The Summer Reading Program Has Begun!!!

If you didn't know by now the Summer Reading Program at the San Marino Public Library has begun and has taken off to a fantastic start. Over 294 children have signed up for this annual program in the first 4 days of registration. The Public Library wants children to read during the summer months and one way of encouraging them is to have them participate in the Summer Reading Program. Children are asked to read and are rewarded for reaching various reading milestones. The staff at the public library had visits with every class at Carver and Valentine elementary schools to give the kids an overview of the program and to encourage them to visit the library during the summer.

A new aspect of the program is to encourage children going on vacation for three weeks or more to participate. These children will receive a reading record to keep track of the books they read while on their trip, along with a packet that will include forms so they may write a short report about each book. Upon return, they can bring their materials back to the library to receive their reading rewards. By creating this option, we are hoping to get as many kids as possible involved with summer reading. For more information on the Summer Reading Program, please call the Children's Department at (626) 300-0777.

More Summer Fun at the Public Library

Children of all ages are invited to drop by the public library on Tuesday, July 29th anytime between 12-4p.m. to "make and take" western-themed crafts. Children will also be entertained by our feature cartoon presentations: Pecos Bill & Annie Oakley.

Sandii Castleberry will be appearing at the public library on Wednesday, June 30th at 7:00 p.m. Join us for a fun evening as "Aunt Sandii" ropes young readers into reading books this summer. This lively interactive show titled, "Singing the Way to Reading" will connect children's literature through folk songs and storytelling. Bring the whole family to enjoy this entertaining performance.

Author Holly Cleeland will be at the public library on Wednesday, July 7th at 7:00 p.m. to give a demonstration on how to create great costumes with everyday materials. It's amazing what wonderful things you can create with a glue gun, scissors, and an imagination. Her award winning costumes have been featured on the "Rosie O'Donnell Show" and one lucky kid will have a chance to take home one of these wonderfully wacky creations. Her first book, "Glue and Go Costume for Kids" will be available for purchase. For information on this or any other library programs, please contact the Children's Department at (626) 300-0777.

Now Screening

The San Marino Public Library recently acquired a "Public Performance Site License," which allows the screening of feature films for library patrons. Many times in the past, the library would like to have shown a film as part of a children's or young adult program, but was unable to do so because most videos and DVDs are licensed for "home showings only." The license covers the complete film catalog of most major studios, including Walt Disney Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Miramax, Dreamworks, Warner Bros. and others.

As a part of the "Stampede To Read" summer reading program for teens, the library will be showing a classic anime film by Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki is widely regarded as one of the greatest animators and directors in Japan. The movie is about a sullen 10-year-old girl who becomes separated from her parents in spooky, abandoned amusement park, and wanders into a ghost world. It will be shown Saturday, June 26, at 2:30 P.M. in the library auditorium. The movie is rated PG and admission is free.

Yes, the Library Is Out for Blood!

The American Red Cross experiences serious blood shortages every summer, and the Public Library is hoping to help by sponsoring a blood drive on Tuesday, July 20 between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Although you will probably never know who you helped by your donation, just knowing that you took the time to help an anonymous stranger should make you feel proud. Your donation may save a life, or prevent a dangerous delay in somebody's surgery. The expert staff of the American Red Cross will ensure that your experience is a good one.

Please call for information about donating in general or to make an appointment. Call the Library at (626) 300-0777 and ask for Rex.

Write Your Love Letter to the Library Today!

The Library is in competition for a grant from the State Library of California for funds to help build a new structure. We need your help! Please write a letter to the State Librarian describing how much you love the library and why we need a new one. Deliver your letter to the library to be included in a notebook of entreaties to be sent to Sacramento. Bring your letter in before July 15, 2004 to receive a certificate good for a free video or DVD rental from the library. For more information and for an address, please see our web site: http://sanmarinopl.org/support.pdf (requires Adobe Acrobat to read).

A Little More About the Internet

Many people who have taken the Internet for Beginners class at the Library have asked about "the next class." The staff generally recommends that people spend time working with the Internet and consider coming to the Library so that the reference librarians can help them work through their questions. A new class "A Little More About the Internet" will attempt to take people a few steps further. This class is not recommended for computer or Internet novices, but if you have done a fair share at dabbling but want some help, this class is for you. This hour and a half class (one time only) will be offered on Saturday, July 17. Please call (626) 300-0777 to make a reservation.

If you are interested in taking the Internet for Beginners class, call to get on the notification list, and the staff will let you know as soon as a date is set for the next class.

Travel Time

Are you on your way to Grandma's house, or Europe, or a trip to show the kids the East Coast - or maybe to Greece for the Olympics? The San Marino Public Library can give you a helping hand. The library has made a large purchase of over 250 different travel books and DVDs for your use. They are arriving almost daily at the library. The most up to date books on every state in the USA, most countries worldwide and all major cities of Europe and Asia will be available for you.

Let Rick Steves or Fodor's or Frommer's or Lonely Planet or Rough Guides or DK Publishing give you some advise on your upcoming travels. Check out the various different publishers to see the different approaches they have to travel. Some highlight economy trips, some luxury ones, several have sections of things to do with kids, some are for backpackers or those interested in out of the ordinary adventures.

There are also great books about California. Hikes in Yosemite, walks along the coast, day hikes around Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego and information about all our national parks.

Stop into the library for a preview of your upcoming plans or a chance to dream about or plan a future adventure.

Library Wins Small Business Grant

The San Marino Public Library has won a grant from the State Library of California. The grant, called "Services for Small Businesses in a Box" is designed to help the library reach out to small businesses in town by providing appropriate databases that can be accessed off-site along with training in how to use them. The grant package also includes promotional materials, speakers for library programs, and money for books that help business. The library will use the grant to participate in training events and to involve the local business community in the project.

The purpose of the grant is to improve San Marino Public Library's services to local small businesses. For more information, call Phyllis Wilburn, grant coordinator, at 626 300-0777.