Ms. Suzy Reads | And Then Gets a Pie in the Face?!?

Greetings reading friends!

I like pie. I really like pie. I like just about any kind of pie, but banana cream is my all-time favorite. Or at least it was my all-time favorite until last Thursday around 3:45 pm.

You see, last Thursday around 3:45 pm we were celebrating the End of Summer Reading Party at the Cesar Chavez Central Library. Like a few other SSJCPL branches, we at the Chavez Library challenged our young readers to read a total of 2,500 books this summer. That's a lot, right? The deal was: read 2,500 books and two children will be randomly selected to throw pies into the faces of Craig Bronzan, our Interim Community Services Director, and me. 

Oh, I hate to admit this, but I was sure the nice children at the Chavez Library would take pity on me. I knew they would be reading all summer, because they ARE readers, after all. But I figured they would take pity on me and just forget to turn in their reading logs. You see, we counted the reading logs to see how many books were read by Chavez Library children.

Alas, the children at the Chavez Library did not read 2,500 books. No, they did not. They read 3,500! Yes, you read that correctly.

So last Thursday, Craig and I found ourselves enjoying our favorite banana cream pie in a very new -- and interesting -- way. In our faces! Here is one picture of the event. If you can't view the link, stay tuned! We'll have other pictures on the Library's Facebook page soon!

I would write about a great book today, but alas, I still have some banana cream pie in my eyes! Stay tuned. I'll be back next Tuesday with great book recommendations!

Until then, happy reading!

 

Learning | Abracadabra, Boom, Read!

It may look like magic, but it's all science!

To celebrate our 2014 Summer Reading theme, the Troke Branch library has arranged for Don O'Brien to perform his Xtreme Science Magic Show on Thursday, June 26, at 6:00 p.m.

Mr. O'Brien will show the whole family how much fun science can be, especially if there's some magic in the mixture. Those of us who have seen Mr. O'Brien's shows know there will be plenty of audience participation; will you be chosen to assist him?

After the show, you may wish to check out some books about science magic, to see if there are any activities you might want to try for yourself. 

Recently, I searched for books about magic using scientific principles. I was very happy to learn a new library catalog term in the process. If you put the words scientific recreations in the search box, and choose "subject" from the drop down menu, you will find more than fifty titles that will help you learn science in fun ways.

Ms. Suzy Reads | In Outer Space?

Ever since the movie Gravity came out, I have had a rather crazy idea: I'd like to travel to space. I know, I know....only really, really rich people will be able to afford space travel when (and if) it becomes available for non-astronauts. But I can't help thinking how darn cool it would be.

 

So I thought I should do a little research, and voila, I found the perfect book: You Can't Ride a Bicycle to the Moon by Harriet Ziefert with pictures by Amanda Haley. It's a quick read packed with a whole lot of interesting information about the moon AND travel to the moon.

 

Here's just a little of what I learned:

 

To travel to the moon from earth, it will take 8 hours and 35 minutes by rocket. (Too bad I can't travel by the speed of light! That would only take 1.52 seconds!)

 

Astronauts have to wear special suits when they're visiting the moon. In fact, I got to see real spacesuits worn by Apollo astronauts when I visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. But here's a little gross tidbit I read in the book: spacesuits can be made with built-in toilets.

 

What? Yes, that's what I said. I'm starting to rethink my dream of space travel.

 

Another interesting fact I learned from this book involves food. Now we've all been told by our parents -- at some point when we were sitting down to the family dinner -- that we should not play with our food. Right?

 

Well I learned in this book that astronauts play a food game in which one astronaut throws a cookie into the air, and another astronaut, floating by, of course, has to catch the cookie in his or her mouth. I think I would do pretty well at that game.

 

So what do you say? If you had a chance, would you travel to the moon?

 

Here's another question: If you could read just 10 books (t-e-n books) to get a really cool prize, would you do it? Who wouldn't, right? That's all kids have to do for this year's Summer Reading program. And teens, you only have to read 3 books (t-h-r-e-e) and write short reviews to win a great prize. AND, there will be a grand prize drawing at the end of Summer Reading and one person from every library branch will win a FREE Kindle Fire.

 

We've got it going on at the library. So check us out! And check out a book!

 

Until next week, happy reading!

Learning | Science! It's what's for Summer Reading

Science is the word this summer! We have science-themed programs for adults, teens, and kids. The adult theme is "Literary Elements;" for teens, it is "Spark a Reaction," and, of course, for children, it is "Fizz, Boom, Read!"

This week, let's talk about "Literary Elements," the theme for adults. Most of us realize that the library has books full of scientific facts in the non-fiction and reference areas of the collection. But we have some fiction that's scientific, too.

Fiction

I cannot think of a better fiction series to link to the "Literary Elements" theme than Camille Minichino's Periodic Table Mystery series.  The main character, Gloria Lamerino, is a retired physicist, who has a second career as a science consultant for the police. (She also happens to be in love with a police detective.) She has an amazing scientific mind and her share of foibles, and interesting friends; what's not to like?

Each book in the Periodic Table series focuses on a particular element, which is central to the solution (no pun intended) to the mystery, for example, "The Nitrogen Murder." These are fun reads, and not too gruesome. Think of them as cozy science mysteries.  

Fun fact: Camille Minichino visited the Tracy Branch Library some years back. There was a library program about mystery writers, and she was on the panel.

Science Fiction

There is another fiction genre that dovetails nicely with this year's theme: science fiction.This genre is chock full of interesting stories and talented writers.  Science fiction stories are based on imagined and/or future worlds. They often feature scientific or technological advances. Some of these worlds portray dystopian societies, for example, Ray Bradbury's classic, Fahrenheit 451, in which books are burned. (Eek!)

Not fiction, but a really good story

Biographies are accounts of real people's lives. I find that reading a biography can be as engrossing as a fictional story.  

For example, read this book by Berkeley neurobiologist Sybil Lockhart: Mother in the middle: a biologist's story of caring for parent and child. 

Many of us have had the experience of caring for an elderly parent with dementia, and caring for our own children at the same time.  Lockhart's story is especially interesting, because her expertise in neurobiology allows her to alternatively marvel and cringe at the effects of the disease progression on her mother--and at the developmental biological effects occurring in her growing daughters. 

Book Bucket List | Fizz! Boom! Read!

Today is the first Monday of Summer Reading  This is pretty awesome for a few reasons.  First, if you sign up for the summer reading program, you can not only get a prize for finishing card, but you can enter a raffle to win a Kindle!  Where else can you read books to get prizes?  The other cool thing about summer reading is all of the FREE programs happening at all of our branches!

Just this week, we have a number of things going on:

Today! Monday, June 2:

Our Mountain House Branch Library is hosting a Summer Reading Kickoff Party at 5:00 pm.  There will be crafts along with summer reading sign ups where you can get your book bag, bookmark, and a special prize!

Tuesday June 3:

At the Ripon Branch, teens are invited to come to make painted galaxy t-shirts or tote bags!  Supplies will be provided, but if you want to decorate other items, like backpacks or scarves, bring your own!  This program starts at 2:00 on June 3.

At 5:00 pm at the Mountain House Library, they are hosting another awesome program, this time for teens.  In this program, teens will find out about the math behind such art-forms as string-art and M. C. Escher-type tessellations. Teens will also have a chance to make their own art and display it in a "Mathematical Art Show" ending on July 31.

The Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the Tracy Branch Library starts at 3:00 pm.  They're having a special 'tasty' party and signing children, teens, and adults up for summer reading!

Wednesday, June 4:

The Manteca Branch Library is kicking off the Summer Reading program with two shows from Magic Dan!  Come enjoy the magic and sign up for summer reading.  There will be two shows, the first starting at 1:30 pm and the second at 3:00 pm! 

The Ripon Branch Library invites children to the Book Buddy and Paws for Reading Program, every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Teen, adult, and therapy dog volunteers are available to sit and listen to children read.  Alternately, volunteers may also read to the kids.  This is a great way to keep up reading activities over the summer and great practice for reading aloud.

The Escalon Library is hosting several fun Summer Reading Program on Wednesdays in the month of June. Brian Scott's Biblio Spectacular will arrive on June 4th at 3 p.m. 

At the Lathrop Library at 3:00 pm, our local lady clown Miss Sparkles Delight will truly delight children of all ages!  Come enjoy her hysterical antics, stories, and colorful costumes, for free for the whole family! 

Thursday, June 5:

At the Linden Library at 2:30 pm, join us for snakes and more when the Serpentarium comes to Linden to show off all kinds of cool reptiles and animals. Come early for a good seat because this show will be crowded! 

At the Ripon Branch Library at 2 pm, watch as Aladdin thwarts the evil sorcerer, discovers the magical lamp, befriends the powerful genie, and saves the princess.  Traditional music and intricate costumes showcase storytelling from ancient cultures of the Far East. Utilizing dramatic staging, The Fratello Marionettes present this magical tale as it has never been seen before. 

At the Maya Angelou Branch Library, join us at 3:30 to enjoy the Steve Chaney & Corny Crow Ventriloquism show!  Families are invited to join us for the fun! 

At the Cesar Chavez Central Library at 3:30 pm,, kick off the 2014 Summer Reading Club -- Fizz! Boom! Read! -- with an entertaining AND educational event for the whole family! 

At the Tracy Branch Library at 4:00 pm, come watch Rav the Magician turn a room full of kids, into a room full of smiling, clapping kids! Join us as we welcome Rav the Magician to help us get our Summer Reading Program underway. 

 At the Troke Branch Library, join us for the Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party with Eva Fox. Eva and one more clown will come to the Troke Library and will do face  painting and make balloons for children. Popcorn will be served. Come join us and sign up for Summer Reading Program; all ages. 

Saturday June 7:

On Saturday, June 7, the Manteca Branch Library at 2:00 pm, will be offering Crochet with Norma Lynn!  Have you ever wanted to learn to crochet? Learn from local crochet master, NormaLynn Hood! Our teacher will show you the basics in getting started with this fun and informative class! After the program, check out books and other media related to crochet and other needlework projects!

The Reader Digests | Science Experiments

Can we eat science experiments?  An exploding volcano model, maybe not - but science experiments made out of food, yes!  In honor of this year's summer reading program, Fizz! Boom! Read!, I present science experiments you can eat (and what we learn from them)!

Discuss the properties of proteins by making egg whites.  According to Vicki Cobb's Science Experiment's You Can Eat, this is a great way to discuss how

germanfood.about.com

the shape of protein molecules plays an important role in determining the reaction.  Egg whites' proteins are like "tiny balls of yarn" and dissolve in water because they are so compact. Beating them = unraveling the yarn. Whoa! Slowly beat in some sugar, which mixes with the water in the egg whites, drop them on a cookie sheet, and heat them in an oven at 175 degrees for 1 hour, then turn it off and leave them in overnight.  The meringues are dried, leaving hard egg whites and sugar.  Yummy!

www.npr.org

Another fun and easy experiment in the book discusses oxidation of fruit.  Take an apple, slice it in half, and place a sliced kiwi on the cut top of one side, leaving the other side of the apple bare (or put a sponge on top).  Which side ends up brown?  This is a great way to introduce the idea of oxidation, and the effects of vitamin C on the browning process.  Make a fruit salad using apples, peaches, and bananas, and mix pieces of one vitamin C tablet (or lemon) on one side and leave the other plain.  What happens? Does vitamin C slow down the oxidation process?  What if you leave part of it at room temperature and put the other in the fridge?

Oh, and could flying pies be a physics lesson?  Definitely!

Of course, the best part about food experiments is eating them afterwards! Visit the library for more books about science experiments with food and don't forget to sign up for our summer reading program beginning on June 1!

4 Kids | Shhh....It's a Secret!

What would you do if you were out walking your dog, and all of the sudden your dog fell into a deep hole. Oh no, right? And suppose that while getting your dog out, you discovered -- in that deep hole -- a tunnel! What would you do? Would you go exploring?

That's just what Jacques and Marcel did back in 1940. And you'll never believe what they found! That tunnel led to a cave. And in that cave were a whole bunch of beautiful paintings dating back to prehistoric times. Prehistoric -- as in 17,000 years. 

Author Emily Arnold McCully explores the discovery of this cave in her book The Secret Cave: Discovering Lascaux. At first the boys thought they were going to find buried gold, but instead they found the most famous prehistoric art of all time, the Lascaux cave paintings. What's really cool about these paintings is that the colors had not faded. The paintings -- approximately 600 -- had a protective layer of chalk which made them watertight. That's why they lasted all those years!

Gradually the boys did share the secret of the cave and eventually people were able to visit the cave and marvel at the wonderful works of art. 

You can learn all about the discovery of this prehistoric art by reading this really great non-fiction book! 

And just a reminder, the Summer Reading Club returns to SSJCPL on June 1. Stop by anytime after that and pick up your reading log and start reading in order to win fabulous prizes. And if you complete your reading log, you'll be entered into a grand prize raffle to win a Kindle Fire! 

4 Kids | Attention All Authors

And yes, I'm talking to you! Let me explain.

Last night we hosted an Author Symposium at the Cesar Chavez Central Library. Six local authors shared their books, writing experiences, and signed books for the audience members. It was so awesome! And by the way, thanks so much to those wonderful authors: Paula Treick DeBoard, Mary Jo Gohlke, Britt Nunes, Danny Thomas Ruiz Dunne, and Alice Van Ommeren!! And I must also thank my BFF for sticking around to help clean up after all was said and done.

So of course that got me thinking. Why can't anyone with a story be an author? We've all got stories to tell. It's just a matter of sitting down and getting creative.

If you've got a story to tell (hip hip hooray, I say) and are looking for a little inspiration, check out Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills. You'll find this great book in the picture book section, but it's also very informative!  

Here are a couple of my favorite lines from this book:

"Rocket even liked the way books smelled. When he opened a new book, it smelled like a place he'd never been to, like a friend he'd never met."

When Rocket suffers a little writer's block, a little yellow bird shares some sage advice: "Stories need good characters. Or what about something that happened to you? Or something you really enjoy?" Gentle readers, take note: there are some great writing tips in those lines there. 

Rocket also enjoys collecting new words. He would write them down and hang them on his word tree. (Psst: another great writing tip!)

I know that you are all busy with the school year winding down. But when you have a few free moments to let your imagination run wild, think about what YOUR story might be. And start writing!

And don't forget! The Summer Reading Club starts June 1 and all libraries are hosting some super spectacular programs this year. Check out the calendar of events. Join us as we celebrate books and reading in the Fizz! Boom! Read! Summer Reading Club!

Happy reading...and writing!

The Reader Digests | Pie!

Who doesn't love pie?  I don't know any librarian that doesn't love pie! That's why this summer, we are going to eat pie! Yes, pie!

We are so determined to keep our kids reading this summer that a few dedicated, brave, and perhaps a little hungry library staff have volunteered to get pied!

What is getting pied, exactly? This is getting pied....

You are probably wondering what this is all about.  

Who is going to pie us?  

KIDS, that's who!  

Children at the Chavez, Manteca, and Ripon Libraries will get a chance to pie their library staff under these conditions:

2,500 total books must be logged and read by children at the branch during this year's Summer Reading Program! (Fizz! Boom! Read! June 1 through July 31)

The person must be a child who has completed the program and turned in their reading log.

After 2,500 books are read, the child's name will be drawn at random.

"The Pie-ing" (Doesn't it sounds like a horror movie?) will take place at the last children's Summer Reading Program event at each branch, on July 31.

Kids will pie either Suzy at Chavez (she likes Banana Cream!), Rena at Manteca, Melinda at Ripon, or Tara at Ripon (I'll take Coconut Cream please!).

Starting June 1, read those books and bring on the pie, kids!!! Yummy!

Learning | Bon Appétit!

Hey, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, caregivers of children! Summer Reading began on June 1. You probably have heard that this year's theme is "Reading is So Delicious." Many of us are thinking about our favorite food-themed books. One recent favorite of mine is a children's picture book with the Bullwinkle Effect--ostensibly, the targeted audience is children, but I think adults will enjoy reading this book with children.

Bon Appétit: the delicious life of Julia Child by Jessie Hartland was published in 2012. It's a biography of an amazing woman.  She never quite fit into the roles one might have expected for her. She made her own career as the person who introduced French cooking techniques to the American culture through her cooking show. I remember my mother watching that show every week.  

Bon Appetit does not follow the typical narrative form of a biography; there are multiple illustrations on every page, with captions that range from humorous and informative to downright wise.  This format makes it especially suited to snuggling up with your child, reading together, and discussing what you see.

You may also want to watch the DVD Julie & Julia, or read the book that inspired the movie. We even have the e-book version; just click on the link in the title of the DVD to see the formats the library offers.  Julie & Julia is based on the true story of a journalist whose blog was based on the premise of learning to cook 524 Julia Child recipes in 365 days.  

What are your favorite books about chefs?

Book Bucket List | Reading is Sooo Delicious!

This last Saturday marked the beginning of the 2013 Summer Reading Program! Have you signed up yet?  The library branches will be featuring a number of food related programs through July 31.  You might want to check out:

•  Summer Reading Kick Off at the Troke Library Thursday June 6 at 6:00 p.m.
• SSJCPL Cooks will be at the Manteca Branch Library on June 11 at 2:00 p.m, at the Maya Angelou library on June 18 at 5:00 p.m, and at the Ripon Branch Library on June 20 at 2:00 p.m.
• Pasta Making Workshop at the Tracy Branch Library on June 11 at 4:00 p.m.
• Cake Decorating Demonstration at the Tracy Branch Library on June 25 at 4:00 p.m.

Here at the Manteca Branch Library, we just got in some pretty delicious looking cookbooks.  So in honor of Summer Reading, I'll feature a few of them today.

Eat St. Recipes from the Tastiest, Messiest, and Most Irresistible Food Trucks by James Cunningham features two of my favorite things: food trucks and easy recipes.  The recipes in this book are from food trucks all around the country like Le Truc and Roli Roti from San Francisco and Skillet Street Food from Seattle.  This book has recipes from Maple-Bacon Cupcakes to Kimchi Quesadillas and everything in between.

Curtis Stone, host of Top Chef Masters, has a new cookbook out too.  Curtis Stone's What's for Dinner? features a lot of meals that look like they took a lot of time, but are pretty realistic for the average home

cook.  The wine-braised short ribs and spiced apple pie look particularly appetizing.

Sandra Lee's Every Dish Delivers features a whole year of recipes.  What I like about Sandra Lee is that her recipes feature ingredients that you can easily find at your local supermarket.  She has recipes for New York Grilled Strip, Breakfast for Dinner Cakes, and even Fortune Cookies.

4 Kids | Reading Is So Delicious

Summer Reading 2013 has begun, and this year's theme is...

Library staff have prepared a slate of great programs for all ages this summer. And all you have to do to be a part of Summer Reading is stop by your nearest library branch and pick up a reading log. Complete the activities to win some cool prizes!

If you're wondering when you should stop by your nearest library branch, I'll make it easy for you! Check out this list of awesome programs -- just for this week!!!

Today -- June 4 at 4 pm -- SSJCPL Cooks at the Chavez Library. Funny skit and a really cool activity after for children of all ages.

Book Buddies (reading help for 1st-4th graders) at the Weston Ranch Branch Library beginning Tuesday, June 4 from 1:30-2:30 pm

 

The EZ Reader Book Club at Mountain House meets Wednesday, June 5 at 3:30 pm.

The Troke Branch Library kicks off its Summer Reading program with a special fun event on Thursday, June 6 at 6 pm.

Enjoy the funny antics of Ravioli the Clown at the Lathrop Community Center Gym on Thursday, June 6 at 3:00 pm.

 

Meet the Wild Things Animal Rescuers (and some of their rescued animals) on Thursday, June 6 at the Ripon Memorial Branch Library -- 2 pm.

Ventriloquist Steve Chaney and his sidekick Corny Crow are sure to entertain at the Maya Angelou Branch Library on Thursday, June 6 at 3:30 pm

Enjoy storytime and crafts at the Escalon Branch Library on Friday, June 7 at 10:30 am.

Families can get Red Cross ready for emergencies at the Manteca Branch Library on Saturday, June 8 at 2 pm.

 

Saturday at the Thornton Branch Library -- Tasty Crafts -- Saturday, June 8 at 12 pm.

See you at the Library!!