September 7, 2007

Off the Shelf

September: National Civics Awareness month

By Tim Collins
Adult Services Librarian

September marks National Civics Awareness month. This observance promotes citizen participation in programs, activities and events pertaining to civic awareness and to encourage continued acknowledgment of historical civic events. Observances that fall under the “Civics Awareness” umbrella include Library Card Sign-Up month, Constitution Week (Sept. 11-18), Patriot Day (Sept. 11, and Citizenship Day (Sept. 17).

As a San José librarian, I’ve always felt honored to represent an aspect of government that you use in your daily activities. For most functions, it is an “event” to go to city hall, and when it’s necessary to call the police or fire department it often is not due to a happy circumstance. But people regularly use the library for both informational and recreational needs. Is the library a regular part of your life? Check us out.

Evergreen Library’s One-Year Anniversary Celebration
Off the Shelf alternates each issue between the Evergreen and the Tully Branch libraries. This time it’s Tully’s “turn.” But we’re all the same San José Public Library system, so it’s appropriate to share Evergreen Library anniversary news in this issue. From my fellow librarian and columnist Vanessa Menor:

“The Evergreen Branch Library present and past has always been loved by our community. Our high circulation statistics, number of visitors per day and well attended programs and events makes this one of the busiest branches in the San José Public Library System. A supportive community, dedicated Friends’ group, hard-working volunteers, and generous donors have all played a role in making this the best library possible. Thank you. We wouldn’t be here without you.”

“On Saturday, Sept. 15, we’ll be celebrating the first Anniversary of our re-opening. A special storytime, ice cream social and author visit makes this event suitable for everyone.”

Lotus in the West - English/Vietnamese Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for Lotus in the West, a Vietnamese/English storytime, with songs, crafts and snacks. This program is for Vietnamese children to help them retain their cultural identity and be proud of their roots. For Children of all ages. (Further note: over the next month, this program will also be taking place Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 and Oct. 6 at the Tully Community Library, and Sept. 22 at the Hillview Library).

Ice Cream Social at 2 p.m.
Join us and our neighbors to visit and chat about our new library. This is made possible by the support of the Friends' of the Evergreen Library.

Author visit by Jana McBurney-Lin at 3 p.m.
Jana McBurney, author of “My Half of the Sky,” will be visiting to discuss her book.

“Keep your fingers crossed. If all goes well, we will also be unveiling our donor recognition wall at our Anniversary celebration around 12:30 p.m. The donor recognition wall is a way to celebrate all in our generous community who made significant donations to support the Evergreen Branch. We do appreciate everyone’s help. Your interest, enthusiasm and generosity are what make this branch so special.”

Has it been a while since you stopped by? Now would be a great time visit. We have books, DVDs, videos, magazines, a café, computers for public use, comfy chairs, programs, materials in a variety of languages and more. Library card applications are available online in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Staffers are always ready and willing to help you apply for your card and find what you need.

Happy Anniversary, Evergreen Library! May this past year be the first of many. You, the Evergreen community and readers, are great library users. Always let us know how we’re serving you well, and how we can serve you even better.

Patriot Day chalk art contest- Sept. 11
On Dec. 18, 2001, a joint resolution of Congress permitted the President to declare Sept. 11 of each year as Patriot Day, in commemoration of the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001. The resolution requests all state and local governments to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities, and that a moment of silence be observed in honor of those who lost their lives in the attacks.

Here at Tully Library, we are holding an “I Love America” chalk art contest, in which we encourage the entrants to use a patriotic theme. Join us in the back of the library. Although only youth ages 4 to 18 will be eligible for prizes, anyone with any degree of artistic talent, or just plain enthusiasm, is welcome to participate. Judging will be divided among age groups, according to “Most Creative,” “Cutest,” and “Most Inventive.” Have fun and honor the spirit of democracy.

Moon Festival Celebration, Sept. 22
In Vietnam, children and families especially enjoy the mid-autumn Moon Festival, celebrated with moon cakes, colorful lanterns, and nighttime processions and dances. Though we have to settle for the afternoon rather than the nighttime - specifically, 3 to 5 p.m. - we’ll be having our own Moon Festival celebration right here at Tully, complete with crafts, games and activities. The moon shines on us all regardless of nationality, so likewise, you don’t have to be Vietnamese to enjoy the fun. Come and celebrate with us.

“A Perfect Mess” – Book club offering, Sept. 26
Have you mastered only one or two of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People? Bummed out because here it is, September, and you haven’t even started your spring cleaning yet? Do you have shipshape colleagues or fastidious family members who chide you for the piles built up on your desk? Don’t worry, be happy.

On Sept. 26, at 7 p.m., the Tully book club will ponder the deep messages and hidden meanings squirreled away throughout the book “A Perfect Mess: The Hidden Benefits of Disorder; how crammed closets, cluttered offices, and on-the-fly planning make the world a better place,” by Eric Abrahamson and David H. Freedman. Make your world a better place and join us for the fun.

The Tully book club regularly meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Calendar of Events
For a listing of all upcoming Tully events, pick up a calendar in English or Spanish, or check the Events section of the SJPL website www.sjlibrary.org. You can always find something fun and interesting at your local San José Public Library.

Tim Collins is the Adult Services Librarian at the Tully Community Branch Library, 880 Tully Road, between McLaughlin and Senter. It is one of the branches of the San Jose Public Library. The Library’s phone number is (408) 808-3030. For more information about the library, visit the website at www.sjlibrary.org.