January 11, 2007

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Almaden Branch Library invites parents and kids to get ‘Ready, Set, Play!’

By Ed Koetitz
Young Adult Librarian
Special to the Times

‘Ready, Set, Play!’
Parent/child workshop
Parents and preschoolers are invited to an informative and fun workshop that will be held on Friday, Jan. 12 from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in the library’s program room. Goals and objectives of this free workshop include having fun with movement activities using parachutes, beanbags, scarves and sticks; discovering what your children learn through active play; and learning simple ways to do these activities at home with materials found around the house. Space is still available. Please sign up by calling 808-3040. This workshop is made possible in part by the Read Aloud Collaborative of Silicon Valley.

‘All About the Library Web site’ Internet class
On Saturday, Jan. 27 from 3 p.m.–4 p.m., the library is offering an informative Internet class focusing on the San Jose Public Library’s Web site. Did you know you can renew your books online and request books from other library systems? This one-hour workshop will give valuable tips on using the library’s most popular databases, new books pages, recommended Web sites and much more. No pre-registration is required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, you’re welcome to bring a laptop to follow along. This class will be held in the library’s tech center.

Events
- Family story time is held on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s program room. Barbara Gilbert, children’s librarian, will shares fun stories, songs and finger plays geared toward the whole family.

- Preschool story times are 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. Please note: there will be a special “Ready, Set, Play!” parent/child workshop held on Friday, Jan. 12 at 11:15 a.m.

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

- A homework center is available to students Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This educational enhancement program has two paid staff members and is held in the library’s program room.

- The library’s newest volunteer, Leela, will be reading to children on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Doris Dillon children’s area of the library.

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

- On Friday, Feb. 2 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. Light refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Almaden Library.

- Join us on Tuesday, Feb.6, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. to discuss this year’s Silicon Valley Reads title, “The Tortilla Curtain” by T. Coraghessan Boyle. A taped interview of the author will be shown prior to the discussion. Light refreshments will be served. This event takes place in the library’s program room.

Almaden Branch Library is located at 6445 Camden Avenue. Please note: The library will be closed Monday, Jan. 15 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular hours are Monday 2 p.m.–7 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For questions, call (408) 808-3040 during business hours. E-mail may be sent at any time: ab.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.