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July 2007
In This Issue:

Welcome to the Newsletter!


Welcome to the first issue of San Mateo County Library’s eNewsletter! This monthly newsletter comes out at the beginning of each month and advertises the events, classes, and other news for the upcoming month for all twelve of the San Mateo County Library branches. We will also include brief stories about resources, features, and news that apply to all of the libraries.

If you haven't yet, you can subscribe in two ways:
  • by e-mail using the form on our eNewsletter webpage, smcl.org/newsletter/
  • by RSS using our RSS feed. Add the feed to your news reader and you’ll be alerted each time a new issue comes out. If RSS is new to you and you want to learn more, then you might want to watch RSS in Plain English, a short video explaining this exciting technology.
We will work hard to earn your readership, as we know that you have precious few hours in the day. This newsletter will give you the information you need about your library and the services it can provide you with. If you’d like to give us feedback on the newsletter, just email us at smcl@smcl.org (we’ll include this address at the bottom of each newsletter). Enjoy!

Summer Reading for Kids, Teens, and Adults @ the Library


The San Mateo County Library is proud to announce our summer reading programs for 2007. Our theme this year is mysteries--and boy, do we have some great mysteries for you to read at the library! There are reading programs for all ages with great prizes for everyone. Ask your local library staff for more information!

It's a Mystery to Me - Summer Reading Program

It's A Mystery to Me: Summer Reading Program for Adults
Sign up at your library and read the books of your choice. Write up a recommendation and you'll be entered in our prize drawing. You can win restaurant gift certificates, books, and much more!

YNK - Summer Reading Program

YNK@ Your Library: Summer Reading Program for Teens
Check in at your library all summer to find out about the program. Read all summer for great prizes. Prizes vary by library, but we're giving away iPods, gift certificates, and much more!

Get a Clue - Summer Reading Program

Get a Clue: Summer Reading Program for Kids
Sign up at the library and get your reading log. Track how many minutes you read and win prizes along the way. Then get entered into a raffle for our big prizes!

Keeping Track of What You've Read


We've all had that sudden thought: "What was that book I read about the neanderthals and the time travel thing...?" Well, when you get your books (or DVD, or CDs, etc.) through the library, we can keep track for you!

My Reading History will help you track every item you have checked out from the library. Only you can turn it on, and only you can see what you have checked out by logging into your Library Account with your library card number and PIN. Library staff can not see your reading history.

My Reading History feature in the PLS catalog

To turn on My Reading History:
  1. Log into Your Library Account at: http://www.plsinfo.org/
  2. Click on My Reading History
  3. Click on the Opt In link
  4. From this point forward, anything you check out will show up in your Reading History.

To see My Reading History after you have turned it on and checked out items:
  1. Log in to your Library Account
  2. Click on My Reading History
  3. A list of items you have checked out will appear.
  4. You can delete certain items if you want to.
This information will be kept until you turn it off, which you can do by clicking on Opt Out.

Enjoy your new list of all the items you've checked out--you'll never be left wondering again what book that was that had flying kittens!

Pay Fines and Fees Online


We recently introduced a new service that allows you to pay your fines and fees online. You can pay any fine or fee in your library account online. There is no minimum charge and Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

To pay online, first log in to your Library Account. Then click on the link labeled unpaid fines and bills on the left side of the screen. The next screen will show a complete list of all the fines/fees on your account. Simply click on the Pay Online button to pay online!

For more information about paying online, check out the Pay Online FAQ.

If you need a reminder of what the various fines and fees are for late items, holds, and more, you can see the Fees and Fines list.

Homework Resources, Free Magazines, and More Online


With a San Mateo County Library card, you'll find magazine and newspaper articles, biographies, homework resources, health information, and more--all on our eBranch website, smcl.org.

You cannot find this information through search engines. The Library subscribes to these resources so you don’t have to! Here are just a few of our dozens of resources:
  1. Auto Repair Reference: auto repair manuals online for most vehicles
  2. Full Text Newspapers: articles from the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, etc.
  3. Health and Wellness Resource Center: health and medical information
  4. InfoTrac Magazines: full-text articles for 5,800 magazines like Time, Newsweek, & People
  5. LearnATest: practice tests online: SAT, ACT, civil service, EMS, postal services, etc.
  6. Morningstar: research mutual funds and stocks for investment opportunities
  7. NoveList: tell NoveList what you like to read, and it will suggest similar books you might like
To get to our Online Resources:
  • Go to: www.smcl.org
  • Click on Research
  • Then click on Online Resources. If you are outside the library, have your library card ready to log in.
If you have comments about any of these resources, or would like help using them, please Ask a Librarian to get help via live chat or email (whichever you prefer).

Featured Programs


Update from Kabul: A Slide Talk by Rosemary Stasek
  • Belmont Library – Tuesday, July 10 at 7:00 pm
  • Half Moon Bay Library – Friday, July 13 at 7:00 pm
Rosemary Stasek, former mayor of Mountain View and human rights activist, will show recent slides of Kabul. A resident of Kabul, Ms. Stasek is on a brief visit to the Bay Area. See the images behind the news reports and get an insider’s view of the latest developments.

Mysteries in Foreign Lands: A Panel Discussion with Cara Black, Rhys Bowen, Tony Broadbent and David Corbett
  • Wednesday, July 25 at 7:30 pm – Millbrae Library
Widely acclaimed Bay Area mystery writers talk about the rewards and challenges of writing mysteries set abroad. Cara Black’s stories feature Aimee Leduc, computer-security analyst and sleuth, whose cases occur in the arrondissements of Paris. Rhys Bowen’s latest novel explores historical Ireland. Tony Broadbent’s Jethro series center on cat burglaries in post WWII London. David Corbett’s most recent crime thriller takes place in El Salvador amidst grinding poverty, corruption, and spiraling crime. A book signing will follow the lively panel discussion.

Charles Cecil Demystifies Forensic Anthropology
  • Tuesday, July 31 at 7:00 pm – Brisbane Library
Cecil compares being a forensic anthropologist to working on a puzzle – the more “pieces” one has, the better chance of solving the mystery. He will discuss forensic investigations and methods. Cecil specializes in forensic anthropology and archeology in the Office of the Medical Examiner of San Francisco, and has done forensic work for the United Nations in El Salvador and Egypt.

At a Library Near You...


For more information about events at our all of our twelve libraries, see our online calendar!

Atherton
  • ZunZun: The Musical Watershed
    Monday, July 2, at 4:00 pm
    ZunZun is a musical group that celebrates the environments and cultures of the Americas. Kids will learn about water conservation, pollution prevention, and more. For ages 5 and up.
  • Wildlife Associates
    Monday, July 9, at 4:00 pm at the Atherton Library
    A wild animal program entitled “California Wild.” For ages 5 and up.
  • Mad Science
    Monday, July 16, at 4:00 pm
    Mad Science will be presenting a Movie Special Effects show! For ages 5 and up.
  • Final Friday Flicks: Great Mouse Detective
    Friday, July 27, at 7:00 pm
    When a lovable London toymaker is kidnapped, his daughter turns to none other than legendary supersleuth, Basil of Baker Street, setting the stage for one of Disney’s most entertaining and fast-paced musical adventures. Free popcorn! 74 minutes. Rated G. Sponsored by the Friends of the Atherton Library.
  • Uncle Eye the Story Guy
    Monday, July 30, at 4:00 pm
    Join Uncle Eye and Wilbert Rupert Rufus Gonzalez-Martinez Allegro the 3rd—the Rubber Chicken of Freedom—for wacky interactive storytelling and musical merriment. For ages 3 and up.
  • Children's Storytimes
    • Toddler Time
      Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am
      For children 18-36 months*
    • Preschool Storytime
      Tuesday afternoons at 3:30 pm
      For children 3-5 years*
    • Musical Storytime
      2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 4:00 pm
      July 11 and 25
      For all ages.
    *Ages for the storytimes are guidelines only. All children are welcome.
For more events and classes from the Atherton Library, see the online calendar!

Belmont
  • Wildlife Associates
    Wednesday, July 11, 2007, 7 pm Amphitheater Area
    “Get a Clue Mystery Summer Reading Club Program - “Wildlife Associates Visit the Library with wild animals. For ages 3+
  • Harry Potter Film Festival
    Thursday and Friday, July 12 and 13 in the Taube Room
    all afternoon – both days
  • Mad Science
    Wednesday, July 25, 7 pm in the Taube Room
    “Get a Clue Mystery Summer Reading Club Program – Mad Science performs wild and wacky science experiments”. For ages 5+
  • Teen Movie Night
    Friday, July 13, 2007, 7 pm in the Taube Room
  • Writer Jackie Collins
    Tuesday, July 17, 7 pm at the Belmont Twin Pines Senior & Community Center
    Friends of the Belmont Library host writer Jackie Collins and her new book Drop Dead Gorgeous
  • Internet Class: Genealogy Databases
    Wednesday, July 18, 10:30-12 pm. in the Oracle Technology Room.
For more events and classes from the Belmont Library, see the online calendar!

Brisbane
  • Citywide Garage Sale
    Saturday, July 21st
  • Charles Cecil Demystifies Forensic Anthropology
    Tuesday, July 31st, 7pm
  • Toddler Storytime
    Mondays, July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th, 11:30-12
  • Gerald Joseph Magic Show
    Tuesday, July 17th 3-4pm, in Community Center below the library
  • Leopards Etc., Live Wild Cats
    Wendesday, July 25th, 7:30-8:30 pm, at Mission Blue Community Center on the ridge
For more events and classes from the Brisbane Library, see the online calendar!

East Palo Alto
  • Magician Gerald Joseph
    Tuesday, July 10, 2007 6:00 PM
    A fun magic show for children ages 4 and older.
  • Mad Science
    Tuesday, July 17, 2007 6:00 PM
    Mad Science will be presenting a Movie Special Effects show! For ages 5 and older. Some topics include: The difference between magic and science, What a dinosaur sneeze and polymers have in common, and Gravity–defying feats using scientific principles.
  • Writer’s Workshop and Book Signing
    Wednesday, July 18, 2007 6:00 PM
    Join us at the East Palo Alto Library for a writer’s workshop and book signing. Refreshments will be served.
  • ZunZun: The Musical Watershed
    Tuesday, July 24, 2007 6:00 PM
    ZunZun is a musical group that celebrates the environments and cultures of the Americas. Kids will learn about water conservation, pollution prevention, and more. For ages 5 and up.
  • Swazzle Puppet Theater
    Tuesday, July 31, 2007 7:00 PM
    Lady Fromage, the richest mouse in England, discovers that her prized Gold Fish is missing. She calls on Rex & Boots, Super Sleuths to solve the crime. Is Bungling greyhound Rex barking up the wrong tree? Can the curious and clever cat Boots follow the clues and solve the mystery? All Ages.
For more events and classes from the East Palo Alto Library, see the online calendar!

Foster City
  • Fourth of July stories and craft
    Tues., July 3 at 5 p.m.
    Children ages 3 and older welcome
  • ZunZun: The Musical Watershed Wed., July 11 at 4 p.m.
    Children in kindergarten and older are welcome.
  • Author William Poy Lee Visits
    Thu., July 12 at 7:30 p.m.
    Author William Poy Lee discusses his first book The Eighth Promise in the New Book Room. Light refreshments and book signing afterward.
  • Harry Potter Costume Party and Crafts
    Fri., July 20 at 4 p.m.
    Children in kindergarten and older are welcome.
  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone Film Screening
    Fri., Jul 20 at 6:30 p.m.
    Trivia contest with prizes during intermission. Ages 7 and up welcome. The movie is rated PG.
  • Mad Science
    Wed., July 25 at 4 p.m.
    Mad Science presents principles of air pressure. Children in kindergarten and older are welcome.
For more events and classes from the Foster City Library, see the online calendar!

Half Moon Bay
  • Bilingual Storytimes
    Wednesday nights in July from 7:00-7:30 pm
    Stories in English and Spanish for the entire family
  • Mad Science!
    Tuesday, July 10th at 2:30
    Mad Science presents Fire and Ice for ages five up up.
  • Libros y Bebes
    Saturdays in July at 9:30 am
    Spanish stories and songs for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers.
  • Wildlife Associates
    Thursday, July 5th at 2:30 pm
    A wild animal program for ages five and up.
For more events and classes from the Half Moon Bay Library, see the online calendar!

Millbrae
  • Book Discussion Group : Murder on the Ile Saint-Louis by Cara Black
    Mon. July 2 , 1:00pm in Meeting Room B
  • Zun Zun : The Musical Watershed
    Tues. July 10 , 7:00pm in Meeting Rooms
    Mysterious music of the Americas with Zun Zun
  • PINK Panther Cartoon Festival
    Fri. July 20, 3:00-4:30pm in Meeting Rooms
    Think PINK! PINK Refreshments! PINK Raffle! PINK Surprises!
  • Book Sale
    Sat. July 21, 10:00am-2:00pm in Meeting Rooms
    Bargain Book Sale; Hardbacks & Paperbacks
  • Leopards Etc.
    Wed. July 25, 3:00pm in Meeting Rooms
    Come see all kinds of wild cats up close and personal.
  • Magic Show & Summer Reading Awards Presentation/Party
    Fri. Aug 3, 2:00pm in Meeting Rooms
    An amazing magic show with magician, Gerald Joseph, PLUS our final Summer party with prizes & refreshments. All Reading Logs must be returned to the Millbrae Library by Fri, July 27 to receive your Awards on this day.
For more events and classes from the Millbrae Library, see the online calendar!

Pacifica-Sanchez
  • Jean-Paul Valjean and his Short Attention Span Circus
    Tuesday, July 3rd at 3:30pm at Terra Nova Church
  • Wildlife Associates "Predators and their Prey"
    Tuesday, July 10th at 3:30pm
    A Goldend Eagle, African serval, kookaburra, and African crested Porcupine. At the Terra Nova Church Center.
  • ZunZun
    Tuesday, July 24th at 3:30pm
    ZunZun presents "Water Music" Don't miss this popular singing/storytelling duo!
  • Mother/Daughter Book Club
    Girls 8-11 with their mother or female adult
    July 11th - 7:00pm Esperenza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
    July 25th - 7:00pm The Steps by Rachel Cohn
  • Boys Book Club
    Thursday, July 19th 7:00pm
    For boys 8-11 with a male or female adult
    Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
  • For the Teen Advisory Group
    We have a community service opportunity for you! If you are between 13 and 19 years old we need your help with KIDWORKS: Teen crafts for kids! Plan and Prepare a craft activity for kids ages 4 and up. We need you to commit to being at a planning session and one or both programs.
    Planning Session: Tuesday, July 17th 3-5 pm at Sanchez Library.
    Kidswork Program Dates: Wednesday, July 25th @ 3:30 at Sharp Park Library and Tuesday, July 31 @ 3:30 at the Sanchez Library
For more events and classes from the Pacifica-Sanchez Library, see the online calendar!

Pacifica-Sharp Park
  • Musical Storytime
    Thursdays at 4:00pm until July 26th
  • Dad and Me at the Library with Cotton Candy Express
    Saturday, July 7th at 10:30am
    Celebrate reading & music!
  • Bubble Lady
    Wednesday, July 18th at 3:30pm
  • For the Teen Advisory Group
    We have a community service opportunity for you! If you are between 13 and 19 years old we need your help with KIDWORKS: Teen crafts for kids! Plan and Prepare a craft activity for kids ages 4 and up. We need you to commit to being at a planning session and one or both programs.
    Planning Session: Tuesday, July 17th 3-5 pm at Sanchez Library.
    Kidswork Program Dates: Wednesday, July 25th @ 3:30 at Sharp Park Library and Tuesday, July 31 @ 3:30 at the Sanchez Library
For more events and classes from the Pacifica-Sharp Park Library, see the online calendar!

Portola Valley
  • Mad Science
    July 12, 4:30 PM at the Historic Schoolhouse (765 Portola Road)
    Mad Science will be presenting a Movie Special Effects show! For ages 5 and older.
  • Non-Fiction Book Group
    July 19, 2:30-3:30 PM at the Historic Schoolhouse
    This month the group will discuss the book, His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis, which is based on Washington's personal letters and papers.
  • ZunZun
    July 26, 4:30 PM at the Historic Schoolhouse (765 Portola Road)
    ZunZun is a musical group that celebrates the environments and cultures of the Americas. ZunZun will be presenting their program, The Musical Watershed, where kids will learn about water conservation, pollution prevention, and more in a lively concert format. For ages 5 and up.
  • Harry Potter Guessing Game
    Come into the library between July 16-27 and guess how many jelly beans (or should we say Bertie Bott's Magic Beans?) are in the jar. The closest will win a copy of the new Harry Potter book and the runner-up gets the beans.
  • Celebrate the new Harry Potter book and movie at the Portola Valley Library!
    • Special Toddler Time
      July 17, 10:30 AM
      This special storytime will feature an owl theme, followed by an owl puppet craft.
    • Special Preschool Storytime
      July 18, 1:30 PM
      This special storytime will feature an owl theme, followed by an owl puppet craft.
  • Storytimes Held at the Portola Valley Library
    (Temporary Location at Corte Madera School, 4575 Alpine Rd.)
    • Babies & Books
      Monday mornings at 11 AM
      For children ages birth to 2 years.
    • Toddler Time
      Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM
      For children ages 18 months to 3 years.
    • Preschool
      Wednesday afternoons at 1:30 PM
      For children ages 3 - 6 years.
For more events and classes from the Portola Valley Library, see the online calendar!

San Carlos
  • Art Display
    Brisbane artist Tom Bayne will be displaying his oil paintings in the San Carlos Library in July and August during regular library hours.
  • Mystery Book Club
    Wednesday, July 25th, 7-8pm
  • The Puppet Company presents Trickster Tales
    Tuesday, July 10th, 7pm
  • Duct Tape Wallet workshop
    Friday, July 13th, 4-5 pm
    Ages 9 and up
  • Wildlife Associates
    Tuesday, July 17th, 7pm
  • Hogwarts Wand Workshop
    Saturday, July 21st, 10:15-11:30AM
    Ages 7 and up
For more events and classes from the San Carlos Library, see the online calendar!

Woodside
  • Wildlife Associates
    Wednesday, July 11, 2007 4:00 PM
    Meet Wildlife ambassadors and learn about their lives and habitats in this wild animal program entitled "California Wild.” For ages 5 and older.
  • House of Samba
    Wednesday, July 18, 2007 4:00 PM
    James Henry will thrill you with his high energy interactive percussion program incorporating Jazz, Hip Hop, Funk & reggae! Best for ages 3 and up.
  • Bubble Lady
    Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:00 PM
    Be ready to enter, literally, a world of bubbles. Discover the science and magic before your very eyes. Fun for all ages.
  • Special July Storytimes with Crafts
    Monday afternoons July 9, 16, 23, 30 at 3:00 PM
    • July 9th - Create a puzzle box to hold your secret treasures.
    • July 16th - All would be wizards are welcome to craft their very own wand.
    • July 23 - Make a fun toy to test your agility.
    • July 30 - Craft a brilliant kaleidoscope.
    For children ages 5 and up.
For more events and classes from the Woodside Library, see the online calendar!


Acontecimientos Bilingües y en Español

 East Palo Alto Library
Family Storytime in Spanish: Thursdays in July at 11:00 am. Please join us for stories, songs and fun!
Bilingual Baby and Toddler Storytime: Mondays in July at 11:15 am. A discussion group to help new parents of babies, ages 0-1 1/2, understand and advance their child's emotional and behavioral development.

Half Moon Bay Library
Bilingual Storytimes: Wednesday nights in July from 7:00-7:30 pm. Stories in English and Spanish for the entire family.
Libros y Bebes: Saturdays in July at 9:30 am. Spanish stories and songs for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers.


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If you have questions or comments about this newsletter, please email us at smcl@smcl.org.