The San José Public Library offers a variety of tools to help you succeed as a parent. At upcoming events offered in both Spanish and English, parents can learn about  Fatherhood and Male Involvement (held at Edenvale Library on April 14 and April 21, at Alum Rock Branch Library on April 16 and April 30).

These are only a few of the many classes, workshops and events that the San José Public Library offers for parents.

In addition, you may be interested in the books and DVD's which you can check out on parenting topics ranging from potty training to raising teens. 

April is National Poetry Month! Help your child discover poetry by checking out the library’s children poetry collection. Here are some recommended books to get your child excited about poetry:

Poetry Books

The New Kid on the Block: Poems by Jack Prelutsky

A collection of funny poems about strange creatures and people such as Baloney Belly Billy and the Gloopy Gloopers.

The Random House Book of Poetry for Children (Various Authors)

A varied and complete collection of more than 550 poems by various poets, including Emily Dickinson, Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Lewis Carroll, Ogden Nash, and Shel Silverstein.

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

This is a masterful collection of humorous poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein that will engage readers.

Learn to Write Poems

Haiku Activities : Asian Arts & Crafts for Creative Kids by Patricia Donegan

Introduces the form of Japanese poetry known as haiku, explores the seven keys to writing haiku, and provides instructions for five haiku projects, including creating haiga, or illustrated haiku.

Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem by Jack Prelutsky

Featuring personal anecdotes and an abundance of information, this is a humorous guide, filled with poetry exercises, ideas, projects, and pointers that teaches readers how to write poetry.

Poem-Making: Ways to Begin Writing Poetry by Myra Cohn Livingston

Introduces the different kinds of poetry and the mechanics of writing poetry, providing an opportunity for the reader to experience the joy of making a poem.

More Ways to Celebrate

Besides reading and writing poems, here are other ways that you and your child can celebrate National Poetry Month, according to Lily Jones and Skila Brown from www.education.com/magazine/article/Celebrate_Poetry:

• Memorize a poem together.
• Write poems about various things and occurrences at home.
• Read a short poem before a family meal, such as breakfast or dinner.
• Take a notebook and go on a walk. Be ready to write a poem or phrases about various things that you or your child would observe.
• Have a poetry slam by inviting other kids or adults over to read poems aloud.

And as always, you can ask a Youth Services Librarian to help you find more poetry resources at your local library branch. 

Have a blast with our Friday Fun. Every Friday at 4 PM, our library is offering different family fun activities such as Movie Afternoon, Wii Tournament, Board Games, Contests, and Crafts. No Sign-Up necessary.

1^st Friday (4/1)  – Wii Tournament at 4 PM for Children and 5 PM for Teens

2^nd Friday (4/8)  – Game Day. Play board games

3^rd Friday (4/15) – Movie Day.  Popcorn and refreshments will be served

4^th Friday (4/22) – Craft – Make a craft for Earth Day 

5^th Friday (4/29) – Chalk Art Contest. Celebrating the Month of the Young Child, youths can compete in this fun and exciting outdoor contest. Fun prizes in addition to Target gift cards will be awarded to our winners.

In addition to other events at Tully Community Branch Library, Friday Fun is not only enjoyable but an opportunity for youths ages 13 or older to volunteer and obtain community services hours. You just need to attend our teensReach meeting and training that takes place on the Third Wednesday of the month at Tully Branch Library. If you have any questions, please email chieu.nguyen@sjlibrary.org.  

On Tuesdays at 4 pm and Saturdays at 11:30 am the West Valley Branch Library offers free reading help for children. The Reading Buddies are trained teen volunteers that are on hand to either read to your child or to help your child practice reading. This is a great opportunity for younger children to have one-on-one time with a caring, enthusiastic teen mentor who will help them practice their reading in a low-stress environment.

Reading to Rover is another opportunity for kids to practice their reading at the West Valley Branch Library. This event  is generally held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:30 pm. At this program we pair children who want to improve their reading skills with literacy assistance dogs for some quality reading and bonding time. Come join the fun!

23rd Annual San José Children's Faire

Saturday, April 16

10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Bring the whole family to the one-day Faire expected to draw over 5,000 attendees to the outdoor festival, held at Discovery Meadow (in front of the Children's Discovery Museum), in downtown San José.

The theme this year is "Play Together, Learn Together: Growing with Giggles and Grins" and features family-oriented stage entertainment, special attractions, and activity booths offering hands-on activities for children ages 2 -12.  Families can obtain information about education, child care, recreational programs and health and safety resources.  For more information call (408) 808-2617, or visit www.sjpl.org/moyc

Children, teens and families are invited to come to the Edenvale Branch Library to create Valentine’s Day cards on Friday February 11 at 4:00 PM. Supplies will be provided.

Here are some cozy Valentine’s Day books that young children may enjoy:

Be Mine, Be Mine, Sweet Valentine written by Sarah Weeks, illustrated by Fumi Kosaka. Several animals and a little boy give special valentines to the ones they adore.

If You'll Be My Valentine  written by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Fumi Kosaka. A little boy gives special handmade valentines to those who are important to him.

Valentine Mice!  written by Bethany Roberts, illustrated by Doug Cushman. Several mice deliver valentines to the other animals in the forest.

If you enjoy these books, check out the websites of authors Sarah Weeks and Bethany Roberts, and illustrator Doug Cushman.