January 5, 2005

Vineland Branch Library news

By Ed Koetitz
Young Adult Librarian
Special to the Times

Meet the author—Jean Wakatsuki Houston

Jean and James Houston

On Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m., we are pleased to host Jean Wakatsuki Houston, author of the award-winning book, “Fare-well to Manzanar.” Her critically acclaimed work is about one of the internment camps used by the American military during World War II to detain some 100,000 Japanese Americans (most of them U.S. born) following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. She will discuss some of the circumstances that influenced the writing of the book. There will be an opportunity for a book signing at the end of her presentation. This event is made possible by the Friends of the Vineland Branch Library and will be held in Vineland’s community room.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with dance
Help us celebrate the Chinese New Year (year of the dog) by attending our Chinese Traditional Dance program. On Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m., we are pleased to host the Chinese Academy and Arts as they perform traditional Chinese dance accompanied by classical Chinese music. The generous support of the Friends of the Library made this program possible. Celebrate this holiday with style, grace and cultural awareness. This program is tailored for the whole family and will be held in Vineland’s community room.

Events
- Yoga for fitness and health – Vineland Branch Library is pleased to offer a free yoga class on Mondays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. (no class Jan. 16). Instructor Vandana Kadam will provide useful tips and demonstrate various yoga techniques for maximum benefit. Bring comfortable clothing and a yoga mat or anything that will provide you with a cushion to lie on. This class takes place in the community room.

- Evening Book Discussion Group will meet Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 7 -9 p.m. Join us in a stimulating discussion of Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner.” Visitors are cordially welcome.

- Adult Mystery Book Club will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 6:45 p.m. in Vineland’s community room. The book under discussion will be Boris Akunin’s “The Winter Queen.” All mystery fans are invited to attend.

- On Friday, Jan. 13 at 4 p.m., teens (ages 13-18) are invited to participate in the monthly Teens Reach meeting in the library’s community room. The purpose of the group is to provide input on library programming and purchases that are geared for teens. Community service credits are given to participating students. Light refreshments are served.

- Science Fiction buffs, we have a book club for you! On Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m., we will be discussing Larry Niven’s “Mote in God’s Eye.” Visitors are always welcome.

- The After-School Youth Activity Program is Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 3:15–4:30 p.m. Vineland branch library is hosting a fun program geared to students in sixth through 12th grades (we will be showing a G-rated film geared to teens). The Friends of the Library will provide free snacks and sodas. This event takes place in Vineland’s community room.

- The book discussion group for seniors (50+) meets on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 10:15 a.m. in the library’s community room. The book under discussion is Dorothy L. Sayers’ novel “Gaudy Night.” Visitors are always welcome.

- The ESL Conversation Club is held every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. in Study Room A. This one-hour session is a great way to practice your English and to make friends at the library. No pre-registration required.

- Family Story Time will be held on Saturdays at 11 a.m. in Vineland’s children’s area.

-“Mr. K’s” preschool story time will be held on Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. in the community room.

- Chinese/English Story Time will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m.

- Persian/English Story Time will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m.

- On Fridays, Toddler Story Time (ages 24-35 months) is held at 10:15 a.m. and Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5) is at 11:15 a.m.

- Story Time Express, a 15-minute story time for preschoolers, is held every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Vineland Branch Library is located at 1450 Blossom Hill Road. The library will be closed Sunday and Monday, Jan. 15 and 16 for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Regular hours are: Monday 2 p.m.-7 p.m.; Tuesday–Wednesday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday– Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. For questions, call 808-3000 during business hours. E-mail may be sent at any time: vl.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.