Give children the joy of reading by reading aloud to youngsters at one of the San Jose Public Libraries. Reading occurs in the library's children's area at designated times throughout the day. Specialized training is provided to all incoming volunteers. Several of our library branches are seeking volunteers to read to children on an ongoing basis (minimum 6 month commitment). Bilingual volunteers (Spanish/English) are especially needed. This position requires fingerprinting.

Training is on Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm at the King Library.  Please complete the application form and register for training here.

In an effort to help serve our Chinese language community, Almaden Branch Library provides at least three programs that may be of interest:
 

• Computer Tutoring in Mandarin and English: 1st Thursday of each month @ 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM in the library's Tech Center
  In this program, you can get a 1-hour session of 1-on-1 tutoring with a computer expert — in Mandarin and/or English. Adults get help with Facebook, email, your own laptop or tablet, Microsoft Office programs, and many other hardware and software options. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Almaden Branch Library to register at 1-408-808-3040.
  
  
   
• Reading to Children in Mandarin and English: every Wednesday @ 4:00 PM in the Children's Library
  In this program Eugenia reads to children in Mandarin and English. Children can enjoy one-on-one interaction with her, and they can choose the stories they wish to hear. There is no need to sign up. Just drop in and enjoy the program when it is scheduled.
  
  
  
  
  
   
• ESL Conversation Club: every Thursday @ 1:00 PM in the library's Program Room
  In this program adult ESL learners are invited to join our free Conversation Club to practice their English language skills. There is no need to sign up. Just drop in and enjoy the program when it is scheduled. Note: Some English ability is required to attend this program.

We've got some good news and some better news!

First, the good news. Storytimes at Almaden Branch and other San José libraries will not occur during August. Why is this good news? The librarians will be taking a break from storytimes in order to re-charge themselves to offer even better storytimes in September and beyond.

Now, the better news! Almaden Library will offer these great storytime alternatives in August:

Reading to Children

Let your children listen to stories read by an experienced reader in the beautiful Children's Library at the branch. Your children can pick the books that they want to hear or can leave it up to the reader. This service is aimed at children up to age 12. No appointment is necessary — just drop in!

Our readers and the convenient times they read to children:

Stephanie — Wednesdays at 1:00-2:00 PM

Michele — Thursdays at 1:00-2:00 PM (Michele will be off on July 28)

Laura — Fridays at 1:30-2:15 PM

Christian — Saturdays at 12:00-1:00 PM (Christian will be off on July 30 and August 6)

Reading Buddies

What: Reading Buddies are trained teen volunteers that can either read to your child or help your child practice reading. Younger children can have 1-on-1 time with a caring, enthusiastic teen mentor who will help them practice their reading in a low-stress environment.

When: Every Wednesday at 5:30-6:30 PM in the Children's Library at the branch

Almaden Library storytimes will be back in September, and so will these great alternatives. Stay tuned to the Events Calendar, call the library for information at (408) 808-3040, or come in and pick up a print calendar.

If you’ve visited Willow Glen Library on a Wednesday afternoon, you may have seen Nancy reading to individuals or small groups in our children’s area. She is pictured here sharing a story with library visitors Mason and Alexandra. Nancy began volunteering at the library last fall. In addition to reading to children during Stories With Nancy, she has helped with library storytimes, crafts, our Book Adventures book club, and our Music and Movement With Preschoolers program.

Nancy is a long-time resident of Willow Glen and a retired teacher. She taught reading, religion, and social studies at St. Christopher’s School for 20 years. She has also taught at schools in Cupertino, Barstow, and Germany. Nancy loves to travel and has been to China, Europe, Mexico, and other countries all over the world. She also enjoys reading and gardening. Nancy’s volunteer service is much appreciated by library customers and staff alike. Next time you see her in the library, say hello!

The Willow Glen Branch Library offers several one-on-one and small group reading opportunities for kids each week. Join us Tuesdays at 4 pm for Stories with Barbara. Barbara is a retired teacher and dedicated volunteer who loves reading with children. Wednesdays at 2:30 pm drop in for Stories with Nancy. Nancy is also a retired teacher and she is always eager to read with all kids. Join us also on Fridays at 3:30 pm for Stories with (Cuentos con) Priyanka. Priyanka is a high school student and volunteer who will read to your child in either English or Spanish.

Los viernes a las 15:30 Priyanka lee a los niños en la biblioteca Willow Glen. Priyanka es una voluntaria y un estudiante de la escuela secundaria. Ella puede leer a su hijo en inglés o español.

Almaden Branch Library offers Reading to Children services on four afternoons every week!

You are invited to have your children listen to stories read by an experienced reader in the beautiful Children's Library at the branch.

Your children can pick the books that they want to hear or can leave it up to the reader. This service is aimed at children up to age 12. No appointment is necessary — just drop in!

Here is a list of our readers and the convenient times when they read to children:

Gil — Tuesdays at 2:30-3:30 PM

Michele — Thursdays at 1:00-2:00 PM (Michele will be off Feb. 17 but back Feb. 24)

Laura — Fridays at 1:30-2:15 PM

Christian — Saturdays at 12:00-1:00 PM

See you in the Children's Area for your Reading to Children experience!