July 1, 2008

Check it Out

Cambrian Library News

By Mary Cage
Cambrian Branch librarian
Special to the Times

Go buggy at the library
Summer is the perfect time for kids to read what they want, not what is required. And research shows that voluntary, free-choice reading leads to higher academic achievement. What better reason, then, to head over to Cambrian Branch Library and join our Summer Reading Celebration?

This year’s theme is “Catch the Reading Bug!” for children from birth through grade five and “Metamorphosis @ Your Library” for grades six through 12.

To participate, simply pick up a reading log and keep track of time spent reading or being read to. You’ll earn prizes at several milestones and, after 30 hours of reading, you’ll receive a free book. Participants may read books, magazines, or other items of their own choosing. The Summer Reading Celebration concludes Aug. 9.

Savor the summer
The library is offering an additional summer reading program specifically for adults titled “Savor the Summer @ Your Library.”

For each book you read, fill out a short entry form and you’ll be entered in a biweekly drawing for gift certificates and other great prizes from local businesses.

Special events
Cambrian Library is offering a number of special events as part of our Summer Reading Celebration. Young children are sure to enjoy “The Grasshopper and the Ant” puppet show presented by P&T Puppet Theatre on Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. Please arrive by 6 p.m. to receive a free ticket, as attendance is limited.

On Wednesday, July 16, bring the whole family to the library for Buggy Bingo at 2 p.m. Enjoy a game of bug-themed Bingo, complete with prizes and a special raffle. Everyone’s a winner!

World record juggler Michael Pearce will lead a Juggling Workshop for ages 6 and up on Friday, July 18 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room. He will entertain with a 15-minute performance prior to the workshop.

Learn about the amazing diversity of the insect world when Insect Discovery Lab brings a variety of live insects to the library on Wednesday, July 23. This event takes place at 2 p.m. in the community room. Please arrive by 1:30 to receive a free ticket as attendance is limited.

On Wednesday, July 30, Willow Glen Children’s Theater will lead an Improvisation Workshop for children ages 7 and up at 2 p.m. in the community room. Participants will enjoy theater games that teach improvisation techniques and quick thinking, and they’ll then have a chance to perform for each other.

As our final Summer Reading Celebration event, The Second Annual Cambrian Library Talent Show will be held Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. Children are invited to showcase their singing, dancing, or other special talents. Call or come into the library to sign up beginning July 7.

Come meet Art Rodriguez , author of “East Side Dreams,” on Tuesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. He will be talking about growing up on the rough side of San Jose and about being a writer. The author’s books are geared for young adults.

Teens can draw their own Manga story for a chance to win prizes and have their story published. This contest is open to ages 12-19. Pick up a release form and submit it along with an original story and drawings by July 26 to either the Cambrian or Vineland Library. The first-place winner will receive $100 and the work will be published by the library. Second- and third-place prizes of $75 and $25 will also be awarded.

San Jose Public Library has a new online book club for teens! Go to LibraryThing.com and search for the book club “luv2read.” For full details on how to participate, pick up a flyer or ask library staff.

On Tuesday, Aug. 12 Master Gardener Sharon McCray will teach how to create and care for beautiful container gardens. Discover what plants work best in containers, what kinds of containers are available, and what type of soil to use. Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the community room.

Many of our special events are made possible through the generous support of Friends of Cambrian Library. If you would like to join the Friends, please ask a library staff member for information.

Regular library hours are Monday 2-7 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please note, there will be no computer classes in July and no story times in August. Cambrian Library is located at 1780 Hillsdale Ave. and can be reached by calling 808-3080. For news of other library activities, including those at King Library, visit http://www.sjlibrary.org/about/events/.