Teen Movie Event: Twilight

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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.