February 1, 2007

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Vineland Branch Library news

By Shirley Brewer
Young Adult Librarian

Vineland Branch Library will start the month with songs. On Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 a.m., listen to Tim Cain, children’s favorite singer, and enjoy a morning of songs and laughter. His warmth, good humor, and spontaneity make his show engaging and accessible to all. You will definitely have a rollicking good time, and you will leave the library singing. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineland Branch Library.

It’s the Year of the Boar. The Red Panda Chinese Acrobats will perform to celebrate and welcome in the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. They are professionally trained in China. Watch in amazement as they bring you the 2,500-year-old ancient Chinese art of juggling, balancing objects, riding unicycles, and performing handstands.

How would you react if you accidentally hit someone with your car? Then you discover the survivor is an undocumented alien living in a desert gully? “Tortilla Curtain,” by T.C. Boyle is the featured book for this year’s Silicon Valley Reads. This thought-provoking book will be discussed Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. In conjunction with the book the movie “Tortilla Soup” will be shown Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. It is the tale of a father and his daughters. Everyone is welcome to these programs even if you haven’t read the book. For a list of other Silicon Valley Reads events, pick up a brochure at the library or go to www.siliconvalleyreads.org.

Looking ahead to March, celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m. Stories, songs, and bingo will make for a party that even Dr. Seuss would enjoy. Light refreshments will be served.

Like to play games? Beat a drum? Watch movies? Make a craft? Vineland’s after-school programs for students in grades six-12 are for you. Each afternoon Tuesday to Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. when school is in session, they will have a different activity. Stop by a drop-in session and try something new.

Events:

- The First Saturday of the Month mini-book sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineland Library. Each month is a special selection of books on a particular topic. February’s selections will highlight hardback fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. Feb. 3 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

- Yoga will be held on Monday nights at 6 p.m. Come relax with a yoga instructor. No charge. Bring a mat.

- Learn to knit or teach someone else at Vineland’s knitting circle. Open to all ages. No charge. Bring your materials. Every Saturday at 4 p.m.

- Science fiction buffs. The six-legged two-armed alien landed its spacecraft in Toronto. An alien paleontologist is here to meet with an earth paleontologist. “Calcula-ting God,” by Robert J. Sawyer is the book for discussion with the Saturday SciFi Book Discussion Group, which meets Feb.10 at 2 p.m. The group meets the second Saturday of each month. Visitors are always welcome.

- Adult Mystery Book Club will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6:45 p.m. Connecticut state trooper Desiree Mitry investigates the death of actor Tito Molina. “The Bright Silver Star,” by David Handler is this month’s selection. All mystery fans are invited to attend the second Wednesday of each month. Note the date change for February. Visitors are always welcome.

- The Evening Book Discussion Group will meet Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. In Los Angeles a car accident intertwines the lives of the Mossbachers and illegal Mexican immigrants, the Rincons. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are always welcome.

- Senior Book Discussion Group (50+) meets Thursday, Feb. 22 at 10:15 a.m. in the 17 C. Strong-willed Ruth bas Elazar Saul, the daughter of a rabbi, seeks to determine her own fate. “The Witch of Cologne,” by Tobsha Learner is filled with drama and suspense. The group meets the fourth Thursday of each month. Visitors are always welcome.

- International Movie Night is the last Tuesday of each month. It will highlight different countries with entertainment films reflecting the life and culture of a country. English and non-English language films with English subtitles will be shown. Join the group on Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 5:30-8 p.m.

- The next teensReach meeting is Friday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to participate in the monthly teensReach meeting. Community service time is earned. Light refreshments are served.

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

- On Fridays Toddler Storytime (ages 24-35 months) is 10:15 a.m. and Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5 years) is 11:15 a.m.

- Wednesday Preschool Storytime (ages 3–5 years) is 11:15 a.m.

- Storytime Express, a 15-minute story time for preschoolers, is held in the children’s area every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

- Family Storytime is held on Saturdays at 11 a.m.

- Chinese/English Storytimes are Feb. 7 and 21 at 7 p.m. Generally, the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

- Persian/English Storytime is Sat., Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Generally, the third Saturday of the month. Note the date change for February.

- The reading to children volunteer is here Saturdays at 3 p.m.

Vineland Branch Library is located at 1450 Blossom Hill Road. The library will be closed Sunday and Monday, Feb. 18 and 19 for the 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.