November 9, 2006

OFF THE SHELF

November events feature puppet show, talks on alternatives
to arthritis pain and New Almaden history

By Ed Koetitz, Young Adult Librarian
Special to the Times

P&T Puppet Theatre presents ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’
On Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m., "The Elves and the Shoemaker” as performed by the ever-popular P&T Puppet Theatre will be presented at the library. This delightful program is based on the classic Brothers Grimm tale and in this adapted version, Jack Frost starts the show by singing and scattering snow to make it cold enough for the festivities to begin! The emcee is Jingles the Dwarf along with his sidekick, Grinny the Green-nosed Reindeer and as a team they provide lively and outrageous banter. At the conclusion of the show, Frosty the Snowman comes out and dances amongst the audience with his top hat popping off his head. This program will bring a smile to every child and to every adult who is a kid at heart. This event takes place in the Community Room.

P&T Puppet Theatre

Alternative solutions to arthritis pain
On Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1:30 p.m.–3 p.m., Dr. Joseph Chiu, a leading expert on health and wellness will give an informative talk on various approaches to reducing or eliminating debilitating arthritic pain. Workshop topics include: why people get arthritis and how to avoid it; strategies to reduce and even reverse arthritis; what foods to eat and what foods to avoid and simple ways to increase joint function. Dr. Chiu is a chiropractor practicing in San Jose, and is a volunteer speaker for the Doctors’ Speakers Bureau. This event takes place in the Community Room.

New Almaden History Program
On Tuesday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m., there will be a program that offers an intriguing glimpse into the rich historical legacy of the Almaden Valley and more specifically, the community of New Almaden. Michael Boulland and Arthur Boudreault, co-authors of the book, “New Almaden,” will be special guests. They will discuss various aspects of New Almaden’s vital connection with California’s Gold Rush and the lasting influence this region has had on the San Francisco Bay area. This richly illustrated book is a recent installment of the acclaimed “Images of America” series. This program will be held in the library’s Program Room.

Events
- 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 share fun stories, songs, and finger plays geared toward the whole family. (Please note: there will be no story times offered during the month of December).

- Preschool Story Time will be held on Tuesdays 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.

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

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

- On Friday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m., teens (ages 13-18) are invited to participate in the 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 Tuesday, Dec.5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., be part of our History Book Club. Join us as we discuss “1968: The Year that Rocked the World” by Mark Kurlansky. This event takes place in the library’s Program Room.

Almaden Branch Library is located at 6445 Camden Avenue. The library will be closed Saturday, Nov. 11 for Veterans’ Day and Nov. 23-24 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The library’s 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 to ab.sjpl@sjlibrary.org.