West Valley Branch Library

November Book Club

2010-10-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Join us in November as we discuss The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai.

In a crumbling, isolated house at the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas lives an embittered judge who wants only to retire in peace, when his orphaned granddaughter, Sai, arrives on his doorstep. The judge’s cook watches over her distractedly, for his thoughts are often on his son, Biju, who is hopscotching from one gritty New York restaurant to another. Kiran Desai’s brilliant novel, published to huge acclaim, is a story of joy and despair. Her characters face numerous choices that majestically illuminate the consequences of colonialism as it collides with the modern world.

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30pm. We're back in the Community Room for our next meeting, so please join us!

October Book Club Pick: Red Leaves by Thomas H. Cook

2010-09-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

With the seasons changing and Halloween lurking around the corner, the West Valley Book Club has opted for a darker novel full of drama and suspense, not to mention a seasonally-appropriate title. Please join us in October as we discuss Red Leaves by Edgar-award winning author Thomas H. Cook.

Eric Moore has reason to be happy. He has a prosperous business, a comfortable home, a stable family life in a quiet town. Then, on an ordinary night, his teenage son Keith is asked to babysit Amy Giordano, the eight-year-old daughter of a neighboring family. The next morning Amy is missing.
Red Leaves is a story of broken trust and one man's heroic effort to hold fast the ties that bind him to everything he loves.

Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6:30pm to discuss this book and to help choose our November pick. Please note that we will be meeting in Study Room B in the back of the library for our next meeting.

September Book Club

2010-08-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

In honor of its 50th anniversary of publication, the West Valley Book Club will read and discuss the beloved classic To Kill a Mockingbird. Many of us have read this novel at some point in our lives, and if you haven't, you've got to check out this staple of American Literature. Even if you've already read it, there is enough rich content to ignite interesting discussion and opinions.

Join us on Wed. September 8th at 6:30pm in the Community Room to discuss this classic. We'll share some refreshments and decide on our next pick for October.

Growing Asian Vegetables

2010-06-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Come join us on Wednesday, July 14 from 7-8PM in the WV Community Room for our next free program conducted by the UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County. Jean Lee will share her experience and expertise growing Asian vegetables in her year-round Santa Clara County garden. Learn how (and when) to plant and harvest various Asian vegetables. The presentation will include photos from Jean's garden and from her trips to China. Bring your questions!

July Book Club

2010-06-10T17:27:00.001-07:00

We're going to non-fiction for the month of July and it's a real adventure story in tracing the travels of one Percy Fawcett, a British explorer who was determined to discover the lost city of El Dorado in the dense Amazon jungle of Brazil. The only problem is that Fawcett and his small band of explorers disappered and were never heard from, nor found, again. The Lost City of Z is author David Grann's attempt to solve "the greatest exploration mystery of the 20th century" and he tells a fascinating tale of just what it takes to explore the Amazon and the jungle's "green hell." The book club will meet on Wednesday, July 21st at 6:30pm (one week later than usual!) Please join us if you can.

Bouquets From Your Garden

2010-05-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

Flowers in the home say "Welcome!" Join us from 10 AM-Noon on Saturday, June 12, 2010 in the Community Room, where the UC Master Gardeners will show us how to create our own garden of cutting flowers. Be inspired to create your own arrangements with what you gather from your yard. Instructors will bring flowers and other plant materials for demonstration.
Activities for children will be available on the patio outside the Community Room. This free event is sponsored by Friends of the West Valley Library, UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County and the WV Branch Library.

June Book Club

2010-05-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

In June we'll be reading some fiction that is based on a contemporary topic with global relevance. And just so we're clear about this, the word "fundamentalist" should not only be applied strictly to those of Muslim faith, but in this case the book "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" deals with the choices and life experiences of a muslim man in the western world. It's a short read at 184 pages, but surely a topic and global reality worth exploring and talking about. The Reluctant Fundamentalist was written by Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid in 2007 and will hopefully provide an engrossing level of conversation when next we meet on Wednesday June 9th at 6:30pm, as always. See you then.

Backyard Beekeeping with UCCE Master Gardeners

2010-04-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

We have a real problem in our urban areas. We don't have enough bees to pollinate our fruit trees, flowers and vegetables. Ever wonder what it takes to become a backyard beekeeper? Join us on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 in the West Valley Branch Community Room as UC Master Gardener Anita Rosen tells us what is involved. Bring your questions. For more information about Master Gardeners, please visit their web site.

May Book Club Pick

2010-04-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

For the month of May we have chosen a title that takes place during the glamour days of 1950's era Cuba ... well until the glamour is interrupted by the Cuban revolution and the legendary ruler who still lives, Fidel Castro. Telex from Cuba is by Cuban-American author Rachel Kushner and was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2008. It has received many positive reviews and we hope that it'll be well received at our next book club meeting on Wednesday May 12th at the usual time of 6:30pm. See you there.

UCCE Master Gardeners: Growing Culinary Herbs

2010-04-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

Please join us on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 from 7-8 PM for our next program from the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County.

Learn from UC Master Gardener Ann Ranish how easy it is to grow your own herbs to add lively flavor to your meals. Add culinary herbs to the vegetable garden, use as companions for drought tolerant ornamentals, or grow them in containers. Bring your questions!

This is the fourth free gardening event for 2010 sponsored by West Valley Library, Friends of the West Valley Library and the UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County. This program will be held in the West Valley Branch Library Community Room.

Census 2010 assistance at West Valley

2010-03-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

West Valley library will have a representative from the U.S. Census Bureau through the 19th of April here to assist any members of the public seeking help or information about their census forms. Our Census worker Tiffany will be here Thursday & Friday 1-6pm and Sat. 10-3pm in Study Room B, March 19-April 19 in case you're looking for someone to answer any questions you might have or help you may need in completing the required information from the U.S. Census Bureau. Take advantage of the assistance provided because completion of the Census information is required by law, folks!

April Book Club Selection

2010-03-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

Louise Erdrich, prolific author of titles such as Love Medicine and The Master Butchers Singing Club among many others, wrote The Plague of Doves in 2008 and it's the title we'll be reading next month for our book club. It's a family epic of indigenous Ojibwe peoples and white European settlers in North Dakota, a pseudo-mystery and by all accounts a memorable tale written by an accomplished storyteller. Join us on Thursday, April 15th at 6pm in the community room of the library for our next meeting.

UC Master Gardeners Present: Growing Tomatoes!

2010-02-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

Learn the secrets to growing great tasting tomatoes from UC Master Gardeners Sue Zaslaw and Janet Waagen. Learn about the many different varieties of tomatoes, how to get them started and planted, how to grow them, protect them and keep them healthy.
Join us for this program in the Community Room from 7-8PM on Wednesday, March 17.
This free gardening event is sponsored by West Valley Branch Library, Friends of the West Valley Library and the UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County.

March Book Club Title

2010-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

We're going back to fiction, contemporary fiction, for the March gathering of our book club. Specifically, we'll be reading The White Tiger: A Novel by Aravind Adiga. According to the publisher: "Balram Halwai is a complicated man. Servant. Philosopher. Entrepreneur. Murderer. Over the course of seven nights, by the scattered light of a preposterous chandelier, Balram tells us the terrible and transfixing story of how he came to be a success in life—having nothing but his own wits to help him along." So hopefully this gives a little taste of this novel of one man's version of contemporary India that won the Man Booker Prize in 2008. It'll be a good time when next we meet on Wednesday, March 10th at 6:30pm. Join us if you can.

Author Event at West Valley February 25th

2010-02-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

We're lucky here at West Valley library when Silicon Valley Reads rolls around because we've gotten some great author programs over the years. Typically they are well-attended and this year we have another event to offer. Jonah Raskin, author of Field Days: A Year of Farming, Eating, and Drinking Wine in California will be here on Thursday, February 25th at 6:30pm to talk about his book and hopefully shed some fascinating light on farming and food topics here in Northern California. Locavores and really anyone interested in contemporary food topics should find much value in writers like Mr. Raskin, and his visiting our branch library is an event that we're fortunate to be able to present. Come check it out and take advantage of the unique offerings that Silicon Valley Reads enables us to present to our community.

Growing Orchids is Easier Than You Think!

2010-01-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

Join us on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 from 7-8 PM for a free gardening event with UC Master Gardener David Giroux, an orchid expert. Mr. Giroux will discuss varieties of orchids as well as share tips on maintaining healthy, beautiful orchids in your home and garden.

Bring your problem orchids to the talk for his diagnosis and advice.

This free gardening event is sponsored by West Valley Branch Library, Friends of the West Valley Library and the UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County. We will meet in the West Valley Branch Library Community Room.

Silicon Valley Reads & February Book Club

2010-01-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

This year's title for Silicon Valley Reads is a non-fiction book that you've probably heard about due to the ample attention that the writer has received in recent years for his important and timely writings. The author is Michael Pollan and the title is In Defense of Food. Maybe you've heard the mantra: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." That is the most basic summary the author can provide for advice that was sought out from him after his previous bestseller, The Omnivore's Dilemma. Both of these titles are important works addressing contemporary topics on food, diet and health in the broader spectrum of culture, but for February's book club we'll be focusing on In Defense of Food. It is the Silicon Valley Reads pick of the year and you'd be wise to pick up a copy and join in the community dialogue. There are tons of programs going on, just check out the link for sponsored programs ... or come to our book club for starters! WV Book Club next meets on Wednesday, February 10th @6:30pm.

"A Mysterious Past" Book Club

2010-01-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

Readers, our next title for the historical mystery book club will be Demon of the Air, by Simon Levack. This is a novel that takes place in the heydey of the Aztec empire, two years before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Rumors of pale, bearded men reach the emperor Montezuma and from there a tale twisted plots and counterplots form a gripping narrative. The meeting will be held on Tuesday the 16th of February at 6:00pm. All interested readers are welcome.

Teen Movie Event: Twilight

2009-12-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

Please join us for our showing of the movie Twilight, on Friday, January 22, 2010 from 4-6 PM! Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of West Valley Library, we have arranged for this special presentation.

Bella Swan doesn't expect much when she moves to the small town of Forks, WA, until she meets the mysterious & handsome Edward Cullen! Rated PG-13.

This event takes place in the Community Room

January Book Clubs

2009-12-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

We have a new book club forming at West Valley library in January of 2010, as well as our regular established group that keeps on readin' and talkin'. The new book club is known as "A Mysterious Past" and they read, specifically, historical mysteries. Their title for January will be The Alchemist's Apprentice by Dave Duncan. So if you're interested in joining the readers of "A Mysterious Past" then by all means mark your calendars for their gathering on Tuesday, January 12th at 6:00pm.

Now, our regular ongoing book club has also picked it's January read and it will be a novel written in 1951 by Graham Greene entitled "The End of the Affair." Get your copy today because the next meeting of the West Valley book club is coming soon on Wednesday, January the 13th at 6:30pm as always. So now that we have two(!) book clubs, you've just doubled your pleasure if you're a reader. Somebody remind me to invite the Doublemint Twins.

Roses & Rose Care presented by UCCE Master Gardeners

2009-12-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

Learn from Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County how to care for roses so that they will thrive in your garden. January is the best time of year to prune roses in Santa Clara County. Potted plants will be used to aid in demonstration. You'll also learn about more local hands-on opportunities to improve your rose care expertise. Bring your questions!

Come join us on January 20, 2010, from 7-8 pm in the West Valley Branch Library Community Room. Co-sponsored by West Valley Library, Friends of the WV Library and UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County.

100 Notable Books

2009-12-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

Every year the New York Times puts out a list of notable reads for the year and it's always a wealth of information for titles you overlooked, meant to read, can put on a list of "gotta reads," etc. It's full of great suggestions in every imaginable genre and even includes a list of best childrens books of the year as well. The list can be found here, but another great way to browse is by linking to the Book Section of the Times where all of the year-end lists, and there are many, can be found. Happy reading to you all.

Time for Holiday Crafts!

2009-11-24T19:15:00.000-08:00

Join us on December 4 & 11 from 10 a.m to 12 noon in the Community Room, to celebrate the upcoming holidays by creating your very own fun multicultural holiday crafts. We will also open up the Stay & Play toy chest for everyone to enjoy our games, toys & puzzles. These activites are suitable for young children.
Thanks to the Friends of the West Valley Library for sponsoring this event. See you there!

We're on Facebook

2009-11-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Are you active on Facebook? If so, you might want to check out our facebook page to have another avenue of staying current with what's going on at our library. C'mon, it won't hurt to "friend" us ... we promise there'll be no uncomfortable stalking or annoying personality issues involved with us.

http://www.facebook.com/westvalley

December Book Club

2009-11-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

Folks, the pressure was mighty to read a light-hearted "holiday" type of book. Well, it looks like we've got one in the form of "The Christmas Sweater" by author Glenn Beck. Yup, the same author (and TV commentator) of such heartwarming titles as "Arguing with Idiots" and "America's March to Socialism." Apparently, Mr.Beck has a soft spot for Christmas parables and so we're in for some serious holiday sentiment at our December book club meeting. According to the publisher, this is a book "Based on a deeply personal true story, "The Christmas Sweater" is a warm and poignant tale of family, faith and forgiveness that offers us a glimpse of our own lives -- while also making us question if we really know what's most important in them." Just don't ask me to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" because that, undoubtedly, would put this librarian over the edge of holiday sanity. Come join us at the next meeting on Wednesday the 16th of December at 6:30pm, as always.

Book Sale Saturday, 11/14

2009-11-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

Books galore and amazing deals! We have a book sale coming up at West Valley Library on Saturday the 14th of November. Members of the Friends of the Library get first dibs from 9am to 10am, and the sale opens to the general public at 10am. After 2pm, every bag of books you fill is only $2! All proceeds go to the Friends of the West Valley Library, who generously support the library's programs and collections.

November Book Club Title

2009-10-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

The book we'll be reading and discussing for our November meeting will be a contemporary piece of fiction entitled "Tethered" by Amy MacKinnon. This is the story of an undertaker's assistant and the unique world she occupies both personally and occupationally. The book has been noted for it's impressive writing style and Booklist magazine says about this debut novel: "MacKinnon’s fascination with the inner workings of her uncle’s funeral business inspired this haunting, gracefully rendered debut." Sounds like a good read appropriate for this time of the calendar year. Come by and check it out as it promises to be another intriguing evening with some local readers. The book club meets again on Wednesday the 18th of November at 6:30pm.

12 Months of Color in the California Native Garden

2009-10-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

When it comes to planting California natives, Fall is the new Spring! Master Gardener Cayce Hill will discusses why now is the best time to begin planting natives, and how to choose plants that will provide color and diversity to your garden year-round.

Please join us in the West Valley Branch Library Community Room on Wednesday, October 21 from 7-8 p.m. for this lecture & discussion.

This Free event is sponsored by Friends of the West Valley Library, Santa Clara County UCCE Master Gardeners and West Valley Branch Library.

Language Exchange (Nov. 5-7, 12-14)

2009-09-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Would you like to learn or practice speaking another language?

West Valley Library will be matching you up with one or more people who speak the language you want to learn between Nov. 5-7 & 12-14 for one hour based on your availability. You will spend half an hour conversing in your native language and half an hour in your target language.

Fill out the following application by Oct. 25 and email the completed form to le.sjpl@gmail.com or print it out and return it to the information desk at West Valley Branch Library. If you have any questions, please email le.sjpl@gmail.com or call (408) 244-4766.

Note: Native English speakers who are not learning a foreign language but willing to volunteer their time to help others pratice English are also welcome to apply.

Download the Language Exchange Application here

October Book Club Pick

2009-09-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

For the month of October we'll be reading a piece of fiction by Anne Tyler entitled "Digging to America." Now, I personally don't know much about Anne Tyler or her latest book, but here's what Library Journal had to say about it: “The author’s 17th novel exemplifies her skill at depicting seemingly quiet and unremarkable lives with sympathy and humor . . . A touching, well-crafted tale of friendship, families, and what it means to be an American.” Sound enticing enough for you? Well, just read the book like the rest of us and get on over here Wednesday the 14th of October at 6:30pm for our next meeting. Sounds like a plan, don't it?

Baby Sign Language Workshop

2009-09-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

Stop guessing what your baby is trying to tell you and learn the many proven educational and emotional benefits of Baby Sign Language! This free workshop introduces basic baby signs based on American Sign Language (ASL) and is designed for parents with hearing babies from birth to 18 months old. Fun Activities and songs will show you how easy it can be to integrate simple signs into your everyday routine to jumpstart your baby's verbal skills. You are indeed welcome to bring your baby, but it's not required. This workshop will be held on Friday, October 2nd from 10:15am - 12noon.

Planning for the Future of San Jose, a survey for the City

2009-08-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Residents and Friends of San Jose,

The Envision San Jose 2040 General Plan Update is creating the blueprint for the City’s future growth and development, and the City of San Jose would like your input.

With support from The Knight Foundation, we have created an online “wikiplanning” site where you can help shape the future of San Jose over the next 30 years!

Complete our survey and you will be eligible to win complimentary tickets from San Jose’s arts, entertainment, and cultural organizations! You can also learn more about the Envision San Jose 2040 city planning project, provide feedback in our discussion forum, or post and comment on your own and others’ photos.

Follow these simple instructions to participate:

1) Go to WWW.WIKIPLANNING.ORG
2) Enter your e-mail address
3) Use the password 2040

Our goal is to have more than 10,000 participants, diverse in age and background.

Thanks! Your participation will make a difference in San Jose’s future!

For more information on the Envision San Jose 2040 process, you can go to http://www.sanjoseca.gov/planning/gp_update/default.asp.
Contact Lee Butler at 408-535-7851 or at Lee.Butler@sanjoseca.gov with any questions.

Thank you for helping in this effort!

September Book Club

2009-08-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

As summer winds down and we begin to feel the last legs of yet another season we are also shifting into another book club selection that returns us to the realm of non-fiction. This month we'll be reading "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer, a title that is immensely thought-provoking and gripping at the same time. Jon Krakauer has written some terrific pieces of non-fiction over the years, but this title is particularly well-suited to the discussion and thoughtful conversation that a good book club will foster. In fact, it's not often that I can personally recommend the filmed version of a book, but Sean Penn directed a marvelous version of "Into the Wild" in 2007 and if you have some extra time, check it out as well if you're so inclined. All right, the next meeting of our book club meets on Wednesday the 9th of September at 6:30pm, as always.

Book Club Information: July & August

2009-06-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

OK, first things first ... there will be NO book club meeting in July due to vacations, traditions, whatever you choose to call it, but hopefully everyone will encounter some alternative summer fun in place of our regular meeting time.

Now then, we will gather again the second Wednesday of August when we get together to read "Charming Billy" by Alice McDermott. This novel won the National Book Award for fiction in 1998 and here's a rather enticing excerpt of a review from salon.com to get you interested: "... McDermott's "Charming Billy," circles repeatedly and tantalizingly around the ghostly form of Billy Lynch, the late sentimentalist, chatty raconteur, writer of sweet letters and drunk extraordinaire whose wake is the occasion for a chorus of reminiscing relatives and friends. Set in New York City's outer boroughs and Long Island from the '40s through the '80s, the novel is an exquisite portrayal of dream and delusion, the limits of community and, most pointedly, the cruel narcissism behind the alcoholic's grin."

Again, take July off, go dip your toes in a cool body of water or sip your favorite summertime beverage as we will not be getting together for the book club next month. When August 12th rolls around, I want to see you there ready to talk about what promises to be a "charming" novel. Sorry for the egregious pun. See you then.

Summer reading around the corner

2009-05-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Summertime is just around the corner and with it comes Summer Reading Celebration at San José Public Library. It’s time to kick back, read, and enjoy a book (or several) of your own choosing. “Be Creative @ your library” is the theme for children from birth through grade 5, while teens in grades 6 through 12 are invited to “Express Yourself @ your library.” This year all registration and recordkeeping will take place online, so there are no paper logs to keep track of. The ability to download eBooks and audiobooks from the library’s digital media collection makes it possible to participate even when out of town. In addition, participants will be able to set their own reading goal. A free book and a pizza coupon await those who reach their goal (while supplies last). Free activities increase at all San José libraries throughout the summer months providing ample opportunity for fun and relaxation. There will also be a summer reading program for adults: “Master the Art of Reading. For more information as summer draws near, visit SJLibrary.org/src.htm.

June Book Club Selection

2009-05-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

For the month of June we'll be reading a prolific writer in Bill Bryson. In the words of one editorial review "Bill Bryson was born in the middle of the American century—1951—in the middle of the United States—Des Moines, Iowa—in the middle of the largest generation in American history—the baby boomers." His latest title is "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" and it's a look back at what growing up in the 1950's in Midwest America meant to him and, likely, to anybody else who happens to remember America in the post-World War II years. Truly, a unique period in the history of the United States if ever there was one. Bryson's writing is always infused with a tremendous sense of humor and these memoirs, like most of his books, draw you into his world and keep you entertained with an everpresent and slight, dopey grin on your face for the duration of his personal recollections. The book club next meets on Wednesday, June 10th at the regular time of 6:30pm. We hope to see you there.

May Book Club Selection

2009-04-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, springtime... the glorious rebirth of dormant flora, the morning air filled with the chirping of enthused songbirds ... beauty abounds. It is an easy thing to be seduced by beauty, wouldn't you agree? But the problem with Dorian Gray is that he is a man seduced by his own beauty and corrupted by the notions of an ignoble mentor. The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde has come to be recognized as a classic of Western literature and a memorably creative work of Gothic horror. We'll be reading this unique novel, the only novel ever published by Oscar Wilde, the original king of contemporary and furious wit, for our May book club meeting. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 13th at 6:30pm as usual. It would be a shame if you missed the occasion.

Beauty has as many meanings as man has moods. -Oscar Wilde

April Book Club Selection

2009-03-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

We'll be reading a piece of fiction entitled "Montana, 1948" by Larry Watson for our April book club meeting. Literary review magazine Kirkus Reviews writes "Watson (author) offers a lean, gaunt narrative rich with implication about a 12-year-old boy who witnesses the anguish of his sheriff father, who is forced to arrest his own brother for rape ... A literary page-turner, morally complex and satisfying in its careful accumulation of detail and in its use of landscape to reveal character." This is a quick read, a mere wisp of a book at 175 pages, but our next book club meeting will be on Wednesday, April the 8th(@ 6:30pm), so we have but a mere 3 weeks before our next gathering. Hopefully we'll see you there to talk literature together.

Brian Copeland at West Valley March 11th

2009-03-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder, folks, that Brian Copeland, author of "Not a Genuine Black Man" will be here tomorrow, Wednesday March 11th, at 7pm. This year's featured author for Silicon Valley Reads, Mr. Copeland will come by the branch for an evening sure to satisfy anyone interested in his enjoyable book and personal narrative. It'll be time well spent ... come join us.

Health Series Talk #2

2009-02-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

Our second event in a health series is scheduled for Saturday the 14th of March when Dr. Yen Tran, Doctor of Naturopathic Health, or Naturopathy, will visit out branch again for a talk entitled "Heart Health & Incoporating more Green." The "Green" relates to healthy eating (green vegetables!) and healthy environment (green spaces). Dr. Tran will be speaking at 12 noon on Saturday the 14th of March in our community room. So come on out and stay informed of your health matters.

March Book Club Selection

2009-02-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

In March we will visit a well-known title of American literature. Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was published in 1943 and has steadily remained placed in the list of well regarded American fiction of the 20th Century. The New York Public Library has named it as one of the "books of the century" and it likely has a place on other lists of notable American titles. Join us on Wednesday the 18th of March as we get together for our next meeting. Hope to see you there!

February Book Club Title and Silicon Valley Reads

2009-01-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

February takes us into the realm of Silicon Valley Reads territory as we take on Brian Copeland's title "Not a Genuine Black Man." This title was chosen for the 2009 Silicon Valley Reads program and as such we are quite fortunate to be able to have the author here on the evening of Wednesday, March the 11th at 7pm. Mr. Copeland will be reading from his book and doing a Q&A afterwards while signing purchased copies of his book. Before his appearance, however, we'll get together on Wednesday, February 18th at 6:30pm to talk a bit about his work and get ready for his visit in March. It should be a lot of fun so please join us if you can!

Health Resolutions for 2009?

2009-01-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

We'd like to invite everyone to come by West Valley library on Saturday the 31st of January at 12noon for a talk entitled "Make your New Year Health Resolutions a Reality." The talk will be presented by Dr. Yen Tran, doctor of Naturopathic medicine, who will hopefully provide us with information and ways to help participants maintain our respective health goals for 2009 and beyond. This will be the first in what we hope will be an ongoing monthly series of health topics from Dr. Tran in the first half of 2009. Please join us.

January Book Club Selection

2008-12-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

For the first month of 2009 we will be reading a fabulous piece of fiction by a talented young American writer. The writer is David Benioff and his 2nd novel is City of Thieves, our choice for the January read. The Washington Post wrote about it: “City of Thieves is a coming-of-age story brilliantly amplified by its worn-torn backdrop. Benioff’s finest achievement in City of Thieves has been to banish all possible pretensions from his novel, which never wears its research on its sleeve, and to deliver a rough-and-tumble tale that clenches humor, savagery, and pathos squarely together on the same page.” It's a fast-paced story that will have you hooked from the first few pages with it's smart prose and manages to also educate the reader about an epic period and place in Russian history during World War II. Come share your impressions of this great read at our next book club meeting on Wednesday, January the 14th at 6:30 pm. We'll see you then.

Notable Books of 2008

2008-12-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

The New York Times puts together a list every year of their picks for "notable" books of the year and here is the current list of their 10 favorite (5 fiction and 5 non-fiction). The final ten are taken from a larger list of 100 notable books of the year and if you're feeling ambitious, well, by all means check it out here. No shortage of good reads here, folks ... no shortage at all.

Nick Barone Puppet Show

2008-12-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

Come with the kids and check out "Holiday Treats" with acclaimed puppeteer Nick Barone. Mr. Barone will put on a wonderful holiday show filled with humor, music and beautifully-crafted puppets. Fun for the whole family! The program will run from 6:30pm until about 7:15 on Wednesday the 10th of December in the community room.

This program was made possible by generous support from the Friends of the West Valley Branch Library

December Book Club Title

2008-11-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

For our next book club gathering, we will be reading a 2005 novel by Norwegian author Per Petterson entitled "Out Stealing Horses." Here is a brief review from The New Yorker magazine: In this quiet but compelling novel, Trond Sander, a widower nearing seventy, moves to a bare house in remote eastern Norway, seeking the life of quiet contemplation that he has always longed for. A chance encounter with a neighbor—the brother, as it happens, of his childhood friend Jon—causes him to ruminate on the summer of 1948, the last he spent with his adored father, who abandoned the family soon afterward. Trond’s recollections center on a single afternoon, when he and Jon set out to take some horses from a nearby farm; what began as an exhilarating adventure ended abruptly and traumatically in an act of unexpected cruelty. Petterson’s spare and deliberate prose has astonishing force, and the narrative gains further power from the artful interplay of Trond’s childhood and adult perspectives. Join us on Wednesday the 10th of December at 6:30pm when the book club next meets at West Valley library.

Recycling Art in the Garden

2008-11-17T18:42:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, November 19th we will have a a volunteer from the UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County presenting fresh ideas for preserving salvageable objects likely destined for a landfill somewhere. The purpose of the class is to promote recycling while creating a sense of whimsy & beauty in the garden. Come join us for our last UCCE Master Gardeners events of 2008 in our Community Room at 7pm. The event is free and cosponsored by the Friends of the West Valley Library and the UC Extension Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County.

The Fall Classic and some suggested reading

2008-10-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well, it comes down to the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays in this year's World Series. I would have loved to have seen the Chicago Cubs play the White Sox (or better yet the Oakland A's), but the Cubs have insisted on staying true to their curse and bowed out in the divisional playoffs. That being said, the most entertaining book to come out recently on baseball has been Your Brain on Cubs, a collection of essays by neuroscientists and other knowledgeable types about why fans continue to support and believe in a team that last won a title over a century ago. And for you Phillies fans there is a book published this year about Phillies rookie catcher Chris Coste titled "The 33 year-old rookie : how I finally made it to the big leagues after eleven years in the minors." Sadly there are no books about the Tampa Bay Rays that I can suggest, but you just wait a few months and those predictable "worst to first" books are sure to hit the bookstores, and libraries of course. At least we don't have to list all of those Red Sox books as they seem to proliferate more than others, but I'll cry no tears over their demise this year and all I can say is "wait until next year, Charlie Brown ..." I'll see you at the Oakland Coliseum next April rooting for the green and gold. *Sigh*

Homework Center to open!

2008-10-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, we finally have everything in place to offer our tremendously popular Homework Center again at West Valley library. The center is scheduled to open on Monday the 20th of October and again this year it will be from 3pm-6pm Monday thru Thursday. Our tutors from the past two years have moved on to other things and so we will have two new tutors beginning at the library this month. Come in to say "Hi" and get to know our new tutors and see what they can offer your budding scholars.

November Book Club selection

2008-10-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

A little bit of historical fiction comes our way for the November book selection in the form of The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean. The Seattle Times wrote about it: "Memory and the imagination are the gifts that keep on giving in "The Madonnas of Leningrad," an exceptional debut novel by Seattle writer Debra Dean. In this bifurcated story, an aging Russian immigrant living in Seattle loses her grip on the present and yields to the past, specifically the most intense period of her life: the years of deprivation and fear known as the siege of Leningrad. To her family, the old woman is succumbing to dementia. But to Marina Buriakov, the reward for her forgetfulness is the opportunity to revisit, room by room and painting by painting..."

So come on by on Wednesday the 12th of November at 6:30pm for our next gathering. We'll see you then.

October Book Club Title

2008-09-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

The past week sent many omens, signals, reminders, whatever you may wish to call it, about the title we have chosen for our October read. From a variety of sources came gushing and strongly opinionated statements speaking to the importance and sheer humanity of this book ... and so it is and so we shall read this highly regarded title. We're confident that there will be an abundance of discussion when we next meet on Wednesday the 8th of October to talk about "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson. It's been a popular book club title for the past couple of years and hopefully it will inspire much when next we meet. Please join us on October the 8th at 6:30 pm and be a part of a great group of readers.

September Book Club ... "The Tender Bar"

2008-08-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

We'll be reaching into the realm of personal memoirs and non-fiction with our September selection entitled "The Tender Bar" by J.R. Moehringer. A book that has garnered attention for it's descriptive language of a time (various) and a place (the neighborhood bar)that was formative to the development of a young man's identity. The New York Times Book Review wrote: “The Tender Bar is a beautiful, gravelly love letter to [an] amorphous father, a melancholy romance between a boy and a corner saloon that's as smoky and heart-crackling as a Sinatra 78.” Grab yourself a copy and join us on Wednesday September the 10th at 6:30pm when we gather next, not in a bar, sadly, but in our cozy library community room to talk about this unique title. We don't have a jukebox, but I can assure you we'll have some appropriate bar/lounge music to fill the background.

Book Club Update!

2008-06-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gents, we have a title picked for the next two book club meetings, however, we will NOT be meeting in the month of July. The facilitator of the West Valley Book Club will be on vacation and so we're all taking the month off in case anybody else wants to get in a little R&R. OK then, the next meeting will occur on Wednesday, August 13th when we gather to discuss The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. The book has been described as "... perched on the cusp between grown-up and young-adult fiction ..." and it has been well-received by a wide readership. It's a long-winding epic of 552 pages so the extra month off will hopefully serve us well. Be a part of it and join us in August! And just so you all know about the September meeting, we've chosen to read a piece of non-fiction in the form of a 2005 book called The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer. We'll have more information about the September title posted later in the summer. See you in August!

Summer Reading Celebration: June 14 - August 9

2008-05-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

Bring the whole family to West Valley Branch Library this summer! Our annual Summer Reading Celebration begins on June 14th. We have great stuff going on all summer long for kids, teens, AND adults.

Starting June 14th, kids and teens can sign up for Catch the Reading Bug or Metamorphosis @ Your Library Reading Logs. Mark your reading time spent between June 14- August 9 in your Reading Log, and come back to the library to receive fun prizes! Also, be sure to check our Events Calendar for more information about all of the great programs and events going on at the library this summer.

Adults, Summer Reading isn't just for the kids anymore... We now have an Adult Summer Reading program too! This year, the theme is "Savor the Summer". Fill out entry forms at the library for each book you read or listen to this summer and put them in the drawing box. We'll be doing multiple drawings all summer long for cool stuff. Find out more information here!

June Book Club Title

2008-05-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

We will be reading an intriguing piece of historical fiction for our June meeting entitled "Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks. The book focuses on a small town in medieval England confronting the arrival of the deadly plague sweeping Europe. Frighteningly good stuff and it should make for some great conversation. Join us on June 11th at 6:30pm when we next meet.

5th Birthday Celebration in May!

2008-04-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's been 5 years since we opened our beautiful green building, back in 2003! We're throwing an all-day birthday bash, and YOU are our guests of honor! Please join us as we celebrate 5 great years in our building, providing library services to the local community. We will be celebrating all day on Saturday, May 10, from 10am-5pm. Refreshments will be served in the lobby all day, and all are invited to sign our birthday mural.
Also be sure to check out these special events!
11:00 AM: Birthday-themed Toddler Storytime
12:30 PM: Cake Cutting and Toasts with library and local community leaders
1:00 PM: Cinco de Mayo Performance for families by Colibri

May book club title

2008-04-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Our title for next month's book club meeting on May 14th will be a book entitled "A Million Nightingales" by Susan Straight. Now, we have but only two copies in the library system, but there are plenty to be found at neighboring libraries such as Santa Clara County and through Link+. Just let us, any of us, know if you need help finding a copy of this or ANY title ... as always. Hope to see you there.

San Jose Teen Idol

2008-04-02T19:39:00.001-07:00

Go on, get your Teen Idol groove on. Yup, we have another year of San Jose Idol competitions at various branches, West Valley included on Thursday the 24th of April. The competition will be furious and if you want information about what you need to do to participate click HERE!Cash prizes await and fame that knows no boundaries, for sure. If you are between the ages of 12-19 c'mon down and show us whatcha got. We know you're out there singing in the shower and in the park with your friends so come on in and do it in the library too!

April Book Club Selection

2008-03-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

The book we will be reading and discussing for our next meeting will be "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" by Patrick Suskind. This is a fabulously crafted story, entirely unique in it's telling and really no wonder that it was finally adapted and made into a film. Join us for what should be a colorful discussion. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 9th at 6:30pm.

A lovely panorama ...

2008-03-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

Check out this great image of the main floor of our library and appreciate the natural light, the impressive allure of architectural lines and the overall welcoming nature of our space. That's all ... just sharing a moment captured in time by Daisy Porter, our Senior Librarian last Thursday the 28th of February. Ahhh yes, Spring is in the air with a warm and glowing sun making itself felt in more ways than one.

Taxonomy? Taxidermy? No, just Taxes for now ...

2008-02-15T16:49:00.000-08:00

If you come to the library looking for subjects that begin with "TAX" at this time of the year, well, we're going to point you in the direction of the IRS and the State Franchise Tax Board and those pleasant types. We do NOT distribute or carry tax forms here at San Jose Public Library, but we do have a slew of information on obtaining tax related assistance. One of the more useful and requested bits of information is the free assistance that can be obtained at a variety of locations and dates through an array of providers. So take a deep breath, get your paperwork together and good luck tackling that unavoidable yearly burden of civic duty.

March Book Club Title

2008-02-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

We had a good time talkin' about The Distant Land of My Father, this year's Silicon Valley Reads selection, and we're lookin' forward to the author Bo Caldwell being here next week, but it's time to move on with our reading selection for March. We have chosen Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen to be our next read. So get your copy now as it remains a popular title in our library system and many others, I'm sure. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 12th at 6:30pm. See you there.

February Frenzy

2008-02-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of events going on this month at West Valley! We hope to see you here!

Anime & Manga Club for Teens
Fri, Feb 8, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Do you love all things anime and manga? Want a place where you can share your artwork and make new friends? West Valley Branch Library has an anime and manga club just for teens ages 12-18, and we want YOU to join! We get together every month to watch anime episodes and films, discuss manga, plan club activities, eat Japanese snacks, and have fun!
This event takes place in the Group Study Room B

Celebration of the Year of the Rat
Sat, Feb 9, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Please join us at Calabazas Park (1230 Blaney Ave, San Jose) for a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration. Watch a dragon parade, a lion dance, and a kung fu/ ta chi demonstration, and participate in fun family craft activities.
This event takes place at Calabazas Park, 1230 Blaney Ave. San Jose, CA , (408) 996-1536

Friends of the Library Book Sale at West Valley Branch
Sat, Feb 9, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Books galore! We'll have children's, adult, and teen books; picture books, computer books, books in languages other than English; books about gardening, cookbooks, and romance novels; and any other category you can imagine. Friends of the Library get first dibs from 9am to 10am, and the sale opens to the general public at 10am. After 2pm, every bag of books you fill is only $2. All proceeds go to the Friends of the West Valley Library, who generously support the library's programs and collections.

Teen Battle of the Bands Audition
Tue, Feb 12, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
In honor of Teen Tech Week, it’s time to “Tune In @ your library”! We're calling all teen musicians (groups and solo) between the ages of 12-18...Now’s your chance to be heard! Enter San Jose Public Library’s Battle of the Bands 2008 online by February 15th for your chance to compete at a live concert in March and win awesome prizes, including studio recording time and generous gift certificates! The first part of this battle takes place ONLINE. Send us your submissions between Feb. 6-15. Email us at sjplbattleofthebands@gmail.com with a link to your music online (i.e. your page on MySpace, YouTube, Pure Volume, etc), along with your contact information. Don’t have your music online yet? Stop by our “virtual audition” recording session at West Valley on Tuesday, 2/12 at 4pm, along with your musical equipment. We will record you playing and help you upload the video online. Please visit the information desk for more information and official rules.

Valentine's Day Bash for Teens
Thu, Feb 14, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Hey teens! Is true love in the air, or does it just stink? Whether you love or loathe Valentine’s Day this year, join us for a fun V-Day Bash! We’ll be making valentines (or UN-valentines, your choice!), decorating “broken heart” cookies, showing a movie about unconventional love, playing fun games, and of course, eating lots of chocolate! For teens ages 12-18.

Creative Writing Workshop for Children
Wed, Feb 20, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Learn the basics of creating fictional characters from a talented author, publisher, and teacher in a fun-filled 4 hour creative writing workshop. Please bring your own lunch. Snacks provided. Geared toward children ages 9 -15.

teensReach Meeting
Thu, Feb 21, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
teensReach is our advisory and volunteer group for teens ages 13-18. We meet every third Thursday of the month to share ideas and plan activities in the library. Earn volunteer hours, be heard, make a difference in your community, and have fun! Please join us at the next meeting!

Silicon Valley Reads Presents - Author Bo Caldwell
Thu, Feb 21, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Join us as we welcome the author of this year's Silicon Valley Reads title The Distant Land of My Father - Bo Caldwell. Ms. Caldwell will be reading a little from her book and taking questions about the book and her work . It is a fascinating piece of fiction and we expect a lively and interested gathering of participants. All are welcome.

Chinese Zodiac Family Craft Activity
Sat, Feb 23, 12:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Join us for a fun family craft activity for all ages in honor of Chinese New Year! Learn about your Chinese Zodiac sign and make a fun craft project for the year of your birth. This event is sponsored and led by West Valley’s teensReach volunteer group.

South Bay Guitar Society: Thomas Viloteau
Sat, Feb 23, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Please join us for "A Conversation with Thomas Viloteau", presented by the South Bay Guitar Society. Born in Paris in 1985, Thomas Viloteau is an internationally-renowned classical guitarist, and winner of the 2006 Guitar Foundation of America International Solo Competition. Please join us for performance excerpts and a Q & A with this accomplished young musician.

Game On! Teen Gaming Party
Fri, Feb 29, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Teens ages 12-18, please join us for our monthly gaming party! We'll be playing Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero, and we'll also have board games and snacks.

February Book Club Title & Date

2008-01-23T17:47:00.000-08:00

So we have Silicon Valley Reads visiting West Valley library in the form of an author visit on February 21st (see previous post)and so it seemed like a natural to choose the same title for our February Book Club discussion. So, yes, we will be discussing Bo Caldwell's "The Distant Land of My Father" on Wednesday the 13th of February at 6:30pm. Join us if you've read the book and wish to toss around topics and questions that we can next ask the author herself the following week! It should be rewarding as our book club has started with a tremendous energy and literary momentum! All are welcome, of course.

Silicon Valley Reads 2008

2008-01-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

West Valley branch library has a history of hosting great author events for Silicon Valley Reads and this year is no different. Join us on Thursday, February 21st at 6:30pm as we welcome local author Bo Caldwell whose book "The Distant Land of My Father" has been chosen for this year's community read. We'll be hosting an author reading and a Q&A session with Ms. Caldwell along with a tea reception. Tea reception? Well, we'll have some good hot Chinese teas on hand in any case for everyone to warm-up with. Get your copy now of "The Distant Land of My Father" to give yourself some time to read it before the event. We hope to see you there. And for more information about Silicon Valley Reads, just click on the highlighted text!

Carl Winters, Kalimba King: Coming in Jan. '08

2007-12-28T13:30:00.000-08:00

Carl Winters: Kalimba King
Tuesday, Jan. 22, @ 5pm in the community room

All ages are invited to enjoy this one-of-a-kind musical performance by Carl Winters, master of the African kalimba (aka thumb piano). Explore the historical and cultural roots of this interesting instrument as the Kalimba King performs and invites the audience to participate! Find out more about Carl Winters at his website: Kalimba King

10 Years of Books for Little Hands!

2007-12-13T12:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to San Jose Public Library's Books for Little Hands program on 10 years of excellent service to the youngest members of our community! Books for Little Hands is SJPL's outreach program that fosters early literacy by connecting educators and childcare providers with books, classroom kits, workshops, and other resources to use in the classroom or at daycare for children ages 0-5. Teachers and care providers can visit any SJPL branch, including West Valley, to check out these special materials. Last year alone, 8,328 children in San Jose were served by this program! Check out the Books for Little Hands website for more information.

West Valley library has got a book club!

2007-12-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls ... our library has undertaken the task of starting-up a new book club and we have high hopes for the future of this literary endeavor. Upon receiving periodic suggestions for the formation of such a group and encountering a small but committed group of library goers and their friends, we have put together a reading club scheduled to begin with the first meeting on January 9th of the new year (2008!) at 6:30pm. And, yes, thank you for asking, we have picked a title to discuss that evening. The inaugural title for the book club will be Snow Mountain Passage by James Houston, a local author from Santa Cruz whose novel is a fictionalized account of the infamous Donner Party. All are welcome and we hope to have a list of future book club selections in the next couple of months for those of you who like to plan ahead. Please help us make this local literary gathering a success and we hope to see you there!

Holiday Season at West Valley Library

2007-12-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

It's December! Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and spend some time at the West Valley Branch Library! Here are some of our programs going on this month.

Improv Workshop for Youth
Sat. Dec. 1st at 2pm
Please join us for this fun and engaging workshop for children and teens, ages 7 and up. Learn improvisation skills and play fun theater games. This workshop will be led by the Willow Glen Children's Theatre!

Design Some Holiday Gift Wrap or Card
Sat. Dec. 8 at 2pm
Get a head start on your holiday wrapping by joining us for a free holiday craft program. We will be using items around the house or yard to design some unique gift wrap. All materials will be provided by the library. This program is geared for children 5 and up. Please wear old clothes since painting can be messy.
This event takes place in the Community Room.

Let's Talk About It: Jewish Literature Discussion Series, Session 5
Sun. Dec. 9 at 2pm
Join us for a lecture and discussion of Mona in the Promised Land by Gish Jen. This is the last of a five-part book discussion series: Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature - Identity and Imagination. Participants of all backgrounds are invited to explore the theme “Neighbors: The World Next Door” through the reading and discussion of works of contemporary and classic Jewish literature.

Anime & Manga Club for Teens
Fri. Dec. 14 at 4pm
Do you love all things anime and manga? West Valley Branch Library has a new anime and manga club for teens ages 12-18, and we want YOU to join! Watch anime episodes, discuss manga series, try some Japanese snacks, meet new friends, and have fun!

teensReach Meeting
Thurs. Dec. 20 at 4pm
teensReach is our advisory and volunteer group for teens ages 13-18. We meet every third Thursday of the month. Earn volunteer hours, share your ideas, make a difference in your community, and have fun! Please join us at the next meeting!

Game On! Gaming Party for Teens
Thurs. Dec. 27 at 4pm
Teens, join us for our monthly gaming party! Enjoy some snacks and try out some fun new multi-player video games or board games. For ages 12-18.

Reminder: We will be closed Dec. 23-25 (Sun.-Tues) and Dec. 30-Jan. 1 (Sun.-Tues.) for the holidays. Also, all story times will take a break between Dec. 16-Jan. 6th. Happy Holidays!

NEW Anime and Manga Club

2007-11-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

Anime and Manga Club for Teens
Thursday, Nov. 8 at 4pm

Have you read nearly all the manga we have in the library? Do you sketch characters all over your notebook? Love watching anime episodes and movies?
West Valley Branch Library is starting a new anime and manga club for teens ages 12-18, and we want YOU to join!
Come to our first meeting to help us decide on a name, and submit your sketches or ideas for our logo! We’ll be watching brand new anime trailers and episodes, and we’ll share our favorite manga series. Try some tasty Japanese snacks, meet new friends, and enjoy all things anime and manga! We'll be meeting in the community room.

Edenvale Branch opens tomorrow!

2007-11-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

San Jose Public Library has a brand new branch library opening tomorrow! Check it out!

Grand Opening Celebration - New Edenvale Library
Free community celebration, featuring a ceremonial ribbon cutting, entertainment and children's activities. Immediately following the brief dedication ceremony, residents will be able to obtain library cards and enjoy full use of the new Edenvale Branch Library. The Dedication Ceremony begins at 11:00 AM, at the new Edenvale Library, 101 Branham Lane East.

Fall is here, and so are the programs!

2007-10-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! We have lots of great events going on here at West Valley this month. Check the calendar for our complete listing of upcoming programs, or be sure to take a monthly calendar the next time you visit! Here are some highlights for these coming weeks:

West Valley's 3rd Annual Bookmark Contest for Children
Oct. 1-31, all month long
In honor of Children's Book Week, help the library encourage everyone to spend time each day with a favorite book by designing an original bookmark promoting books and reading. Children in grades K through 8 are invited to submit their entries to the West Valley Library by October 31st, 2007. One winner will be chosen for each grade level. Winning bookmarks will be printed and distributed at the library during Children's Book Week (Nov. 12 -18th) Everyone is welcome to attend our special presentation program that honors our winners on Tuesday, November 13th at 6:30pm.

Parenting Through Nature
October 13, Saturday, 2pm
Storyteller Wendolyn Bird will lead a workshop for parents about using nature to inspire and educate kids.

Glue and Go Costumes for Kids
October 16, Tuesday, 7pm
Holly Cleeland, author of Glue and Go Costumes for Kids, will demonstrate how to make great costumes out of household materials! Holly Cleeland has made television appearances, including HGTV and the Rachael Ray show.

teensReach Meeting & Teen Read Week Celebration
October 18, Thursday, 4pm
teensReach is our advisory and volunteer group for teens ages 13-18. We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month. Earn volunteer hours, share your ideas, make a difference in your community, and have fun! Please join us at the next meeting! We will also be celebrating national Teen Read Week with food, fun activities, and Nintendo Wii!

Get Crafty!: Teen Craft Activity
Thursday, October 25, 4pm
Teens and tweens, join us for a fun craft activity! We will be making cool crafts to celebrate Halloween and Día de Los Muertos. Decorate a skull or make tissue paper flowers! For ages 10-18.

Game On! Gaming Party for Teens
Friday, October 26, 3:30pm
Teens, join us for our monthly gaming party! Show us your Nintendo Wii skills on a huge projected screen. Enjoy some snacks and try out some fun new multi-player video games or board games. For ages 12-18

Homework Help is here!

2007-09-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

West Valley Library's homework center is now officially up and running for the 2007-2008 academic year.We have two tutors in our branch every Monday thru Thursday from 3pm to 6pm offering tutoring on a drop-in basis for students in grades k thru 12. Come and check out this great service to the students in our community and for more information, click here where you'll also find a link to an online tutoring service offered to library card holders of San Jose Public Library.

TeensReach Meeting

2007-09-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

TeensReach Meeting
Thursday, September 20, 4pm

Hey Teens! West Valley invites YOU to join our TeensReach group!

What is it? TeensReach is the library's teen advisory and volunteer group that meets once a month to share ideas, plan activities, and discuss upcoming volunteer opportunities. It's a great way to get involved in your community! Join us for some snacks and let us know what YOU think! For ages 13-18.

Willow Glen Children's Theatre Workshop

2007-08-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

Willow Glen Children's Theatre: Improvisational Workshop
Saturday, September 15 1-3pm

We are pleased to present an improvisational workshop led by Willow Glen Children's Theatre. In this workshop for children ages 7 and up, participants will have fun learning improvisational skills and inventing scenes. Join us in the community room for this fun (and free!) program!

"It's Easy Being Green"

2007-08-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

"It's Easy Being Green": A Guide to Energy Efficiency and Alternatives
Thursday, August 30, 9 AM - 11:30 AM
West Valley Library Community Room.

We are pleased to welcome Congressman Mike Honda to the West Valley Library. Exchange ideas and information with multiple green organizations on how to live a low-carbon lifestyle. An expert panel will provide perspectives of researchers, scientists, students, architects, environmentalists, and hi-tech companies in the Silicon Valley on the topic of green living. We hope to see you there!

Check here for more information about Congressman Mike Honda and his local forums on green living.

Gaming Party for Teens

2007-08-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Game On! Gaming Party for Teens Thursday, September 27 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Hey teens, let’s play some video games in the library! Join us in the community room for some awesome new multi-player games on a huge projected screen. There will be plenty of games and consoles to try. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it will be lots of fun! We will also have board games and snacks. This event is for ages 12-18. Stay tuned for more gaming in the library!

Jewish Literature Discussion Series

2007-08-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Join us for a free reading and discussion series that uses five works of Jewish literature to explore the theme Neighbors: The World Next Door. The relationship between neighboring cultures animates these works of history and fiction, which trace the Jewish experience from Muslim Spain to Bolshevik Russia to contemporary America. Five scholar-led discussions will be held on Sunday afternoons 2pm-4pm in the community room of the West Valley Branch Library beginning August 26. Pre-registration is recommended: contact the Library at (408) 244-4766 or Ruth.Kohan@sjlibrary.org.
Check out this page for more information about this series.

Join us in the community room at 2pm on Sunday, August 26, for a lecture and discussion of A Journey to the End of the Millennium by A.B. Yehoshua.

Summer Reading ends soon...

2007-08-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Our Summer Reading Celebration, happening at all San Jose Public Libraries, ends August 11! Here at West Valley, we are giving you an extra week to come and redeem your prizes...Please come pick them up no later than August 18.

ALSO, here at West Valley Branch, our generous Friends of the Library group is holding a special drawing to reward readers who have finished all 30 hours in their reading logs! Four $50 bookstore gift certificates will be given out to kids and teens who have finished their logs and filled out an entry form, available at the Summer Reading table. If you have already finished and redeemed your prizes earlier this summer, just bring your reading log back to us and we will give you an entry form for the drawing.

Courtesy Notices for Materials

2007-08-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

Effective today, August 3rd, courtesy notices via email have been successfully implemented in our system! This means that all customers who have given us a valid email address will now receive an email reminder 3 days before an item is due in order to remind them to return or renew materials. Very helpful! You can log in to your account online, or see a staff person at an San Jose library to make sure that your contact information is current. This electronic service will only be available to customers who have supplied us with an email address; it will not be available for customers contacted via phone messages. Enjoy!

August Events @ West Valley

2007-08-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Here's what's happening this August at West Valley Branch Library!

Summer Reading Celebration
The Summer Reading Celebration ends August 11! Please come before then with your completed reading logs to claim your prizes!

Game Day and Cookie Tasting Popularity Contest
Tuesday, August 7, 2-3pm
Join us as we play a variety of board and word games with friends and family. After some relaxing summer fun, we will then taste and decide which of our cookies is the most popular and the yummiest. A nice way to end our 2007 Summer Reading Celebration Program.

Free Citizenship Q&A
Saturday, August 25, 3-5pm
Do you have questions about your citizenship application, application process or immigration status? Would you like to know whether you are qualified for "special consideration?" Check out the Citizenship Q & A sessions in multiple languages at West Valley Library. These sessions will be offered the 4th Saturday of every month from 3-5pm beginning on August 25th.

West Valley Library's Book Sale
Saturday, August 25, 9-3pm
The West Valley Library is having a book sale. From 9 - 10AM Friends Members Only; 10AM - 3PM General Sale and from 2 - 3PM Bargain Bag Sale. GREAT BARGAINS! BEAUTIFUL BOOKS! All proceeds benefit the Library. Sponsored by Friends of the West Valley Library.

Let's Talk About It: Jewish Literature Discussion Series, Session 1
Sunday, August 26, 2-4pm
Join us for a lecture and discussion of A Journey to the End of the Millennium by A.B. Yehoshua. This is the first of a five-part book discussion series: Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature - Identity and Imagination. Participants of all backgrounds are invited to explore the theme “Neighbors: The World Next Door” through the reading and discussion of five works of contemporary and classic Jewish literature. Each session will open with a presentation by David Mesher, Professor of English at San José State University. Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature, a reading and discussion series, has been made possible through a grant from Nextbook and the American Library Association. Pre-registration is recommended so that we can provide sufficient hand-outs and refreshments for all participants. To register, call the West Valley Branch at (408) 244-4766 or e-mail ruth.kohan@sjlibrary.org.

Check out our event calendar for more upcoming events.

West Valley has a blog!

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Welcome to the West Valley Branch Library's new blog! We are part of the San Jose Public Library, located in West San Jose. Click here for more information about our branch. We will keep you posted on upcoming events, info and photos from past programs, news, and other library-related information. Please leave comments on our posts to offer your feedback, suggestions, or just say hello!

West Valley Branch Library

November Book Club

October Book Club Pick: Red Leaves by Thomas H. Cook

September Book Club

Growing Asian Vegetables

July Book Club

Bouquets From Your Garden

June Book Club

Backyard Beekeeping with UCCE Master Gardeners

May Book Club Pick

UCCE Master Gardeners: Growing Culinary Herbs

Census 2010 assistance at West Valley

April Book Club Selection

UC Master Gardeners Present: Growing Tomatoes!

March Book Club Title

Author Event at West Valley February 25th

Growing Orchids is Easier Than You Think!

Silicon Valley Reads & February Book Club

"A Mysterious Past" Book Club

Teen Movie Event: Twilight

January Book Clubs

Roses & Rose Care presented by UCCE Master Gardeners

100 Notable Books

Time for Holiday Crafts!

We're on Facebook

December Book Club

Book Sale Saturday, 11/14

November Book Club Title

12 Months of Color in the California Native Garden

Language Exchange (Nov. 5-7, 12-14)

October Book Club Pick

Baby Sign Language Workshop

Planning for the Future of San Jose, a survey for the City

September Book Club

Book Club Information: July & August

Summer reading around the corner

June Book Club Selection

May Book Club Selection

April Book Club Selection

Brian Copeland at West Valley March 11th

Health Series Talk #2

March Book Club Selection

February Book Club Title and Silicon Valley Reads

Health Resolutions for 2009?

January Book Club Selection

Notable Books of 2008

Nick Barone Puppet Show

December Book Club Title

Recycling Art in the Garden

The Fall Classic and some suggested reading

Homework Center to open!

November Book Club selection

October Book Club Title

September Book Club ... "The Tender Bar"

Book Club Update!

Summer Reading Celebration: June 14 - August 9

June Book Club Title

5th Birthday Celebration in May!

May book club title

San Jose Teen Idol

April Book Club Selection

A lovely panorama ...

Taxonomy? Taxidermy? No, just Taxes for now ...

March Book Club Title

February Frenzy

February Book Club Title & Date

Silicon Valley Reads 2008

Carl Winters, Kalimba King: Coming in Jan. '08

10 Years of Books for Little Hands!

West Valley library has got a book club!

Holiday Season at West Valley Library

*NEW* Anime and Manga Club

Edenvale Branch opens tomorrow!

Fall is here, and so are the programs!

Homework Help is here!

TeensReach Meeting

Willow Glen Children's Theatre Workshop

"It's Easy Being Green"

Gaming Party for Teens

Jewish Literature Discussion Series

NEW Anime and Manga Club