Tuesday, December 19, 2006

The Best Kept Secret in San Marino Offers Bargains Galore

The used Book Shoppe run by the Friends of the San Marino Public Library has settled into its new home at the Temporary Library: in the kitchen of the former Woman’s Club next door to the library construction site. This snuggly setup is stuffed with bargains: recent hardcover bestsellers, paperbacks, and holiday books. The Book Shoppe is open most afternoons: Monday from 12 to 5, Tuesday 1 to 4, Wednesday and Thursday 12 to 5, and Saturday from 12 to 3. Hurry in to pick up some last minute gifts or to grab a novel to read on your holiday travels. Proceeds from sales buy new books for the Library!

Adopt-A-Book Program Starts at the San Marino Public Library

We all know that books are expensive. Each year the San Marino Public Library adds many new books to meet the needs of readers. We wish we could do more but like everyone, we have to stay within our budget. The Adopt-A-Book Program is a unique way for you to get involved and add new books to the library collection. It’s a wonderful way to keep your library growing! Fantastic things happen when you Adopt-A-Book. You get to be the first person to read the book. A bookplate with your name will be placed in the book. Your adopted book can honor someone on a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary. You share the joy of reading with others who borrow the book and your gift will be opened again and again, as the years go by. If you would like to participate in the program, drop by the library and fill out an Adopt-A-Book form or call 626-300-0777 for more information.

Gentle Dogs Seek Book Buddies

Children can experience the joy of reading to a real live dog in the Barks and Books program at the San Marino Public Library. Elementary school-aged children are invited to become special reading buddies for two very gentle and loving dogs: Scarlett the Dachshund, or Popcorn, a Jack Russell Terrier, both of whom love to listen to stories about animals. For children, this reading practice builds expertise and confidence to help them succeed inside and outside the classroom. This program is a joint effort between the San Marino Public Library and Pasadena Humane Society volunteers. These special reading activities will begin in January 2007. If you would like your child to participate, please contact the library for specific dates and times.

Annual Friends of the Library Membership Renewal

Now it’s the time to renew your membership in the San Marino Friends of the Library. Organized in 1958, the Friends have actively supported the library for nearly 50 years! In recent years Friends’ funds have purchase all of the children’s books, the DVD collection the books on tape and programming for children and youth. The membership term is from January to December and all members need to renew to their memberships in order to take advantage of the benefits offered. This year members in the Family Category and above will automatically receive an extended loan period of six weeks on all items, except the newest books; plus free DVD rentals. If you are not a member - join today – membership envelopes are available at the Circulation Desk. Show your support for your local library and participate in improving services. For more information, call the library at 626-300-0776.

Volunteers Needed to Help Shelve Library Books

If you are an adult and can spare a couple of hours a week on a regular basis, the Public Library can use your help. With the recent staff reductions, help is needed to get returned books back in their right places. Children’s books, adult’s books, Chinese books, books on CD, they all need to be put away. The best time for volunteering is in the morning and early afternoon, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. This is enjoyable work for those who like to be around books and libraries. If you are interested, please call Rex at the Library, (626) 300-0776.

Come In and Check Out Our New DVDs!

A new order of DVDs has just arrived. Come check out the selection.

Holiday Titles:

  • A Christmas Story
  • It’s a Wonderful Life

Children’s Films:

  • The Chronicles of Narnia
  • Nanny McPhee
  • The Little Mermaid
  • Curious George
  • Over the Hedge

Chinese Language:

  • Yi Yi
  • Electric Shadows

Plus These Feature Films:

  • Little Women
  • American Graffiti
  • Sense & Sensibility
  • The Da Vinci Code
  • The Breakfast Club
  • The Phantom of the Opera