Barks and Books

Elementary school children are invited to the San Marino Public Library to practice their reading skills by reading out loud to a live, gentle dog. This special program is made possible by volunteers of the Pasadena Humane Society and will take place on the following Saturdays: October 8th, November 19th and December 17th, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Space is limited; reservations are required and must be made in person. For more information, please call 626-300-0777.

Dewey and the Decimals

Join us at the San Marino Public Library as we answer the question, “Who is Dewey, and what is he doing with all those decimals?” On Wednesday, October 12th at 6:30 p.m., the library staff will present a hands-on workshop on learning everything there is to know about the Dewey Decimal System. Students will be introduced to the decimal system, categorization of books as fiction and non-fiction, and a refresher course on using SMILES, the library’s electronic catalog. This workshop is geared towards 3rd and 4th graders along with there parents, but anyone with an interest is welcome to attend. Space is limited, so call early to reserve your spot. (626) 300-0777.

Library to Offer “Author of the Month” Program for Kids

For all those readers who enjoyed participating in our Summer Reading Program, the San Marino Public Library will be offering a new reading program. Beginning on October 1, we will feature one well-known author of children’s books each month. The “Author of the Month” for October is Avi, and the “Author of the Month” for November will be E. L. Konigsburg, both of whom are Newbery Medal winning writers. Each month, we will provide flyers with information about the author along with a list of his or her books. Just read one book by that author during their featured month, and turn in a brief book report on a form provided by the library. When the book report is turned in, the reader will get to spin the Prize Wheel in the Children’s Department to win one of four prizes. Book Report forms can be picked up in the library beginning September 29, and they can be turned in for a prize up until the 7th day of the following month. The program is open to children in grades 3 through 6. Only one prize per child per month.

Join the Teen Advisory Board

The San Marino Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board is back in action, with the first meeting of the new school year having been held September 16. Board members meet every other Friday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the library auditorium to discuss books, recommend titles and movies for the library to purchase, plan programs, and do volunteer tasks. Discussion is lively and open, and refreshments are served. If you are interested in joining, or just curious, drop in on a meeting. Any Middle School or High School student is eligible to join.

Anime Lovers, Unite!

Anime aficionados, 13 and older, are invited to join Anime ADVocates, a new club forming at the library. The program is sponsored by ADV Films, one of the major anime distributors. Every month they send a free DVD of episodes of their newest releases for club members to preview. Club members can post reviews of them on-line at the ADV site. There are prizes, posters, and exclusive promo items in the pipeline as well. Once the club is established, screenings will be held monthly on a Saturday afternoon. For more information on either the Teen Advisory Board or Anime ADVvocates, call Lynda at (626) 300-0776, or stop by the Children’s Room.

New Music (CDs) for Fall

So the kids are back in school, vacations are over, you can finally stay home and relax a bit. Come by the public library and pick up some new CDs! We have the new Rob Thomas, Kelly Clarkson, Il Divo, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band, Weezer, Gwen Stefani, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, and many more. If Classic rock is more your taste, come check out "The Very Best of the Eagles", Led Zeppelin, "The White Album", or Queen’s "A Night at the Opera". We’ve also purchased comedy shows on CD by Ray Romano, Adam Sandler, and Whoopi Goldberg. You can see the entire list of new compact discs from our library catalog (smpl.us) under New Books/ Best Sellers.

New Chinese Magazines in the Library!

Thanks to a special grant that the Library received through the California State Library, there are now 12 new Chinese magazine titles on our shelves! These magazines cover such subjects as automobiles, health, travel, food, and biography. The magazines can be read in the library or checked out for 3 weeks. Readers are encouraged to let the staff know what they think about the titles selected.