December 29, 2005

Vineland Branch Library news

By Ed Koetitz
Young Adult Librarian
Special to the Times

Nick Barone and the ‘Holiday Treats’ puppet show
On Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6:45 p.m., the library will present Nick Barone and his remarkable cast of enchanting puppets. His entertaining program, “Holiday Treats,” is an original 30-minute show filled with lovable and friendly monsters.

When Kreepie discovers he is presenting his Halloween show in December, he quickly pulls together a Christmas variety show. This 30-minute presentation is done in classic style, and the story is filled with humor, music and beautifully crafted puppets. After the show, Nick takes down the curtains and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the performance and explains how he made and operates the puppets.

Bring the whole family and enjoy the show that’s delighting children of all ages. This event takes place in Vineland’s community room.

‘Get Real, Get Fit!’ teen nutrition workshop
On Saturday, Dec. 3, from 2-4 p.m. in Vineland’s community room, teens in grades six through 12 and their parents are invited to a workshop presented by students at San Jose State University.

Studies show that more that more than nine 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. Fun, good food, games and prizes! Pre-registration is required. Call Vineland Branch Library at (408) 808-3020 to register.

Events
- On Friday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m., teens (ages 13-18) are invited to participate in a monthly Teens Reach meeting 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 is pleased to offer a free yoga class on most Mondays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. (no classes on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2). The instructor, Vandana Kadam, will give useful tips and demonstrate various yoga techniques for 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.

- Science Fiction buffs—there is a book club for you! On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. the group will discuss Greg Bear’s “Darwin’s Children.” Visitors are always welcome.

- Adult Mystery Book Club will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 6:45 p.m. in Vineland’s community room. The book under discussion will be Marcia Muller’s “Listen to the Silence.” All mystery fans are invited to attend.

- After School Youth Activity Program—On Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 3:15–4:45 p.m., the library is hosting a fun program geared toward students sixth through 12th grades, showing a G-rated film geared to teens. The Friends of the Library will provide free snacks and sodas. This event takes place in Vineland’s community room.

- The book discussion group for seniors (50+) meets on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 10:15 a.m. in the library’s community room. The book under discussion is Dai Sijie’s “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress.”

- 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 is required.

- There are no story times offered during December.

Vineland Branch Library is located at 1450 Blossom Hill Road. The library will be closed Dec. 23-26 and Dec. 30-Jan. 2. 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.