April 29, 2004

Vineland Branch Library News

By Ed Koetitz, Young Adult Librarian
Special to the Times

Meet the Authors: Elisa Kleven and Firoozeh Dumas
Two noted children’s authors will make appearances at the library in May. The Almaden Valley Women’s Club and the Friends of the Vineland & Almaden Branches sponsor this program, which honors the memory of the respected teacher and librarian Doris Dillon.

On Wednesday, May 12 at 7 p.m., we are pleased to present noted children’s author and illustrator Elisa Kleven. The books Kleven has written and illustrated include “Sun Bread,” “A Monster in the House,” “The Puddle Pail” and “The Paper Princess.” In a recent interview she states, “I write and illustrate picture books because I’ve never outgrown a deep childhood urge to enter a magical world.”

On Saturday May 22 at 1:30 p.m., we will host the witty humorist Firoozeh Dumas. Our second author, Dumas, is the author of the popular book “Funny in Farsi.” This witty and insightful book (written in English) has been described as “laugh out loud funny … touching … and highly entertaining.” The Friends of the Vineland & Almaden Branches sponsor this program. Each of these authors will bring a fresh perspective on the writing process and their programs are guaranteed to be informative and enjoyable.

Events

- Science Fiction fans: We have a book club for you! We will discuss Kim Stanley Robinson’s “Red Mars” at our next meeting, Saturday May 8 at 2 p.m.

- New Almaden Branch Library and Community Center Public Art Meeting: Tuesday, May 11 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. in Vineland Library’s community room. This meeting will help shape the artistic concepts and principles to be utilized.

- ESL Conversation Club: Wednesday May 12 and May 26 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Practice your English and make friends at the library. This group is designed to help new English speakers with their conversational skills.

- Teens Reach: Friday, May 14, at 4 p.m. Teens (ages 13-18) are invited to participate in our monthly Teens Reach meeting held in the library’s community room. The purpose of the group is to provide input on library programming and acquisitions that are geared for teens and it also seeks to foster leadership and academic skills. Community service credits are given to participating students. Light refreshments will be served.

- The Evening Book Discussion group: Tuesday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s community room. They will discuss Charles Dickens’ classic “The Tale of Two Cities.”

- The book discussion group for seniors (50+): Thursday May 20 at 10:15 a.m. in the library’s community room. The book under discussion is discussing Margaret Atwood’s “Blind Assassin.”

- Family Story Time: Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. The first Wednesday of each month is a bilingual Chinese/English Family Story Time.

- Toddler Story Time (ages 24-35 months): Fridays at 10:15 a.m. with Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5) at 11:15 a.m.

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

- All Friends Meeting: Members of the various Friends groups are cordially invited to the semi-annual “All Friends Meeting” at Vineland Library Saturday June 5, from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m.

Vineland Branch Library is located at 1450 Blossom Hill Road. It is open Monday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. (The library will be closed Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day). For questions, please call 978-1212 during business hours. Email may be sent at any time: vl.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.