November 10, 2005

Vineland Branch Library news

San Jose Public Library introduces free online tutoring service

By Ed Koetitz,
Young Adult Librarian
Special to the Times

Children and young adults in San Jose never have to be stumped by a tough homework assignment again! Students in grade four through the first year of college can simply visit any San Jose Public Library to get immediate, free help in math, science, social science and English from qualified tutors.

Students log on at San Jose Public Library’s public access computers or remotely from home via the library’s Web site, www.SJLibrary.org and click on “Live Homework Help” and connect within minutes to the online classroom.

After entering their grade and subject, they are matched with a live tutor, certified to provide assistance in that area.

The service is accessible remotely via the Internet from 1 p.m.–10 p.m. daily. Spanish-language assistance in math and science is available Sunday–Thursday, 1 p.m.–7 p.m. “Live Homework Help” is being provided through a partnership between the San Jose Public Library, California State Library and the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System.

Events
- Vineland’s First Annual Bookmark Contest a Success! More than 300 children submitted bookmark entries in the first annual bookmark contest and there were 20 winners. The winners came from 12 public and private schools (including one home school). The winning bookmarks will be printed and distributed for the National Children’s Book Week, Nov. 14-20. In the middle of November, the winners and their schools will be posted on Vineland Branch Library’s Web site at: www.SJLibrary.org.

- On Friday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. teens (ages 13-18) are invited to participate in a monthly Teens Reach meeting held in the library’s community 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.

- Yoga for fitness and health—Vineland Branch Library will offer a free yoga class every Monday from 5:30–6:30 p.m. The instructor, Vandana Kadam, will give useful tips and demonstrate various yoga techniques for the maximum benefit. Bring comfortable clothing and a yoga mat or anything that will provide you with a cushion to lie on. This class takes place in the community room.

- Adult Mystery Book Club will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 6:45 p.m. in Vineland’s community room. The book under discussion will be “Children of the Storm” by Elizabeth Peters. All mystery fans are invited to attend.

- Science Fiction buffs, we have a book club for you! On Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. we will be discussing Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Shadow.” Visitors are always welcome.

- The Evening Book Discussion group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15 in the library’s community room. Join us in a stimulating discussion of Alice Munro’s “Runaway.” Visitors are welcome.

- After School Youth Activity Program—On Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 3:15–4:45 p.m. Vineland branch library is hosting a fun program geared to students in the sixth through the 12th grades (we will be showing a G-rated film geared to teens). The Friends of the Library will be providing free snacks and sodas. This event takes place in Vineland’s community room.

- The book discussion group for seniors (50+) meets on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 10:15 a.m. in the library’s community room. The book under discussion is Laurel Doud’s “This Body.”

- The ESL Conversation Club is held every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. in Study Room A. This one-hour session is a great way to practice your English and to make friends at the library. No pre-registration required.

- Family Story Time will be held on Saturdays at 11 a.m. in Vineland’s community room.

- “Mr. K’s” preschool story time will be held on Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. in the community room.

- Chinese/English Story Time will be presented on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

- Persian/English Story Time will be presented on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

- On Fridays, Toddler Story Time (ages 24-35 months) is held at 10:15 a.m. and Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5) is at 11:15 a.m.

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

- ”Get Real, Get Fit!” Teen Nutrition Workshop—Saturday, Dec. 3, from 2-4 p.m. in Vineland’s community room.

Studies show that more that more than 9 million children and teens in the U.S. are obese or overweight. That’s an increase of nearly 300 percent in the past 40 years! Learn how to adopt healthy nutrition choices and fun fitness choices for life. Teens in grades 6-12 and their caregivers are invited to this entertaining and informative workshop taught by Nutrition and Food Science students at San Jose State University. Fun, good food, games and prizes! Pre-registration is required. Call Vineland Branch Library at (408) 808-3020.

Vineland Branch Library is located at 1450 Blossom Hill Road. The Library will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 for Veterans’ Day and Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25 for the Thanksgiving 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. Ed Koetitz is a Young Adult Librarian at the Vineland Branch Library.