September 2, 2005

Roundup of summer library activities

By Deborah Garvey
Special to the Times

After more than 30 years’ service with the San Jose Public Library system, Susan Eby, the Willow Glen youth services librarian, will retire on Sept. 24.  We wish you lots of luck and a very happy and healthy retirement, Sue, as you plan your next phase of life! Please stop by and give your regards to Sue during your next trip to the library.

Speaking of children’s activities, Eby is pleased to report that 781 children or caregivers signed up for this year’s Summer Reading Celebration, entitled “Super Readers & Super Heroes,” at the Willow Glen library. Children spent their summer reading good books and winning fun prizes as they accomplished various reading milestones.

Story time programs went on a well-deserved vacation during the month of August but return this month. Story time Express resumes Tuesday evening, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. and the regular preschool story time will resume Friday, Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m.

A peace poetry contest is ongoing through Sept. 9.  Students in grades three through 12 as well as San Jose State University (SJSU) students are invited to submit a typewritten, original poem of 25 lines or less on the theme of world peace and its personal meaning to the student. 

All entries must include the student’s name, telephone number, school and grade level. Entries by students in grades three through 12 can be submitted to Sue Eby.  SJSU students should submit their entries to the King Library Cultural Heritage Center, fifth floor, 150 E. San Fernando St. 

First, second and third prizes will be offered in three categories: Children’s (grades three to seven), Teens (grades eight to 12) and SJSU students. Winners will be announced following the Concerts for World Peace, featuring music by Eddie Gale and The Inner Peace Orchestra held at the King Library at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.  For information, call the library at (408) 998-2022.

Did you know that you can apply for a library card and pay library fines online? Click on the “Borrowing Services” link under “More Quick Links” at www.sjlibrary.org. Fines must be paid in their entirety by credit card, and a receipt can either be printed immediately or sent to your e-mail address. New library cards can be picked up at any branch within 30 days after the application is submitted.

Adult services librarian Lynne Jorgensen is pleased to announce that the Willow Glen Book Club is beginning again this month. Regular meetings will be held the second Wednesday of the month at 11:45 a.m. at Le Boulanger on Lincoln Avenue.  The club next meets on Sept.14 to discuss “The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness” by Simon Wiesenthal. 

This book was selected to complement Patriot Day events that will be held at other library branches, most of which occur on Sept.10.  Interested readers can get more information on the book club by visiting the library’s information desk, calling the library at (408) 998-2022 or clicking on the book club Web site http://www.sjlibrary.org/about/locations/willow_glen/bookclub.htm. 

For a complete listing of Patriot Day events and library locations, click on the “Events and Programs” button on the SJPL Web page at www.sjlibrary.org,.

Please note that all San Jose Public Libraries are closed Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day.