January 10, 2008

Almaden Branch Library announces January programs

By Ed Koetitz, Youth Services Librarian
Special to the Times

Voter education for California’s Feb. 5 primary
Join the League of Women Voters on Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. as they present their nonpartisan voter education tool, SmartVoter.org. During the presentation, they will explain how to use SmartVoter and EasyVoter to obtain information on candidates, issues, and ballot measures. There will also be time for some questions and answers, as well as a description of the key points affecting our community in the Feb. 5 primaries. Tea and cookies will be served courtesy of the Friends of the Almaden Library. For further information, or to express interest in attending, contact the Almaden Library at (408) 808-3040 or sign up at the Information Desk. This event takes place in the library’s program room.

Basic Computer and Internet Class
Have you ever been frustrated trying to learn basic Internet skills? Never used the computer before? Have no idea what the World Wide Web is all about? Do you want an e-mail address? On Thursday, Jan. 17 from 10 to 10:55 a.m. there will be a free introductory computer and Internet class offered at the Almaden Library. To register, sign up at the library’s information desk or call at (408) 808-3040. This class is held in the library’s Tech Center.

Adult ESL Book Club
Are you an advanced ESL student, and want to try reading and discussing English language books for fun? On Thursday, Jan. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. join other English Second Language adults in discussing “The Jacket” by Andrew Clements. This book explores racism and stereotypes using clear and simple English. For further information, call the Almaden Library at (408) 808-3040. This event takes place in the library’s program room.

Events

- Family Story Time will be held on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s program room. There will be fun stories, songs, and finger plays geared for the whole family.

- Preschool Story Times will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m. in the library’s program room. “Mr. K” will be sharing stories, finger plays, songs and puppets, for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers.

- Toddler Story Times will be held on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs, finger plays geared for
children (ages 24 to 35 months) and their caregivers.

- Mother Goose Story Time is held on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Barbara Gilbert, children’s librarian, will present nursery rhymes, finger plays, stories and songs for children (12 months to 2 years) and their caregivers.

- ESL Conversation Club is held Wednesdays, from 12 – 1 p.m. in the library’s Program Room. Come practice your English speaking skills with our friendly conversation group.

- Almaden Branch Library’s Homework Center is available to students Mondays and Tuesdays 3:30 to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Please note: starting Tuesday, Jan. 22, the new hours will be Mondays and Tuesdays, 3 to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays 3 to 5 p.m. This free educational program has two paid staff members and is held in the library’s program room.

- On Friday, Jan. 11, at 4 p.m., teens (ages 13-18) are invited to participate in our monthly Teens Reach meeting held in the library’s program 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. At the Teens Reach meeting held on Friday, Feb. 1, at 4 p.m., we will have author Phyllis Mattson as our special guest. Her book, “War Orphan in San Francisco,” is an insightful memoir and it tells the story war’s tragic effects on children caught up in its horror.

For news of other library activities, including those at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, visit: http://www.sjlibrary.org/about/events/.

Almaden Branch Library is located at 6445 Camden Ave. Please note: the library will be closed Monday, Jan. 21 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular hours are: Monday 2 – 7 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For questions, please call (408) 808-3040 during business hours. E-mail may be sent at any time: ab.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.

Ed Koetitz is a Youth Services Librarian at the Almaden Branch Library.