January 2010 Vol. 41 No. 1

By the Numbers: Bernal Heights Branch Library One City One Book: Reads 2009 Grand Re-Opening oin us for the exciting re-opening celebration for the Bernal Heights Branch Library on Saturday, Jan. 30, beginning at 1 p.m. An afternoon of music and performances, lion dancers and special treats is planned 2,500+ Alive in Necropolis Jalong with an official ribbon cutting at this beautifully restored branch library at 500 Cortland Ave. near checkouts from SFPL (June-November 2009) Moultrie Street. The restoration of the 1940 building was designed by the Library Design Studio of the City’s Bureau of Architecture and will make the Library more accessible for all, reduce the seismic risk and preserve its historic character. Among the most exciting features is a new, dedicated children’s room in the basement 350+ pounds of Blue Bottle that greatly expands the children’s area in the branch and is directly accessible from the neighboring play- Necropolis coffee sold ground. Find out more about the renovated branch on Page 2.

20 Lowell high school students who took iPhone pictures of author Doug Dorst (but he spoke Better with Age to more than 650 students!) The new exhibition, It is never Celebrating Art With Elders, too late to reflects an ethnic and 25 gravestones and tombs visited by the cultural mosaic of African- Colma cemetery bike tour become American, Asian, Filipino, American Indian, Hispanic an artist. and Caucasian seniors who 1,800+ One City One Book- have found fresh meaning in related public program attendees life and a new way of expressing themselves through the visual arts. Their exquisite watercolors, acrylics, oil pastels, crayon, pen and ink and pencil drawings Twitter followers and Facebook fans and collages will be on view in the Jewett Gallery 711 Rose Krichiver, The Fruit Man. “Art is easy. You can take it from Saturday, Jan. 9 through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010 at the San Francisco Main Library. with you wherever you go.” Americans are living longer. The number of comes a revelation. people over the age of 65 is expected to double in “I’d like to live to 100. I’m finally doing now what New Books and the next 20 years. The talent and creativity of people I should have done years ago,” says 80-year-old artist with a rich and diverse life experience makes for Charles Crookston. More in 2010 great potential still waiting to be discovered. The eldest exhibiting master, metal artist Victor SFPL staffers are looking forward to an exciting and Most of the exhibition participants, whose ages Ries, who is 102, is an exception. Ries began his paint- informative new year, filled with new books, new range from early 60s to 102 years old, have only ing career long ago, at age 16 in his native Berlin. libraries and new programs. recently found their creative voices through the Later, he became a founding member of the legend- For book groups, we’ll be launching our Book Art With Elders (AWE) painting program offered by ary Pond Farm artists’ colony near the Russian River. Club in a Box program. “Each easy-to-carry box will the San Francisco based nonprofit ELDERGIVERS His work has been exhibited at numerous museums, contain 10 copies of a book plus a binder full of organization, which is committed to reconnecting including the de Young and and he information,” said Rosie Merlin, Outreach Librarian. the isolated elderly back to the community. For 18 has taught at colleges throughout the Bay Area. He Find out more at sfpl.org/bookclubinabox. years, Art With Elders has been offering classes for still draws and goes for walks three times a day. In March, teens can look forward to the Teen residents of senior residential sites and provides “At this age” he says, “I have to be satisfied with Tech Week Gaming Tournament, culminating in an public exhibitions of their artwork. For many, learn- myself. I’m surrounded with art, my art books, nature exciting two player challenge. Teens can also count ing color theory, composition and perspective be- and flowers.” on more teen green craft programs, henna tattoos, author visits and SAT prep workshops in the new year. Continuing from the successful Tricycle Music Related Programs for Celebrating Art With Elders Fest, children will be thrilled with an upcoming con- Thursday at Noon Film Series: Elder Artists This hands-on workshop led by Hope Levy will cert at the Main Library, Feb. 6, featuring Gustafer show samples of memoir projects and provide Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at noon, Yellowgold. “I’m also eagerly anticipating giving a brainstorming session and individual and Main, Koret Auditorium each child a free book at the annual El Dia de los group activities. Bring pens, pencils and paper. Niños/El Dia de los Libros celebration hosted at the Creating Space for Creativity Workshop is limited to 25 people. To register, Main Library in the spring,” said Early Literacy Spe- call (415) 355-5600. cialist Christy Estrovitz. Saturday, Jan. 9, at 2 p.m., Main, Koret Auditorium SFPL will also be opening four more fully reno- Lillian Cartwright, Ph.D., will discuss the role that Better with Age: Screening of vated, seismically safe and accessible branch librar- environment plays in nurturing creativity. Artist- Three Documentary Films on Aging ies in 2010: Bernal Heights, Potrero, Parkside and instructors from the Art With Elders program will Saturday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m., Main, Koret Auditorium Visitacion Valley branch libraries. also discuss their program and local artists’ work Great new reads are on the horizon as well, in- in the exhibition. Screenings of Bella Bella, Shadow & Light and cluding The Butcher and the Vegetarian: One Woman’s Smitten. Panel discussion to follow, moderated Romp Through a World of Men, Meat, and Moral Crisis. Creative Ways To Tell Your Life Story by Sheila Malkind of Legacy Films. Growing up in a Marin County family that kept jars of Thursday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m., Richmond Branch See the calendar and Page 4 for information about bean sprouts on its windowsill, Tara Austen Weaver Review your life through exploring the past, exam- 50-Plus programs, including Mental Aerobics, a never thought she’d stray from vegetarianism. But as ining the present, and planning for the future. weekly series. Continued on Page 5

Coming Up: FebRUARY Feb. 2 Feb. 6 Feb. 26 Focusing on Rewarding Diane di Prima Gustafer Yellowgold Show Youth Speaks: Work and Restoring Dignity San Francisco Poet Laureate Tricycle Music Fest Midyear Unified District Poetry Slam Four-week work readiness address Fisher Children’s Center, Main Koret Auditorium, Main, 7 p.m. program Koret Auditorium, Main, 6 p.m. 10:30 a.m. and noon Main and Bayview sfpl.org At the Library JANUARY 2010 1 Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP)

A New Deal for Bernal, Temporary Services A New Day for Bernal Library Schedule he Works Progress Administration, (renamed the Work Projects The Library provides the following Administration in 1939), was good to the Bernal Heights neigh- services during branch renovations. Tborhood. It provided much-needed construction jobs which cre- ated the Aztec Street steps, the grading and paving of Bernal Heights Bookmobile Locations: Boulevard and the St. Mary’s Park playground. Most importantly, the Anza excavating, grading and wall-building of the Bernal Recreation Cen- (Balboa St., at 31st Ave.) ter’s field and playground literally paved the way for the construction Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. of our jewel in the crown: the Bernal Heights Branch Library. Saturday: 1:30–5 p.m. A second New Deal of sorts, in the name of the City’s Branch Library Improvement Program, has been employing tradespeople Bernal Heights all over San Francisco for the past several years. It’s interesting how (625 Holly Park Circle, in front of today’s economic reality parallels that earlier era and once again the Junipero Serra Elementary School.) building of civic structures symbolizes hope for people. Monday: 2–5 p.m. In Bernal Heights, CDX Builders of San Francisco was awarded the Thursday: 2–5 p.m. library job and its crew has been steadily working on the renovation, bringing architect Andrew Maloney’s vision to life. Golden Gate Valley Maloney works with the Library Design Studio of the City’s (1700 Green St., alongside Allyne Park.) Bureau of Architecture and his design is an intelligent and thought- Tuesday: 10–12:30 p.m. fully elegant response to the original building, which was designed by Friday: 2:15–5:30 p.m. the well known and significant local architect Frederick H. Meyer. The renovation, as the original building, will clearly stand the test of time. Maloney understands the bones of the building and is honoring them through his Merced work. This dusty architectural gem is being improved through his careful lead and the crew’s steady effort. (Buckingham Way, near Stonestown The interior workmanship is of superior quality: wood veneers painstakingly matched through careful re- movie theater.) finishing, thoughtful use of tiling and flooring and creative use of lighting and ceiling finishes. The Beaux Arts Monday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. staircase seamlessly dovetails with existing walls. The entire newly installed lower floor, which houses the pub- Saturday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. lic restrooms, children’s room, community meeting room, and staff rooms has detailing which is fully integrated with the upper floor—not an easy feat, considering it was once a basement. Parkside The front exterior façade now provides an access ramp which is gracefully sculpted to include public seat- (1281 Santiago, at 24th Ave., Northwest ing. There are new lighting fixtures which echo nearby streetlamps and the era of the original building. A small corner of McCoppin Square.) veranda facing the corner provides a comfortable place for neighbors to converse and watch passersby. The Monday: 1–5 p.m. south façade incorporates a second access ramp into the Children’s Room which does not intrude upon the Wednesday: 1–5 p.m. architectural lines of the building. The long-awaited grand re-opening of the renovated Bernal Heights Library is near. We urge you all to join Potrero us on Jan. 30 for a wonderful neighborhood celebration. Read more at the Bernal Heights Branch Library’s blog, (1502 Mariposa St., north side, adjacent Diary of a Renovation, at http://bernalheightsbranchlibrary.blogspot.com/. to the Jackson Recreation Center building.) Tuesday: 2:30–5 p.m. –Lisa Dunseth, Bernal Heights Branch Manager Thursday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Presidio (2715 California St. at Scott St.) Wednesday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Bookmobile hours subject to change; call (415) 557-4336 or visit sfpl.org for updated information. BLIP Update Branches under construction and projected opening dates: Bernal Heights – Jan. 30 Golden Gate Valley Closing Party Potrero – 2010 Parkside – 2010 The Golden Gate Valley Branch Library closed for its much anticipated renovation. A party was held to mark the Visitacion Valley – 2010 last day with cake and entertainment. Photos (clockwise from left): Staff members L to R: Pages Hua Hui Wu, Merced – 2011 Amy Chang and Haoyang Zhang (in back), Circulation Services Supervisor Chi Ling Wong, Branch Manager Irene Lee, Page John Tilney, Librarian Richard Le and Library Technician Sam Tse; a history board told the story of the Ortega – 2011 branch; treats for all. Anza – 2011

The largest building campaign in San Francisco Public Library history is in full swing. We are now seeing the fruits of the $106 million bond measure passed in November 2000. The Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) calls for the renovation of 16 branch libraries and the construction of eight new library buildings. The new buildings are: Bayview, Glen Park, Ingleside, Mission Bay, North Beach, Ortega, Portola and Visitacion Valley. Building better libraries for stronger communities.

2 JANUARY 2010 At the Library Exhibitions Subscribe to the monthly Exhibitions and Adult Programming newsletter at www.sfpl.org/nextreads

A civil rights demonstration January 2010 at the Cadillac showroom on Auto Row, featured in Jewett Gallery the exhibition, Occupation! *Celebrating Art With Elders Exhibition showcases Economic Justice as a Civil watercolors, acrylics, oil pastels, crayon, pen & ink and Right in San Francisco, 1963-64. pencil drawings and collages created by an ethnic and Photo: Phiz Mezey cultural mosaic of African-American, Asian, Filipino, American Indian, Hispanic and Caucasian seniors residing in long-term care facilities around the Bay Area. Jan. 9 through Feb. 28. Main, Lower Level, Jewett Gallery. Related Programs: see Adults, Videos: Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28, Looking Forward to 2010: 12-2 p.m.; and Adults, Jan. 9 & 21, 2 p.m. Skylight Gallery Illuminating Exhibitions Gallery Open Hours: same as Main Coming later this month is the provocative exhibi- and provocative ways. By doing so, they play an Gallery Closes: Mon.-Sat. at 6 p.m.; Sun. at 5 p.m. tion, Occupation! Economic Justice as a Civil Right important role in characterizing and distinguishing *Renewal: Printmakers from the New Northern Ireland in San Francisco, 1963-64. The year 1963 saw the the culture, sensibility and sentiment of two Koreas. Exhibition features 36 works by 18 of Northern Ireland’s beginning of massive civil disobedience actions in contemporary printmakers created from a variety of San Francisco. Demonstrations at Mel’s Diner, Lucky techniques, including monotype, collagraph prints, mono- prints, viscosity printing and carborundum; includes many Grocery, the Sheraton Palace Hotel and Auto Row spectacular landscapes. Jan. 30 through March 21. Main, focused on discriminatory hiring practices that ex- 6th Floor, Skylight Gallery. Related Program: see Adults, cluded African-Americans from employment equal Jan. 30, 1-2:30 p.m. to white workers. While appearing tame in light of later riots and militancy, these actions shook the Other Exhibition Areas in the Library city’s liberal image of itself at the time, resulted in over 260 employment agreements for minority A Compassionate Eye: The Work of Victor Arimondi Exhibition—the first by an institution since his passing in workers; and forever changed the way we define 2001—encompasses his photographic work that includes freedom of speech. portraiture, still life, social commentary & documentary, Featuring photographs by Phiz Mezey, this col- fashion and experimental work. Through Jan. 7. Main, laborative exhibit, on view Jan. 16-March 27 in the 3rd Floor, James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center Carrie Gagliardi, Jill Lessing and Nanci Stern. Photo: Cathy Cade San Francisco History Center, Main Library, Sixth Faces of Ghana: Photo ReflectionsPhoto exhibit, by Dr. Floor, presents selections from the archives at the Celebrating Fabulous Activists Marcus Lorenzo Penn, that compares the paradox of visual History Center and the Labor Archives and Research In the fall, we look forward to Celebrating Fabulous/ beauty and the historical brutality of the West African slave Center, a special collection of the J. Paul Leonard trade. Jan. 15 through March 11. Main, 3rd Floor, African Activist Bay Area Lesbians with Disabilities: A 40 Year library at San Francisco State University. The show is American Center Retrospective in the Skylight Gallery. This exhibition curated by Nancy J. Arms Simon. will feature photographs, a memorial quilt, archival Occupation! Economic Justice As a Civil Right In San “Not enough people know about the struggle materials and more that demonstrate the innovative Francisco, 1963-64 Exhibition features photographs taken for civil rights in San Francisco—and there really was by photojournalist Phiz Mezey in 1963, that document mas- contributions by disabled lesbians in the areas a battle—or about the provocative photojournal- sive S.F. civil disobedience actions; includes selections from of art, dance, politics, civil rights and access. This archives of the SFPL History Center and the Labor Archives ism of Phiz Mezey. This exhibit brings them both exhibition comes to us from the organization Fabled and Research Center (a special collection of the J. Paul together, along with an understanding of how black ASP, whose goal is to collect, document, archive and Leonard library at San Francisco State University); curated workers and their allies fought against discrimina- by Nancy J. Arms Simon. Jan. 16 through March 27. Main, celebrate the contributions of disabled lesbians from tion in hiring by local businesses,” said City Archivist 6th Floor, outside the San Francisco History Center the 1970s to the present. Many of the founders of the Susan Goldstein. Bay Area lesbian movement have passed away within The Portola Festival of 1909: A Party with a Purpose Exhibit features photographs and artifacts from The Portola Elegant Needlework the last 10 years and this vital history is being lost Festival of 1909, a grand celebration to declare that San as a movement of leaders age and die. The disabled Francisco had rebuilt and was ready for business and As part of the Shanghai Celebration, a year-long San lesbian movement originated in San Francisco tourists after the devastation of the 1906 earthquake and Francisco Bay Area-wide collaboration organized by and as a result of this exhibition, the archives of fire; includes video highlighting participation of Chinese the Asian Art Museum, the Main Library will host a & Japanese communities. Through Jan. 8. Main, 6th Floor, this organization will be donated to The Daniel E. outside the San Francisco History Center Shanghai Embroidery exhibition beginning March 1 Koshland San Francisco History Center of the San and continuing through May. The show will feature Francisco Public Library, furthering its commitment World Heritage Cities of Mexico Photo exhibit that vivid and beautiful handmade works of elegant art to the expansion of its collections and representation explores cities throughout Mexico that have been with a variety of subjects from portraits and land- designated World Heritage Sites by the United Nations of diverse audiences throughout San Francisco. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). scapes to animals, flowers and birds. There will be In English and Spanish. Through Feb. 4. Main, 3rd Floor, many different sizes and designs with a variety of Hungry for More International Center stitches on display. Some pieces include double- In late 2010 we also look sided embroidery such as one piece with a fish Curtains Up: Puppets and Pictures Illustrations by Kather- forward to San Francisco embroidered on one side and a cat on the reverse. ine Tillotson, from children’s books and puppet and stage Eats, which will showcase constructions. Her most recent books include When the “Embroidery is a brilliant pearl in Chinese art,” said the culinary delights that Library Lights Go Out and It’s Picture Day Today. Through Jan. librarian Doris Tseng. 25. Main, 2nd Floor, Children’s Center can be found in the San Korea in Comics Francisco Public Library’s Chinese Zodiac Paintings From Taiwan Paintings featur- collections dating back ing the 15-day Lunar New Year festival, the most important Exhibitions at the library continue this year with holiday for the Chinese people. Through Feb. 18. Main, 3rd to the late 19th Century. Floor, Chinese Center Korean Comics: A Society Through Small Frames, on This exhibition will serve view from March 13 through June 13 in the Jewett as a visual feast for visi- Free In(g) The Parks: the San Francisco Mime Gallery. This exhibition will feature more than 80 tors of all ages. From the Troupe Fights for Free Speech, 1959-1969 works by 21 cartoonists from North and South Photographs, original press clips, court papers, broadsides, Gold Rush to , posters, and other artifacts dramatize the Mime Troupe’s Korea. The comics examine the changing realities San Francisco has never of Korean society from the 1950s through the 1990s. struggles to stage a commedia dell’arte adaptation of stopped being a beacon . Courtesy of Giordano Bruno’s Candelaio in local parks, and A Minstrel The exhibition provides of gastronomic delight. San Francisco History Center, Show, or Civil Rights in a Cracker Barrel, the show that first a running commentary San Francisco Public Library. won the company national fame, in Denver and other cities. Innovators, immigrants Through Feb. 1. Main, 4th Floor, Steve Silver Beach Blanket that reflects the lives and adventurous eaters are drawn to a city that Babylon Music Room of ordinary people—at has at least three distinct geographic advantages: once joyful, satirical a temperate climate, access to astounding seafood Exhibitions at the Branches and penetrating. What and fresh produce and a density that fosters diverse, shines most prominently highly defined neighborhoods that are easily acces- *Snap/Shot: 99 Years of Looking Fabulous Exhibition through these works is of over 60 photographs donated by gay, lesbian, bisexual, sible to visitors from far and wide. From historic res- transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) San Francisco an engaged and vigorous taurant menus and photographs to unique related residents, that depicts the wide range of experiences civil society in Korea, ephemera, this exhibition will share the rich food and joyous commonality within the LGBTQI community. continuously challenging history and culture of San Francisco through visual Through Feb. 14. Eureka Valley and energizing the and literary form and build understanding of diverse status quo in whimsical ethnic cultures through the language of food. Mighty Wing (cover)

*Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library At the Library JANUARY 2010 3 January 2010

Pick for January and February: Recollections of My Life as a Woman: The New York Years by Diane di Prima Award Winning Independent Lens For the last five years, every month between September and May, Indepen- In Recollections of My Life as a Woman, San Francisco Poet Laureate Diane di dent Television Service (ITVS) and the Library offer a screening of films from Prima explores the first three decades of her extraordinary life. the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens. All films are paired Born into a conservative Italian American family, di Prima grew up in with a lively panel discussion with local experts and community leaders. Brooklyn but broke away from her roots to follow through on a lifelong com- Upcoming films for 2010 feature diverse topics, mitment to become a poet, first made when she was in high school. Immers- including an innovative high school for the blind, ing herself in Manhattan’s early 1950s bohemia, di Prima quickly emerged as a The Eyes Of Me, and a family’s quest to heal their renowned poet, an influential editor, and a single mother at a time when this autistic son, The Horse Boy. was unheard of. This month’s film, Garbage Dreams, will be Vividly chronicling the intense, creative cauldron of those years, she screened on Jan. 19 in the Koret Auditorium at recounts her revolutionary relationships and sexuality, and how her experi- 5:45 p.m. This film profiles the world’s largest garbage mentation led her to define herself as a woman. What emerges is a fascinating village, located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, and narrative about the courage and triumph of the imagination, and how one what happens when a multi-national corporation woman discovered her role in the world. threatens its livelihood. The film follows three village Garbage Dreams Poet, prose writer, playwright and teacher di Prima is the author of 44 boys who are forced to make choices that will impact the survival of their books of poetry and prose, including Pieces of a Song, Loba: Books I and II and community. the new expanded version of Revolutionary Letters. Her work has been trans- Check the online calendar at sfpl.org or the calendar listings in the lated into more than 20 languages. At the Library newsletter for dates and times of the monthly film. For the past 42 years, di Prima has lived and worked in and around San Francisco. She took part in the activities of the Diggers, doing street perfor- mance and delivering free food to 25 communes three times a week, studied meditation at the San Francisco Zen Center with Suzuki Roshi and Sanskrit at A Bomb In Every Issue: How Ramparts the California Institute of Asian Studies (now CIIS) and raised her five children. Magazine Changed America In addition to her writings, di Prima has done readings and lectures at San Francisco’s Ramparts magazine (1962-1975) more than 300 universities and major institutions; and has taught at the Zen brought provocative irreverence, compelling Center, Naropa Institute School of Poetics, Esalen Institute, New College of insight, serious investigation and intelligent dis- California, California College of Arts & Crafts and San Francisco Art Institute, sent to its broad coverage of political, social, pop among many others. She has produced plays and and religious culture— at a time when the nation poetry used in theatre productions and performed in itself was all but coming undone. Join author Peter several experimental movies in New York in the 1960s. Richardson as he presents A Bomb In Every Issue: She currently teaches private classes and workshops in How the Short, Unruly Life of Ramparts Magazine the Mission, and is working on the second volume of Changed America on Saturday, Jan. 23, 11 a.m. in her autobiography. the Latino Hispanic Community Meeting Room at the Main Library. A book sale and signing will ac- On Tuesday, Feb. 2, di Prima will be making her company this event. official address as San Francisco’s Poet Laureate The Library owns the entire run of Ramparts with a ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. in the Koret n the bound periodicals collection on the 5th Floor of the Main Library. Auditorium at the Main Library. Diane di Prima Ramparts was a highly influential left-of-center monthly magazine that was published in San Francisco and distributed nationwide.

11 Monday 17 Sunday 23 Saturday 27 Wednesday Adults A Roadmap for Later Life: Video on Cell Phone Safety *Author Talk: Peter Richard- Golden Anniversary of the Business Through Jan 16 San Francisco Resources for & How Teens Can Avoid son; A Bomb In Every Issue: Magazine Beatitude Counseling *Adult Winter Reading Pro- Health & Wellbeing With Health Risks How the Short, Unruly Life of Features original poets (includ- gram Keep track of your read- Erika Falk. Q&A. Sunset, Featuring Dr. Devra Davis & Ramparts Magazine Changed ing Jack Hirschman), editor 6, 13, 20 & 27 Wednesdays ing and win prizes! Glen Park 7–8 p.m. teens who took part in video America Book sale & signing. Latif Harris & more. Main Koret Service Corps of Retired project; panel discussion Main, Latino/Hispanic Com- Auditorium, 6–7:30 p.m. Executives Free Business 4 Monday 12 Tuesday with audience interaction. munity Room, 11 a.m. Counseling Main, Koret Auditorium, Open Books: Leslie Larson; Ask a Bankruptcy Attorney Appointments: (415) 744-6827. *First Monday Movies @ 1:30–4 p.m. *Author Talk: Fan Wu; Breaking Out of Bedlam Book Main, 4th Floor, Business, Excelsior: Murder, My Sweet Beautiful as Yesterday Main, With Heather A. Cutler. sale. Main, Latino/Hispanic Science & Technology Depart- (1944, 95 mins.) Excelsior, Latino/Hispanic Community Q&A. Mission Bay, 6–7 p.m. Community Room, 6:30 p.m. ment, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 19 Tuesday Room, 2–4 p.m. ITVS Community Cinema: *House of the Rainbow Wolf *Claude Monet: Painter of 6 Wednesday Garbage Dreams Winter 2010 Educator Work- Club: Readings Featuring Light Slide presentation by Home Preparedness in Profiles world’s largest shop Series: Music, Literacy Fanny Renoir & Friends Marlene Aron. Excelsior, Earthquake Country Talk & garbage village on outskirts of & Learning for the Preschool Book Groups North Beach, 7 p.m. 7–8:30 p.m. slideshow with Matt Springer. Cairo, Egypt. Panel discussion Classroom With Nancy Stew- 6 Wednesday Main, Latino/Hispanic Com- follows. Main, Koret Audito- art. Participants receive Certifi- The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: munity Room, 6–7:30 p.m. 13 Wednesday rium, 5:45 p.m. cate of Professional Develop- *Poetry Therapy Workshop Adventures in the World of *Radar Featuring Leopoldine ment. Register beginning 1st With Sally Love Saunders Chinese Food, Jennifer 8. Lee. 7 Thursday Core, Rob Halpern & Maggie of month at (415) 557-4272 or 25-participant limit; register at 20 Wednesday [email protected]. Main, 2nd (415) 355-5600. Bring paper & Sunset, 7 p.m. ADA and Self Advocacy Nelson. Hosted by Michelle Floor, Fisher Children’s Center, pencils. Richmond, 6–7:30 p.m. Workshop for the Deaf & Tea. Main, Latino/Hispanic *Black Writers Program 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. 20 Wednesday Hard of Hearing With Susan Community Room, 6 p.m. Poet Marvin K. White hosts Gonzalez; presented in Ameri- panel of African-American Noe Valley, 7–8:30 p.m. Cash 4 College Workshop 30 Saturday can Sign Language (ASL). Make *Author Reading & Slide- LGBT/SGL writers. Main, Free financial aid assistance *Illustrated Lecture on Bel- voice interpreting requests by show: Vincenza Scarpaci; Latino/Hispanic Community for college-bound High School fast, Northern Ireland Murals 21 Thursday 12/31 at (415) 557-4434. Main, The Journey of the Italians Room, 6 p.m. seniors & their families. No With Timothy Drescher & West Portal, 2:30 p.m. Latino/Hispanic Community in America registration required. Info: Claude Moller. Main, Koret Au- Room, 6–7:30 p.m. Excelsior, 7–8:30 p.m. Film: Silver Feet [email protected]. Main, 5th Floor, ditorium, 1–2:30 p.m. Related 27 Wednesday 14 Thursday Profiles aspiring ballerina Computer Lab, 1:30–4 p.m. Exhibition: see Exhibitions. 9 Saturday auditions. Ingleside, 6 p.m. *Rincon Literario (In Spanish). *How Environment Nurtures Healing Back Pain, With the 25 Monday Info: http://sfpl.org/spanish/ Creativity With Lillian Alexander Technique Main, *Author Talk: Fan Wu; news/rinconlit.htm. Mental Aerobics For Seniors Cartwright & elder art- Latino/Hispanic Community 21 Thursday Beautiful as Yesterday Main, 3rd Floor Conference Main, Latino/Hispanic Commu- Chinatown, 2:30 p.m. ist-instructors. Main, Koret Room, 6–7:30 p.m. *Workshop: Creative Ways Room, 6–7 p.m. nity Room, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Auditorium, 2 p.m. Related to Tell Your Life Story Exhibition: see Exhibitions. 16 Saturday With Hope Levy. 25-attendee The Sit-Down Readers’ 30 Saturday 26 Tuesday Film on the Founding of the limit; register at (415) 355- Theatre Presents Chekhov’s *Film: Autumn Gem (56 min.) San Francisco Russian Bib- People’s Republic of China: 5600. Bring pens, pencils & *Russian & Ukrainian Love The Cherry Orchard Profiles life of women’s rights liophiles (In Russian) Main, The Founding of a Republic paper. Richmond, Songs, with Piano Music by Read a part if you like. activist Qiu Jin. Q&A. China- Latino Hispanic Community Main, Koret Auditorium, 2 p.m. 2–4 p.m. Svetlana Chernitskaya North Beach, 2 p.m. Room, 2–4 p.m. town, 2:30 p.m. Richmond, 7 p.m.

4 JANUARY 2010 At the Library *Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Jobs & Careers Databases The Library has added a new category to the Articles & Databases Web page called Jobs & Events and Happenings Careers, collecting all the job- and career-related databases into one area. There is a range of resources here including vocational and techni- cal publications, test preparation materials, tips from experts on networking and help on creat- ing résumés. The newest database is called Career Transi- tions. Think of it as the online equivalent of the popular careers-assessment publication, What Exercise Your Brain—Weekly Class at Main Library Color is Your Parachute? This online resource of- In an exciting partnership with the Older Adults those who have previously attended a memory fers a five step process to: Department of City College of San Francisco, San and mental fitness program. 1. Discover personal interests with an online Francisco Public Library is pleased to present Men- Beginning Jan. 25 and running through survey. tal Aerobics, a weekly free mental exercise class for May 24, classes will be held at the Main Library on 2. Explore careers that match selected interests. the brain. Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (Note: no class will 3. Prepare a resume using a step-by-step ap- The old saying “use it or lose it” applies as be held Feb 15 or March 29.) proach with links to more detailed instruc- much to the brain as it does to any other muscle in Library patrons can take one class, the entire tions and examples. the body. In this very social class, Hope Levy, a fac- series or pick and choose from among the classes. 4. Find articles on networking, interviewing, ap- ulty member in City College’s Older Adults Depart- Simply show up and fill out a registration form. For plying for jobs and negotiating strategies. ment, will lead attendees through fun, challenging additional information, contact Hope Levy at (415) 5. Search for jobs of interest by career, industry, and creative brain exercises designed to maintain 931-8679 or [email protected]. state and keywords. and improve cognitive vitality and memory. Levy has more than 20 years of teaching expe- For those needing help with a resume or Levy will present ways of conquering every- rience with master’s degrees in gerontology and who want to ask a specific question about the day memory challenges, such as remembering special education. Mental Aerobics is part of the interview process, check out the Career Center names and “tip-of-the-tongue syndrome,” as well Library’s 50-Plus programs aimed at promoting from Tutor.com. On this site, a visitor can upload as discuss the latest news on mental fitness. This lifelong learning. See the calendar on Page 4 for a resume and cover letter, have them proofread, course is appropriate for first-timers as well as additional 50-Plus programs on Jan. 9, 11 and 21. and chat live with a career specialist. Visitors can ask questions in real time regarding the inter- view process or how to search for a job. The best thing about these resources is they Looking Forward Continued from Page 1 are all free. All that’s needed is a valid library an adult she found herself in poor health, and, card and personal identification number (PIN). having tried cures of every kind, a doctor final- Visit sfpl.org and follow the link to Articles & Da- ly ordered her to eat meat. This is the rollick- tabases. ing story of one woman’s quest to reconcile a nontraditional upbringing with carnal desires. Collection Development Specialists Denise Schmidt and Carla Kozak also recom- U.S. Census Bureau Jobs mend a number of new children’s books The U.S. Census Bureau is testing for employment including Leave it to PET with story and art by at the San Francisco Main Library. A number of Kenji Sonishi. This is a Japanese import with a words are animal sounds) retelling of the Aesop census jobs are available and range from clerks at green twist about PET, a plastic orange juice bottle fable a visual feast. Older children might like The $16.50 per hour to recruiting assistants at $23.50 with super powers. Another good choice for older Case of Mistaken Identity, by Bay Area author Mac per hour. The testing will take place in the Latino/ readers is The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelen, Barnett; it’s the first Brixton Brothers title and read- Hispanic Community Meeting Room from 10 a.m a stunning graphic novel about dust bowl suf- ers will want more of this sly satire of a familiar to noon on Jan. 9, 16 and 30. For more informa- fering and survival. The Lion and the Mouse offers detective series. tion about testing or employment with the 2010 stunning illustrations by a masterful artist (Jerry U.S. Census, please call (866) 861-2010. Pinkney) that make this almost wordless (the only Read about Upcoming Exhibitions in 2010 on Page 3.

15 Friday Classes Held at the Branches: 6 Wednesday 15 Friday magazine workshop. Register: (415) 355-2888 or jewelchen@ Computer Internet & Library Catalog 22 Friday *Movie Day Ages 12-18. Info: *Chinese Reading Club sfpl.org. Chinatown, 1–3 p.m. Classes (In Mandarin) Meet at 3rd Internet Fundamentals (In Japa- [email protected] or (415) The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Floor International Center. nese) Western Addition, 2–4 p.m. 355-2868. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. (In Chinese). Discussion in ei- 29 Friday Classes Held at the Main: Info: (415) 557-4430. 2–4 p.m. ther Mandarin or English. Info: 5th Floor Training Center. 25 Monday 8, 15, 22, 29 Fridays (415) 355-2888 or jewelchen@ *Teen Gaming Day Ages 12-18. Most classes at the Main require 16 Saturday sfpl.org. Chinatown, Wii games on big screen. Info Mouse & Keyboard Fundamen- *Beyond Journal Writing Ages proficiency in basic keyboard 3:30–5:30 p.m. or registration: (415) 355-5660 E-mail Fundamentals Mouse tals Register with librarian or at 12-19. (12-week class.) Info or skills. All classes are first come, or [email protected]. Portola, & keyboard skills required (or (415) 355-2808. Sunset, 6:30–8 p.m. registration: (415) 557-4497 or first served. observe). 11 a.m.–1 p.m. [email protected]. Main, 3rd Floor 16 Saturday 3:30–5 p.m. 28 Thursday Conference Room, 4–5:30 p.m. *Teen’Zine Holiday Gam- 5, 12 Tuesdays 19 Tuesday ing Day Ages 8-18. Info or Workshop: Finding Jobs & 8 Friday Library Catalog Mouse & key- registration: (415) 355-2888 or Videos on the Internet 101 Mouse & key- Careers (in Spanish) Basic abil- board skills required. 2–4 p.m. *Basic Knotting Ages 9-19. [email protected]. China- board skills required. 2–4 p.m. ity to navigate Web required. Materials provided. Info: (415) town, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Large Screen No registration required. (Mis- 20 Wednesday 355-2888 or [email protected]. 5, 12, 19, 26 Tuesdays sion program). Please note: (When possible, films are shown Chinatown, 3:30–5:30 p.m. 17 Sunday with captions to assist our deaf and Mouse & Keyboard Funda- Magazine, Newspaper & Class held at City College of Video on Cell Phone Safety & hard of hearing patrons.) mentals Info: (415) 557-4280. Information Databases San Francisco Mission Campus *Teen Knitting Workshop: How to Avoid Health Risks 1:15–2 p.m. Ability to navigate Web re- Library, 1125 Valencia Street, In the Koret Auditorium at Make Wrist Warmer Materials Featuring Dr. Devra Davis & quired (or observe). 2–4 p.m. Room 408, 3:30–5:30 p.m. the Main, Thursdays at Noon provided. Info or reservation: teens who took part in video 8 Friday 21 Thursday (415) 355-5660 or aharwood@ project; panel discussion with This Month’s Theme: sfpl.org. Portola, 3:30–5:30 p.m. It’s Never Too Late to Paint Internet & Library Catalog Training for the Internet and audience interaction. Main, (In Cantonese) Meet at 3rd Library Catalog (In Russian) Teens 9, 23 Saturdays Koret Auditorium, 1:30–4 p.m. Jan. 7 Floor International Center. Meet at 3rd Floor International Through Jan. 16 Info: (415) 557-4430. 2–4 p.m. Center. Info: (415) 557-4430. *Collage Poetry Journaling 20 Wednesday *The Cats of Mirikitani 9:15–11:15 a.m. *Teen Winter Reading Contest Ages 11-19. Info or registration: *Teen Knitting Workshop: (2008, 74 min.) 9 Saturday S.F Public Library cardholders (415) 557-4497 or blevine@sfpl. Make Wrist Warmers org. Main, 4th Floor Conference Jan. 14 Word Processing Fundamen- 23 Saturday ages 12-18. Visit participating Materials provided. Info or Room, 2–4 p.m. tals Mouse & keyboard skills Internet 101 Mouse & keyboard branch and pick up reading log; reservation: (415) 355-5660 or *Chris and Don: A Love Story for each five hours of reading (2009, 90 min.) required. Info: (415) 557-4430. skills required. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 12 Tuesday [email protected]. Visitacion 11 a.m.–1 p.m. fill out log & return to branch to Valley, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Introduction to Patent Classi- be entered for chance at raffle *Crocheting Basics 15-partici- Jan. 21 Cash 4 College Workshop 9, 16, 23, 30 Saturdays fication Searching 2–3:30 p.m. prize. Chinatown, Excelsior, pant limit. Sign up with teen *I Build the Tower Glen Park, Main Teen Center, librarian at (415) 355-5610 Free financial aid assistance (2006, 87 min.) Mouse & Keyboard Fundamen- 26 Tuesday Mission, North Beach, Ortega, or [email protected]. Richmond, for college-bound High School tals Volunteers available to help Internet 102 Basic proficiency Portola, Richmond, Visitacion 3:30–5 p.m. seniors & their families. No Jan. 28 with basic skills. 10:15–11 a.m. Valley & West Portal registration required. Info: of Internet required (or ob- *Louise Bourgeois: The Spider, serve). 2–4 p.m. 12, 19, 26 Tuesdays [email protected]. Main, 5th Floor, 13 Wednesday Computer Lab, 1:30–4 p.m. the Mistress and the Tangerine 2 Saturday *Creative Crafts Ages 8-18. (2008, 99 min.) Jobs & Career Resources 30 Saturday Materials provided. In English *Origami Club Ages 10 & 23, 30 Saturdays on the Internet Ability to Internet 102 Basic proficiency up. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher & Mandarin. Register: (415) navigate the Web required. of Internet required (or ob- Children’s Center, 2–5 p.m. 355-5626 or jewelchen@sfpl. *Chinatown Teen’Zine Ages 2–4 p.m. serve). 11 a.m.–1 p.m. org. North Beach, 3:30–5 p.m. 13–18. Bilingual online teen

All programs and events are free and open to the public. At the Library JANUARY 2010 5 Children’s Calendar Main Park Baby Rhyme Time Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 3:30 p.m. Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 Rollicking rhymes, songs and at 10:30 a.m. books for infants to 18 months Marina and their caregivers.* Mon, 4, 11, 25 at 11 a.m. Richmond + playtime Wed, 6, 13, 20, 27 Chinatown at 3:30 p.m. *SPCA Gentle Dog & His Hu- Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 Mission January 2010 man Teach Dog Safety at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. + playtime Mon, 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1:10 p.m. Sunset Ages 3-5. North Beach, 11 a.m. + playtime (Spanish/English) All programs and events are free and open to the public. Sat, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Eureka Valley Thur, 7, 14, 21 at 10:15 a.m. at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Programs are for children of all ages, except where noted. 12, 26 Tuesdays Wed, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 1:30 p.m. + playtime Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. Groups need to West Portal reserve space. Playtime for Babies & Tod- Excelsior Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 11 a.m. Mission Bay Tue, 5, 19 at 10:30 a.m. Where branch is closed for renovation, alternate location is listed. dlers, With Parents/Caregivers + playtime Thur, 7, 14, 21 at 10:15 a.m. + craft Golden Gate Valley Branch programming room is not accessible Ages birth-3. West Portal, + playtime by elevator. 10:30 a.m. Glen Park For film titles, call branch library or go tosfpl.org/news/events. Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. North Beach htm and click on Children’s Films & Videos. 13 Wednesday + playtime Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10:15 a.m. *Music with Lee Weiss Through Jan. 7 5, 19 Tuesdays Ages 5 & younger. Marina, 3:30 p.m. All Aboard: San Francisco Crafts Main Ortega Public Library Holiday Train Ages 3-5. Portola, 11 a.m. Toddler Tales Mon, 4, 11, 25 at 10:30 a.m. Mon, 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10:30 a.m. *Crafts with Sophie Interactive display of trains n Wed, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10:30 a.m. Mission Bay, 4-6 p.m. Books, rhymes, music, from children’s literature, 6, 13, 20, 27 Wednesdays movement and more for Portola featuring the Polar Express, Marina Thur, 14 at 11:15 a.m. Homework Help Films toddlers 18 to 36 months Thomas the Tank Engine, and Mon, 4, 11, 25 at 10:15 a.m. (Held at Family Connections. Ages 5 & older. Grades K-7. Ages 3-5. Richmond, 11 a.m. and their caregivers.* the Hogwarts Express. Main, 2565 San Bruno Ave.) Mission, 4–6 p.m. 2nd floor, in front of Fisher Anza Mission Sat. 30 at 1:30 p.m. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. 14 Thursday Children’s Center. Thur, 7, 14, 21 at 10:30 a.m. Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 (Held at Branch) Films + playtime (Held at Rich- 10:10 & 11 a.m. + playtime 7, 14, 21, 28 Thursdays mond District Neighbor- (Spanish/English) Richmond Through Jan. 16 Ages 3-5. Chinatown, 10 a.m. Reading Buddies: Older Ages 5-12. Chinatown, 4 p.m. hood Center, 741-30th Ave., Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:15 a.m. *Kid’s Winter Reading Club School Children Practice between Balboa & Cabrillo) Mission Bay Ages 12 & younger. Read to Reading with Younger Videos Fri, 8, 15 at 4:30 p.m. Western Addition earn small prize; and one lucky Children Ages 5-8. Ingleside, 4:30 p.m. Eureka Vallley + playtime Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10:15 a.m. reader wins a Snowy Owl Pup- Ages 5 & older. 30-minute ses- Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. + playtime pet! Glen Park sions. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. 15 Friday Noe Valley (Groups of five or more, Ingleside Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:15 a.m. reserve at (415) 355-5727.) Through Jan. 25 *Blues with Henry Oden Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 11 a.m. 7, 14, 21, 28 Thursdays Ages 3 & older. Mission, 3 p.m. Curtains Up: Puppets and + playime North Beach West Portal Homework Help Pictures Exhibition of illustra- Wed, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 4:30 p.m. Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11:45 a.m. Thur, 14, 28 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 5 & older. Grades K-7. 16 Saturday tions by Katherine Tillotson, Mission, 4–6 p.m. from children’s books and Arts & Crafts puppet & stage constructions. Ages 3-5. West Portal, Main, 2nd Floor, Children’s 7 Thursday 10:30 a.m. Preschool Marina Presidio Center Eddie Madril: Native Ameri- Tue, 5, 19 at 10:15 a.m. Thurs, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10:15 a.m. can Singing, Dancing, Drum- 17 Sunday Storytime (Held at the Jewish Commu- ming, & Stories Mission nity Center of San Fran- 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Fridays *Magic Show With Gerald n Stories, songs, fingerplays Ages 3-5. Sunset, 3–5 p.m. Wed, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10:10 a.m. cisco, 3200 California Street. Chess Club Joseph and more for ages 3 to 5.* Participants may inquire at Ages 6 & older. All levels. Excel- Richmond, 2:30 p.m. Anza Mission Bay the Information Desk for the sior, 3:30–5:30 p.m. 8 Friday Tue, 5, 12, 19 at 10:30 a.m. Thur, 7, 14, 21 at 4:30 p.m. room number.) After-School Drop-In Crafts 19 Tuesday (Richmond District Neighbor- Ages 5 & older. North Beach, 4 Monday *The Lizard Lady hood Center, 741-30th Ave., North Beach Portola 3:30–5 p.m. Videos Info: Monica at (415) 355-2850. between Balboa & Cabrillo) Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11 a.m. Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Glen Park, 10:30 a.m. Bayview, 10:30 a.m. (Groups, reserve at (415) 355- 9 Saturday Bayview Ocean View 5660.) 4, 11, 25 Mondays *Boswick the Clown Films Tue, 5, 12, 26 Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 West Portal, 11 a.m. Ages 3-5. Western Addition, at 10:30 a.m. at 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Richmond Homework Help 10 a.m. Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 11 a.m. Ages 5 & older. Grades K-7. *Circus Arts Workshop With Excelsior Ortega Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. Patti Gelinas Crafts Wed, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 11 a.m. Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. Sunset Ages 5 & older. Ingleside, 3 p.m. Ages 3-10. Richmond, 3:30 p.m. (Chinese/English) Thur, 14 at 10:30 a.m. 4, 11, 18, 25 Mondays Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11 a.m. Parkside Fri, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 10 & 11 a.m. Homework Help 20 Wednesday Western Addition 11, 25 Mondays (Held at Taraval Police Station Ages 5 & older. Grades K-7. Eureka Valley Tue, 5, 12, 26 at 10 a.m. Films/Videos Films/Videos Community Room, 2345- Mission, 4–6 p.m. Wed, 6, 13, 20, 27 (Groups of five or more, Ages 3-5. Bayview, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Main, 2nd Floor, at 3:30–4 p.m. 24th Ave., between Taraval & reserve at (415) 355-5752.) Fisher Children’s Center, 10 & Santiago.) 5, 12, 19, 26 Tuesdays 12 Tuesday 10:45 a.m. Homework Help Films Ages 5 & older. Grades K-7. 21 Thursday Ages 3-5. Chinatown, 10, Mission, 4–6 p.m. 10:30, 11:05 a.m., 2 p.m. School-Age Storytime Noe Valley Richmond Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. Family Storytime Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 11 a.m. Sat, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Ages 5-12. Chinatown, 4 p.m. Ages 5 & older. Portola, Ages birth-5 at 11 a.m. 3:30 p.m. n Family Storytimes are for children of all ages unless noted.* Ages birth-5 Films/Videos Park Chinatown Ages 3-5. Main, 2nd Floor, Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 3:30 p.m. West Portal Fisher Children’s Center, 10 & Sat, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11:30 a.m. Lions and Tigers to at 10:30–11 a.m. Wed, 6, 20 at 7:15 p.m. 10:45 a.m. Ages 2-5 (In Russian) Celebrate the New Year Excelsior Potrero Sat, 2, 23 at 10:30 a.m. Films Sat, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 11:30 a.m. Thur, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10:30 a.m. Ages birth-5 The Jing Mo Athletic Association will be helping Ages 3-5. Sunset, 10:30 a.m. Ages birth-5 the Library celebrate the Lunar New Year—Year Main (Held at St. Teresa Commu- Crafts Tue, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. nity Hall, 390 Missouri St., of the Tiger, 4707, with lion dance and martial Ages 5 & older. Call for reserva- Sat, 2, 9, 16, 30 at 11 a.m. at Connecticut.) arts performances at libraries around the City in tions. Portola, 4 p.m. January and February. Join us for one of these *Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. Groups need to reserve space. spectacular and colorful events, sponsored by 22 Friday Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. *Create a Unique Piece of Folk Art Using Rice Family Storytime & Sing- 29 Friday North Beach Branch, 1:30 p.m. Ocean View, 3 p.m. along to Musical Instruments Jan. 30 *Garden Art Activity Glen Park Branch, 3 p.m. Marina, 3:30 p.m. Marina Branch, 10:30 a.m. Ages 5 & older. Mission, 3 p.m. Ocean View Branch, 4 p.m. 23 Saturday Chinatown Branch, 11:30 a.m. Ingleside Branch, 5 p.m. Bernal Heights Branch (also Winter 2010 Educator 26 Tuesday 30 Saturday Library re-opening celebra- Workshop Series: Music, Films Ages 5 & younger. Feb. 13 *Chinese Lion Dancers tion), 1 p.m. Literacy & Learning for the Marina, 10:15 a.m. . Marina, 10:30 a.m. West Portal Branch, 3 p.m. Mission Branch, 11:30 a.m. Preschool Classroom . Chinatown, 11:30 a.m. Western Addition Branch, Excelsior Branch, 12:30 p.m. With Nancy Stewart. Par- Videos Ages 3-5. North Beach, Ages 2 & older. Western Addi- 4:30 p.m. Portola Branch, 1:30 p.m. ticipants receive Certificate 10:30 & 11 a.m. tion, 4:30 p.m. Ortega Branch, 3 p.m. of Professional Development. Sunset Branch, 4 p.m. Register beginning 1st of Feb. 6 28 Thursday Films Noe Valley Branch, 5 p.m. month at (415) 557-4272 or Ages 5 & younger. West Portal, Main Library Children’s [email protected]. Main, 2nd *Music & Movement With The Lunar New Year takes 10:30 a.m. Center, 11:30 a.m. Floor, Fisher Children’s Center, Beverly Kho Ages 3-5. Call for place Feb. 14 . Richmond Branch, 12:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. reservations. Sunset, 10:30 a.m.

6 JANUARY 2010 At the Library *Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Friends Focus

January Featured Sections

Book Bay Main Celebrate the Poetry of San Francisco At the Movies

Book Bay at the Third Annual Poets 11! Fashion & Costumes San Francisco poets, get your pens—Friends of the San Francisco Public Library and their Poet-in-Residence Jack Hirschman, together with the San Francisco Public Library, are pleased to announce Poets 11 2010. This citywide poetry contest and reading series collects poems from every neighborhood and features poetry January Events readings at branch libraries in each of the City’s 11 districts. Jan. 10 Submissions will be accepted $1 Book Sale Jan. 1 through March 1, 2010. Donation Center Local poets are encouraged 438 Treat Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to submit up to three poems. The poetry will be reviewed by Hirschman and selected poets will be announced at each of the branch events. Jan. 18 All types of poetry are accepted. Writings which reflect San Francisco’s diversity of language and culture and Porchlight: I Quit! those written in languages other than English are highly encouraged. The Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero Selected poets will be presented with $50 honorariums and their poems will be published in an anthol- Avenue, Doors open at 7 p.m./Show begins at 8 p.m. ogy. Now in its third year, Poets 11 celebrates San Fran- cisco’s rich literary life and thriving poetry community. Jan 24 Beginning in March, selected poets will take the Hill Habitats: A Condo, Home and microphone and share their works in a variety of lan- Houseboat Tour guages and topics. Eleven events will take place at Join us for the second self-guided tour of branch libraries, concluding with a final event featuring residences, including houseboats all participating poets at the Main Library’s Koret Audi- on Mission Creek. Tickets are $25 each or $40 for a pair and will be on sale at various locations torium on May 8. in January. Ticket sales will benefit the Potrero Library Campaign to buy furniture, fixtures, and Submission Guidelines equipment to complete the Potrero Library • Must be 18 or over to participate. renovations. For more information, please • Must reside in one of San Francisco’s 11 Districts. contact Mary Abler, (415) 626-7512, ext. 107, • Poets can submit up to three poems by e-mail to [email protected]. [email protected] or by regular mail to: Various Locations, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Poets Eleven Friends members receive the JCC member price Book Bay Fort Mason at select events. Check out www.friendssfpl.org Fort Mason Center, Bldg. C for a full list. San Francisco, CA 94123

Submissions must include: • A return address, e-mail or phone number • District for a response

Poets may also submit their works to any branch library. The deadline for all submissions is March 1. Selected poets are announced at each branch library event.

Book Bay Locations & Hours BOOK BAY FORT MASON Fort Mason Center, Building C Open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Telephone (415) 771-1076

BOOK BAY MAIN Main Library The mission of Friends of the San Francisco Public Library is to create, steward and support a superior, free public library system in San Francisco. Grove Street Entrance We are committed to raising the standard of excellence of our libraries Open all Library hours by funding programs and services beyond what is allocated in the city’s Telephone (415) 557-4238 budget. We believe in free and equal access to information for all.

Books at 10% off! Friends’ Bonus Bookstore Program! Friends members ($50+ level) receive a 10% discount at the following bookstores:

A Different Light Bookstore Academy Store, California Academy of Science A. Cavalli Italian Bookstore Adobe Bookstore Alan Wofsy Fine Arts LLC Alexander Book Co., Inc. Amazing Fantasy The Beat Museum Bibliohead Bookstore Bibliomania Bird & Beckett Books & Records Black Oak Books Holding Corp. Bolerium Books Book Bay Fort Mason Book Bay Main Books, Inc. Booksmith Borderlands Books Browser Books Christopher’s Books Chronicle Books Compass Books, Inc. Cover to Cover Booksellers Dog Eared Books Eastwind Books Globus Slavic Bookstore Great Overland Book Company Green Apple Books & Music Kayo Books Louie Brothers Book Store, Inc. Manning’s Books & Prints Marcus Book Stores Phoenix Books Omnivore Books on Food Red Hill Books San Francisco Botanical Gardens, Garden Bookstore Thidwick Books The Green Arcade

At the Library JANUARY 2010 7 At the Library SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 Larkin StREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102

The beautiful painted ceiling at the Bernal Heights January 2010 Branch Library. The restored library re-opens Jan. 30. In this Issue: Page 1 – Bernal Heights Grand Re-Opening Better with Age New Books and More 2010 Page 2 – A New Deal for Bernal Golden Gate Valley Closing Party Page 3 – Illuminating Exhibitions Exhibitions Calendar Page 4 – Diane di Prima independent Lens Ramparts Magazine Adult Calendar Page 5 – Exercise Your Brain U.S. Census Bureau Jobs Jobs & Careers Databases Page 6 – Lions & Tigers Celebrate the New Year Children’s Calendar Page 7 – Friends Focus third Annual Poets 11

The San Francisco Public Library system is LIBRARY LOCATIONS AND HOURS S M T W T F S dedicated to free and equal access to information, ANZA Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2. knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community. BAYVIEW/WADEN 5075 Third St. 355-5757 1–5 10–6 10–6 1–8 10–8 1–6 10–6 BERNAL HEIGHTS Opening Jan. 30 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2. At the Library is published monthly on recycled paper by CHINATOWN 1135 Powell St. 355-2888 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 the San Francisco Public Library with support and funding Children’s Room 1–5 1–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 1–6 10–6 from Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. EUREKA VALLEY/MILK 1 José Sarria Court 355-5616 x 12–6 10–9 12–9 10–6 1–6 1–6 Circulation: 12,000 (at 16th St., near Market) Online version: EXCELSIOR 4400 Mission St. 355-2868 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 http://sfpl.org/news/atl/atl_online.htm GLEN PARK 2825 Diamond St. 355-2858 x 10–6 10–6 12–8 1–7 1–6 1–6 Main Library phone number: (415) 557-4400 GOLDEN GATE VALLEY Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2 . How to reach us INGLESIDE 1298 Ocean Ave. 355-2898 1–5 10–6 10–6 12–8 1–7 1–6 1–6 Public Affairs, Main Library, 100 Larkin St. MAIN LIBRARY 100 Larkin St. 557-4400 12–5 10–6 9–8 9–8 9–8 12–6 10–6 San Francisco, CA 94102 MARINA 1890 Chestnut St. 355-2823 1–5 10–6 10–6 1–9 1–9 1–6 10–6 (415) 557-4277; e-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.sfpl.org MERCED Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2 . Every effort has been made to produce a monthly calendar that MISSION 300 Bartlett St. 355-2800 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 is both accurate and complete. Please contact Public Affairs if Children’s Room 1–5 1–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 1–6 10–6 you have any questions or comments regarding the listings. MISSION BAY 960 Fourth St. 355-2838 1–5 x 10–6 12–8 10–6 1–6 1–6 Tours of Main NOE VALLEY/BRUNN 451 Jersey St. 355-5707 1–5 x 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 Tours are conducted on the first Tuesday of each month at NORTH BEACH 2000 Mason St. 355-5626 x 12–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 1–6 12 p.m. Meet at the Information Desk in the First Floor atrium. OCEAN VIEW 345 Randolph St. 355-5615 x 10–6 10–6 10–7 1–7 1–6 1–6 Tours are limited to 15 people on a first come, first served basis. Groups can schedule a private tour by calling (415) 557-4266. ORTEGA 3223 Ortega St. 355-5700 1–5 10–6 10–6 1–9 1–9 1–6 10–6 PARK 1833 Page St. 355-5656 x 10–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 SFPL Commission PARKSIDE Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2 . Meetings are generally held on the first and third Thursday PORTOLA 380 Bacon St. 355-5660 1–5 x 10–6 12–8 1–7 1–6 1–6 of each month. This month’s meetings: 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 7 and 21 in the Koret Auditorium of the Main Library. POTRERO Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2. The public is welcome to attend. PRESIDIO Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2. Closure Times RICHMOND/MARKS 351 9th Ave. 355-5600 1–5 10–6 10–9 10–9 1–9 1–6 10–6 The San Francisco Main Library and all branch libraries SUNSET 1305 18th Ave. 355-2808 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 will be closed on Friday, Jan. 1 for new Year’s Day and Children’s Room 1–5 1–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 1–6 10–6 Monday, Jan. 18 for Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday. VISITACION VALLEY 45 Leland Ave. 355-2848 x 10–6 10–6 12–7 1–7 1–6 1–6 WEST PORTAL 190 Lenox Way 355-2886 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 WESTERN ADDITION 1550 Scott St. 355-5727 1–5 1–9 10–6 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6

Treasure Island Bookmobile Community Center, 497 Ave. I Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1–4:30 p.m. “x” means CLOSED. For more information: www.sfpl.org (All phone numbers are in the 415 area code.)

8 JANUARY 2010 At the Library