Featured Programs

Peter Fletcher

Another much anticipated musical delight is returning classical guitarist Peter Fletcher. Fletcher’s concert will feature selections from Fletcher's 2008 CD, Music of the Baroque. Repertoire will include works by Bach, Satie and Domeniconi. A celebrated classical guitarist, Fletcher has appeared numerous times at Carnegie Hall. Fletcher will appear at the following five libraries:

Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 pm – San Carlos Library

Mariachi for Gringos

Author Gil Sperry will discuss his award-winning book in a music appreciation event featuring recorded examples of a variety of Mariachi music. Learn how to appreciate not only the music but the historical significance of the music.

Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 pm – East Palo Alto Library
Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 pm – Foster City Library
Friday, May 15 at 7:30 pm – Belmont Library

Parenting Workshops

Atherton Library

Argentine Tango
Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 PM
This lecture and dance demonstration will present the roots and history of Argentine tango culture with examples of tango music and dance.

Film Night: Valentin
Friday, May 8 at 7:00 PM
This charming Argentine film uses nostalgia and humor to tell the story of an eight-year-old boy trying to solve his family’s problems. Rated PG-13

Dana Smith
Monday, May 11 at 4:00 PM
Join Dana Smith and his dog Lacey for a performance of juggling and circus arts. For children ages 4 and up.

Final Friday Flicks: Nim’s Island
Friday, May 29 at 7:00 PM
When her scientist father disappears at sea, a young girl living on a remote island calls upon her favorite adventure novelist via e-mail to help her find him. Rated PG

Belmont Library

Get Out the Vote: The League of Women Voters Sorts out the May 19 State Propositions
Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 am
The nonpartisan League of Women Voters will present the pros and cons of the May 19 State Propositions. They welcome questions!

Resume Workshop for Teens
Thursday, May 7 at 3:30 pm – Belmont Library Oracle Room
Learn how to format your resume in Microsoft Word and make the most of your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and unique skills. Whether it’s for job searching or for college admissions, your resume will be ready to go with this workshop. Please bring any information (references, addresses, phone numbers) that you may need.

Be Kind to Animals Week – a Family Celebration for All Ages
Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 pm
The Peninsula Humane Society teaches about kindness to animals, responsible ownership, and approaching dogs safely, using a beautiful golden retriever to demonstrate.

Children’s Talent Show
Friday, May 29 at 4:00 pm
Children six to twelve – come sing, dance, play an instrument, perform magic, or tell a joke. Come share your talent with the community, and have lots of fun! Please contact Marsi O’Malley-Riley at 650-591-8286 x 235 to register.

Brisbane Library

Toddler/Preschool Storytime
Monday, May 4, 11, June 1 at 11:30 AM
Songs and stories for children age 2 – 5.

Angelina Ciucci Firefighter’s Storytime
Monday, May 18 at 11:30 AM
Brisbane Firefighters read stories and lead a visit to the big red truck. All ages welcome.

Babies and Books Storytime
Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 at 11:30 PM
Songs and stories for children up to age 3.

East Palo Alto Library

Adult Basic Computer / Internet Classes
Classes are available the fourth Friday of the month in English and the third Wednesday of the month in Spanish. Please visit the library to schedule a session.

José-Luis Orozco
Friday, May 22 at 4:00 PM
Join us as José-Luis Orozco, children’s author, songwriter, performer and recording artist, takes us on a musical journey through Latin American history, language and culture.

Foster City Library

Mother's Day Craft
Friday, May 8 at 3:30 PM in the Children's Room
Come make a special craft for your mom, just in time for Mother's Day! Children 4 and older welcome.

Bilingual Storytime
Tuesday, May 12 at 10:30 AM in the Children's Room
Stories will be read in English and in Mandarin. Children 3 and older welcome.

Getting the Job: Search, Resume, & Interview Skills
Saturday, May 16 at 9 AM
This class will be taught by a human resources professional with more than 14 years experience in the field. Sign up by e-mailing risley@smcl.org or by calling 650-574-4842 x235.

Save Money at the Library - Literally! Real Life Retirement Planning
Wednesday, May 20 at 7 PM in the New Book Room
Assert control of your finances and your future—take advantage of Foster City Library’s Financial Third Wednesdays series. Presented in partnership with the San Mateo Credit Union, join us every third Wednesday of the month for targeted multimedia money management workshops led by a talented financial expert. Future topics will include Money Management for Couples, Investments for Beginners, Teaching Your Children Strong Money Values, and Home Ownership.

Half Moon Bay Library

Amazing Native Plants
Friday May 15 at 7:30PM at the library
Botanist Toni Corelli will present a slide show highlighting the amazing diversity of native plants on the San Mateo County Coast along with suggestions for the best viewing sites.

Rock the Block
Saturday May 16 from 4:00PM until? On Main Street Half Moon Bay
Join Half Moon Bay Library staff and friends as they provide children’s crafts and activities during this annual celebration.

José-Luis Orozco
Friday May 22 at 7:00PM at the library
Sing along with beloved singer/songwriter Jose-Luis Orozco during an evening of English and Spanish songs for the entire family.

Coastside Farmer’s Market
Saturday May 30 from 9:00AM-1:00PM at the Farmer’s Market by Shoreline Station
Look for Half Moon Bay Library staffers as they kick off our summer reading programs and offer crafts for the kids.

Millbrae Library

Mother's Day Crafts
Saturday, May 2 10:00 AM
Kids 7-12 years old are invited to create a special Mother's Day gift. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited, so you must pre-register beginning April 11.

Friends of the Millbrae Library Book Discussion
Monday, May 4 1:00 PM
Come discuss The Glass Castle by Jannette Walls. Free and open to all! Refreshments will be served.

Basic Computers Class
Thursday, May 21 10:30 AM
Need an introduction into the world of computers or know someone who does? Learn about the parts of a computer, managing windows, and basic navigation techniques.

Feng Shui Your Spring Garden
Wednesday, May 27 7:00 PM
Spring is the season to start planting seeds for the future. Master Ho Lynn will lead a presentation on the ancient Chinese art of placement in both English and Chinese. Free admission and refreshments.

Pacifica-Sanchez Library

Pajama Storytime
Monday, May 11 at 7:00 PM
Celebrate Children’s Book Week with great books! Stories and crafts for 4 and up. Don’t forget to wear your jammies!

Teens of the Pacifica Library (T.O.P.L.) Meeting
Saturday, May 2 at 3:30 PM
The Pacifica Libraries need advice and help from teens! Join the group now and have the opportunity to be a part of planning and running monthly game nights, teen movie nights, and teen summer reading!

Pacifica-Sharp Park Library

Teens of the Pacifica Library (T.O.P.L.) Meeting
Friday, May 8 at 4:30 PM
The Pacifica Libraries need advice and help from teens! Join the group now and have the opportunity to be a part of planning and running monthly game nights, teen movie nights, and teen summer reading!

Ventriloquist Steve Chaney
Wednesday, May 13 at 3:15 PM in the Community Room
Come and join the fun!

First Ever Game Night!
Friday, May 15 at 6:00 PM
Wii games, Rock Band, board games and more! Refreshments will be served.

Portola Valley Library

Tad Williams and Deborah Beale Present Their First Children’s Book, The Dragons of Ordinary Farm
Wednesday, May 6 at 3:30 PM in the Family Room
Tad Williams is the New York Times best selling author of some fourteen books for adults, which have been translated into twenty-three languages and sell worldwide. Among his bestsellers are The Dragonbone Chair, The Otherland Cycle, and Shadowmarch. Deborah Beale was a longtime editor of books for adults and children in her native London before she began her career as a writer. This is the first book Tad and Deborah have written together. Please join us as they present their collaborative work to Portola Valley Library.

Red Panda Acrobats
Thursday, May 7 at 4:30 PM in the Family Room
Please join us for spectacular performance of exceptional acrobatic skills, traditional Chinese music, colorful costumes, and a fast-paced show that will guarantee to amaze any audience.

Non-Fiction Book Club Discuss Post-American World by Fareed Zakaria
Thursday, May 21 at 1:00 PM in the Living Room
Tuesday, May 26 at 7:00 PM in the Living Room
How should the United States understand and thrive in this rapidly changing international climate? What does it mean to live in a truly global era? Zakaria answers these questions with his customary lucidity, insight, and imagination. Please join us in our discussion of his work.

San Carlos Library

Family Yoga
Wednesday, May 4 at 4:00 PM in the Children’s Room
Build coordination, strength and flexibility through easy and playful yoga poses, songs and games. Please bring a water bottle and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Open to children ages three and up accompanied by a parent or caretaker.

San Carlos Library Storytelling Club Recital
Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM in the Children’s Room
Watch our talented young storytellers perform folk tales from around the world. All ages welcome.

Songs and Music Games from Around the World
Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 PM in the Children’s Room
Join children’s musician and entertainer Bonnie Lockhart for a sing-along, move-along performance of original and traditional folk music that includes story songs, finger plays and singing games. Children and families will love moving to the beat of the guitar, keyboards and percussion! All ages welcome.

Hometown Days
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17
Be sure to visit the San Carlos Library booth at Hometown Days for a fun arts and crafts activity and great prizes!

Woodside Library

Babies & Books Musical Storytime
Wednesdays, May 6 & 13 only, at 10:00 AM
Age newborn to 24 months.
Rhymes, songs and lap-sit activities for parents and infants!
AFTER MAY 13TH, NO STORYTIMES UNTIL JUNE 17TH.

Toddler Time Musical Storytime
Wednesdays, May 6 & 13 only, at 11:00 AM
Age 18 to 36 months.
Finger plays, stories, and songs and fun!
AFTER MAY 13TH, NO STORYTIMES UNTIL JUNE 17TH.

Woodside Library Book Club
Tuesday, May 5 at 11:15 AM
Join our readers to discuss: The Soloist, by Steve Lopez. This is the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless, and his friendship with Steve Lopez, the Los Angeles columnist who discovers and writes about him in the newspaper.