Have you ever been to a performance of Opera San Jose? Well now is your chance to get a taste of opera and it's FREE! Last year children and their families were mesmerized by Opera San Jose's touring production of the classic play Hansel and Gretel. Well, Opera San Jose is back by popular demand, once again performing a condensed version of Englebert Humperdinck's classic opera. The performance will be on Friday, November 4 at 4:00PM in Room 225/229 of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. It will feature costumed singers with live piano accompaniment. Children and adults will get a positive experience of an art form that may be new to them. The production lasts one hour and includes time for questions. If you didn't make last year's performance make sure to not miss this one. It is sure to be a treat for everyone!

Charles Edward Anderson “Chuck” Berry turned 85 years old on 2011 October 18. Berry, a born showman, began entertaining his family at an early age with his one-legged duck walk and playing music in front of audiences in high school. He still plays concerts, including monthly performances in his hometown of St Louis, Missouri at the Blueberry Hill Duck Room.

In 1955 his knowledge of and passion for country music fused with rhythm and blues landed him mainstream success with his cover of Bob Wills’  "Ida Red" (Berry’s version is entitled "Maybellene"). The following year, "Roll Over Beethoven" hit #29 on the Billboard top 100 chart and Berry’s career was in full swing.

With more than a few run-ins with the law and time spent in prison, Berry’s life has come to epitomize the rock and roll lifestyle. He is among the first musicians inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and he is considered by many to be the "Father of Rock and Roll."

The San José Public Library has a variety of recordings and books by and about Chuck Berry and the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies features Chuck Berry’s song "Roll Over Beethoven" in their exhibit “America’s Beethoven” running from 2011 October 1 through December 21.  

The library has many groovy music CD’s for children. Introducing music to children can help them learn about rhyme, math, the alphabet, rhythm, dance, and encourage them to develop a sense of self. Through music kids will learn about animals, fruits, vegetables, body parts & movement, nursery rhymes and many cultures.

Here are some of the most remarkable music CD's I have found for children: Putumayo for Kids Collection (music from cultures all over the world), Smithsonian Folkways children's music collection (some oldies but goodies), The Laurie Berkner Band (all original songs about rocket ships, dinosaurs, and more). Just get silly, dance, sing songs, and have fun!

Browse our complete collection

&

here are some companion books!

Tully Community Branch Library offers a  FREE Singing Class in Vietnamese for Seniors ages 50 or older. Learn how to read music and practice singing Vietnamese songs. Sheet music will be provided by the instructor, Thanh Tran, a volunteer and social worker from the County of Santa Clara. No prior experience in singing is required. Class takes place every Wednesday from 5:30-8:00 PM at Tully Branch Library. Class restarts every quarter. Next class will take place in October.

When interviewed, customers expressed their gratitude to the library and Thanh Tran for organizing such an outstanding stress-released program for seniors. Due to current economic crisis people can't afford to attend any private singing class; this FREE and "meaningful" class enriches life's quality by providing an opportunity for them to live healthily and joyfully.

Lớp học hát miễn phí cho người Việt cao niên mỗi chiều Thứ Tư 5:30-8:30 PM tại thư viện Tully. Mỗi học viên sẽ được chọn hai bản nhạc và giáo viên sẽ cung cấp bản nhạc miễn phí. Ghi tên tại lớp vào ngày khai giảng. Không cần phải có kinh nghiệm.

 

August is Audio Appreciation Month! Celebrate this event by checking out various audio book and music titles at your library! Here are a few recommendations for children and teens.
* indicates Series

Books on CD

Harry Potter* by J.K. Rowling

The Chronicles of Narnia* by C.S. Lewis

39 Clues* by Various Authors

A series of intriguing adventure stories written by today's popular authors such as Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Lerangis and more. These audio books will engage readers by combining card collecting, reading and online gaming.

Teen Audio Books

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel* by Michael Scott

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Maximum Ride* by James Patterson

An exciting adventure and science fiction series about six genetically enhanced children being imprisoned in a laboratory. Eventually, a sympathetic scientist helps them escape and they use their special abilities to survive on their own.   

Digital Audio Books

Besides compact disc, you can also download audio books to your digital audio player, including your iPod, smartphone, or home computer via OverDrive Digital Library or MyiLibrary. Using your digital audio player, you can transition or navigate to other chapters of the book without having to change discs. Here are a few recommended digital audio book titles:

Children's Digital Audio Books

Artemis Fowl* by Eoin Colfer

Percy Jackson and the Olympians* by Rick Riordan

Once again we are offering a FREE Singing Class for 50 plus Vietnamese Seniors 50 or older. Learn how to read music and practice singing Vietnamese songs. Sheet music will be provided by the instructor, Thanh Tran, a volunteer and social worker from County of Santa Clara. No prior experience in singing is required. Class takes place every Wednesday from 5:30-8:00 PM at Tully Branch Library.

Lớp học hát miễn phí cho người Việt cao niên mỗi chiều Thứ Tư 5:30-8:30 PM tại thư viện Tully. Mỗi học viên sẽ được chọn hai bản nhạc và giáo viên sẽ cung cấp bản nhạc miễn phí. Ghi tên tại lớp vào ngày khai giảng. Không cần phải có kinh nghiệm.