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.