April Progams at the Library

Upcoming old favorites at the
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, 255-6594

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Saroyan Film: The Time of Your Life
April 3 at 7 pm at Fig Garden Regional
3071 West Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711 (559) 438-4071

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April 02 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Comedy Film: "Animal Crackers"
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 255-6594

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April 10 at 7 pm at Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Connect with the Classics: Flowers for Algernon
April 3 at 7 pm
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Introduction to the World Wide Web
April 7 at 6 pm
Mosqueda Branch
4670 East Butler Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702 (559) 453-4072

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Branching Out Poetry Series: Molly Peacock on Edna St. Vincent Millay
April 7 at 6:30 and April 8 at 7 pm
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Wii Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 255-6594
April 17 at 4 pm at Kingsburg Branch
1399 Draper Street, Kingsburg, CA 93631 (559) 897-3710

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Open Mic Poetry Night
April 8 at 7 pm
Sanger Branch
1812 Seventh Street, Sanger, CA 93657 (559) 875-2435

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Comedy Film: Duck Soup
April 9 at 1 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 255-6594

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Book Discussion: Essential Saroyan
April 10 and 24 at 6 pm at Reedley branch Library

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April 16 11:00 am
A Closely Knit Group
Do you enjoy knitting? Would you like to meet new friends? Do you have knitting projects you just can't seem to finish? Join this knitting group every third Wednesday of the month. All ages welcome!
Group meets at the Senior Resource Center
2025 E. Dakota Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726. Phone: (559) 453-6767

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April 22 at 7 pm at Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135


April 29 at 7 pm at Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 255-6594

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Peer Tutoring
April 11, 14, 15, 16, 17 at 3:30 pm
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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“Get Reel!” Teen Film Festival Awards
April 13 at 3 pm
Tower Theatre. For more infromation call G. Becker at 433-3135 or K. Worman at 488-3205

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Film Discussion of the Saroyan Years
April 14 at 7 pm
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Town Hall Book Discussion: Character
Above All
April 15 at 7 pm
Politi Branch
5771 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93710 (559) 431-6450

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Comedy Film: Night at the Opera
April 16 at 1 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 255-6594

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Scats on the Sly
April 17 at 5:30 pm
Cedar-Clinton
Will Cooper, 442-1770

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Armenian Folk Story
April 17 at 7 pm
Cedar Clinton Branch
4150 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703. Phone: (559) 442-1770

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Author Talk: Beverly Rosas
April 18 at 3:30 pm
Kingsburg Branch
1399 Draper Street, Kingsburg, CA 93631 (559) 897-3710

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Antique Appraisal Clinic
April 19 at 11 am
Orange Cove
523 Park Boulevard, Orange Cove, CA 93646 (559) 626-7942

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Manga and Anime Discussion Group
April 22 at 5 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 255-6594

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Cedar Clinton Branch
4150 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703. Phone: (559) 442-1770
Road Rules, Library Edition
April 22 at 5 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 255-6594

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Woodward Shakespeare Festival: Titus Andronicus
April 22 at 6:30 pm
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Comedy Film: Room Service
April 23 at 1 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 255-6594

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Growing Up Famous
April 23 at 7 pm
Fresno State Satellite Student Union
488-3856

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Salsa Dancing
April 24 at 5:30 pm
Gillis Library
629 West Dakota Avenue, Fresno, CA 93705 (559) 225-0140

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Open Mic Poetry Night
April 24 at 6 pm
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Book Club: The Human Comedy
April 24 at 6:30 pm
Kingsburg Branch
1399 Draper Street, Kingsburg, CA 93631 (559) 897-3710

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The Human Comedy with Appearance by
Mickey Rooney
April 25 at 7 pm
Tower Theatre for more information, call 488-3856

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Literacy Tutor Training
April 26 from 9 am to 5 pm
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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It’s Nifty to be Thrifty
April 27 at 2 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594
Medicare is Changing
April 28 at 11 am
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Open Mic Poetry
April 28 at 6:30 pm
Auberry Library
33049 Auberry Road, Auberry, CA 93602 (559) 855-8523.

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Medicare is Changing
April 29 at 11 am
Gillis Library
629 West Dakota Avenue, Fresno, CA 93705 (559) 225-0140

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Comedy Film: Night in Casablanca
April 30 at 1 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, 255-6594

March Impulse

AND THE WINNER IS…

Results are in from last month’s contest to rename our staff newsletter. Based on staff votes, the winning new name is…
Footnotes and Booknotes!
Stay tuned for more information on the much anticipated unveiling of your new and improved staff newsletter!


LITERACY SERVICES RECEIVES VIDEO GAMES

Fresno came out on top in an online vocabulary contest that pits cities against one another to measure the depth of their vocabularies. The contest used the newly developed My Word Coach game developed by Ubisoft (a video game developer). Ubisoft worked in partnership with the National Center for Family Literacy to focus attention on family literacy and to celebrate the launch of the new vocabulary building video game. The contest ran from November 1, 2007 to January 31 of this year. Because Fresno residents had the highest average score on the game, the prize of 20 new Nintendo DS systems with the My Word Coach game was awarded to the Fresno County Library Literacy program by the National Center for Family Literacy. Fresno earned 1st place, and the following cities rounded out the top five positions: 2nd place - Salisbury, Maryland 3rd place - Mankato, Minnesota 4th place - Albuquerque, New Mexico 5th place - Oakland, California The winner was offi cially announced on February 20. The National Center for Family Literacy arranged to have Literacy Coordinator interviewed on Channel 24 for the Central Valley Today program. The six-minute segment aired on Friday, February 22, between 11:00 AM and noon. In addition, KMJ radio recorded a brief interview with Rebecca by phone and The Fresno Bee ran an article about the contest on Saturday, February 23.


MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC

A string quartet, a five piece flute choir and clarinets played for the quarterly Woodward Park Library music concert on February 20. Dr. Miles Ishigaki of Fresno State selected the program, featuring the Fresno State Clarinet Congress and guest musicians. The program is part of an ongoing series of music programs at the library featuring the Fresno State Clarinet Congress and guest professional and student musicians. Refreshments are provided by the Woodward Park Friends of the library. The next concert will be held on Sunday, May 18. Come join us!


SHARE THE LOVE – AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

The Clovis Library Teen Council launched a community project in February to celebrate their love of learning by sponsoring a school supply drive to benefit the English Learners Homework Club at Tarpey Elementary. This group of about 32 hardworking kids meets every day after school to study and complete homework. To help them succeed in their efforts, the teens are hoping to collect a variety of school supplies, including the very basics: paper and pencils. The learners would also appreciate beginning level chapter books and non-perishable snacks to fuel their brains during the afternoon lull between lunch and dinner. If you have questions, contact Clovis branch at 299-9531. Contributions can be sent to the Clovis branch too.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Another success story from Fowler! Lifelong library advocate Barbara Peters, 92 years young, was recently named this year’s Citizen of the Year by the Fowler
Chamber of Commerce. It was Peters’ service to the library for the last 25 years
that led to the special honor. According to an article in The Fowler Ensign, “The only way my kids could go out at night was when they said they had to go to the library. You can’t say no to that,” Peters said. She has lived her life for two things: her family and the Fowler Library! Peters was nominated by her son, David, on the basis of her decades of service to the community. “My real reason was watching her face when the library building program really started taking hold…She was …happy to see it take off,” David explained. The local newspaper recounted how Peters’ volunteer work with the library began a quarter century ago, when she became a member of the Library Support Group, whose primary goal was to improve the condition of the new library, keep the library open two days a week when Fresno County was facing financial challenges, and to help raise money to build a new library. Peters took the effort personally. “My kids called it ‘my library,’” she noted. David said that his mother loved to talk about the library. “She would come home and say, ‘I learned the computer today,’ or ‘the card system.’ She loved learning new things,” he remembered. Congratulations to one of our biggest fans!


FOWLER FEATURED IN NEW BOOK

Local freelance writer Astine Zadourian devotes an entire chapter in her new book, Tears of Innocence: An Armenian Saga of Survival, to the story of how the Fowler community came together to realize the dream of a new library. The book has been added to the Temporary Book Collection for community branches, as well as copies at Central, Sunnyside Woodward, and Fowler. Thanks to the Adult Selection Committee for adding copies to these libraries. Zadourian immigrated with her husband and child to the United States in 1975 and began to build a new life in Fowler. She is a member and past president of the Fowler Improvement Association, and has served on the board of the Fowler Chamber of Commerce and the Fowler City Council. She has been a reporter for The Fowler Ensign, and her writings have featured local people and personal stories.


SAROYAN CELEBRATION BRINGS MICKEY ROONEY TO FRESNO



The Friends of the Fresno County Public Library will host a special
screening of The Human Comedy at the Tower Theater on Friday, April 25,
with the fi lm’s original star, Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney, making a
guest appearance at the screening at 7 pm and at a dessert reception afterwards. The unique event is part of the year-long Saroyan Centennial Celebration. Tickets are $20 for the fi lm screening only, and $50 for the screening and the dessert reception. Proceeds will benefit the Friends in support of library service.


SATISFIED CUSTOMER

This wonderful comment comes from another appreciative patron.
“I just wanted to send you a thank you note for having such great libraries in the
Fresno County library system. It seems that almost every DVD, CD or book (lots
of books!) that I look up to see if you have it somewhere in the system, I find. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars in using the library instead of buying books and other media (I’ve certainly saved more than I’ve paid in taxes or bonds), and during a time when the public library is an endangered species, I especially appreciate your selection and friendly staff. It’s great to be able to request things from other libraries, too…I’m perfectly happy to wait a week or so for something I want to watch or read. Libraries and the people who work in them don’t get nearly enough appreciation, and I suddenly felt a surge of gratitude while searching the electronic catalog a minute ago, so I thought I’d share it.”


SPRING HAS SPRUNG

It’s Blossom Trail time! One of Fresno County Library's staff caught the beauty of the blossoms in the photos shared here.




The Blossom Trail is full of vivid colors and
this year is exceptionally beautiful. These
are nectarine blossoms.

A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow

Fresno County Public Library; A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow

March Library Programs

Get Reel! Teen Film Festival Submission Period March 1 through March 14 All Branches, 488-3205 Teen filmmakers ages 13-19 are invited to share their best documentary, animation, video or other film creations for a chance to win great prizes. The winning film will premiere at a red carpet screening and awards at the Tower Theatre in April. For information and guidelines, visit www.getreelfilmfestival.org.

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Teen Tech Week
March 2-8
All Branches, 488-3205
Call your local branch library to find out what fun activity will be offered for teens in grades 7-12 during this special week celebrating the theme of "Tune in @ Your Library."

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Peer Tutoring
March 3, 4, 5, 6, 14 at 3:30 pm
Teens in grades 7-12 can get friendly homework help in math, English, science and history from kids their own age. First come, first serve in the Teen Zone Conference Room.
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Email Basics
March 3 at 6 pm
Mosqueda Branch
Free computer class will teach basic email tips.

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Fig Garden Friends of the Library Meeting March 4 at 10 am
This volunteer group helps support the Fig Garden Library with fundraising events. Learn how you can get involved to support your library!
Fig Garden Regional
3071 West Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711. Phone: (559) 438-4071

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Toddler Storytime
Weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 4 - March 27 at 10 am
This 20-minute interactive session with music and movement is for children 2-3 years old.
Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: (559) 299-9531

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Preschool Storytime
Weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from March 4 - March 26 at 11 am ,
Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: (559) 299-9531

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Weekly on Wednesdays from March 5 - March 26 at 10 am and 1 pm
Fig Garden Regional
3071 West Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711. Phone: (559) 438-4071

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Weekly on Wednesdays from March 5 - March 26 at 10:30 am ,
This 30-minute session with fingerplays and music is for children ages 3-5.
Kingsburg Branch
1399 Draper Street, Kingsburg, CA 93631. Phone: (559) 897-3710

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Sunnyside Teen Council Meeting
March 4 at 5 pm

Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to join this group of dedicated volunteers who help make the library a great place for teens. Build leadership skills and earn community service hours while having loads of fun too!
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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Saroyan: The Man and His Fresno
March 4 at 6 pm, Kerman Branch Library, 846-8804
March 11 at 7 pm, Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135
March 12 at 7 pm, Selma Branch Library, 896-3393
March 24 at 7 pm, Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: (559) 299-9531
March 27 at 6 pm, San Joaquin Gardens, 439-4770 Fresno historian Bill Secrest, Jr. will present a multi-media program exploring how Saroyan traveled the world, rubbed elbows with celebrities, and received international accolades for his writing.

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Lapsit
Weekly on Wednesdays from March 5 - March 26 at 9:30 am Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: (559) 299-9531 This 20-minute session offers bounces, rhymes, tickles stories and music for infants through children 2-3 years old.

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Movie: The Maltese Falcon
March 5 at 1 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594
Free movie screening.

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Dance Dance Revolution
Weekly on Wednesdays from March 5 - March 26 at 4 pm
Teens in grades 7-12 can show off their crazy DDR skills. All levels welcome.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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Afterschool Crafts
Weekly on Thursdays from March 6-March 27 at 3 pm Gillis Branch Library, 225-0140 Children in kindergarten through grade 5 will enjoy this hour of art and fun.

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Connect with the Classics
March 6 at 7 pm
Join other teens and adults for a monthly discussion of a classic book. This month's title will be Sense and Sensibility.
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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DDR Competition
March 7 at 4 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594
In celebration of Teen Tech Week, teens in grades 7-12 can participate in this ultimate "dance-off." Sign up by March 6. For information, visit www.myspace.com/sunnysideteencouncil.

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Introduction to Ebay
March 10 at 6 pm
Mosqueda Branch
Learn about the fun and profit of this popular online website.

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Wii <3 Gaming
March 11 at 5 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594
Join other teens in grades 7-12 every second Tuesday of the month for fun and games.

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Town Hall Book Discussion
March 11 at 7 pm
Politi Branch Library, 488-3856
This monthly book discussion in conjunction with the Town Hall Lecture series will feature Best Seat in the House: A Father, a Daughter, a Journey Through Sports by Diane Multinovich. Copies of the book are available for checkout from the Politi library.

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Free Movie Screening
Movie: Darby O’Gill and the Little People March 12 at 1 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594 Free movie screening.

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Saroyan Film: The Time of Your Life
March 12 at 4 pm, Caruthers Branch Library, 864-8766
March 16 at 6 pm, Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594
Set in San Francisco, this award-winning film captures the mixture of melancholy and hope that emerged between the Great Depression and World War II.

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Friends of the Clovis Library Book Club
March 12 at 6:30 pm
Clovis Police and Fire Headquarters in the Community Room This month's title for discussion will be Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. For information, call the library at 299-9531.

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St. Patrick’s Day Program
March 12 at 7 pm
The evening will feature Irish music by Pipe on the Hob and Irish dancing by the McTeggart Irish Dancers. Light refreshments will be served.Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Dance Dance Revolution
March 13 at 3:30 pm
Sanger Branch Library, 875-2435
Teens in grades 7-12 will enjoy this hour of fancy footwork with their favorite video game.

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Book Discussion: Essential Saroyan
March 13 and March 27 at 6 pm
Reedley Branch Library, 488-3856
Librarian Ernst Vitovec will lead a discussion of this book which is a compendium of excerpts from Saroyan's fiction and nonfiction works. Register for the program at the library before February 15 to receive a free copy of the book.

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Film Discussion of the Saroyan Years in Hollywood March 13 at 7 pm Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: (559) 299-9531 Film historian Paul Kaser will lead a discussion of Saroyan's years in Hollywood, his works which were made into movies, and his relationship with famous stars and film studios. Film clips will be shown.

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Cesar Chavez Day Celebration
March 14 at 6:30 pm
Central Library, 488-2903
Esperanza Fierro, author of The Chavista Daze: Volunteers, Rebel Rousers, Bleeding Hearts, will speak on her work as a Chicana California volunteer.

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Mystery Book Club: Death Du Jour
March 16 at 2:30 pm
Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: (559) 299-9531
This monthly book discussion group is co-hosted by the San Joaquin Sisters in Crime. This month's title by Kathy Reichs is the basis for the "Bones" television show.

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Medicare Program
March 17 at 10:30 am, Auberry Branch Library March 17 at 12 noon, Shaver Lake Branch Library March 17 at 1:30 pm, Big Creek Branch Library March 25 at 2 pm, Bear Mountain Branch Library March 25 at 3:15 pm, Piedra Branch Library Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, 224-9117 Seniors and their caregivers will learn important information about the Medicare enrolling period, which ends on March 31.

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Manga and Anime Discussion
March 18 at 5 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594
Teens in grades 7-12 can participate in a monthly discussion of all things related to Japanese comics.

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Antique Appraisal Clinic
March 18 at 6:30 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594
Kathryn Osterberg Sobelman will appraise family heirlooms and estate sale treasures. One item per person. Appraisals are verbal only and are not guaranteed.

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Closely Knit Group
March 19 at 11 am
If you enjoy knitting and meeting new friends, join this monthly knitting group.
Senior Resource Center
2025 E. Dakota Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726. Phone: (559) 453 - 6767

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Movie: Double Indemnity
March 19 at 1 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594
Free movie screening.

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Book Club
March 19 at 7 pm
This group meets the third Thursday of each month.
Fig Garden Regional
3071 West Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711. Phone: (559) 438-4071

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DDR With Me, Grandma!
March 22 at 1 pm
Teens in grades 7-12 can invite their favorite grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle or other adult to learn the fun of Dance Dance Revolution. Teens must bring an adult to be admitted.
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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Artistic Henna
March 22 at 5 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594
Teens in grades 7-12 can get temporary Henna ink tattoos with their own original design or using one provided.

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Intermediate Ebay
March 24 at 6 pm
Mosqueda Branch
Advance to the next level of this popular online website.

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Artistic Henna
March 25 at 5 pm

Teens in grades 7-12 can get a Henna ink tattoo. Bring your own design or use one provided.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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Saroyan Reader’s Theatre
March 25 at 7 pm, Local actors will perform a dramatic reading of a Saroyan work. A group discussion will follow the play.
Fig Garden Regional
3071 West Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711. Phone: (559) 438-4071

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Free movie screening, Sunset Boulevard
March 26 at 1 pm
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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Common Man, Uncommon Man
March 26 at 5 pm

This program in celebration of the Cesar Chavez holiday provides an account of the vision, philosophy and life of Chavez.
Cedar Clinton Branch
4150 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703. Phone: (559) 442-1770

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Fight in the Fields
March 27 at 5 pm
Cedar Clinton Branch
4150 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703. Phone: (559) 442-1770
This documentary in celebration of the Cesar Chavez holiday follows the life of Chavez from his boyhood through his death.

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Salsa Dancing
March 27 at 5:30 pm
Gillis Branch Library, 225-0140
Instructor Carlos Estrada will teach basic salsa steps. Students will rotate so a partner is not required. Pre-register at the library.

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Book Club: The Gathering
March 27 at 6:30 pm
Kingsburg Branch Library, 897-3710
Join this monthly book discussion group.

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Folklorico Dancers
March 28 at 4 pm
Cedar Clinton Branch
4150 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703. Phone: (559) 442-1770
This group from Roosevelt High School will present folk dances from Mexico.

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Gymnastics Beat Demo Team
March 29 at 1 pm
Fig Garden Regional
3071 West Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711. Phone: (559) 438-4071
Find out more about this local gymnastics club for kids and teens.

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Advanced Ebay
March 31 at 6 pm
Mosqueda Branch
Make the most of your knowledge about this popular online website.

February Impulse

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GET REEL!

The Get Reel! Teen Film Festival is a film competition for Fresno County teens, ages 13-19. The Fresno County Library and the Educational Employees Credit Union have joined together to promote and recognize young local fi lmmakers, and to give them a chance to see their work on the big screen a the Tower Theatre this April. Entrants will be dropping off application packets at your branches, so please send them on to Gina Becker at Woodward Park as soon as you receive them. For applications, screening dates, deadlines and guidelines, go to http://www.getreelfi lmfestival.org.

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IT’S A MYSTERY

The Kingsburg library will be hosting a “Murder Mystery in the Library” to help celebrate Kingsburg’s centennial anniversary. The Knuggledraggers will be performing and facilitating the murder mystery on March 8, 2008. They plan
to include some of the more interesting history of the town as well as the untimely
“death” of someone in attendance. If you would like more information or would like to attend, please send an email to Faythe Arredondo. The program will last about two hours and will also be a fundraising event for the Friends of the Kingsburg Library. Please email Faythe Arredondo for more information at faythe.arredondo@fresnolibrary.org

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FRACTURED FAIRY TALE

The winning entry in the Woodward Shakespeare Festival New Playwright Competition is the creation of our own Terrance McArthur. “All’s Red that’s Riding Hood” is a fractured fairy tale with a dark twist. The tale begins with the traditional visit by Red Riding Hood to her Grandma’s house through the woods. In this version however, Red finds an unexpected companion in the exiled DeWolf. Though a series of misunderstandings ensue (leading to a tragic and traditionally Shakespearian end), the journey in-between provides opportunities for equally Shakespearian word-play and requisite hilarity. As part of this year’s Rogue Festival, the Woodward Shakespeare Festival will present Terrance’s play at the California Arts Academy at 1401 N. Wishon on the following dates/times:
February 29 at 7:30 pm
March 1 at 6:15 pm
March 2 at 2:30 pm
March 7 at 7:30 pm
March 8 at 2:30 pm
For more information, visit www.woodwardshakespeare.org.

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CHILDREN’S READATHON!

The Library is partnering with ReadFresno, a non-profit agency combating illiteracy in Fresno County, to host a children’s readathon celebrating Literacy Awareness Month. Local celebrities and mascots will visit metro libraries on February 23 from 10 am to 2 pm to participate in the readathon, which will be held simultaneously at Woodward Park, Politi, Fig Garden, Central, Sunnyside, Cedar-Clinton, Gillis, Pinedale and Mosqueda. The event at Woodward Park will feature an appearance by popular children’s entertainer Okin Bloodworth at 9:15 am. Celebrity readers will represent the Fresno Regional Foundation, Lozano Smith, IRS, Teen Council, Junior League, Baptist Church, and local physicians. Mascots will include Freddie the Falcon, Chuck E Cheese, John’s Incredibear, Clifford Scorcher, Crispy Chicken, Colonel Sanders and Wendy's. For more information, contact Lisa Eckman in Youth Services.

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PEGGY SHARP WORKSHOP

Over 12,000 books were published for children in 2007, and noted educator
and librarian, Dr. Peggy Sharp, selected the best of these books to present at a
workshop in January entitled “What’s New in Children’s Literature and How to Use It in Your Program 2008”. The workshop is presented annually in Fresno by the Bureau of Education and Research. Four staff members from the Woodward
Park Library attended the informative and entertaining workshop. Participants received a resource handbook which previews titles, gives ideas on how to
promote good books to readers, selection strategies, and ideas for using books in programs. The resource handbook is available from Youth Services if you are interested in reviewing the workshop information.
Peggy Sharp’s “List of the 10 Best Books of 2007” includes:
1) Chester by Melanie Watt
2) The Chicken-Chasing Queen of Larmar County by Janice N. Harrington
3) Dog and Bear by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
4) Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
5) A Good Day by Kevin Henkes
6) The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
7) The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Stewart
8) Seventeen Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore by Jenny Offi ll
9) The Wednesday Wars by Gary D, Schmidt
10) The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis

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POLITI BOOK DRIVE

In honor of children’s author Leo Politi during his centennial celebration this year, the Friends of the Politi Branch Library have launched a fundraiser to purchase sets of Politi’s book for Fresno schools and libraries. Various levels of support will help provide complete sets and multiple copies of single titles. A bookplate will ccompany every donated book. For more information, contact Linda Scambray at scam4@comcast.net, or Ryan Ewers at the Politi Branch Library.

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LIBRARY LIFE

Library Journal recently highlighted a new book by Don Borchert, a library assistant
at the Torrance Public Library, that offers a wry memoir of library life. Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks, and Gangstas in the Public Library was given its title by the author’s daughter and suggests both the occasional chaos in public libraries as well as the philosophy behind them.
The full interview with Don Borchert can be viewed at www.libraryjournal.com/borchert. The book is available for checkout at the
Central Library and Fowler and Clovis branches.

February Events

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February 2 from 9 am to 5 pm
Literacy Tutor Training
Volunteer to be a tutor to help adults improve their reading, writing, spelling and math skills. Free training and tutoring materials provided. Pre-registration required.
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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February 4, 5, 6, 7, 15 at 3:30 pm
Peer Tutoring
Teens in grades 7-12 can get help from their peers with English, Math, Science and History homework. No sign up required - first come, first serve.
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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February 4 at 3:30 pm
Chinese New Year Celebration Celebrate the Year of the Rat with dragons, crafts, songs and stories of Leo Politi on his centennial year!
Politi Branch
5771 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93710. Phone: (559) 431-6450

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Storytime

February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 at 11 AM
Preschool Storytime
Fingerplays and music for children ages 3-5
Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: (559) 299-9531

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Storytime

February 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10:30 am at Kingsburg Branch Library, 897-3710
Preschool Storytime
Fingerplays and music for children ages 3-5.

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Storytime

February 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 at 10 am
Toddler Storytime Interactive storytime with music and movement for children ages 2-3.
Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612 (559) 299-9531

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Storytime

February 6, 13, 20, 27 at 9:30 am
Lapsit- Bounces, rhymes, tickles, stories and music for infants and children up to age 2.
Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: (559) 299-9531

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February 6 at 1 pm
Film Screening: Free movies featuring classic titles. This weeks feature: Casablanca.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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February 7, 14, 21, 28 at 3 pm
Afterschool Crafts Art activities for children in kindergarten through grade 5.
Gillis Library
629 West Dakota Avenue, Fresno, CA 93705. Phone: (559) 225-0140

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February 7 at 7 pm
Connect with the Classics: Of Mice and Men Teens in grades 7-12 can join adults to join in this monthly discussion of classic American literature
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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February 7 at 7 pm
Sunnyside High School Art Reception The public is invited to enjoy refreshments at an opening day reception for a month-long exhibit of artwork created by Sunnyside High School art students.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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February 9 at 1 pm
Book Discussion: I Love Twilight Teens in grades 7-12 and adults can discuss this popular vampire book series by Stephenie Meyer.
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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February 9 at 3 pm
A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian Local veterinarian Lonny Pace will show children in grades 4-6 what it's like to be a veterinarian.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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February 10 at 3 pm
Winter Family Music Concert The West Coast Clarinet Congress and Friends from California State University, Fresno will present a live classical music concert
Woodward Park Regional Library, 433-3135

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February 11 at 3:30 pm
Have a Heart Stamp, color and decorate your own Valentine's Day cards as you celebrate with stories and songs.
Stamp, color and decorate your own Valentine's Day cards as you celebrate with stories and songs.
Politi Branch
5771 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93710. Phone: (559) 431-6450

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February 11 at 6 pm
Introduction to the World Wide Web Free computer class teaching basics about the World Wide Web.
Mosqueda BranchFree computer class teaching basics about the World Wide Web.

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February 11 at 7 pm
Open Mic Poetry Night Share your original prose and poetry or enjoy listening to the creative poetry of others.
Sanger Branch
1812 Seventh Street, Sanger, CA 93657. Phone: (559) 875-2435

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February 12 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Resume Clinic Get tips on how to develop an effective resume. Bring your current resume to class. Pre-registration required.
Central Library Career Center, 488-1898

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February 12 at 5 pm
Wii <3 Gaming! Teens in grades 7-12 can play Nintendo Wii on the big screen.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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February 12 at 6:30 pm
Woodward Shakespeare Festival Reader's Theatre: Comedy of Errors Bring your copy of this Shakespeare play to read along with the actors and then join in a discussion after the performance.
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135

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February 12 at 7 pm
Town Hall Book Discussion: "The Murder of Tutankhamen" Dr. Roger LaJeunesse will lead a discussion in conjunction with an upcoming lecture by the author of this book. The Town Hall lecture will be held on February 20. Copies of the book are available for checkout from the Politi Library.
Politi Branch
5771 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93710. Phone: (559) 431-6450

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February 13 at 1 pm
Film Screening: The Apartment Free movies featuring classic titles.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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February 16 at 11 am
Antique Appraisal Clinic Kathryn Osterberg Sobelman will appraise your family heirloom or estate sale treasure. One item per person. Appraisals are verbal only and are not guaranteed.
Piedra Branch
25385 Trimmer Springs Road, Sanger, CA (559) 787-3266

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February 16 at 11 am
Fresno Wildlife Rehabilitation Join a presentation by Fresno Wildlife Rehabilitation that will include beautiful birds and volunteers who nurse them back to health. Cameras are welcome.
Woodward Park Regional Library, 433-3135

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February 17 at 2:30 pm
Mystery Book Club: "Dimity Beats the Devil" This monthly discussion of mystery novels is co-hosted by the San Joaquin Sisters in Crime
Clovis Branch
1155 Fifth Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: (559) 299-9531

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February 19 at 3:30 pm
Birds in Your Life Master Gardeners of Fresno will present a birds program for children of all ages. Stories and a craft activity are included too.
Auberry Library
33049 Auberry Road, Auberry, CA 93602. Phone: (559) 855-8523

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February 19 at 4 pm
Black History Month Film Screening: Remember the Titans Enjoy a free movie in celebration of Black History Month.
Sanger Branch
1812 Seventh Street, Sanger, CA 93657. Phone: (559) 875-2435

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February 19 at 5 pm
Manga and Anime Discussion
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to this monthly group to discuss all things relating to Japanese comics. Call the branch for schedule of topics or just drop in.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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February 20 at 11 am
Closely Knit Group Enjoy knitting and meeting new friends every month. All levels are welcome, including beginners.
Senior Resource Center Library, 453-6767

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February 20 at 1 pm
Film Screening: The Graduate Free movies featuring classic titles.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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February 24 at 5 pm
February 25 at 6:30 pm
Branching Out Poetry: Two Evenings with Carl Phillips Carl Phillips is Professor of English, African and African-American Studies, and the Creative Writing Program at Washington University and has authored numerous works of poetry. Phillips will read and discuss his own works on the first evening. He will read and discuss the works of American poet Walt Whitman on the second evening following a musical prelude by Andrea and John McDaniel.
Woodward Park
944 East Perrin Avenue, Fresno (559) 433-3135 or 488-3856

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February 25 at 6 pm
Homework Help Sites Free computer class about helpful online homework websites.
Mosqueda Branch

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February 25 at 7 pm
Badmen and Grizzly Bears William B. Secrest will discuss early desperadoes and other "wild life" that made California the wildest of the wild west! This presentation will explore various aspects of Secrest's 40 years of research for his two books on these "mean" grizzlies and the even meaner men who drove them into extinction.
Sanger Branch
1812 Seventh Street, Sanger, CA 93657. Phone: (559) 875-2435

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February 26 at 5 pm
ANTM Portfolio Profile Pics! Teens in grades 7-12 can create their own fun online profiles. Props will be provided and participants are welcome to bring their own too.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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February 27 at 1 pm
Film Screening: Some Like It Hot Free movies featuring classic titles.
Sunnyside Branch
5566 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727. Phone: (559) 255-6594

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February 28 from 4 pm to 6 pm
Interview Clinic Come to this free practice clinic dressed professionally for your next job interview.
Central Library
2420 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721 488-1898

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February 28 at 5:30 pm
Salsa Dance Carlos Estrada teaches basic salsa steps at this monthly dance class. Pre-registration is required.
Gillis Library
629 West Dakota Avenue, Fresno, CA 93705. Phone: (559) 225-0140

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February 28 at 6:30 pm
Book Club: "Divisadero" Join this monthly book discussion group.
Kingsburg Branch
1399 Draper Street, Kingsburg, CA 93631. Phone: (559) 897-3710

JANUARY IMPULSE

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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

This is the year to celebrate two of the Valley’s most beloved authors; William Saroyan and Leo Politi. Fresno County is leading an international celebration of Saroyan and is also participating in a statewide celebration of Politi.
Valley organizations will join the library in hosting a diverse array of local special events honoring the 100th anniversary year of their births.
Among the Saroyan events were a 24-hour readathon at George’s Restaurant this month,and a screening of The Human Comedy is planned for April 25 with a special guest appearance by the film’s star (and movie legend), Mickey Rooney.
Politi events will include an open house, art exhibit, children’s art contest and Chinese New Year’s party. For more information, visit Saroyan Centennial and Leo Politi 2008 Centennial

LIBRARIANS RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE TO IRANIAN COMMUNITY

On December 8, 2007, Mina Abdollahian and Martha Connor each received a community service award from the Iranian Culture and Art Club of Fresno.
The beautiful plaques read: “As a token of our admiration and appreciation for your dedication in promoting Iranian culture.” The club has been meeting at the Woodward Park Library for about three years. Martha has worked closely with the group to provide much-needed meeting space, including space for ESL classes, plus she has set aside an area for a nice sized Farsi collection. Mina is a loyal attendee of the group, and she is often a speaker at meetings, plus she provides introductory speeches for guest speakers.
Mina translates at the meetings for non-English speakers, and she has worked with the group in selecting Farsi materials.

BOOKMOBILE ON PARADE

Karen Maj and Ron Martin participated in the Fresno Christmas Parade in December. When the bookmobile passed the review stand, there were lots of positive comments and cheers. After the parade, the bookmobile made its way to Eaton Plaza to be part of the first annual Christmas in the Park too. Thanks Karen and Ron for decorating the unit to make it more festive and for driving in the parade and spending time at Christmas in the Park.

ART WORKS

Artwork featuring the whimsical creations of Librarian Terrance McArthur will be on exhibit at Ashtree Studios from now through January 31. Terrance’s unique sculptures are made from recycled materials such as telephone wire, newspaper, pine needles and other materials. You will be amazed by the patience and talent of this librarian!

IT’S A WRAP

The Clovis Library Teen Council organized a gift wrap drive in December to benefit the Marjaree Mason Center, which offers shelter and support services to women and children victimized by abuse and homelessness in Fresno County.
Each year, the Center receives generous gift donations from the community for the women to “shop” through and wrap for their children. This holiday season, what the center desperately needed was gift wrapping materials so that the children could share in the joy of opening such anticipated and appreciated gifts.
We are pleased to report that the teen council was able to contribute 70 rolls of wrapping paper, 23 bags of bows, and an abundant assortment of tape, ribbons, tissue paper, bags, boxes, and tags.
Thanks to ever