Monday, November 05, 2007

San Marino Public Library to Close For Big Move The San Marino Public Library will close on November 30, 2007 for the big move into its new home. It will remain shuttered throughout the month of December. No books will be due and no fines will be assessed while the library is closed. Please plan to attend the grand opening of the new library on January 26, 2008.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Food for Thought

Children, ages 4 - 12, are invited to the public library to participate in the annual In-N-Out reading program. For every 5 books read, children will receive a reading award good for a free hamburger or cheeseburger from In-N-Out Restaurant. The reading program will run from Saturday, October 13 - Saturday, November 24.

Theater of Puppets

Come and witness 4 popular folktales brought to life by Bob Stone and his lively, colorful puppets that range from 2 to 5 feet tall. Saturday, October 20th @ 2:00 p.m. Fun for the entire family!!!

Pirate Day

November 3rd is Pirate day at the San Marino Public Library. Be sure to get an invitation to this fun filled afternoon of creating cool pirate crafts, gear & loot. Drop by the library before Thursday, November 1st and pick up a form to showcase your creative talents by drawing a picture of your favorite book pirate. Bring back your drawing and receive your invitation. It's as simple as that!!! All ages are welcome to participate. There will also be an opportunity to meet and greet a special pirate guest.

Meet at the New Crowell Public Library

One of the best things about the new library is that it will offer three much-needed spaces for community meetings. The first is the Barth Community Room, a general purpose meeting room with seating for 80, along with an amplified lectern and an overhead projector. The Schow Patio Garden, adjacent to the Community Room, is a comfortable outdoor venue. The Thornton Room, on the library's upper floor, offers an intimate, elegant setting with room for 20 around a conference table.

These spaces are available for rental fees ranging from $15 to $75 per hour, depending on intended use and residency status of the renter. (Non-profits and San Marino organizations pay reduced fees.) Other fees may apply. For more information, call the library at 626 300-0779.

Volunteers Needed For the Big Move

During December, the Library is going to be moving from the temporary facility to the new Crowell Public Library and help will be needed. The City has hired a moving company to transfer the Library's materials, so they will do most of the heavy lifting, but library staff will need help shifting materials on the new shelves to use the space efficiently and make everything fit just right. This will be a big job. Also, we'll need some detail-oriented people to help us make sure that the books are in correct order, which means going through the collection item by item. There will be other tasks as well.

We're gathering names and contact information early so that we'll be ready to go when the time comes. Volunteers should be 15 or older. As tasks and timing come into better focus, we want to be able to reach those who want to take part. If you would like to help, please contact Rex at (626) 300-0777 or by email, rex@ci.san-marino.ca.us.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Library Increases Worker Productivity

The Library is great at helping students complete their homework and stock the latest mysteries for its loyal patrons. But did you know that it can also help grownups get their work done faster?

San Marino Parks Manager Ron Serven discovered this service recently when he was trying to figure out if weather had any effect on local “limb drop”. “I used to go over to the old library and research the records myself,” Serven said, “But my schedule is so busy now. I called over, and the librarian found the weather records for me right away. It was fabulous how quickly they responded.”

Serven noted that he was able to get this service even with the Library in its temporary facility. “Imagine how fast they will be able to help when they open in their new building in January,” he said.

The same reference service is available to members of the public as well as City Hall staff. Just call during our open hours at 626 300-0777, or email your questions to smpl "at" CityofSanMarino.org any time. Maybe we can save you some time on the job!

Friends Book Sale November 17

On Saturday, November 17, from 8-noon, the Friends of the San Marino Public Library will hold their annual used book sale. There are sure to be plenty of bargains among these gently used, donated books. Some may be suitable for holiday giving! The sale will be held in the Temporary Library next to the construction site: 1800 Huntington Drive, San Marino. Call 626 300-0777 if you have questions.

Native American Dance & Culture

Join us at the San Marino Public Library for an afternoon with Rodney Howard, one of the premier Native American Dancers on the West Coast. Witness as he brings to life dances, songs and stories to life from tribes across North America. Performing in brilliant traditional regalia, he will put on a display of dances from the 1400’s to the modern day Pow Wows. Dances include Grass Dance, Round Dance, Eagle Dance, Hoop Dance and more. The exciting event will take place on Saturday, November 17th @ 2:00 p.m.

Looking for Something to Read?

The San Marino Public Library is now offering animated books reviews on its website.

These book reviews are great for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Sponsored in part by the San Marino Chapter of the National Charity League, this online resource is another innovative way children can find new and interesting titles to read. You can also sort and search Valentine and Carver’s accelerated reader list, and then search to see if the Public Library carries that specific title. To enjoy this book discovery experience first hand, go to http://sanmarinopl.org and click on "Children’s Webpage". Then click on the “Animated Book Reviews” link.

Volunteers Needed For the Library Transition

We don’t have exact dates, but the big move into the new Crowell Public Library is coming up toward the end of the year! The City has hired a moving company to transfer the Library’s materials, so we’ll rely on them for the heavy lifting, but we’re going to need help shifting materials on the new shelves to use the space efficiently and make everything fit just right. Also, we’ll need some detail-oriented people to help us make sure that the books are in correct order, which means going through the collection item by item. There will be other tasks as well.

We’re taking this opportunity to build a list of names and contact information for those who are interested in assisting with these efforts. As tasks and timing come into better focus, we want to be able to reach those who want to take part. If you would like to help, please contact Rex at (626) 300-0777 or by email, rex@ci.san-marino.ca.us.

Countdown to Grand Opening

Only about four and a half months left before the new library opens with a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, January 26. Mark your calendar!

Storytime Schedule

Toddler Storytime is a great way to introduce your 2 year old to a group experience. Activities include stories, singing songs and fingerplays.
  • Mondays @ 10:00 a.m.
  • Sept 17 - October 29

Preschool Storytimes are for the 3-5 year old child. The aim of story time is to introduce children to the library and to the magic of books and reading, as well as to develop social skills needed for school.

  • Thursdays @ 12:30 p.m.
  • Sept 20 - November 1

Friday, August 17, 2007

Summer Reading Program a Success at the San Marino Public Library

The Summer Reading Program was a huge success at the San Marino Public Library. Despite the library being relocated to a smaller location with a smaller number of materials available, the number of children registered for the “Get a Clue @ Your Library” program was an astonishing 508. The YA program also had a great turn-out, with over 65 teens participating in the “You’ll Never Know” reading program.

The staff at the San Marino Public Library would like to congratulate the 135 children who completed the youth program by reading 20 books (a cumulative total of 2700 books!) Those who finished the program received a special reading award and a gift certificate from the San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe. We would also like to congratulate the 86 children who were able to reach the bonus level by reading 30 books this summer. Those children got to spend a prize wheel, for a chance to win a movie ticket, a Hollywood Video coupon, or a certificate for a free kid’s meal at Islands Restaurant.

The annual summer program concluded on Saturday, July 28th with a Final Party for participants who read at least 5 books this summer. Magician David Skale provided the entertainment. Children and their parents were also treated to a nutritious lunch, which they were able to enjoy their meal under a nice and shady tree in front of the library. The winners of various contests, held throughout the summer, were also announced. The afternoon festivities concluded with a raffle of reading program themed items, including t-shirts, water bottles, puzzles and tote bags.

We would like to thank all the “Ticktockers” from the National Charity League and teen volunteers who donated a countless number of hours assisting with the reading program. We also want to thank all the businesses that helped support the Summer Reading Program through their donations of reading incentives and prizes, especially HBSC Bank who sponsored all the entertainment and activities throughout the summer. Your generosity played a crucial role in the success of the San Marino Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Last but not least, we want thank the Friends of the San Marino Public Library. Their hard work and dedication make it possible to continue the Summer Reading Program every year.

Children Contest Winners:
  • Name the Character
    • Cat: Elise Matsusaka, “Cotton”
    • Dog: Samantha Wong “Little Clue”
    • Rhino: Kelly McCrary, “Detective Wrinkles”
  • Drawing Contest
    • Lauren Panajotovic
    • Zoe Chang
    • Juliette Raether
  • Writing Contest
    • Jireh Deng
    • Sean Panajotovic
    • Tasha Lam
  • Guess the Gumdrops
    • Wynne Yang
  • Weekly Winners
    • Los Angeles Sparks Tickets: Ashley Chen
    • $10 gift card to Claim Jumper: Brandon Chang
    • $10 gift card to Target: Nicholas Eng
    • $10 gift card to Claim Jumper: Jocelyn Gee
    • $15 gift card to Build-A-Bear: Spencer Shin
    • $15 gift certificate to IHOP: Tasha Lam
    • $10 gift card to Claim Jumper: Paul Tostado Family 4-pack to Kidspace Museum: Tristan Lin
    • Los Angeles Dodgers Tickets: Caleb Shohfi
Businesses and Organizations That Donated Gifts for the Children’s Summer Reading Program:

HSBC Bank, AMF Bahama Lanes, Build-A- Bear Workshop, Carl’s Jr., Claim Jumper Restaurant, Golf N Stuff, Hollywood Video, International House of Pancakes Islands Restaurant, Kidspace Children’s Museum, Legoland, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe, Shakey’s Pizza, and West Coast Elite Gymnastics

Children Who Read 20+ Books During the Summer Reading Program:

David

Anawalt

Winston

Anawalt

Shelley

Anthopoulos

Curtis

Antonides

Emma

Antonides

Brent

Barker

Joshua

Chang

Kelly

Chang

Russell

Chang

Zoe

Chang

Jenny

Cheng

Tryn

Cheng

William

Cheng

Jordan

Chiang

Kellie

Chiang

Mason

Chiu

Alana

Eng

Gregory

Eng

Nicholas

Eng

Justin

Farshidi

Alexis

French

Ariana

French

Jocelyn

Gee

Nathan

Gee

Mansi

Gokani

Kayley

Gonzalez

Meriah

Gonzalez

Amanda

Grannis

Cameron

Grannis

Fiona

Harrington

Olivia

Harrington

Afrin

Hu

Christian

Hu

Joshua

Hu

Adrian

Huang

Elijah

Huang

Elina

Huang

Justin

Huang

Justin

Huang

Justine

Huang

Ellie

Huisken

Gabe

Huisken

John

Hutchinson

Derek

Jackson

Danielle

Jin

Brian

Kam

Jessica

Kam

Steven

Kam

Anson

Kwan

Tasha

Lam

Water

Lam

Alexandra

Langer

Ariel

Langer

Stacey

Lau

Bethany

LeBerthon

Brianna

LeBerthon

Justin

Lee

Nathan

Lee

Joyce

Liang

Mark

Liang

Bill

Lin

Chris

Lin

Jill

Lin

Tristan

Lin

Rachel

Linton

Sarah

Linton

Brendan

Long

Tommy

Long

Catherine

Maldonado

Margaux

Martens

Elise

Matsusaka

Courtney

McCall

Kyle

McCall

Cameron

McCary

Erik

Mohr

Patrick

Mohr

Ashley

Muranaka

Jason

Omori

Nicholas

Oo

Lauren

Panatotovic

Sean

Panatotovic

Halle

Phan

Olivia

Ponce

Joshua

Rose

Malia

Rose

Hannah

Sherwindt

Angela

Shi

Prisalla

Shi

Theo

Shiao

William

Shiao

Spencer

Shin

Spencer

Shin

Caleb

Shohfi

Sharif

Sivad

Kylie

Spindler

Madison

Spitzer

Matthew

Tom

Adam

Tostado

Matthew

Tostado

Paul

Tostado

Kevin

Wang

Angela

Wang

Natalie

Wang

Karen

Weng

Kyle

Weng

Kade

Wentz

Kelsey

Wentz

Alissa

Wong

Angeline

Wong

Genna

Wong

Jacqueline

Wong

Jade

Wong

Joshua

Wong

Joshua

Wong

Pearl

Wong

Samantha

Wong

Tyler

Wong

Valerie

Wong

Jared

Wong

Ryan

Wong

Tiffany

Wong

Timothy

Wong

Asnita

Yamazaki

Nozomu

Yamazaki

Grace

Yee

Stacey

Yee

Wilson

Yeh

Samantha

Young

Zach

Yung

Zoe

Yung

Tony

Zhang

Sierra

Zunah

 

 

Monday, August 06, 2007

Craft Day at the Public Library

Girls and boys, ages 5 through 10 are invited to the San Marino Public Library to make aerodynamic craft projects. Using everyday materials, kids will make their very own helicopter, parachute and indoor boomerang. This fun filled afternoon will take place on Thursday, August 19th at 2:00 p.m. Call now to reserve your space (626)300-0777.
New! Library Offers Wireless Internet Access

At its temporary quarters at the San Marino Center, the San Marino Public Library has only been able to offer three Internet access stations to the public. This has sometimes resulted for long waits for this popular service.

To help relieve this situation, the Library is pleased to announce a new service: free wireless Internet access for patrons.

Most users can simply bring their wireless-enabled laptop computer or other wireless device to the Library and turn it on. The computer will automatically recognize the wireless network. Users will be asked to enter their library card barcodes and a pin numbers to access the Web. Guests can get temporary cards at the Reference Desks.

There are no spare electrical outlets at the San Marino Center, so users must charge their computer batteries before they come. Also, printing is not available via the Library’s wireless Internet connection.

Still, if you need to jump on the Web with your notebook computer, come on into the library and fire it up!

Express Self-Serve Checkout Now Available at the Library

There’s a long line at the checkout desk, but you just need a couple of books and you are in a hurry. Now, you can check your books out yourself at the Library’s new self-serve express checkout station.

It’s easy to use! Let the machine’s laser scan your library card and the barcode in each book. It will print out date due cards for each one. Place them in the book pockets, and you are on your way. Try it today!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Cartoon Drawing Class

On Thursday, July 19th artist David Boatman will be at the San Marino Public Library to conduct a cartoon drawing class. Class will begin at 2:00 p.m. The class is meant to inspire and motivate students in their love of cartoons and drawing. Please bring a sharpie and your imagination!!!

SRP Reminder

The Final Party for the Summer Reading Program will be held on Saturday, July 28th at 2:00 p.m. All children who’ve read at least 5 books this summer received an invitation. So bring your invite and be prepared for an afternoon full of laughs, fun and friends!!! If you haven’t received an invitation it’s not too late. Come in and sign up for the reading program today!

Barks & Books

Elementary school children are invited to the San Marino Public Library to practice their reading skills by reading to Scarlett, a lively dachshund. Scarlett will be at the library on Thursday, July 26th @ 2:00 p.m. This special program is made possible by volunteers of the Pasadena Humane Society. For more information, please call 626-300-0777.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Harry Potter Is Coming!

The much anticipated children book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released on Saturday, July 21st. Would you like to be one of the first persons to check it out one of the 10 copies at the San Marino Public Library? Come to the public library anytime before Thursday, July 19th to answer the following question, “How many books (children & adults) are in the temporary library, as of July 1st, 2007?” The 10 people who guess closest to the actual number will win the opportunity to be the first to check out the latest and possibly the final chapter in the Harry Potter saga. All children & teens are invited to participate in this contest.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Toddler Storytime

Toddler Storytime is a great way to introduce your 2 year old to a group experience. Activities include stories, singing songs and fingerplays. Registration is recommended but not required. Storytimes will be held on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. from September 17th -October 29th.

Preschool Storytime

These weekly sessions are for the 3-5 year old child. The aim of storytime is to introduce children to the library and to the magic of books and reading, as well as to develop social skills needed for school. Registration is recommended but not required. Storytimes will be held on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. from September 20th - November 1st.

Barks and Books

Elementary school children are invited to the San Marino Public Library to practice their reading skills by reading a book to a gentle dog. This special program is made possible by volunteers of the Pasadena Humane Society. Please call the children’s department for specific time and dates. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information, please call 626-300-0777.

A New Way to Talk About Books

The San Marino Public Library is now offering animated books reviews by ReadtheBooks.com on its website. These book reviews are great for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Sponsored in part by the San Marino Chapter of the National Charity League, this online resource is another innovative way children can find new and interesting titles to read. With Readthebook.com, you can also sort and search Valentine and Carver’s accelerated reader list, and then search to see if the Public Library carries that specific title. To enjoy this book-discovery experience first hand, go to sanmarinopl.org and click on " Children’s Webpage" . Then click on the Animated Book Reviews link.
Library on YouTube

Watch short films of the dedication of the new library and last March's " Topping Out" ceremony. Just visit the "In the News" section of our library Web page, http://sanmarinopl.org/librarynews/inthenews.htm. These videos were uploaded to YouTube.com by Barris Shao, a freelance videographer for Channel 19, who has given us permission to link to them. Thanks, Barris!

Summer Time Is Reading Time

Don’t let the kids have all the reading fun this summer! While the kids rack up the numbers in the Library’s Summer Reading Program, their parents can indulge in their own recreational reading. Great new books in the library include Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child, the eleventh book in the Jack Reacher series; Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella, in which Becky Bloomwood tricks out her newborn; Lean Mean Thirteen, Janet Evanovich’s latest Stephanie Plum adventure; and The Overlook by Michael Connelly, featuring Harry Bosch investigating a murder that may have consequences for national security. Also, don’t forget that the last Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is due out on July 21.

In addition to books for loan, we also have a Book Shoppe in which the Friends of the Library sell gently used donated books for shockingly low prices. All proceeds go to new materials for the library. Stop in today!

Road Trip?

Summer is upon us, so if you are heading out of town on a driving vacation, be sure to stop by the library first and pick up some books on CD. The library has a large selection of new books on CD, both fiction and non-fiction, for your listening pleasure while on the road.

History buffs can immerse themselves in art with Ross King’s The Judgment of Paris: The Revolutionary Decade That Gave Us Impressionism, or go for lighter fare with The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of The Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down by Colin Woodard.

On the fiction front there is Nineteen Minutes, the latest offering by New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult, and Ellis Avery’s The Teahouse Fire, a lushly detailed historical novel based around the Japanese tea ceremony. Ann Brashares The Last Summer (of You and Me) is a deeply felt celebration of summer and nostalgia for youth. There are dozens of family friendly children’s books on CD available as well.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Teen Summer Reading: You Never Know…

Mystery will be the theme when YNK-You Never Know @ Your Library, this year's Summer Reading Program for Teens, kicks off June 11th. Students 6th grade and above can come in and register for the program and pick up a Reading Record and a complimentary coupon good for a 2 for 1 admission to Legoland. For each book we verify participants have read they will receive a "chance ticket" that can be entered into a drawing for any one of a number of prizes. This year's great prizes include, an I Pod Shuffle, I Tunes Cards, Karate lessons, and complimentary tickets to movie theatres and Aquarium of the Pacific. A drawing for the prizes will be held July 28th at the end of the program.

Follow the Footprints to Your Library

Super sleuths and daring detectives are invited to Get a Clue @ Your Library at the San Marino Public Library. The 2007 Summer Reading Program is open to young people, preschool through young adult, with programs, prizes, contests, and more. Registration for the Summer Reading Program begins on Monday, June 11th. For more information, visit our website at www.sanmarinopl.org. All programs are free to the public.

Afternoon Movie Screening

Beat the heat and come cool off at San Marino Public Library. During the summer on selected Tuesdays we will be showing full length feature films spotlighting on detectives, spies and mystery. Please call the library for specific dates and titles.

Critter Capers Animal Show

Yikes!! It’s Gone! Someone has “poached” Thelma Chicken’s Golden Egg! This is not going to go “over easy” at the barn. She is gonna need to “scramble” for help. But Who? Join pet detectives Andy and Sandy as they try to “crack” the case. This fun-filled show will be an afternoon full of music, magic and education. Stick around to visit and pet the animals of the show. Saturday, June 30th at 2:00 p.m.

Make It & Take It Craft Days

‘Round and ‘round you’ll go - from one table to the next at the Make-It and Take-It Craft Days on Thursday, June 21st. Children, preschool age through 5th grade, are invited to the public library to make a variety of mystery themed crafts. Craft tables will be available from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. You can drop in any time to work on a project. Helpers and supplies will be on hand.