April 2011 Vol. 42 No. 4

Public Library: An American Commons The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man. - T.S. Eliot

Public Library: An American Commons is an exhibition and photographic survey of public libraries throughout the U.S. by San Francisco-based photographer Robert Dawson. There are more than 17,000 public libraries in this country. Since Dawson began the project in 1994 he has photographed hundreds of libraries in 16 states. From Alaska to Florida and from New England to California, the photo- graphs show a vibrant, essential yet vulnerable system. This exhibition, on view in the Jewett Gallery at the Main Library, April 9-June 12, includes approximately 70 black and white and color photographs. Among the images is a photograph of the Tulare County (Calif.) Free Public Library, in Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, which was founded as an agricultural community in the 19th century by a group of former slaves. Another photograph shows a library from New Orleans, La., damaged in 2007 by Hurricane Katrina; this library remains closed and patrons must check their books out of a nearby trailer. Tulare County Free Public Library Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Photo: Robert Dawson Libraries are local but Dawson chose to view this remarkable system value and what we share. as a whole. While each library has its This exhibition comes at an important time for the San Francisco Public own unique set of needs, the nation- Library when it will celebrate National Library Week, April 11-15, and the 15th wide system of local libraries consti- anniversary of the Main Library that opened April 18, 1996. 2011 also marks the tutes an important part of a healthy 50th anniversary of Friends of the San Francisco Public Library who help make society. In the 19th century there was a exhibitions and many of their related programs possible. strong correlation between the public library movement and the movement Related Programs: for public education. People under- Artist Talk with Robert Dawson: stood that the future of democracy was April 12, 6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library contingent upon an educated citizenry Gallery Walkthrough with Robert Dawson and that every citizen should have May 7, 4 p.m., Jewett Gallery, Main Library the right of free access to community- owned resources. These ideas coalesced From Carnegie to Koolhaas: Robert Dawson’s Photographs of Public Libraries: into today’s public libraries, which func- May 14, 3 p.m., Noe Valley Branch Library tion as a system of non-commercial Carnegie to Contemporary: Building San Francisco Public Libraries: Hurricane Katrina-damaged Library, centers that help us define what we Panel discussion. May 18, 6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library. New Orleans, LA. Photo: Robert Dawson

National Poetry Month Tricksters:

The Library celebrates National Poetry Month with Professional and emerging filmmakers and video art- Gerald events and workshops for all ages. ists from the Bay Area and beyond made short films based on poems by WritersCorps youth. Two screen- McDermott For Children ings will be held on April 19, at 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., California Poets in the Schools (CPTIS), in collabora- in the Main Library, Koret Auditorium. The screenings and the tion with the Library, and funded by the Walter and will show a variety of videos—from on-the-street Elise Haas Fund and the California Arts Council, will documentaries to spirited animated shorts—that Art of the Folktale be presenting poetry and bookmaking workshops cover a range of young people’s thoughts and expe- The 15th Annual Effie Lee Morris lecture: for children and teens at four libraries and poetry riences including love, nature, politics, and growing April 5, 6 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium reading events at three libraries, including a citywide up in the Bay Area. celebration at the Main Library on April 16. Check the And the Beats go on…. calendar, page 6, for details. This program is the largest writers-in-the-schools program of its kind in the coun- Curious to learn where Jack Kerouac and Gary try, and is in its 46th year of sending published writers Snyder hiked in Kerouac’s book Dharma Bums? Want Alerts with Library Elf into classrooms, libraries, juvenile halls, and hospital to know where Allen Ginsberg first read his epic Try Library Elf, a new service that enables text programs to help students recognize and celebrate poem Howl? Author Bill Morgan takes us on a jour- messages, e-mails and/or RSS alerts to help library their own creativity and intellectual curiosity. ney across the U.S. showing the Beat Generation’s users keep track of what’s due, overdue, or ready for favorite haunts in his new book Beat Atlas. Co-spon- pickup from the holds shelf, for one or more library For Teens sored by City Lights Books and City Guides. accounts. The free service is not operated by SFPL. The Main Library hosts the world premiere of the Po- Beat Atlas/Bill Morgan: April 26, 6:30 p.m. Main To try out the service, sign up at libraryelf.org. etry Projection Project, WritersCorps’ first film event. Library, Koret Auditorium.

Coming Up: MAY 4 MAY 14 MAY 20 MAY 24 Adam Hochschild Merced Branch Library Bike-to-Work Day Making Home from War: To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty Reopening Celebration Special author visit: David Stories of Japanese American and Rebellion, 1914-1918 1 p.m. V. Herlihy, The Lost Cyclist Exile and Resettlement Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m. Main, Latino/Hispanic Main, Latino/Hispanic Commu- Community Room, 12:30 p.m. nity Meeting Room, 6 p.m.

SFPL.ORG AT THE LIBRARY APRIL 2011 1 Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP)

Park Branch Library Reopens Hundreds joined us to celebrate 101-year-old Park Branch Library’s reopening on Feb. 26. Top: (L – R) Department of Public Works Director Ed Reiskin, Library Commission President Jewelle Gomez, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Supervisor Scott Wiener, Friends of SFPL Executive Director Donna Bero, City Librarian Luis Herrera, State Senator Mark Leno, Mayor Edwin Lee, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, and architect Mark Schatz, cut the ribbon to reopen the library. Bottom row: (L – R) Library Page David Kazmierczak; Branch Manager Cathy Delneo accepts a State Senate proclamation for the branch reopening; Users load up on books.

Photos: Jason Doiy Projects of the Year Bayview Branch The Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association Library Closing (APWA) awarded the recent renovations of the Bernal Heights and Eureka Val- ley/Harvey Milk Memorial branch libraries as Projects of the Year. in April “The Branch Library Improvement Program is the largest preservation proj- ect in the City,” explained City Librarian Luis Herrera. “It’s wonderful to be recog- he Bayview Branch Library nized for our achievements in historic preservation. Both renovations have pre- closes in April while the new served the beautiful historic features of the branches while creating updated Tlarger, library building is con- spaces that offer new technology, flexible uses for our diverse communities and structed. Stay tuned for details about seismically safe buildings that can be enjoyed for generations to come.” the new library which will include a The APWA is an international educational and professional association of new program room for community public agencies, private sector companies and individuals dedicated to provid- meetings, an expanded collection of ing high quality public works goods and services. Chartered in 1938, APWA is materials, more computers, an inner the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the world with over 25,000 courtyard, and a sustainable building members. Formed in 1947, the Northern California Chapter covers 11 counties designed to Leadership in Energy and and was the first APWA Chapter “west of the Mississippi.” Environmental Design silver certi- “DPW is extremely honored to be presented with these prestigious awards. fication standards as set by the U.S. Bernal Heights and Eureka Valley were designed by our very own Bureau of Green Building Council. In the interim, Architecture and this recognition exemplifies our dedication toward preserving a temporary site will be open at the and restoring beautiful historic buildings into buildings that are highly func- local Bayview Hunters Point YMCA, tional, sustainable and accessible for residents of San Francisco to enjoy,” said 1601 Lane St., which will have a small Ed Reiskin, Director of the Department of Public Works collection of books and materials, The Bernal Heights Branch received the Project of the Year award for an computer access, and programs for Top: Entrance to Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk historic restoration project in the $5 million to $25 million range. The Eureka children and teens. Memorial Library; Bottom: Reading room Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch was named Project of the Year in the less at Bernal Heights Branch Library. Photos: Michael Kromat than $5 million category.

Temporary Services Schedule BLIP Update The Library provides the following services during branch renovations. Branches under construction and projected opening dates: Temporary Site Hours: Bookmobile Locations:

Bayview Anza Merced – May 14, 2011 (1601 Lane St.) (Balboa St., at 31st Ave.) Merced Monday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (Buckingham Way, near Stonestown Anza – 2011 Tuesday: 10 a.m. –6 p.m. Saturday: 1:30–5 p.m. movie theater.) Visitacion Valley – 2011 Wednesday: 10 a.m. –7:30 p.m. Monday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. –7:30 p.m. Golden Gate Valley Saturday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Ortega – 2011 Friday: 1–6 p.m. (1700 Green St., alongside Allyne Park.) Bookmobile hours subject to change; Golden Gate Valley – 2011 Saturday: 10 a.m. –1:30 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. call (415) 557-4343 or visit sfpl.org for Sunday: Closed Friday: 2:15–5:30 p.m. updated information.

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. B u i l d i n g b e t t e r l i b r a r i e s f o r s t r o n g e r communities.

2 APRIL 2011 AT THE LIBRARY Exhibitions Subscribe to the monthly Exhibitions and Adult Programming newsletter at www.sfpl.org/nextreads

April 2011 Jewett Gallery The Objects of Our Affection

*Public Library: An American Commons an Francisco may be known for its characters, Photography exhibition by Robert Dawson that features but readers might be interested to know a photographic survey of public libraries throughout that the Schmulowitz Collection of Wit & the United States. From Alaska to Florida and from New Humor (SCOWAH) has more characters than England to California, the photographs show a vibrant Syou’ll ever see on the streets. The Library has the and essential, yet vulnerable, system. Exhibition includes approximately 70 black-and-white and color photographs largest humor collection in the world (at least in a of urban, suburban and rural libraries across the U.S. April 9 public library), dedicated to fulfilling its founder’s through June 12. Main, Lower Level, Jewett Gallery. motto: “Without humor, we are doomed.” Related Program: see Adults, April 12, 6 p.m. Every year on April Fools’ Day, the Book Arts & Skylight Gallery Special Collections Center curates a themed exhibition on a humorous subject. This year’s show, Skylight Gallery Open Hours: same as Main The Objects of Our Affection: Wonderful Characters from Skylight Gallery Closes: Mon.-Sat. at 6 p.m.; Sun. at 5 p.m. the Schmulowitz Collection of Wit & Humor features *The Objects of Our Affection a wide-ranging group of extraordinary characters. Wonderful Characters from the Schmulowitz Collection Materials drawn from the collection profile their lives of Wit & Humor. From the 16th through the 21st century: and work. Look for Poggio Bracciolini (14th century authors, humorists, entertainers and characters on display papal chancellor and bawdy jokester); Kay Thompson remind us that although life may sometimes be filled with a box of chocolates, it’s more likely to be filled with and her signature character Eloise; New Yorker the objects of our affection. April 1 through May 31. Main, cartoonist Maira Kalman; folklore scholar Gershon 6th Floor, Skylight Gallery. Related Programs: see Adults: Legman; sibling authors David and Amy Sedaris; Thursday Films at Noon, April 7, 14, 21, & 28; and April 7, sleight of hand artist Ricky Jay; comedian Phyllis Diller; 6-7:30 p.m. Related Display: see displays. humorous illustrator Edward Gorey; and popular 19th-century entertainer P.T. Barnum. Other Exhibit/Display Areas The Objects of Our Affection, on view in the Skylight Gallery, at the Main Library, April 1- May 31, is a vivid re- in the Library minder that life is not just a box of chocolates, but filled with colorful, humorous, and wildly inventive characters. From a simple gift of 93 volumes of jest books in 1947 and named after its founder, Nat Schmulowitz Tricksters: Gerald McDermott and the Art of the Folk- tale Exhibit Proof pages and preparatory sketches from a (a great San Francisco character), the Library’s wit & humor collection has grown over the years with more selection of McDemott’s trickster tales, and including a new than 22,000 volumes. Join us in celebrating the characters whose lives and writings have become the objects book Monkey: A Tale from India. Through April 30. Main, 2nd of our affection. Floor, Children’s Center Exhibit Space. Related Program: see Adults, April 5, 6 p.m. Related display and programs: In Paths Untrodden: Walt Whitman’s Calamus Poems I Beg to Differ: Discerning Characters and Distinctive Points of View. A book cover display from the and The Radical Faeries Exhibit articulates Walt Whitman’s General Collections & Humanities Center, Third Floor wall case. homo-affectional poem cluster, Calamus, and its place in LGBT culture; and draws a connection between the poems Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise - A short documentary followed by an author talk with and the creation of the modern LGBT community—with emphasis on the Radical Faerie Movement. Through May 19. Sam Irvin. April 7, 6 p.m. Main Library, Latino-Hispanic Community Room, 6 p.m. Main, 3rd Floor, Gay & Lesbian Center Exhibit Space Thursdays at Noon Film Series: Marching to the Beat of Their Own Drummer. Large screen videos will *Primal Green: Environmental Art Quilts Exhibit cre- be shown in the Koret Auditorium, Main Library. April 7: The Man Who Came to Dinner, April 14: The World ated by the Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Artists group, According to Garp, April 21: True Stories, and April 28: Grey Gardens. featuring use of unusual or recycled materials and abstract designs, stamping, painting and/or cutting fabric. Through July 30. Main, 5th Floor, Environmental Center Exhibit Space. Related Program: see Adults, April 17, 1 p.m. Walt Whitman and I Beg to Differ: Discerning Characters and Distinctive Points of View. A book cover display from the General Collections & Humanities Center, Third Floor wall case. the Radical Faeries April 1 through May 31. 2010 was the 150th anniversary of the first publication of Walt Whitman’s World Autism Awareness Day Commemoration Exhibit homo-affectual poem cluster Calamus. The first edition of Leaves of Grass was Exhibit focuses on early diagnosis and intervention, as published in 1855 and despite its lukewarm public reception, was praised by well as showcases sketches and paintings by children and adults with autism—especially in the Filipino American Ralph Waldo Emerson as “the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that community. Through April 30. Main, 3rd Floor Exhibition America has yet contributed.” Space. Related Program: see Adults, April 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The exhibition, In Paths Untrodden: Walt Whitman’s Calamus Poems and The Radical Faeries, explores the influence Whitman and the Calamus poems Ain’t No Half-Stepping: The Migration of San Francisco Bay Area Blacks to Western Canada, 1858-2010 had on the earliest LGBT freedom pioneers. It traces some of the qualities Whitman ascribed to the “love Photographs and text that detail the little-known migra- of comrades” and the spiritual and political roles he saw it playing in the larger project of the creation of tion of free blacks from the Bay Area to the west coast of “America.” Illustrated early editions of Leaves of Grass will be on view, in addition to works by his admiring Canada, in 1858. Direct descendants of those San Francisco friend and innovative writer-activist, Edward Carpenter. Bay Area blacks still reside on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, where a black community continues to thrive. Whitman and his poem’s continuing influence on visionary queer/gay consciousness is surveyed Through May 19. Main, 3rd Floor, African American Center through images and documents from the contemporary gay men’s political/spiritual movement, The Radical Faeries. Photographs and Radical Faerie publications from the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center/San *The History of the Family Service Agency of San Fran- Francisco History Center Archives will be on display. cisco Exhibit features a wide range of archival photographs and documents depicting FSA’s historic role at the fore- Exhibit: March 1 – May 19, James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center, Third Floor, Main Library. front of social service reform, as well how the FSA continues to research and design new innovations in mental health treatment and the use of technology to improve service delivery. Through April 18. Main, 6th Floor, outside of the San Francisco History Center Focus on the Collections Our Road: A Journey that Goes on Forever Book and art exhibit featuring works by local Chinese Americans. April 16 through July 14. Main, 3rd Floor, Chinese Center. It’s Midnight, the Library’s Closed Exhibits at the Branches Where Can I Find Good Earthquake Information? Crossing the Street: Tales from the Portola Exhibit created by Portola neighborhood artists Kate The headlines of April 19, 1906 in the combined Call-Chronicle-Examiner proclaimed the death, destruction Connell and Oscar Melara features a collection of hand- and panic of the Great Earthquake and Fire. Thousands of refugees fled to Oakland to escape the calamity. made interactive books displayed on custom bookstands To read the news of that day, San Francisco Public Library users can access the San Francisco Chronicle throughout the branch. Through May 31. Portola historical database. To see images that document the aftermath of the temblor and resulting fire, patrons can access the library’s online Historical Photograph Collection. Wondering which buildings survived the earthquake? Try the Digital Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Continued on Page 5

*Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library AT THE LIBRARY APRIL 2011 3 April 2011

Pick for March and April: Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson 30th Annual Northern California Book Awards If you enjoyed Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson, you might also like some of these endearing books: The awards honor the work of Northern California authors in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translation and A Guide to the Birds of East Africa Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout children’s literature. The featured speaker is Cody Award Tamim Ansary by Nicholas Drayson “Funny, wicked and remorseful, Mrs. winner Tamim Ansary and the Special Recognition “While the reader is pulled along by Kitteridge is a compelling life force, Award goes to Indivisible: An Anthology of Contemporary South Asian the suspense...the glorious sights, a red-blooded original. When she’s American Poetry, edited by Neelanjana Banerjee, Summi Kaipa, and Pireeni sounds, and smells of Nairobi provide not onstage, we look forward to her Sundaralingam. The event is sponsored by Northern California Book lovely rest stops along the way.” return. The book is a page-turner be- Reviewers, Poetry Flash, Center for the Art of Translation, Friends of the - Library Journal cause of her.” - San Francisco Chronicle San Francisco Public Library, Mechanics’ Institute, PEN West, and Red Room. For more information, visit poetryflash.org or call (510) 525-5476. The Sweetness at the Bottom of The Guernsey Literary and Potato the Pie by Alan Bradley Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer NCBA: April 10, 1 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium. A book sale by Read- ers Bookstore follows the event. “Both funny and wickedly clever... and Annie Barrows Whether you are a mystery lover or “This debut by an “aunt-niece” autho- not, you are going to fall hard for Fla- rial team presents itself as cozy fic- via de Luce.” - IndieBound tion about comfortably quirky peo- ple in a bucolic setting, but it quickly Falcons in a Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner evinces far more serious, and ambi- Changing World A deeply moving novel that, through tious, intent...the engrossing subject the prism of one family, illuminates matter and lively writing make this a Glenn R. Stewart of the Santa Cruz the American present against the sure winner.” - Kirkus Reviews Predatory Bird Research Group will fascinating background of our past. discuss the peregrine falcon popula- tion recovery and falcons in a chang- Is your book club reading Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand? Author Helen Simon- ing world. Stewart will bring a live son says, “If you’re interested in having me give a talk by phone or Internet at falcon for this program. This is a your next reading group meeting or other event, I would love to talk to you. GreenStacks program. I’d also love to answer your questions about Major Pettigrew, myself, or writ- Falcons: April 20, 6 p.m. Main Library, ing in general. Please email [email protected].” Koret Auditorium To find more read-alikes for books and authors you love, visit Book- browse.com, with full-access available through SFPL. Login with your card number/pin and discover your next favorite book!

6 Wednesday 11 Monday 19 Tuesday *Russian Ukrainian & Gypsy 21 Thursday Music Richmond, 7 p.m. Adults Retirement Planning Portola, San Francisco: Still Wild at Bhutto Film. Main, Koret Audi- West Portal, 2 p.m. 2 Saturday 6 p.m. Heart Film. Sunset, 7 p.m. torium, 5:45–7:15 p.m. 27 Wednesday Rent Board Potrero, 27 Wednesday Panel: Local Journalism Main, 12 Tuesday 20 Wednesday Dance Films Main, Koret Audi- 12:30–3:30 p.m. Koret Auditorium, 5:30 p.m. torium, 6–8 p.m. *(Spanish). Main, 3rd Floor Artist Talk: Robert Dawson Bad News Bears Film. Mission Conference Room, 6–7:30 p.m. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m. Bay, 4 p.m. Call + Response: A Movement *Filipino-American Jazz Vanished Waters: A History of Related Exhibit: see Exhibits. to End Modern Day Slavery Main, Koret Auditorium, San Francisco’s Mission Bay *Falcons (With Live Falcon) 28 Thursday 1–4 p.m. Film. Excelsior, 7–8:30 p.m. Mission Bay, 6–7:30 p.m. Octavia Boulevard Main, Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m. The Guernsey Literary and Latino/Hispanic Community 30 Saturday Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary *Origami Club How to Travel Better, Cheaper 20 & 27 Wednesdays Meeting Room, 6:30 p.m. Lao Film Festival Main, Koret Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows. Bernal Heights, 2 p.m. and Smarter Glen Park, Managing Ongoing Health Auditorium, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Bernal, 4–5:30 p.m. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Writers’ Workshop Bring pencil/ Conditions Pre-register at 3 Sunday pen. Bernal Heights, 6:45 p.m. (415) 452-5839. Info: (415) ECE Workshop Series: Early 30 Saturday Jazz Quartet Bernal Heights, Writing Register at cestrovitz@ Bicycle Bride (2010/104 min.) 452-5839 or [email protected]. 6:30–8:30 p.m. 13 Wednesday sfpl.org or (415) 557-4218. Main, (Russian) Main, Latino/Hispanic Film. Main, Koret Auditorium, Ocean View, 12:30–3 p.m. 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Community Meeting Room, 2–4 p.m. 2 p.m. *Baseball Main, Latino His- *Video for Adults to Help 21 Thursday Center, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. panic Community Meeting Students: Behavioral Compli- 4, 11, 18 & 25 Mondays room, 6:30–7:30 p.m. cations Main, Latino/Hispanic Panel: The Potential Role of *Crafts: Create Miniature Community Meeting Room, Geoengineering to Combat Terrarium & More from Yarn Staying Engaged Business 7 Thursday 4:30–6:30 p.m. Climate Change Main, Latino/ Adults and ages 5 & older. Sign for a Lifetime Hispanic Community Meeting up at Information Desk. Glen Main, Latino/Hispanic *Kay Thompson: From Funny Armenian Genocide Film Counseling Room, 6–7:30 p.m. Park, 2–4 p.m. Community Meeting Room, Face to Eloise Main, Latino/ Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Wednesdays 1:30–3:30 p.m. Hispanic Community Meeting 22 Friday Room, 6–7:30 p.m. Related *Create Deck of Cards from Service Corps of Retired The Watchman’s Rattle Main, Exhibit: see Exhibits. Found Images Bernal Heights, Book Groups Executives Free Business Older Writers’ Poetry Group Koret Auditorium, 12–1:30 p.m. Counseling Appointments: Bernal Heights, 3:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 Wednesday 9 Saturday (415) 744-6827. Main, 4th Floor, 14 Thursday 23 & 30 Saturdays Read works by poet laureates, Business, Science & Technology 4 Monday *Shakespeare’s The Tempest *Chess Playoffs Chinatown, 1936-2011. http://www.loc. Department, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Noe Valley, 2–3:30 p.m. Mark Twain Project Stories Gun Crazy ( 1949/86 min.) Main, Koret Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. 1:30–5 p.m. gov/poetry/laureate-2001- Film. Excelsior, 6:30–8:30 p.m. present.html. Sunset, 7–9 p.m. *East Eats West: Writing in Two 23 Saturday Hemispheres (In English) 16 Saturday 9 Saturday *Geoffrey Chaucer Plays Computer 5 Tuesday Chinatown, 2:30–4 p.m. World Autism Awareness Day Read a part, if you like. (North (In Chinese) Battle Hymn of Main, Latino/Hispanic Communi- *Chinatown Knitting Group Beach Program.) Held at 661 the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. Classes *Origami Club Paper provided. ty Meeting Room, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (English/Mandarin) Lombard St., 2 p.m. Main, Latino/Hispanic Commu- Ages 13 & over. Sign up at Info: (415) 557-4426. Main, Related Exhibit: see Exhibits. Classes Held at the Main: 2nd Floor, Children’s Creative nity Meeting Room, 2–4 p.m. branch. Chinatown, 3:30–5 p.m. *Dance Film Festival Main, Held in the 5th Floor Training Center, Center, 3–5 p.m. *Knitting Adults & ages 9 & over. Koret Auditorium, 3–5 p.m. 15 Friday unless otherwise noted. Most Info: [email protected] or (415) classes at the Main require profi- *15th Annual Effie Lee Morris Vanished Waters: A History of *(Mandarin/English) The Case 557-4497. Main, 2nd Floor, Chil- 26 Tuesday ciency in basic keyboard skills. All Lecture: Gerald McDermott San Francisco’s Mission Bay Files of the Gourmand Detec- dren’s Creative Center, 2–4 p.m. classes are first come, first served. & the Art of the Folktale Potrero, 4–5:30 p.m. Lambda Literary Awards Fi- tive by Sichi Dajie. Info: (415) Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m. 355-2888 or jewelchen@sfpl. 17 Sunday nalists’ Readings Main, Latino/ Related Exhibit: see Exhibits. 10 Sunday Hispanic Community Meeting org. Chinatown, 3:30–5:30 p.m. 1 Friday *Art Quilters: Program & Room, 6 p.m. Poetry Readings *Northern California Book Reception Main, Latino/His- 20 Wednesday Library Catalog (In Spanish) (North Beach Program.) Held Awards Info: poetryflash.org panic Community Meeting Beat Atlas: A State by State *Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand Info: (415) 557-4430. Meet at at 661 Lombard St., 7 p.m. or (510) 525-5476. Main, Koret Room, 1 p.m. Related Exhibit: Guide to the Beat Generation by Helen Simonson. Western 3rd Floor International Center. Auditorium, 1 p.m. see Exhibits. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. Addition, 6:30 p.m. 2–4 p.m.

4 APRIL 2011 AT THE LIBRARY *Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Events and Happenings

Local Journalism Turning a Corner Headlines and photos from the SF History Center on Democracy depends on the exploring how new media of AOL’s Patch.com; Yahoo! local the 1906 earthquake. free flow of news so citizens outlets and a slowly improving news editor Anthony Moor; San can make informed decisions. economy may restore some of Francisco State broadcast pro- Earthquake Information However, the recession and new what has been lost. fessor, Dr. Dina Ibrahim; Knight continued from Page 3 technologies has led to broad This year’s forum, Local Digital Media Center Director La- cutbacks in local journalism. News: Turning a Corner, will give nita Pace-Hinton; MarketWatch The 1899-1900 and 1913-15 series can be es- Hundreds of local reporters in audience members a chance Editor-in-Chief David Callaway; pecially useful for this question. Sanborn maps Northern California lost their to quiz top media, political and Kwan Booth, an editor at Oak- show the outline of each building, the size, jobs, reducing the news report- financial leaders about the land Local; venture capitalist Pat shape and construction materials, heights, ed to the public. Now there may quality, independence and sus- Kenealy; media analyst Barry function of structures, location of windows and be signs of a comeback. tainability of news reporting in Parr; and KTSF Executive Pro- doors, construction details, house numbers, side- The Society of Professional Northern California. Panelists ducer Kwokshu Leung. The event walk widths, and more. Journalists is holding its third include: State Sen. Leland Yee; is co-produced by San Francisco We’ve got eBooks, both “print” and audio. annual Town Hall at the Library, Brian Farnham, editor in chief Bay Area Journalists. Looking for the popular classic, San Francisco Calamity By Earthquake and Fire by Charles SPJ Town Hall - New Media Turns the Corner: April 6, 5:30 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium. Morris? Check out the eBook in Net Library. Want historical fiction? Try Overdrive for James Dalessandro’s audiobook, 1906. What about research? Encyclopedias in- Stories from the Mark Twain Project clude Encyclopedia Britannica, Britannica Elemen- tary and Salud en Espanol. Try JSTOR for full-text 100 years after his death, Mark Twain has another academic journals going back to 1838. Through new book on the New York Times best seller list­—his JSTOR, you can read an earthquake letter (“Yes, uncensored autobiography. The strict instruction that ‘We Got it Safe,” California History, Winter, 1992- his story remain unpublished for 100 years meant 1993), or a 1907 report of the causes (“Some that when it was published, he would be “dead, and Notes on the San Francisco Earthquake,” unaware, and indifferent,” and that he was therefore (Geographical Journal, Apr. 1907). free to speak his “whole frank mind.” Mark Twain Proj- Of course, the city was reborn from the ect editors Harriet Elinor Smith, Victor Fischer, Michael B. Frank and ashes. And you can conveniently read all about Benjamin Griffin share tales about the challenges and discoveries it via SFPL’s eResources. So, get out your SFPL in editing Autobiography of Mark Twain and Mark Twain’s Letters and library card and check out our databases! engage the audience in a question and answer session. Mark Twain Project: April 14, 6:30 p.m. Koret Auditorium, Main Library. A book sale by Readers Bookstore follows the program. Mark Twain Project staff

Computer Classes, cont. 19 Tuesday 11 Monday 9, 23 & 30 Saturdays *Knitting *Poetry Workshops (Register) 2 Saturday Library Catalog Mouse & key- *E-mail Basics (Spanish) Sign *Teen ’Zine Ages 13–18. Regis- 5 Tuesday Ages 13 & over. 16 Saturday Ages 13-18. board skills required. 2–3 p.m. up at reference desk or (415) ter: [email protected] or (415) (English/Mandarin.) Sign up [email protected] or (415) 355- Word Processing Basics Info: 355-2800. 10-person limit per 355-2888. Chinatown, 1–3 p.m. at branch. Chinatown, 2888. Chinatown, 2:30–3:30 p.m. (415) 557-4430. 11 a.m. –12 p.m. class. Mission, 6:30–8 p.m. 3:30–5 p.m. 20 Wednesday 22 Friday [email protected] 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Saturdays Magazine, Newspaper & 16 Saturday Adults and ages or (415) 355-2888. Chinatown, 25 Monday Mouse & Keyboard Basics Information Databases Teen Series 9 & over. [email protected] or 4–5 p.m. Ability to navigate the Web Mouse & Keyboard Basics 10:15–11 a.m. *Gaming (Register) (415) 557-4497. Main, 2nd Floor, required (or observe). 2–3 p.m. Sunset, 6:30–8 p.m. Children’s Creative Center, *GN Reviewers Club 4, 11, 18 & 25 Mondays 1 Friday Ages 12-17. (415) 355- 2–4 p.m. 21 Thursday 28 Thursday 2898. Ingleside, 3–5 p.m. 28 Tuesday [email protected]. Job Seekers’ Lab 28 Thursday Ages 9 & over. Parkside, 1–2 p.m. Drop-in. 11 a.m. –2 p.m. Library Catalog (Russian) Library Catalog 20-attendee 2 Saturday Ages 8-18. (415) [email protected]. Potrero, 30 Saturday [email protected]. Meet at 3rd Floor International limit: first come, first served. 355-2888 or [email protected]. 4–5:30 p.m. 5 & 12 Tuesdays Center. Info: (415) 557-4430. (Chinese), Chinatown, 10–11 a.m. Chinatown, 2–4 p.m. West Portal, 2:30–3:30 p.m. 9:15–11:15 a.m. (English), Chinatown, 11 a.m.– Internet 101 Mouse & key- 7 Thursday Richmond, 12 p.m. *Films board skills required. 2–3 p.m. 3:30–5 p.m. 26 Tuesday 5 Tuesday Eternal Sunshine 5, 12, 19 & 26 Tuesdays Internet 102 Basic Internet 23 Saturday 22 Friday [email protected]. or (415) of the Spotless Mind. Videos on the 355-5660. Portola, 3:30–5 p.m. [email protected] or (415) Job Seekers’ Lab Drop-in. proficiency required (or ob- ESL Conversation Group 355-2868. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. Large Screen 10 a.m.–1 p.m. serve). 2–3 p.m. Pre-register. Ingleside, 2–3 p.m. *Crafts (Register) 19 Tuesday Based on poems In the Koret Auditorium at Mouse & Keyboard Basics 27 Wednesday 1 Friday by Writers Corps youth. the Main, Thursdays at Noon Info: (415) 557-4400. 1:15–2 p.m. Chinese iPad (Mandarin) Ages 8-18. Beads. (415) 355- [email protected] or (415) When possible, films are shown 2:15–3:45 p.m. Teens 2888 or [email protected]. 252-2546. Main, Koret Audito- with captions to assist our deaf 6 Wednesday and hard of hearing patrons. Sign www.sfpl.org/teens Chinatown, 3:30–5:30 p.m. rium, 11 a.m. Chinese eBooks (In Manda- up for monthly program e-mail no- 30 Saturday 6, 13, 20 & 27 Wednesdays tifications at: [email protected] rin) 2:15–3:45 p.m. S.A.T Workshops Internet 102 Basic Internet Journals. [email protected] *Book Swaps (Register) Visit www.successlinktutoring. Theme: Marching to the Best proficiency required (or ob- or (415) 355-2868. Excelsior, 8 Friday com/SFPL/ for schedule, info & 7, 14, 21 & 28 Thursdays of their Own Drummer. (Held in serve). 11 a.m.–12 p.m. 4–6 p.m. Library Catalog (Cantonese) registration. [email protected]. Parkside, conjunction with the exhibition: 2:30–4 p.m. The Objects of Our Affection: Info: (415) 557-4430. 2–3 p.m. 8 Friday Ages 8-18. Beads. Classes Held at the Branches: Wonderful Characters from the 5, 12, 19 & 26 Tuesday [email protected] or (415) 355- 8, 15, 22 & 29 Fridays Schmulowitz Collections of Wit 9 Saturday 2888. Chinatown, 3:30–5:30 p.m. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Saturdays *Writers’ Workshop Ages 12-19. [email protected]. West Portal, and Humor) (Lecture) Power Googling Computer Basics Excelsior, Register: (415) 557-4497 or 9 Saturday [email protected] or 2:30–4 p.m. Latino/Hispanic Community 3:15–5:15 p.m. [email protected]. Main, 3rd Floor (415) 355-5660. Portola, April 7 Meeting Room, 10:30 a.m. –12 p.m. Conference Room, 4–6 p.m. 1:30–3 p.m. *Origami *The Man Who Came to Dinner E-mail Basics Mouse & 4 Monday (1942, 113 min.) 15 Friday 19 Tuesday Ages 8-18. 9 Saturday (415) 557-4426. keyboard skills required (or ESL Conversation Group Beading, Weaving, Drawing. Main, 2nd Floor, Children’s *Book Discussion (Mandarin/ April 14 observe). 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Pre-register. Ingleside, 4–5 p.m. (North Beach Program.) Held Creative Center, 3–5 p.m. English) The Case Files of the at 661 Lombard St., 3:30–5 p.m. *The World According to Garp 13 Wednesday *Internet Basics (Spanish) Gourmand Detective by Sichi 11 Monday [email protected] (1982, 136 min.) or (415) 355-5738. Mission, Career Resources Ability to Sign up at reference desk or Dajie. [email protected] or 21 Thursday String Creatures. 4–6 p.m. navigate the Web required. (415) 355-2800. 10-person limit (415) 355-2888. Chinatown, [email protected] or (415) April 21 3:30–5:30 p.m. 355-2858. Glen Park, 4–5:30 p.m. 2–3:30 p.m. per class. Mission, 6:30–8 p.m. 21 Thursday [email protected]. *True Stories (1986, 89 min.) 26 Tuesday Ages 8-18. Parkside, 1–2 p.m. 16 Saturday 22 Friday 6, 13, 20 & 27 Wednesdays Beading, Weaving, Drawing. April 28 22 & 29 Friday [email protected]. Internet 101 Mouse & keyboard Computer Basics Bernal *Earth Day Challenge (North Beach.) Held at 661 West Portal, 3:30–4:30 p.m. *Grey Gardens (2009, 103 min.) skills required. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Heights, 3:30–5 p.m. www.sfpl.org/teens. Lombard St., 3:30–5 p.m.

All programs and events are free and open to the public. AT THE LIBRARY APRIL 2011 5 Main North Beach Baby Rhyme Time Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 at Rollicking rhymes, songs and 3:30–4 p.m. 10:15–10:45 a.m. & playtime books for infants to 18 months (Held at 661 Lombard St., and their caregivers.** Marina at Mason.) Mon, 4, 11, 18 & 25 Children’s Calendar Bernal Heights 11 a.m. + playtime Park Wed, 6, 13, 20 & 27 Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 1:15 p.m. + playtime Merced 10:30 a.m. Chinatown Mon, 11 at 9:30 a.m. + playtime Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 (Held at Stonestown YMCA, Potrero 11 a.m.–12 p.m. + playtime Childwatch Room, 333 Euca- Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 1:15 p.m. 14 Thursday lyptus Dr. (at 21st Ave.) + playtime April 2011 Eureka Valley *Dance and Sing With Gayle Wed, 6, 13, 20 & 27 Mission Richmond All programs and events are free and open to the public. Schmitt Ages 5 & younger. 1:30–2 p.m. + playtime Mon, 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 1:15 p.m. Wed, 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 3:30 p.m. Programs are for children of all ages, except where noted. (Bayview Program.) Please + playtime (English/Spanish) Excelsior Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. Groups need to Note: During renovation, Sunset Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 reserve space. Bayview events will take place Mission Bay Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 10:30 a.m. 11–11:30 a.m. Where branch is closed for renovation, alternate location is listed. at the Bayview Hunters Point Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 + playtime YMCA, 1601 Lane Street (at For film titles, call branch library. Glen Park 10:15 a.m. + playtime Revere). 10:30–11:15 a.m. Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 Fri, 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 West Portal 2 Saturday 7, 14, 21 & 28 Thursdays 10:30 a.m. + playtime 4:30 p.m. + playtime Tue, 19 at 10:30 a.m. *Edible Adventures with *Museum of Craft and Folkart Homework Help (Grades K-7) Chocolate & Dried Fruit Presents: Japan - From Silk- Portola, 2:30–4:30 p.m. Ages 3-5. Call (415) 355-2818 for Marina Parkside worm to Kimono Bernal Heights, 4–5:50 p.m. reservations. Sunset, 10:30 a.m. Western Addition, 2:30 p.m. Mission, 4–6 p.m. Toddler Tales Mon, 4, 11, 18 & 25 Sat, 2, 9, 16 & 23 10:15-10:45 a.m. 10-10:30 a.m. Films n Books, rhymes, music, move- 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Saturdays 8 Friday Ages 3-5. Chinatown, 10 a.m. ment and more for toddlers 18 to Mission Presidio Ages 5-12. Chinatown, 4 p.m. 36 months and their caregivers.** Chess Club Ages 6 & over. All Board Games Ages 5 & older. Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 levels. Excelsior, 1–3 p.m. Portola, 3–4:30 p.m. Anza 10:15 a.m. & playtime 10:15–10:45 a.m. *Yoga for Toddlers Ages 18-36 Thur, 14, 21 & 28 at 10:30 a.m. (Spanish/English) (Held at the Jewish Community months. Bring towel or yoga 4 Monday 9 Saturday + playtime (Held at Richmond Center, 3200 California St., mat. Two sessions; reserve at District Neighborhood Center, Videos Ages 3-5. Visitacion *Family Art Program Mission Bay 2nd Floor.) (415) 355-5727 or branch. West- 741-30th Ave., between Valley, 11 a.m. Mission, 11 a.m. Fri, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 ern Addition, 10:30 & 11 a.m. Balboa & Cabrillo Sts.) 4:30 p.m.+ playtime Richmond Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 4, 11, 18 & 25 Mondays Poetry Workshop with Cali- 14, 21 & 28 Thursdays Eureka Valley fornia Poets in the Schools 10:15-10:45 a.m. Homework Help (Grades K-7) Tue, 5 & 26 at 10:30-11 a.m. Noe Valley Grades 3-5; 2nd grade is okay Reading Buddies Ages 5 Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. Tue, 5, 12 & 26 at 10:15-10:45 if with parent. Bernal Heights, and older. 30-minute sessions. Golden Gate Valley Mission, 4–6 p.m. a.m. & 11-11:30 a.m. Western Addition 3–4 p.m. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 10:15 a.m. (Park strollers by elevator.) Thur, 7, 21 & 28 (Held at Sherman Elementary 10:15 a.m. + playtime 5 Tuesday School Library, 1651 Union St., 11 Monday 16 Saturday North Beach (Groups of five or more, Films Ages 3-5. Parkside, 10 & at Franklin) Videos Ages 3-5. Glen Park, *Family Marionettes Show: Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 reserve at (415) 355-5727.) 11 a.m. 10:30 a.m. The Frog Prince (30 min.) Main 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. + Q & A. West Portal, 11 a.m. Mon, 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 10:30-11 a.m. (Held at 661 Lombard St., West Portal *Sing-a-Long With Gayle 12 Tuesday Wed, 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 10:30-11 a.m. at Mason.) Thur, 14 & 28 at 10:30 a.m. Schmitt Ages 5 & younger. *Easter Craft with Marianne West Portal, 10:30 a.m. Films Call for reservations. Excelsior, Ages 3-5. Chinatown, 10, 11:30 a.m. Excelsior Parkside *Sophie’s Craft Ages 5 & older. 10:30 & 11:05 a.m.; 2 p.m. Preschool Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 Tue, 12, 19 & 26 Call for reservations. China- Ages 5-12. Chinatown, 4 p.m. California Poets in the Schools 11-11:30 a.m. 10:30-10:30 a.m. & 11-11:30 a.m. town, 4–5 p.m. Storytime (Family Event) Reception & book Wed, 13, 20 & 27 at 11 a.m. (Groups, reserve at *Toddler Yoga with Rebecca n Stories, songs, fingerplays sale follow. Main Library, Koret (Bilingual: Mandarin/Cantonese) (415) 355-5770) *15th Annual Effie Lee Morris Blake Ages 2-4 & parents or Auditorium, 1–4 p.m. and more for ages 3 to 5.** Lecture: Gerald McDermott caregivers. Marina, 10:15 a.m. Marina Portola and the Art of the Folktale Anza *“Never Stop Learning” Crew Tue, 5 & 19 at 10:15 a.m. Tue, 5, 12 & 26 at 10:30-11 a.m. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m. *Puppet Show Extravaganza Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 Songs Visitacion Valley, 3 p.m. at 10:30-11 a.m. (Groups, reserve at Related Exhibit: see Exhibits. Ages 5 & younger. Call for Mission (Held at Richmond District (415) 355-5660) reservations. Eureka Valley, 17 Sunday Wed, 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 10:15 a.m. 5, 12, 19 & 26 Tuesdays 10:30–11:15 a.m. Neighborhood Center, San Francisco Girls Chorus 741-30th Ave., between Mission Bay Richmond Homework Help (Grades K-7) Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 *Games Ocean View, 4 p.m. Main, Koret Auditorium, 2 p.m. Balboa & Cabrillo Sts.) Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 4:30-5 p.m. Portola, 2:30–4:30 p.m. 11-11:30 a.m. Bernal Heights, 4–5:50 p.m. Bayview North Beach 12 & 26 Tuesdays 19 Tuesday Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 Sunset Mission, 4–6 p.m. Playtime for babies Sing-Along with Bonnie at 10:30-11 a.m. 11-11:30 a.m. Thur, 7 & 28 at 10:30 a.m. and toddlers Lockhart Ages 3-5. Portola, (Held at Bayview Hunters (Held at 661 Lombard St., 6, 13, 20 & 27 Wednesdays Birth- 36 months, with parents 10:30 a.m. Point YMCA, 1601 Lane St. at Mason) Western Addition or caregivers. West Portal, (at Revere), 2nd Floor. Tue, 5, 12 & 26 at 10-10:30 Homework Help (Grades K-7) 10:30 a.m. *Crafts Ages 3-10. Richmond, Groups call (415) 355-2850 Ocean View a.m. (Groups of five or more, Portola, 2:30–4:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. for reservations.) Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 11:15 a.m. reserve at (415) 355-5752.) Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. 13 Wednesday Mission, 4–6 p.m. Films Films Ages 3-5. Groups of five or 7 Thursday Ages 3-5. Richmond, 11 a.m. more call ahead to confirm Ingleside Richmond Ages 5-12. Chinatown, 4 p.m. Family Storytime Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 11 a.m. Sat, 2, 9, 16 & 23 *Baby Yoga Time Ages birth-2 space. Western Addition, 10 a.m. Wed, 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 4:30 p.m. 11 a.m. & caregivers. Call for reserva- Family. Noe Valley, 10:15– n Family Storytimes are for Films Ages 3 & older. Potrero, Ages 3 & under tions. Chinatown, 11 a.m. 10:45 a.m.; 11–11:30 a.m. children of all ages unless noted.** 6:30 p.m. Main Bernal Heights Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 10:30 a.m. Visitacion Valley *Comic Drawing Ages 8-12. 20 Wednesday Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 Sat, 2, 9, 16 & 30 at 11 a.m. Tue, 5, 12, 19 & 26 Call for reservations. (North 13 Wednesday Films/ Videos Ages 5 & younger. 10:15-11:15 a.m. 11 a.m. Beach Program.), Held at held *Family Night with Magic Dan Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Park Ages 5 & younger at 661 Lombard St., 4 p.m. Parkside, 7 p.m. Chinatown Center, 10 & 10:45 a.m. Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 11:30 a.m. Sat, 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 West Portal 10:30-11 a.m. 21 Thursday Potrero Wed, 13 & 27 at 7:15 p.m. Films/Videos Ages 5 & younger. Excelsior Thur, 7, 14, 21 & 28 Ages 2-5 (In Russian) + craft Dia de los Libros & More Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Sat, 2, 9, 23 & 30 10:30 & 11:15 a.m. Sat, 2 at 10:30 a.m. Center, 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Ages birth-5 Ages 5 & younger April brings back the 12th annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros, a multicultural celebration of Films **Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. Groups need to reserve space. children and books. April also features the Week of Ages 3-5. Sunset, 10:30 a.m. the Young Child! Celebrate with hundreds of story- 24 Sunday Films Ages 5 & younger. *Craft: Create Miniature Ter- *Earth Day Stories & Craft Marina, 10:15 a.m. rariums & More from Yarn times at neighborhood libraries, plus special pro- Dia de los Ninos/dia del los Ocean View, 4 p.m. Call for reservations. Ages 5 libros (Performances & activi- grams including a family art program at Mission & older and adults. Glen Park, ties) Main, Koret Auditorium, 29 Friday branch, toddler yoga at Marina branch, a puppet 23 Saturday 2–4 p.m. 1–4 p.m. *Origami Ages 5-12. (Bayview extravaganza at Eureka Valley branch, dance and *Family Crafts Ages 2-7 & parent Program.) Please Note: During Book Making & Poetry Writing or caregiver. West Portal, 10:30 a.m. sing with Gayle Schmitt at Bayview branch, and 25 Monday renovation, Bayview events Workshop Ocean View, 2 p.m. Easter crafts with Marianne at Excelsior branch. *Little Explorers Mobile Pet- will take place at the Bayview Films/Videos Ages 5 & young- Hunters Point YMCA, 1601 Lane Springtime Poems by Stu- Check the calendar for dates and details. er. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher ting Zoo: Goats, Sheep, Chick- ens, Ducks, Rabbits, Guinea St. (at Revere). 4–5 p.m. dents from California Poets Then join us at the Main Library for an after- Children’s Center, 11 a.m. in the School Workshops noon of children and books with Día de los Niños, Pigs, Alpaca, Pot Belly Pig, & Giant Tortoise Program held 30 Saturday Ages 5 & older. Sunset, 2 p.m. Día de los Libros. This year’s event features the Family Poetry-Writing & Book- Bernal Heights, 3–4 p.m. making Workshop Ages 7 to outside on 10th Avenue unless Films it rains. Groups, call to schedule. Fratello Marionettes, plus music, dance, hands-on adults. Richmond, 2:30–4 p.m. Ages 3-5. Parkside, 10 a.m. *Baby & Tots Yoga with Richmond, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. art activities, and a book giveaway. Ages 3-5. West Portal, 10:30 a.m. Rebecca Blake Ages birth-5. Poetry Workshop with Cali- Call for reservations. Potrero, Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros: fornia Poets in the Schools 26 Tuesday Yoga for Kids with Rebecca 4–5 p.m. April 24, Main Library, Lower Level Grades 3-5; 2nd grade is okay *Music & Movement with Blake Ages 3-5, but older chil- Performances 1–2:45 p.m., Activities 2–4 p.m. if with parent. Bernal Heights, Gayle Schmitt Ages 5 & dren welcome. Bernal Heights, *Sing-A-Long with Gayle 3–4 p.m. younger. Eureka Valley, 4 p.m. 1:15 p.m. Schmitt Mission Bay, 4:30 p.m.

6 APRIL 2011 AT THE LIBRARY *Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Friends Focus

April Featured Sections Main 50th Anniversary Poetry Fort Mason Book Sale Graphic Arts & Illustration April 21-24, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Celebrate half a century of supporting the San Francisco Public April Events Library with us at the 50th Anniversary Book Sale! Held at Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion, the 50th Anniversary Sale will April 9 feature over 250,000 books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, vinyl, and $1 Book Sale other forms of media. Second Saturday of every month, rain or shine. EVERYTHING is $3 or less, with a 3-2-1 scale: $3-hard cover books; $2-paperback books; $1-DVDs, CDs, Donation Center, 438 Treat Ave. books on tape, vinyl, and other forms of media. All items remaining on Sunday will be $1 or less. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. All proceeds from the 50th Anniversary Sale benefit the San Francisco Public Library’s education programs that promote literacy for children, teens and adults. April 6, 13, 27 Just like Friends’ Annual Big Book Sale, the 50th Anniversary Sale includes books in more than 50 Step Sales categories and hundreds of volunteers. Throughout the year, Friends of the SFPL staff and volunteers collect Main Library Larkin Street Steps (100 Larkin St.) both used and new books from estate sales, businesses, publishers, and book donors across San Francisco. Every Wednesday (April through October) 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Member and Donor Preview Sale & Reception: April 20, 4–8 p.m. Friends Members (at any level) and Book Donors are invited to our Member and Donor Preview Sale & April 21-24 Reception on Wednesday, April 20, 4-8 p.m. Just show your membership card or the postcard invite at the 50th Anniversary Book Sale door for admittance. For questions about membership, please call (415) 626-7512, ext. 102. Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Volunteering at the Sale For more information on attending or volunteering at the sale, visit friendssfpl.org/?Anniversary_Book_Sale_ Volunteer_Form or call (415) 522-8606.

Thursdays at Readers Cafe & Bookstore 2011 Poetry Series April Lineup Readers Locations & Hours Join us at Readers Cafe & Bookstore in Fort Mason Center for the Thursdays at April 7 Readers 2011 Poetry Series. Curated and hosted by Friends’ Poet-in-Residence Deema Shehabi and READERS CAFE & BOOKSTORE and 2007 San Francisco Poet Laureate Jack Hirschman, every Thursday boasts a Sharon Doubiago Fort Mason Center, Building C duo of talented authors and poets, reading and performing their work. April 14 Open seven days a week. This month’s lineup includes poets Michael Warr, Neeli Cherkovski, Deema Jessica Loos and Bookstore: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Shehabi and more. Michael Warr Cafe: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Enjoy specially priced drinks and snacks all while supporting the San Telephone (415) 771-1076 Francisco Public Library. All events begin at 6:30 p.m. April 21 Every Thursday through December, Readers Cafe & Bookstore is the place to Neeli Cherkovski and READERS BOOKSTORE be to hear poetry’s top names including musician Jonathan Richman, poet and Carla Badillo Coronado Main Library educator Aja Duncan, author Alejandro Murguia, U.S. Poet Laureate Al Young, April 28 Grove Street Entrance actress Amber Tamblyn and more. Cathleen Williams and Open all Library hours For a full schedule, visit ReadersCafe.org Q. R. Hand Telephone (415) 557-4238 IMBIBE Thanks! A special thanks to all who mixed, mingled and partied with us at the premier IMBIBE party on March 18 at the Eureka Valley/ Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library! Our Members made the evening so memorable that we can’t help but get excited to IMBIBE again on June 17 at the Marina Branch. Don’t miss out—become a Member of Friends today! We would also like to extend another HUGE THANKS to our sponsors:

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. We are committed to raising the standard of excellence of our libraries by funding programs and services beyond what is allocated Check out pictures from the IMBIBE party or become a Member at FriendsSFPL.org in the city’s 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 The Green Arcade 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

AT THE LIBRARY APRIL 2011 7 At the Library SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 LARKIN STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102

San Francisco Main Library celebrates its 15th anniversary, April 18. Visit us and enjoy our Public Library exhibition in the Jewett Gallery. See Page 1. April 2011 Photo: Robert Dawson In this Issue: Page 1 – Public Library: An American Commons National Poetry Month Gerald McDermott Alerts with Library Elf Page 2 – Blip News Park Branch Library Reopening Projects of the Year Bayview Branch Library Closing Page 3 – The Objects of Our Affection Walt Whitman and the Radical Faeries Earthquake Information Exhibitions Calendar Page 4 – On the Same Page Northern California Book Awards Falcons in a Changing World Adult Calendar Page 5 – Is Local Journalism Turning a Corner? The Mark Twain Project Page 6 – Dia & More Children’s Calendar Page 7 – Friends Focus 50th Anniversary Book Sale Thursdays at Readers Cafe & Bookstore IMBIBE Thanks!

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 Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2. BERNAL HEIGHTS 500 Cortland Ave. 355-2810 x 10–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 1–6 CHINATOWN 1135 Powell St. 355-2888 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 At the Library is published monthly on recycled paper by Children’s Room 1–5 1–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 1–6 10–6 the San Francisco Public Library with support and funding 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 (at 16th St., near Market) Circulation: 12,000 EXCELSIOR 4400 Mission St. 355-2868 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 Online version: http://sfpl.org/atl 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 MAIN LIBRARY 100 Larkin St. 557-4400 12–5 10–6 9–8 9–8 9–8 12–6 10–6 Public Affairs, Main Library, 100 Larkin St. 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] MERCED Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2. Web site: www.sfpl.org MISSION 300 Bartlett St. 355-2800 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 Every effort has been made to produce a monthly calendar that Children’s Room 1–5 1–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 1–6 10–6 is both accurate and complete. Please contact Public Affairs if 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 NOE VALLEY/BRUNN 451 Jersey St. 355-5707 1–5 x 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 NORTH BEACH 2000 Mason St. 355-5626 x 12–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 1–6 Tours of Main OCEAN VIEW 345 Randolph St. 355-5615 x 10–6 10–6 10–7 1–7 1–6 1–6 Tours are conducted on the first Tuesday of each month at ORTEGA 3223 Ortega St. 355-5700 1–5 10–6 10–6 1–9 1–9 1–6 10–6 12 p.m. Meet at the Information Desk in the First Floor atrium. Tours are limited to 15 people on a first come, first served basis. PARK 1833 Page Street 355-5656 x 10–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 Groups can schedule a private tour by calling (415) 557-4266. PARKSIDE 1200 Taraval St. 355-5770 x 1–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 PORTOLA 380 Bacon St. 355-5660 1–5 x 10–6 12–8 1–7 1–6 1–6 SFPL Commission POTRERO 1616 20th St. 355-2822 1–5 x 10–8 12–8 10–6 1–6 1–6 Meetings are generally held on the first and third Thursday PRESIDIO 3150 Sacramento St. 355-2880 1–5 x 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 of each month. This month’s meeting: 4:30 p.m. on April 7 in the Koret Auditorium of the Main Library. The public is RICHMOND/MARKS 351 9th Ave. 355-5600 1–5 10–6 10–9 10–9 1–9 1–6 10–6 welcome to attend. SUNSET 1305 18th Ave. 355-2808 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 Children’s Room 1–5 1–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 1–6 10–6 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 APRIL 2011 AT THE LIBRARY