May 31, 2007

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Summer reading program kickoff and concert by
ZunZun set for June at the Vineland Branch Library

By Shirley Brewer
Young Adult Librarian

It’s finally here! Saturday, June 16 is the start of the eight-week Summer Reading Celebration program. Reach each of the five reading milestones for a cumulative total of 30 hours of reading and earn fun prizes such as a magnifying glass, painting sheets, flashing L.E.D. ball, and a book of your choice. This year, Get a Clue@your library serves children (birth through grade five) and YNK@your library serves teens (grades six through 12). During July, a separate component for adults, Summer Sleuthing@your library, invites adults to read books and win prizes through weekly drawings at all San Jose Library locations. Prizes for adults include bookstore gift certificates, restaurant, and coffee shop certificates.

ZunZun will perform June 19 at 2 p.m.

Come listen to ZunZun, a performing art group that celebrates the cultures of the Americas through music. They are multi-instrumentalists who may use 25 different instruments, many of Latin American origin, during their performance. Their performance utilizes physical comedy, audience participation, and skillful musical ability. It is a very lively show that will involve the audience on Tuesday, June 19 at 2 p.m. and is a great start to your Summer Reading Celebration.

The following Tuesday Miss Nancy, Mr. K., and friends present “Get a Clue@ Your Library.” There will be stories, magic, music, and more mysterious happenings. Come join the fun on Tuesday, June 26 at 2 p.m. for our second Summer Reading Celebration program. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineland Branch Library.

A favorite workshop of many students is our Cartooning and Animation class on Saturday, June 30 at 2 p.m. Students will learn the art form of cartooning and comic book art. Participants will draw along with the instructor and also learn the basics of flipbook animation. Materials will be supplied at the workshop. All ability levels including beginners are welcome. This Summer Reading Celebration program is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineland Branch Library.

TEENS: the Vineland Library challenges you to read for three hours Saturday, July 14! (You will get a five-minute break each hour.) You can read whatever you like! The library will provide a large selection of reading materials from which you can choose, or you can bring your own. Snacks will be available to sustain you through the marathon and at the end of the program: pizza! You can bring a pillow or blanket to sit on. On the day of the event, July 14, check-in begins at 10:30 am, and the reading marathon kicks off at 11 a.m. sharp. Students in grades six through12 can register at the Vineland SRC desk or call the library at 808-3020. This SRC program is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineland Branch Library.

The final two programs from the Right from the Start series will be presented by Parents Helping Parents on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vineland Library. The sessions offer free skill-building workshops for parents and caregivers of young children with special needs and the professionals who serve them. The workshops have information for all parents and caregivers. The June 7 workshop is “Learning Disability Simulation,” a hands-on program for participants. On June14: “Coping with Emotional Stress” is the topic. The workshops are conducted in English. Free child care is available. Refreshments will be provided. Register online at www.php.com and click on “Right from the Start” under Programs or call PHP at (408) 727-5775. Attendees can register for any or all of the workshops. These programs are funded by First 5 of Santa Clara County.

Another opportunity starts this month for volunteer training with Partners in Reading, an adult literacy program. Tutors must be 18 or older and will work one-on-one with an English-speaking adult to teach them reading. Training dates are June 6, 9, and 16. For more information, contact Partners in Reading at 408-808-2361 at the King Library.

The San Jose Public Library staff will have an in-service day Friday, June 1 for the King Library staff and Friday, June 22 for Vineland and all branch staff. The libraries will open at 1 p.m. on in-service days.

Events:

- The first Saturday of the month mini-book sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Vineland Library from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Each month, we will have a special selection of books on a particular topic. The next mini-book sale is June 2.

- 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 our Knitting Circle. Open to all ages. No charge. Bring your materials. Every Saturday at 4 p.m.

- Science fiction buffs—Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation and Empire” is the choice for June’s discussion. The Saturday SciFi Book Discussion group meets June 9 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, June 13 at 6:45 p.m. “Shadow Man,” by James D. Doss is set in Colorado. All mystery fans are invited to attend the second Wednesday of each month. Visitors are always welcome.

- The Evening Book Discussion Group will meet Tuesday, June 19 at 7 p.m. Billy Pilgrim’s search for meaning in Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse 5” is the book for discussion. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are always welcome.

- Senior Book Discussion Group (50+) meets Thursday, June 28 at 10:15 a.m. “The Three Junes,” by Julia Glass refers to three months during a 10-year period in the lives of the McLeod family. The group meets the fourth Thursday of each month. Visitors are always welcome.

- Internet and Computer Help: Each Saturday we have a knowledgeable volunteer to assist with specific questions during a half-hour session. Call 808-3020 to register or drop in for a session if space is available. For people 16 and older.

- The next teensReach meeting is Friday, June 22 at 4 p.m. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to participate in our 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 your English and to make friends at the library. No pre-registration required.

- On Fridays, Toddler Story Time (ages 24-35 months) is 10:15 a.m. and Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5 years) is at 11:15 a.m. No Friday story times on June 22.

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

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

- Family Story Time is held on Saturdays at 11 a.m.

- Chinese/English Story Time is May 16 at 7 p.m. Generally, the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

- Like to beat a drum? The Thursday after-school program starts at 4 p.m. for students in grades six through 12. Stop by and try something new. The last day for this program is June 7.

Vineland Branch Library is located at 1450 Blossom Hill Road. The library opens at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 22 due to the all-branch in-service day. Regular hours are Monday 2 p.m. to 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 to vl.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.