program normally takes approximately 1 hour. It is supervised by library staff with the help of teensReach volunteers.
- First (1st ) Wednesday: Wii Tournament. Children play in a tournament setting. Two names are drawn out to play against each other. Winner goes to next round. They compete until we get a champion. After the tournament they can play by sign up.
- Second (2nd) Wednesday: Game Day. Youths play board games and collect stickers or small giveaways.
- Third (3rd) Wednesday: Movie Flick! (Movie Day). Youths watch movie in Community Room. Popcorn and mixed drink are served.
- Fourth (4th) Wednesday: Craft Activity/ Contest. Youths will participate in an art and craft activity or a contest. The program is normally presented or supplied by Unit of Programming Services.
- Fifth (5th) Wednesday: Game Day will take place if we have the fifth Wednesday of month.
Bilingual Library Tour (Spanish & Vietnamese upon request). This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs. The tour begins at Market Place and led by Family Learning Center Coordinator, Chieu Nguyen, and/or a Spanish speaking staff.
Special group library tours can be arranged to introduce ESL students and immigrant families to library services and resources. The guided tour will be given in either Spanish or Vietnamese upon request. Please call the branch at (408) 808-3030 for more information.
Citizenship Class – Wednesdays (6-8PM). This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs. the class takes place in Community Room and it is onducted by volunteers.
U.S. History & Civic lessons will be given to enable adult immigrants to pass the citizenship test.
Citizenship Mock Interview – Wednesdays (6-8 PM). This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs. The program takes place in Community Room at the same time with Citizenship Class and it is conducted by volunteers.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to practice for the citizenship interview! If you think you are ready for the interview, come and let our staff put you through the test. Trained volunteers will simulate the interview process and help prepare you for the actual test.
Conversation Group - Wednesdays (5-6PM). This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs and takes place in Family Learning Center Classroom. The program is facilitated by the Family Learning Center Coordinator/Librarian, Chieu Nguyen.
ESL learners will have the opportunity to practice their conversation skills in a comfortable and friendly environment.
ESL Class – Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (10:00-12:00 PM). This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs and takes place in Community Room. ESL classes are being offered by East Side Adult Education Program and the Tully Community Branch Library. Students must register with Overfelt Adult Center at 1901 Cunningham Ave, San Jose. Phone 408-254-8100. There will be $30 fee.
FLC Computer Orientation – Wednesday (6-7 PM). This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs and takes place in Family Learning Center Computer Area. The program is conducted by Family Learning Center Coordinator/Librarian.
Adult & children learners will be introduced to ESL software and other resources available on the Family Learning Center computers.
Music and Movement with Preschoolers – First Thursday (10:30AM-11:00 AM). This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs and it takes place in Children’s Storytime Area. Parents will be taught to use music to enhance the children’s learning experience. Parents and children will have the opportunity to do craft and play music games such as, parachutes, bean bags, scarves and rhythm sticks.
ESL Computer Class – 2nd Thursday of each month (11 AM–12 Noon). This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs and it takes place in Family Learning Center Computer Area. Program is conducted by Family Coordinator / Librarian, Chieu Nguyen.
ESL learners will have the opportunity to learn basic computer skills. The class will include mouse exercise, typing, MS Word, MS Excel, and Internet Explorer usages for emailing and searching.
Computer Tutoring for ESL Learners – Every Monday in even months (10 AM–12 Noon). This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs and it takes place in Family Learning Center Computer Area. The program is conducted by volunteer.
ESL learners will be tutored on basic computer skills i.e. mouse exercise, typing, MS Word, MS Excel, Internet Explorer usages for emailing and searching.
Homework Center: Every Tuesday and Wednesday 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM. This is one of the Family Learning Center Programs and it takes place in the classroom. Program ends in April 2012 and will resume after the summer.
Free homework help from teensReach volunteers with 3.0 Average GPA to youths grades K-8th.
teensReach Meeting and Training: Third Wednesday 6-8 PM in FLC Classroom. Conducted by Michele Rowic, teensReach Coordinator and Volunteer Supervisor.
Join a monthly meeting for teens interested in library and community volunteer activities. Bring your creativity to enhance the library's outreach to the community. All teens are invited to attend. Newcomers please fill out the teensReach application available at the information desk. Right after the monthly meeting, new teensReach volunteers will be provided an orientation and training at 7:00-8:00 PM.
Monthly Booksale by teensReach: First Tuesdays 4-7 PM in Community Room.
Adult Volunteers Recruitment: Interviews conducted by Michele Rowic, teensReach Coordinator and Volunteer Supervisor. Please call Michele at 408-808-3030 for more information.
Singing Class for Seniors 50 plus in Vietnamese. Every Wednesday 5:30-8:00 PM
Basic Computer Class in Vietnamese. Every Wednesday 7-8 PM
Basic Computer Class (with Spanish translation). Every Tuesday 6:30-8: 00 PM.
Let's take a quick virtual tour created by our staff, Mark Lorensen. Have fun and hope to see around at Tully Library.
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