July 13, 2006

Almaden Branch Library News

Happy Birds to perform; sign up for basic catalog searching workshop

By Ed Koetitz
Young Adult Librarian

Happy Birds to perform at the Almaden Branch Library
On Thursday, July 27 at 4 p.m., we are delighted to present the “The Happy Birds.” This select group of hand-raised, people friendly parrots will put on a show that you will long remember. The birds and their trainers, Ed and Julie Cardoza, have been working side by side for over a decade! Kids of all ages will be thrilled and entertained by these amazing and delightful creatures. This program is part of the library’s annual Summer Reading Celebration and is funded by a generous grant from the Friends of the San Jose Public Library. This program is held in Almaden’s Community Room B.

Basic Catalog Searching Workshop
On Tuesday, July 25, from 5 to 6 p.m., the Almaden Branch Library’s first computer workshop, “Basic Catalog Searching,” will be held. Learn how to search for books and more using the online catalog. We’ll cover searching by title, author, keyword, and subject; limiting by language; interpreting a catalog record; and finding materials on the shelves. This workshop is free, but space is limited to 12 participants. Please sign up at the Information Desk inside the library to reserve your space.

Events
- On Thursday, July 20, 1 to 4 p.m., we are hosting our first annual “Teen Read-A-Thon” for those students going into grades 6-12. Bring a pillow, cushion, beanbag and your favorite reading material (book, magazine or graphic novel) and be part of our three-hour reading marathon. There will be prizes, light refreshments and other goodies provided by the Friends of the Almaden Branch Library. This program is held in the library’s program room and is part of the library’s Summer Reading Celebration.

- On Thursday, Aug. 3, 3 to 3:45 p.m., join us for a fun-filled talent show. Young people from ages 4 through 18 are invited to demonstrate their artistic and musical skills at Almaden's first annual talent show. Pre-registration is required. This program is held in Community Room B and is part of San Jose Public Library's Summer Reading Celebration.

- On Friday, Aug. 4, 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 served.

- On Saturday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m., come and see the amazing magic of Norman Ng. He will dazzle you with his remarkable sleights of hand and mind-boggling magical trickery. This program is part of our annual Summer Reading Celebration.

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

- Preschool Story Time will be held on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. in the library’s program room. “Mr. K” will share stories, finger plays, songs and puppets, for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers.

Almaden Branch Library is located at 6445 Camden Avenue. Regular business hours are: Monday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For questions, call (408) 808-3040 during business hours. E-mail may be sent at any time: ab.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.