Vol. 42 No. 11 November 2011 AT THE LIBRARY NOVEMBER 2011 1 Coming Up: SFPL.ORG DEC. 3 Zentangle with Miss Laura Creating art from repetitive patterns Ingleside Branch Library, 2 p.m. DEC. 6 Bay Area Youth Harp Ensemble and Triskela Celtic Harp Trio Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m. DEC. 10 Nutcracker Movement Workshops With the San Francisco Ballet Main, Children’s Center, 10:30 a.m. DEC. 14 John King, Cityscapes Main, Latino Hispanic Community Room, 6:30 p.m. Mars, Mythbusters and Mary Roach N ovember 2 brings our final, and very exciting, One City One Book event, featuring Mary Roach, author of Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void, in conversation with Adam Savage. After two months of book discussions, craft programs and astronomy talks, we are excited to find out what happens when one of the funniest and smartest authors around gets interviewed by a MythBuster! The evening will start with the premiere of Rockets of Yesterday, an eye-popping video tour of 1950s and 60s rocket dreams, curated by archivist and space enthusiast Megan Prelinger. Seating is limited so plan to arrive promptly—doors open at 5:45pm. Packing for Mars will be available for purchase from Readers Bookstore and Mary will be signing books after the program. One City One Book 2011 is supported by the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library and the Bay Area Science Festival. Mary Roach in conversation with Adam Savage: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library. Chris Van Allsburg and Lemony Snicket, Nov. 12 T wo of the biggest names in children’s books, Chris Van Allsburg, author and illustrator of the classic holiday tale, The Polar Express, and Lemony Snicket, aka Daniel Handler, author of the popular A Series of Unfortunate Events novels, will be interviewed by local children’s author Mac Barnett on the new release of The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: 14 Amazing Authors Tell the Tales! Van Allsburg’s book, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, was published more than 25 years ago and thousands of schoolchildren have written creative sto- ries based on its enigmatic illustrations. A favorite of librarians, teachers and children, the book’s incredibly provocative illustrations have been brought back to life, accompanied by short stories inspired by the illustrations and created by an all-star team of favorite storytellers. The stories range from laugh-out-loud funny by Jon Scieszka to compellingly creepy work by Sherman Alexie to a poignant and heartwarming story by Kate DiCamillo. Other authors include Stephen King, Tabitha King, Louis Sachar, Lois Lowry, Gregory Maguire, M.T. Anderson, Cory Doctorow, Jules Feiffer, Walter Dean Myers and Linda Sue Park. The book includes a new introduction by Lemony Snicket. The Chronicles of Harris Burdick : Saturday, Nov. 12, 2 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library. Teen Latin Dance Showcase C atching the rhythm from the Library’s exhibition, American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music, teen dancers from through- out the Bay Area will come together at the Main Library to perform a Latin Dance Showcase, Nov. 5. The Showcase will highlight an exciting array of talented teen performers including Dance Mission Theater‘s Grrrl Brigade in San Francisco, the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts’ Mexican Music and Dance troupe in Richmond, San Francisco’s Marsh Youth Theater hip hop and Latin dance group, the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, and high school dancers from SFUSD’s Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts and Mission High School. Expect to see everything from Salsa to Latin-infused Hip Hop, from Mexican folk dancing to Brazilian belly dancing. Jesse “Chuy” Varela, KCSM 91.1 FM’s music director, will emcee the program. Performing to Latin music inspired by the American Sabor exhibition, the dance showcase will provide a unique connection to the rich social history and creativity of Latin musicians in the U.S., as explored in the exhibition, on view in the Main Library’s Skylight Gallery, Sixth Floor, through Nov. 13. The exhibition was developed by the Experience Music Project and the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). The exhibition, its national tour, and the related programs, including this teen dance show- case, are made possible by the Ford Motor Company Fund. Teen Latin Dance Showcase: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library Conga dancing. Courtesy Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Mary Roach and Adam Savage Do You Copy? San Francisco Public Library has replaced all print- ers and copiers at every branch and Main library location with new multifunctional devices that can now print, scan and copy in black & white and in color. Previously, only printers at the Main Library could provide color copy service. In addition to copying and printing, the new devices allow library users to: l Scan and send documents by email or save to a USB flash drive l Use a touch screen, enlarge the text, and adjust the control panel, providing better ADA access l Read instructions in seven different languages l Pick up copies or prints at one location (for most branch libraries) l Get two-sided printing, reducing paper con- sumption And, starting soon: l Send documents wirelessly from laptops and even send documents from home to a library printer l Pay for prints, copies or scans with a credit card The new devices also are lowering the costs for copying and printing at the Library. Now, all black & white copying and printing cost 10¢ per page, color copies and prints 40¢ per page, and scan- ning is free. Swing into Stories SFPL’s Early Literacy Mobile (ELM) is going to play at the park! The ELM is a library bookmobile just for infants-5 and their caregivers. “Early literacy” is what a child knows about reading and writing before learning to read. Movement and play are an important part of growing into a reader. So we’re partnering with the San Francisco Recre- ation and Parks Department to bring reading and stories to where young children are movin’ and groovin’ outside. That’s the park, of course. Starting in November the ELM will be visit- ing playgrounds every Tuesday! The ELM holds thousands of books. Check out a favorite book or find a new favorite, get a library card, or chat with Amy, the ELM librarian, about the easy, fun things you and your child can do to get ready for a life of reading. Come to the playground and hit the swings with a good book, or take some books home to cuddle up with later. Schedule (All Bookmobile park visits 9:30 a.m.-Noon): 1st Tuesday of the month: Golden Gate Park, Koret Children’s Quarter, 295 Bowling Green Drive off Martin Luther King Drive 2nd Tuesday of the month: Parque Niños Unidos, 23rd & Treat Streets 3rd Tuesday of the month: Helen Wills Playground, Broadway & Larkin Streets 4th Tuesday of the month: Potrero Hill Recreation Center Park, 801 Arkansas St.
Transcript
Vol. 42 No. 11November 2011
AT THE LIBRARY NOVEMBER 2011 1
Coming Up:
SFPL.ORG
DEC. 3Zentangle with Miss Laura Creating art from repetitive patternsIngleside Branch Library, 2 p.m.
DEC. 6Bay Area Youth Harp Ensemble and Triskela Celtic Harp TrioMain, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m.
DEC. 10Nutcracker Movement Workshops With the San Francisco BalletMain, Children’s Center, 10:30 a.m.
DEC. 14John King, CityscapesMain, Latino Hispanic Community Room, 6:30 p.m.
Mars, Mythbusters and Mary RoachNovember 2 brings our final, and very exciting, One City One
Book event, featuring Mary Roach, author of Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void, in conversation
with Adam Savage. After two months of book discussions, craft programs and astronomy talks, we are excited to find out what happens when one of the funniest and smartest authors around gets interviewed by a MythBuster!
The evening will start with the premiere of Rockets of Yesterday, an eye-popping video tour of 1950s and 60s rocket dreams, curated by archivist and space enthusiast Megan Prelinger.
Seating is limited so plan to arrive promptly—doors open at 5:45pm. Packing for Mars will be available for purchase from Readers Bookstore and Mary will be signing books after the program.
One City One Book 2011 is supported by the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library and the Bay Area Science Festival.
Mary Roach in conversation with Adam Savage: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library.
Chris Van Allsburg and Lemony Snicket, Nov. 12
Two of the biggest names in children’s books, Chris Van Allsburg, author and illustrator of the classic holiday tale, The Polar Express, and Lemony Snicket, aka Daniel Handler, author of the popular A Series of Unfortunate
Events novels, will be interviewed by local children’s author Mac Barnett on the new release of The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: 14 Amazing Authors Tell the Tales!
Van Allsburg’s book, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, was published more than 25 years ago and thousands of schoolchildren have written creative sto-ries based on its enigmatic illustrations. A favorite of librarians, teachers and
children, the book’s incredibly provocative illustrations have been brought back to life, accompanied by short stories inspired by the illustrations and created by an all-star team of favorite storytellers.
The stories range from laugh-out-loud funny by Jon Scieszka to compellingly creepy work by Sherman Alexie to a poignant and heartwarming story by Kate DiCamillo. Other authors include Stephen King, Tabitha King, Louis Sachar, Lois Lowry, Gregory Maguire, M.T. Anderson, Cory Doctorow, Jules Feiffer, Walter Dean Myers and Linda Sue Park. The book includes a new introduction by Lemony Snicket.
The Chronicles of Harris Burdick : Saturday, Nov. 12, 2 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library.
Teen Latin Dance Showcase
Catching the rhythm from the Library’s exhibition, American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music, teen dancers from through-out the Bay Area will come together at the Main Library to
perform a Latin Dance Showcase, Nov. 5.The Showcase will highlight an exciting array of talented teen
performers including Dance Mission Theater‘s Grrrl Brigade in San Francisco, the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts’ Mexican Music and Dance troupe in Richmond, San Francisco’s Marsh Youth Theater hip hop and Latin dance group, the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, and high school dancers from SFUSD’s Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts and Mission High School. Expect to see everything from Salsa to Latin-infused Hip Hop, from Mexican folk dancing to Brazilian belly dancing. Jesse “Chuy” Varela, KCSM 91.1 FM’s music director, will emcee the program.
Performing to Latin music inspired by the American Sabor exhibition, the dance showcase will provide a unique connection to the rich social history and creativity of Latin musicians in the U.S., as explored in the exhibition, on view in the Main Library’s Skylight Gallery, Sixth Floor, through Nov. 13.
The exhibition was developed by the Experience Music Project and the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). The exhibition, its national tour, and the related programs, including this teen dance show-case, are made possible by the Ford Motor Company Fund.
Teen Latin Dance Showcase: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library
Do You Copy?San Francisco Public Library has replaced all print-ers and copiers at every branch and Main library location with new multifunctional devices that can now print, scan and copy in black & white and in color. Previously, only printers at the Main Library could provide color copy service.
In addition to copying and printing, the new devices allow library users to:l Scan and send documents by email or save to a
USB flash drivel Use a touch screen, enlarge the text, and adjust
the control panel, providing better ADA accessl Read instructions in seven different languagesl Pick up copies or prints at one location (for most
branch libraries)l Get two-sided printing, reducing paper con-
sumption
And, starting soon:l Send documents wirelessly from laptops and even
send documents from home to a library printerl Pay for prints, copies or scans with a credit card
The new devices also are lowering the costs for copying and printing at the Library. Now, all black & white copying and printing cost 10¢ per page, color copies and prints 40¢ per page, and scan-ning is free.
Swing into StoriesSFPL’s Early Literacy Mobile (ELM) is going to play at the park!
The ELM is a library bookmobile just for infants-5 and their caregivers. “Early literacy” is what a child knows about reading and writing before learning to read. Movement and play are an important part of growing into a reader. So we’re partnering with the San Francisco Recre-ation and Parks Department to bring reading and stories to where young children are movin’ and groovin’ outside. That’s the park, of course.
Starting in November the ELM will be visit-ing playgrounds every Tuesday!
The ELM holds thousands of books. Check out a favorite book or find a new favorite, get a library card, or chat with Amy, the ELM librarian, about the easy, fun things you and your child can do to get ready for a life of reading. Come to the playground and hit the swings with a good book, or take some books home to cuddle up with later.
Schedule (All Bookmobile park visits 9:30 a.m.-Noon):
1st Tuesday of the month: Golden Gate Park, Koret Children’s Quarter, 295 Bowling Green Drive off Martin Luther King Drive
2nd Tuesday of the month: Parque Niños Unidos, 23rd & Treat Streets
3rd Tuesday of the month: Helen Wills Playground, Broadway & Larkin Streets
4th Tuesday of the month: Potrero Hill Recreation Center Park, 801 Arkansas St.
The largest building campaign in San Francisco Public Library history is in full swing. We are now seeing the fruits of the $106 million bond measure passed in November 2000. The Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) calls for the renovation of 16 branch libraries and the construction of eight new library buildings. The new buildings are: Bayview, Glen Park, Ingleside, Mission Bay, North Beach, Ortega, Portola and Visitacion Valley.
B u i l d i n g b e t t e r l i b r a r i e s f o r s t r o n g e r c o m m u n i t i e s .
Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP)
2 NOVEMBER 2011 AT THE LIBRARY
Branches under construction and projected opening dates:
Bayview – 2012
BLIP Update
The Library provides the following services during branch renovations.
Puppet KiosksPortly pigs penned a parody with parts for
puppies, penguins, pandas, a pirate with a parrot,
and a porcupine who petrified a pet peacock
prompting panic and pandemonium. “Please, no
pulling, poking, or pushing, “ pleaded the players.
Pausing, all pledged pleasant participation
with plenty of plums, peaches, pears, pawpaws,
pomegranates, and pickles. Perfect party!
– P is for Purple Puppet Place (from the Puppet Kiosks)
As part of the Library’s Early Literacy Initiative, each library in the Branch Library Improvement Program includes a Play-to-Learn area to foster early literacy skills, play and family fun. For those libraries with-out adequate wall space, the solution has been to install a free standing mobile storytime kiosk, which
is a child-sized puppet theater through the center of a large letter P. The stand alone four sided structure anchors the library’s Play-to-Learn area with a front facing book display and five interactive panels. Each is handcrafted by the artisans from the Burgeon Group.
Visit the Anza or Golden Gate Valley branches to try out one of the new purple puppet kiosks, which will also be included in the Bayview Branch Library when it is completed. The Main Library also has a puppet kiosk. The kiosks are a beacon of joy, wonder, and discovery for young children.
Through imaginative play, silly conversations, and impromptu songs, children develop key early literacy skills. These simple activities stimulate the brain and build a child’s vocabulary, phonological awareness, and communication skills.
“Children often burst into song or dramatic play. Hearing these joyful noises makes my day,” said Children’s Librarian James Jeske.
Photo: Jason Doiy
Photos: Sarah Cross
Ortega Branch Opening Celebration
Photographs from the grand opening celebration of the new Ortega Branch Library on Sept. 10, 2011.
Top row (left to right): The bright and airy main reading room with views out to the Pacific Ocean; children and teens check out the new public computers; a toddler tries out the interactive Play-to-Learn wall.
Bottom row: The official ribbon cutting with (L-R) Library Commissioners Michael Breyer and Lee Munson, Department of Public Works Interim Director Mohammed Nuru, City Librarian Luis Herrera, local teen and singer Grady Lai, Library Commission President Jewelle Gomez, Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg, Supervisor Carmen Chu and Assemblywoman Fiona Ma.
AT THE LIBRARY NOVEMBER 2011 3
ExhibitionsSubscribe to the monthly Exhibitions and Adult Programming newsletter at www.sfpl.org/nextreads
November 2011Jewett Gallery
*Music for a City, Music for the World: 100 Years with the San Francisco Symphony Exhibition tells the story of the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) and its role within and impact on its city, from its formative years following the 1906 earthquake to its present position as one of the country’s most respected orchestras. Through Jan. 9, 2012. Main, Lower Level. Related Exhibit: The San Francisco Symphony in the Library’s Collections. Related Program: See Adults, Nov.16.
Skylight Gallery
Skylight Gallery Open Hours: same as MainSkylight Gallery Closes: Mon.-Sat. at 6 p.m.; Sun. at 5 p.m.
American Sabor: Latinos In U.S. Popular Music Exhibition presents the musical contributions of U.S. Latinos from the 1940s to the present, exploring the social history and individual creativity that produced stars like Tito Puente, Ritchie Valens, Celia Cruz, Carlos Santana and Selena. Through Nov. 13. Main, 6th Floor. Related Exhibit: Locating Latino San Francisco. Related Programs: See Adults, Nov. 1 & 9; Teen, Nov. 5.
Other Exhibits and Displays in the Library
I Am America: Black Genealogy Through the Eyes of An Artist Exhibit commemorates the Black citizens and families who contributed to the making of America imme-diately before, during and after the Civil War. Participants include quiltmakers, mixed media artists, doll-makers, painters, cartoonists, and sculptors. From Nov. 5, 2011 through Feb. 2, 2012. Main, 3rd Floor. Related Program: See Adults, Nov. 20.
Adapt! Climate Change Hits Home: What the Bay Area Needs to Do Exhibit, created by San Francisco Planning & Urban Research (SPUR)*, surveys the likely impacts of climate change to the San Francisco Bay Area, which will worsen over the next 100 years and beyond. SPUR recom-mends more than 30 adaptation strategies for minimizing our region’s vulnerabilities to the potentially catastrophic effects of uncontrolled global warming. From Nov. 1, 2011 through Aug. 2, 2012. Main, 5th Floor.
Centennial of California Woman Suffrage Exhibit makes use of historic documents, photographs, and other ephem-era to detail the long fight for California woman suffrage. Highlights of the exhibit include the stories of a number of Bay Area suffragists; official arguments for/against woman suffrage; through sheet music, humor, cartoons and flyers. Through Dec. 31. Main, 3rd Floor Related Programs: See Adults, Nov. 9; Nov. 16.
High Volume: Rock Art From The Chuck Sperry Archive and Firehouse Goldenvoice Poster Series Exhibit comprehensively documents the Goldenvoice Music Series from 2008 to present. The collection is exciting in use of color, variety of content, and style. Musicians such as Neko Case, Danzig, Bad Religion, Nick Cave, Sound Garden and The Black Keys are represented. Through Jan. 6, 2012. Main, 4th Floor.
Sun Yat-sen: His Life and Legacy On the 100th anniver-sary of the founding of the Republic of China, this photo exhibit commemorates the life and legacy of Sun Yat-sen and includes 30 historical photographs of major events in his life. Through Jan. 12, 2012. Main, 3rd Floor.
Locating Latino San Francisco Exhibit looks at the diver-sity of San Francisco’s Latino communities over time includ-ing 19th century maps of the California land grants, Bernal Heights family letters, nightclubs of the Latin Quarter, and family photographs in the Mission District. Through Dec. 2. Main, 6th Floor. Related Exhibition: American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music.
The San Francisco Symphony in the Library’s Collections Exhibit drawn from the Art, Music and Recreation Center’s collections, it includes programs, posters, newspaper clip-pings and other ephemera from the Library’s historical files as well as correspondence from the papers of Alfred Hertz, the Symphony’s second conductor during the years 1915 to 1930.Through Jan. 9, 2012, Main, Music Center, 4th Floor.
Digging Deep: Underneath the San Francisco Public Library The current Main Library rests on a Gold Rush-era cemetery and the ruins of the old City Hall destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. The archaeological remains pulled from the site include everyday and unusual objects that tell the story of the development of the Civic Center and the city’s earliest residents. Ongoing exhibit. Main, 1st Floor, Grove Street entrance exhibit cases.
*Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library
Commemorating the Contributions of All AmericansI Am America: Black Genealogy Through the Eyes of An Artist, commemorates the Black citizens and families who contributed to the making of America immediately before, during and after the Civil War. The exhibit, on view Nov. 5 through Feb. 2, 2012 at the Main Library’s African American Center, also revisits the role of the continual slave revolts in the making of America.
Using family stories, black-and-white photographs, marriage certificates, land deeds, census records, military papers, published narratives and other documentation uncovered by black genealogists, the artists re-imagined their stories and images. Artists participating in the exhibit include: Alice Beasley (quiltmaker); Inez Brown (mixed media); Karen Oyekanmi (doll maker); Makeda Rashidi (painter); Malik Seneferu (painter); Marion Coleman (quiltmaker); Morrie Turner (cartoonist); Nate Creekmore (cartoonist); Nena St. Louis (sculptor); Nicka Smith (mixed media); Orlonda Uffre (painter); TaSin Sabir (mixed media); and Tomye (mixed media).
“I Am America is an outstanding tribute to African Americans who played a crucial role in the shaping of America during the Civil War era. It is a must-see exhibit,” says Nancy Thompson, family historian and author of Pioneering Spirits—A Legacy of Courage.
The exhibit aims to refute Civil War-era lies of the African American experience. In his 1935 essay, “The Propaganda of History,” W.E. B. DuBois argued that post-Civil War American history had been falsified. Histori-ans downplayed the significance of slave revolts, particularly the successful Haitian Revolution, in “instigating” both the anti-slavery movement and the Civil War. According to DuBois, post-Civil War imagery of the Negro was usually created by [white] artists and historians who resented the Negro. Thus, the images and stories were usually demeaning stereotypes and caricatures.
“This exhibit features an American—even world—history and identity I wasn’t taught in school. Thus, I titled the exhibit I Am America,” says curator and exhibit creator Kheven LaGrone. “We are the quintessential ‘All-American.’”
Related Program: Genealogists/Artists Reception and Artist Talk: Nov. 20, 1-3 p.m., Main Library, Latino Hispanic Community Meeting Room.
Sun Yat-sen’s Life and Legacy Explored Come learn about Sun Yat-sen’s legacy and his role in starting the first de-mocracy in Asia, 35 years before the independence of India, at a time when only half a dozen democracies existed worldwide. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China, the San Francis-co Main Library’s Chinese Center, Third Floor, will feature an exhibit of stories and photos about Sun’s journey, on view through Jan. 15, 2012.
As the world watched the revolutions unfold in the Middle East this year—from Tunisia, Egypt and Libya—one might consider Sun’s revolution-ary efforts in an age without CNN, social networks or real-time communica-tion. Sun traveled extensively worldwide, including four times to the U.S., to fundraise. He also created nearly 90 Chinese newspapers to get his revolu-tionary ideas across. His 30-year struggle was a testament to his incredible perseverance and vision. Discover why Time magazine named Sun one of the world’s most influential people in the 20th Century.
Music of the Barbary Coast and Beyond: San Francisco’s Musical OriginsSan Francisco has always been a music-loving town, from the music halls of the Gold Rush to the emergence of a full-time professional orchestra in the early 20th century. James Keller, organizer of the forthcoming exhibition at the Society of California, Pioneers Singing the Golden State, and Leta Miller, musicologist from UC Santa Cruz and author of the forthcoming book, Music and Politics in San Francisco 1906-1945 (UC Press), paint a vivid portrait of the diverse musical forces that laid the groundwork for the founding of the San Francisco Symphony in 1911. San Francisco Symphony resi-dent musicologist Susan Key will moderate a panel discussion with Keller and Miller on the music of early San Francisco and the growth of the San Francisco Symphony. The program is presented in conjunction with our exhibition, Music for a City, Music for the World: 100 Years with the San Francisco Symphony, on view in the Jewett Gallery, Main Library, through Jan. 9, 2012.
From our digital collection, the History of Music in San Francisco series is an indispensible resource for those wishing to learn more about music of the Gold Rush and Barbary Coast eras. Published in the late 1930s by the Works Project Administration (WPA), this seven volume set was recently scanned and can be accessed through the library’s catalog. The series sketches San Francisco’s early music history starting from the Mission and Alta California days to the Gold Rush and Barbary Coast era. It also draws from articles in San Francisco newspapers and magazines that trace the history, development, and scope of music in the City.
Music of the Barbary Coast and Beyond: Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library
All My Roads Lead Back to You by Alice Beasley (quiltmaker)
Oil painting of Sun Yat-Sen. Sun’s calliigraphy “The world is shared equally by all peoples.”
4 NOVEMBER 2011 AT THE LIBRARY *Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library
Adults1 Tuesday
(Spanish) Finding a Public School for Your Child Visita-cion Valley, 4–5:30 p.m.
*Women’s Suffrage & the Fight for Civil Rights Elaine Elinson and Stan Yogi, Wherever There’s a Fight: How Runaway Slaves, Suffragists, Immigrants, Strikers, and Poets Shaped Civil Liberties in California. Bernal, 6:30 p.m. Related Exhibit: Page 3
Salsa with Corey Raynor Richmond, 6:30 p.m. Related Exhibit: Page 3
Visualizing Mars with Jeff Schwartz of California Acad-emy of Science’s Morrison Planetarium. Sunset, 6:30 p.m.
Li Miao Lovett: In the Lap of the Gods Merced, 7–8:30 p.m.
*Make a Reusable Tote Register: (415) 355-2886. West Portal, 7–8:30 p.m.
Poetry Open Mic Park, 7–8:30 p.m.
10 Thursday
LGBTQI Poets of Spirituality Main, 3rd Floor, Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center, 6 p.m.
Finding a Public School for Your Child Richmond, 6 p.m.
Julia Scheeres: A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Hope, Deception, and Survival at Jonestown Main, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Commu-nity Meeting Room, 6:30 p.m.
Jay Feldman: Manufacturing Hysteria: A History of Scape-goating, Surveillance, and Secrecy in Modern America. Marina, 7 p.m.
12 Saturday
Early Childhood Education Puppet-making Register: [email protected]. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Center, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
The Chronicles of Harris Burdick with Chris Van Alls-burg and Lemony Snicket Main, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium, 2 p.m.
Walt Whitman Celebration North Beach, 2 p.m. (Joe DiMaggio Clubhouse, 661 Lombard St.)
Will Writing Workshop Reg-ister: (415) 355-5700. Ortega, 2–3:30 p.m.
Book Discussion: Packing for Mars. Noe Valley, 3:30–5 p.m.
14 Monday
Bag It: A Film about Plastic. Sunset, 7–8:30 p.m.
15 Tuesday
ITVS Cinema: We Still Live Here: Âs Nutayuneân Native American culture. Main, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium, 5:45 p.m.
Scribblers and Scribes Club Bernal Heights, 6:30 p.m.
Michael Nielson: Reinvent-ing Discovery: The New Era of Networked Science Main, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 6:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Stories & Po-ems Eureka Valley, 7 p.m.
16 Wednesday
Write Your Will Seminar Register: (415) 355-5600. Rich-mond, 6 p.m.
Fascinating Women: Impact on Modern Art Main, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Commu-nity Meeting Room, 6 p.m.
Music of the Barbary Coast and Beyond Main, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium, 6 p.m.Related Exhibit: Page 3.
*Bonda Lewis portrays Suffragist Sara Bard Field Excelsior, 7–8:15 p.m.Related Exhibit: Page 3.
17 Thursday
Finding a Public School for Your Child Marina, 6:30–8 p.m.
*Song of the Silk Road: Talk & Calligraphy Demo Chinatown, 2:30–4 p.m.
(Spanish) Finding a Public School for Your Child Mission, 11 a.m.
Finding a Public School for Your Child Western Addition, 3 p.m.
20 Sunday
I Am America: Black Geneal-ogy Through the Eyes of An Artist Opening Artists Recep-tion. Main, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 1–3 p.m. Related Exhibit: Page 3.
29 Tuesday
*Lily Renee: Escape Artist Comic book art. Main, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Commu-nity Meeting Room, 6 p.m.
“The only conclusion to come to after reading this novel is that Eric Puchner is a massive talent who has already hit his stride. . . funny and sad, each character is perfectly drawn and deeply interesting. Go read this book.”–McSweeney’s
Warren Ziller moved his family to California in search of a charmed life and to all appearances, he found it: a gated community not far from the beach, amid the affluent splendor of Southern California in the 80s. But his American dream has been rudely interrupted. Despite their affection for each other, Warren, his wife Camille, and their three children have veered into separate lives, as distant as satellites. Worst of all, Warren has squandered the family’s money on a failing real estate venture.
When tragedy strikes, the Zillers are forced to move to one of the houses in Warren’s abandoned development in the middle of the desert. Marooned in a less-than-model home, each must reckon with what’s led them there and who’s to blame—and whether they can summon the forgiveness needed to hold them together. Subtly ambitious, brimming with the humor and unpredictability of life, Model Home delivers penetrating insights into
the American family and into the imperfect ways we try to connect.
Eric Puchner is also the author of the short story collec-tion, Music Through the Floor, which was a finalist for the NY Public Library’s Young Lions Award. His short stories have appeared in Zoetrope: All Story, Chicago Tribune, The Sun and many other journals and anthologies.
Sleuthing Out Sherlock’s StyleWhat would happen if you asked top writers who don’t normally write about Sherlock Holmes, to write about Sherlock Holmes? You would have the new anthology, A Study in Sherlock, Stories Inspired by the Sherlock Holmes Canon. Authors Laurie King, Les Klinger, Tony Broadbent and Jan Burke will share original stories and perspectives on Sherlock Holmes. A book sale by Readers Books follows the program.
A Study in Sherlock: Tuesday, Nov. 8, Main Library, Latino Hispanic Community Room, 6 p.m.
Jonestown RememberedNearly one thousand people died in Jonestown on Nov. 18, 1978. Contrary to popular notions, they didn’t all freely “drink the Kool Aid.” The tragic end to Jonestown was planned by Jim Jones and his lieutenants for several years before it actually happened. Julia Scheeres, the author of Jesus Land, discusses the untold stories from Jonestown in her new book, A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of
Hope, Deception and Survival at Jonestown. This is not only the most thorough book on Jonestown that has ever been written; but it is also a fascinating, powerful, and gripping work.
Author Julia Scheeres: Thursday, Nov. 10, Main Library, Latino Hispanic Community Room, 6:30 p.m.
Eric Puchner
Julia Scheeres
AT THE LIBRARY NOVEMBER 2011 5All programs and events are free and open to the public.
7, 14, 21 & 28 Monday
Older Writers Poetry Group Bernal Heights, 3:30 p.m.
Book Club: The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris Mission Bay, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
17 Thursday
Book Club: Wide Sargasso Sea Bernal Heights, 4–5:30 p.m.
22 Tuesday
Russian Poetry Club Rich-mond, 7 p.m.
26 Saturday
Boris Rozenfeld Russian Bibliophiles Club Main, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 2–4 p.m.
Business Counseling2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Wednesdays
Business Counseling Free one-hour appointments. Call (415) 744-6827.Main, 4th Floor, Business, Sci-ence and Technology Depart-ment, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Computer ClassesClasses at the Main: 5th Floor Training Center unless otherwise noted. Most classes require basic keyboard skills. All classes are first come, first served.
*Gaming Info:[email protected] or (415) 355-2858. Glen Park, 4–5:30 p.m.
18 Friday
*(Mandarin/English) Reading Club Chinatown, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
*Graphic Novel Reviewers Info: [email protected]. West Portal, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
19 Saturday
*Knitting Info: (415) 557-4497 or [email protected]. Main, 2nd Floor, Children’s Creative Center, 2–4 p.m.
24 Thursday
*Book Swap: Free Book Regis-ter: [email protected]. Glen Park, 3:30–6 p.m.
26 Saturday
*Beading Arts Register: (415) 355-2888 or [email protected]. Chinatown, 2–4 p.m.
Videos on theLarge ScreenIn the Koret Auditorium at the Main, Thursdays at NoonWhen possible, films are shown with captions to assist our deaf and hard of hearing patrons.
Theme: Space Travel
November 3 The Right Stuff (1983, 193 min.)
November 10Apollo 13 (1995, 140 min.)
November 17Wall-E (2006, 98 min.)
Events and Happenings
Free Houdini at the CJMBe prepared to be amazed. Experience how an SFPL Library card can magi-cally open the doors of a museum!
For the third consecutive year, the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) will host a free Library Day at the museum on Sunday, Nov. 13. Enjoy a day of fun and magic, thanks to your library card, while the CJM hosts Houdini: Art and Magic, the first exhibition in an American art museum on this master magician. The museum will have an early 9 a.m. opening and activities for preschoolers and their families. Go to www.thecjm.org for more information.
The CJM exhibition explores how Houdini’s role as an American icon was transformed across three centuries. On CJM’s Library Day there will be magic shows by Brian Scott; story readings by SFPL children’s librarians; and a read-ing and greeting by local author Lewis Buzbee, winner of the Northern Cali-fornia Book Award and an Edgar nominee for his mystery books for older kids.
In addition, several libraries will host their own programs of magical fun. Check the children’s calendar, Page 6, for details.
Project Read Van Goes GreenProject Read, the adult literacy program of the Library, now has a shiny new all-electric van, the first in the City’s fleet. Funds were provided by California State Library’s California Library Literacy Services annual matching grant. SFPL’s Green Stacks partner, SF Environment, was also instrumental in bring-ing about this first-of-a-kind vehicle purchase.
Project Read’s outreach coordinator, Leon Veal, uses the van to spread the word about Project Read. A typical day might find him at an information table in the Financial District, making a presentation to clients at a job cen-ter on Mission Street and recruiting adult learners in the Western Addition. Many Project Read tutors and learners tell us that their first knowledge of the program came from seeing the Project Read van in their neighborhood. This fall, the Project Read van will participate in some joint appearances with the Library’s new Green Bookmobile, to demonstrate SFPL’s commitment to green technology and literacy.
On the Nightstand for FallWith publishing’s big season in full effect, you won’t want to miss these most intriguing new books:
The Leftovers by Tom Perotta
What if the Rapture happens, leaving behind a few? Or what if it wasn’t the Rapture at all, but something murkier, a burst of mysterious, apparently random disap-pearances that shattered the world in a single moment, dividing history into Before and After, leaving no one un-scathed? The Leftovers is a startling, thought-provoking novel about love, connection, and loss from the bestsell-ing author of The Abstinence Teacher and Little Children.
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
Faith, love and sexuality have fallen prey to politics in this stun-ning creation of America in the near future, from the author whose international bestseller, Mudbound, so hauntingly recre-ated America’s past. Hannah Payne’s life has been devoted to church and family, but after her arrest, she awakens to a night-mare: she lies on a table in a mirrored room, covered only by a paper gown, with cameras broadcasting her every move to millions at home, for whom observing new “chromes”—criminals whose skin color has been genetically altered to match the class of their crime— is a new and sinister form of reality TV. In seeking a path to safety in an alien and hostile world, Hannah unknowingly embarks on a journey of self-discovery that forces her to question the values she once held true.
The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
While everyone else in the early 80s was reading Derrida, Madeleine Hanna was happily absorbed with Jane Austen and George Eliot. But now, in the spring of her final year, Madeleine has enrolled in a semiotics course and life and literature will
never be the same. Not after she falls in love with Leonard Morten—char-ismatic loner and college Darwinist; and certainly not after Mitchell Gram-maticus resurfaces in her life, obsessed with the idea that she will be his wife. The triangle at the heart of this novel, Eugenides’s first since 2002’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Middlesex, is at once age-old and fresh and surprising.
Blueprints for Building Better Girls: Stories by Elissa Schapell
From the acclaimed author of Use Me, eight provocative and darkly funny linked stories that explore the commonly shared, but rarely spoken of experiences that build girls into women and women into wives and mothers, mapping America’s shifting cultural landscape from the late 1970s to the present day.
1 Tuesday
Finding a Public School for Your Child (Spanish) (adults only). Visitacion Valley, 4 p.m.
Films Ages 3-5. Parkside, 10 a.m.
1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Tuesdays
Homework Help Portola, 2:30 p.m. K-5. Excelsior, 4 p.m. K-7.
2 Wednesday
*Day of the Dead Ages 5 & up. Merced, 4 p.m. Western Addi-tion, 4 p.m.
2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Wednesday
Homework Help Portola, 2:30–4:30 p.m. K-5. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m. K-7.
Play & Grow Visitacion Valley, 11a.m.
3 Thursday
Make Mine Mythology! Celebrate heroes of Olympus. Ages 5 & up. Reserve: 557-4554. Main, 2nd Floor, 10 a.m.
Bay Area Science Fair Programs Hey Kids! Want to make a scale model of the planets that you can fold up and put in your pocket? Learn how to extract DNA from straw-berries? Turn black marker into a rainbow of colors? These are among the wonders of science that will be explored in a number of library chil-dren’s programs this month, in conjunction with The Bay Area Science Festival.
The astronomy-based activities were devel-oped by Bay Area Project ASTRO, the Astronomi-cal Society of the Pacific’s premier astronomy education program. Programs at the libraries will include Solar System in Your Pocket, Alka Seltzer Rockets and some general science activity pro-grams led by UCSF scientists including Straw-berry DNA Extraction and Chromatography and Cabbage Juice Chemistry. Check the calendar for dates and locations.
November Featured Sections
MainTorture, Death & the Undead
Fort MasonJazz Books & Recordings
November Events
Nov. 1
Porchlight Storytelling Series: Epic Fail— Stories for the Bay Area Science Festival Info: $15, 21+. Friends Member receive ½ off tickets. Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa St., San Francisco, 8 p.m.
Nov. 12
$1 Book Sale Donation Center, 438 Treat Ave., 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
READERS CAFE & BOOKSTORE EVENTS
Enjoy specially priced drinks and snacks all while supporting the San Francisco Public Library. All events begin at 6:30 p.m. Fort Mason Center, Building C
Nov. 3
Adrian Arias and Nina Serrano
Nov. 11
Dimitri Charalambous and Melba Abela
Nov. 17Jack Hirschman and Nicholas James Whittington
Readers Locations & Hours
READERS CAFE & BOOKSTOREFort Mason Center, Building C Open seven days a week. Bookstore: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Cafe: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Telephone (415) 771-1076
READERS BOOKSTORE Main Library Grove Street Entrance Open all Library hours Telephone (415) 557-4238
The mission of Friends of the San Francisco Public Library is to create, steward and support a superior, free public library system in San Francisco. We are committed to raising the standard of excellence of our libraries by funding programs and services beyond what is allocated in the city’s budget. We believe in free and equal access to information for all.
Books at 10% off! Friends’ Bonus Bookstore Program! Friends members ($50+ level) receive a 10% discount at the following bookstores:
Academy Store, California Academy of Science A. Cavalli Italian Bookstore Adobe Bookstore Alan Wofsy Fine Arts LLC Alexander Book Co., Inc.
Amazing Fantasy The Beat Museum Bibliohead Bookstore Bibliomania Bird & Beckett Books & Records Black Oak Books Holding Corp.
Bolerium Books Books, Inc. Booksmith Borderlands Books Browser Books Christopher’s Books Chronicle Books Compass Books, Inc.
Dog Eared Books Eastwind Books Globus Slavic Bookstore Great Overland Book Company Green Apple Books & Music The Green Arcade
Kayo Books Louie Brothers Book Store, Inc. Manning’s Books & Prints Marcus Book Stores Phoenix Books Omnivore Books on Food
Readers Bookstore Fort Mason Readers Bookstore Main Red Hill Books San Francisco Botanical Gardens, Garden Bookstore Thidwick Books
AT THE LIBRARY NOVEMBER 2011 7
Friends Focus
TheReadersReview.org—Are you Reading our Blog?It’s election time! Want to know what your favorite San Francisco Mayoral candidates are reading?
We asked, so you can read! Visit TheReadersReview.org and find out which book your favorite candidate is reading throughout the campaign and more on their thoughts on literacy in SF.
Check out our blog regularly for book reviews, author interviews, book seller/collector news, Bay Area literary events coverage, listings and everything in between.
Thanksgiving Weekend SaleFriends Members Receive 35% off November 21-23, 26 & 27!
Start off your holiday season with a new read and visit Readers Bookstore Fort Mason Center or Readers Bookstore at the Main* where Friends Members receive 35% off purchases, Nov. 21-23, 26 & 27.
Come down to our new Readers Cafe, where Friends members receive 10% off year-round. Enjoy the rewards of Membership—sign up in store or online today!
*Please note Readers Bookstores are CLOSED on Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25.(Offer cannot be combined with other discounts and does not apply to greeting cards or origami boxes.)
Support Friends with Workplace Giving ProgramDouble your impact and support the San Francisco Public Library through Workplace Giving!
If your employer has a workplace giving campaign, simply select Friends as your choice by writing in the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library and full address (391 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102) on your pledge card.
Make the most of your donation by requesting a matching gift form from your employer. If you send a completed and signed form with your gift, we will take care of the rest!
For more information, please call Enrique Ovando at (415) 626-7512 ext.102.
Friends of the San Francisco Public Library is a charitable, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible. Friends is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) #97418 and the Local Independent Charities of America (LICA).
Join us for the next IMBIBE on December 2nd at the Potrero Branch Library! Visit FriendsSFPL.org for more information. Photo by Natalie Schrik at the transportation-themed IMBIBE at the Richmond Branch Library
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 LARKIN STREETSAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102
At the Library
8 NOVEMBER 2011 AT THE LIBRARY
November 2011In this Issue:Page 1 – Mars, Mythbusters and Mary Roach
The Chronicles of Harris Burdick
Teen Latin Dance Showcase
Do You Copy?
Swing into Stories
Page 2 – Blip News
Ortega Branch Opening
Puppet Kiosks
Page 3 – I Am America
Sun Yat-sen’s Life and Legacy
San Francisco’s Musical Origins
Exhibitions Calendar
Page 4 – Model Home by Eric Puchner
Jonestown Remembered
Sleuthing Out Sherlock’s Style
Adult Calendar
Page 5 – Houdini and the CJM
Project Read Goes Green
On the Nightstand for Fall
Page 6 – Children’s Calendar
Bay Area Science Fair Programs
Page 7 – Friends Focus
The San Francisco Public Library system is dedicated to free and equal access to information,
knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community.
At the Library is published monthly on recycled paper by the San Francisco Public Library with support and funding from Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.
Circulation: 12,000
Online version: http://sfpl.org/atl
Main Library phone number: (415) 557-4400
How to reach usPublic Affairs, Main Library, 100 Larkin St.San Francisco, CA 94102(415) 557-4277; e-mail: [email protected] site: www.sfpl.org
Every effort has been made to produce a monthly calendar that is both accurate and complete. Please contact Public Affairs if you have any questions or comments regarding the listings.
L I B R A R Y LO C AT I O N S A N D H O U R S S M T W T F S
VISITACION VALLEY 201 Leland Ave. 355-2848 x 10–6 10–6 12–7 1–7 1–6 1–6
WEST PORTAL 190 Lenox Way 355-2886 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6
WESTERN ADDITION 1550 Scott St. 355-5727 1–5 1–9 10–6 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6
TREASURE ISLAND BOOKMOBILE 850 D Ave., near Treasure Island Child Development Center Thursdays, 1–7 p.m.
“x” means CLOSED. For more information: www.sfpl.org (All phone numbers are in the 415 area code.)
Tours of MainTours are conducted on the first Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. Meet at the Information Desk in the First Floor atrium. Tours are limited to 15 people on a first come, first served basis. Groups can schedule a private tour by calling (415) 557-4266.
SFPL CommissionMeetings are generally held on the first and third Thursday of each month. This month’s meetings: 4:30 p.m. on November 3 and 17 in the Koret Auditorium of the Main Library. The public is welcome to attend.
Closure TimesThe San Francisco Main Library and all branch libraries will be closed starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and all day Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday Nov. 25, 2011 for Thanksgiving.
The Golden Gate Valley Branch Library reopened on October 15, 2011.
