Owen Baker-Flynn at the Library!

Saturday, January 5th
4:30 pm

Come enjoy the "inspired silliness" of Owen Baker-Flynn with his high energy performance!

For children of all ages.

Library Closed for New Year's Day and Closing early on Dec 31st

Please note that the Glen Park Branch and all other San Francisco Public Libraries will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 1st, and will close early on Monday, December 31st at 5 pm. We will resume our regular opening hours on Wednesday, Jan. 2nd.

Library closed on Tuesday, December 25th. Closing early on the 24th

Please note that the Glen Park Branch and all other San Francisco Public Libraries will be closed on Tuesday, December 25th, and will close early on Monday, December 24th at 5 pm.  We will resume our regular opening hours on Wednesday, December 26th.

Focus on Free Music Databases



Your San Francisco Public Library card gives you access to a wide range of educational, informative and entertaining databases. With very few exceptions, the databases can be accessed from any computer with your Library card number and PIN. 

To view the list of databases go to the Library’s homepage at www.sfpl.org. Select the eLibrary tab and click on eMusic. 

The Library subscribes to five Alexander Street Press music databases. To search them all at once select Music Online.  A basic keyword search can be conducted by entering terms in the box near the top of the screen. A pull down menu allows users to specify that the search is by genre, instrument or track title.  

To discover something new select the Browse tab near the top left of the screen.  A few of the options are Time Periods, Historical Events and Cultural Groups. The time periods extend from Medieval to the 21 century. The songs about historical events range from those addressing well-known issues and conflicts, such as the American Revolution, to those focusing on more recent issues. The list of cultural groups is extensive, although some groups have only one piece of music to represent their contributions. In some cases a Genre search will yield more specific results. Indian music is a good example of this. Indian Music and a few sub-headings can be found under Genre, however under the World Music menu Indian music is broken into 20 different categories. 

Creating an account on any of the Alexander Street Press databases enables users to create playlists of the music they have selected. The lists can be shared with anyone who wishes to view them or limited to people within a specified group or institution. They can also be made viewable only by the creator of the list. Individual songs and entire lists can be sent to mobile devices. To add a song to a playlist click on the plus icon. From here one can add the song to an existing list or create a new list. To transfer a song, or playlist, to a mobile device click on the cell phone icon. A window will open showing the three options for transferring the music, including simply entering a mobile phone number and clicking Send.   

In addition to audio files, the Alexander Street Press databases contain album liner notes and other reference material.

Have fun!

First Fridays!

Friday, December 7th
4:00 pm
Make your own Flip Book! You can either design your own or use one of our premade 
designs that you can decorate.

For Children 6 and older.

Poets 11

Wednesday, November  28
6:30 pm

San Francisco poets, get your pens—Friends of the SFPL, the SFPL and Friends Poet-in-Residence Jack Hirschman are pleased to announce Poets 11 2012!

Now in its fourth year, Poets 11 is a citywide poetry contest and reading series that collects poems from every neighborhood in San Francisco and features poetry readings at branch libraries in each of the City’s 11 districts.

In October and November, selected poets will take the microphone and share their works in a variety of languages and topics.

Please come and join us!

Thanksgiving Holiday Library Closures

Please note that Glen Park Branch and all San Francisco Public Libraries will be CLOSED starting at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21 and all day Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23, 2012 for Thanksgiving. We will resume our regular opening hours on Saturday, November 24, 2012. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Library will be closed November 12 for Veterans Day

Please note that the Glen Park Branch and all other San Francisco Public Libraries will be closed on Monday, November 12 for Veterans Day. We will reopen Tuesday, November 13 at 10:00am.

Be Red Cross Ready

Saturday, October 27
3:30-4:30
Glen Park Branch Library
2825 Diamond Street
Free

Stay safe in a disaster. This workshop will teach key actions to prepare you and your loved ones for all types of disasters. Learn how to create a disaster plan and how to assemble supplies that will be essential in the event of an earthquake and fire.

5 Year Anniversary Party!!

Join us on Saturday, October 13th from 1:00pm- 4:00pm for our 5 year Anniversary Party!

First Fridays: Board Game Madness

Friday, October 5
4:00pm
For ages 6 and older

We will have a selection of board and card games like Uno, Monoploy, Go Fish, Life and more. Join us for afternoon of fun!




Library Operating Hours Public Hearing

Library Operating Hours Public Hearing

Supervisorial District 8

Saturday, September 29
1pm-3pm
Noe Valley Library
451 Jersey St
  **This program is actually at NOE VALLEY Library**       The Library Preservation Fund, renewed by Proposition D in November 2007, requires that the Library Commission assess and modify as appropriate the hours of operation of the Main and branch libraries at least once every five years. As part of that process, San Francisco Public Library is conducting public hearings in each of the City’s 11 supervisorial district this September and October to obtain community input about library hours and services. These public hearings will also allow residents to give us their ideas about library services and priorities and allow the Library to present ideas about its future goals and initiatives.
To ensure the participation of people with disabilities, patrons are invited to request sign language interpreter services, real-time captioning, and materials in alternative print formats. Requesting accommodations at least 72 hours in advance will help to ensure availability. For inquiries or requests for accommodations, please call (415) 557-4557 or send email to mgoddard@sfpl.org.


To see where the other meetings are being held, click here.

Design the new San Francisco Public Library cards!

September is National Library Card Month, and the San Francisco Public Library wants YOU to design the newest batch of library cards! Five winning designs will be featured on new San Francisco library cards issued in 2013. Artwork entries are accepted in five categories, divided by grade or age: 2nd Grade and under, 3rd-5th Grade, Middle School, High School, and Adult.

To submit your entry you can either do it online at www.improvesf.com or you can ask for a form at any public library.

The deadline is October 4th.

Angry Birds Keychain making for Teens

Thursday, September 13
3:30pm
Ages 12-18

Turn colored clay into an Angry Bird keychain. Or you can mold clay into something else entirely. Many colors to choose from. Materials provided. Ages 12-18. For more information, contact Marla at 415-355-2858 or mbergman@sfpl.org.



Using the Library at Home

Saturday, September 8
3:00pm- 4:00pm
Glen Park Library
2825 Diamond Street

Come discover the many resources available through the Library’s website. This class will cover:

*Placing holds on items in the Library’s collection and requesting items available in other libraries
* Using the Library’s databases for research and language learning
* Accessing e-books

Space is limited. Please sign up at the Library’s Information Desk or by calling 415-355-2858

Library closed on Monday, September 3, 2011 for Labor Day

The Glen Park Branch and all other San Francisco Public Libraries will be closed on Monday, September 3, for Labor Day. We will reopen Tuesday, September 4 at 10:00 am.


Discardia: More Life, Less Stuff

Discardia: More Life, Less Stuff

Wednesday, August 22 at 6:30pm  
Free  

Sail into a life you love! Dinah Sanders, author of Discardia: More Life, Less Stuff, will give a reading and mini-workshop on small changes you can make to reap big rewards. In this presentation she'll be focusing on the the Deciding and Doing aspect of Discardia, encompassing improving habits, letting go of fears, and reducing your load of things that bring you neither utility nor joy. Come learn how to set your course for happiness!

Focus on Free Library Art Databases

One of the great benefits of being a San Francisco Public Library card holder is having access to a variety of well-chosen, authoritative databases. These databases would be very expensive to subscribe to individually! Almost all of them can be accessed from any computer with your Library Card Number and PIN.

To locate the databases go to the Library’s homepage (www.sfpl.org), move your curser to the eLibrary tab and select Articles and Databases. From here you can scroll through the list of databases or, if you know the name of the database you wish to search, you can click on the letter that corresponds to the first letter of the database’s tile. A third way to search the databases is to use the pull down menu to select a category. One of the more entertaining categories is Art and Music.

The databases Art Full Text and JSTOR offer articles on topics relating to art. Art Full Text includes articles from scholarly as well as general interest publications. Searches can be limited to peer reviewed journals or to other types of publications. Searches can also be limited by publication date.

Art Full Text

The articles in JSTOR are from academic publications. Users can browse by discipline, such as Art & Art History, or search by keyword. The advanced search option allows users to limit searches by publication date, language and item type, including articles, reviews and pamphlets.


                                                                                 JSTOR
The Art Museum Image Gallery and CAMIO (Catalog of Art Museum Images Online) contain detailed images of artwork and decorative objects held in museums. The Art Museum Image Gallery contains over 150,000 images. Use the Advanced Search option to limit search results to particular types of objects, such as Mixed Media, Installations or Paintings.
The CAMIO database contains over 100,000 images and their high resolution makes them especially interesting to study. By zooming in users can closely examine sections of the images and many of them have alternate views. All of the images are accompanied by basic information and some of the descriptions are quite detailed and informative. CAMIO’s Advanced Search option enables users to limit their searches to the holdings of a particular institution. For example, to view the bronze donkey held by the Detroit Institute of Arts highlight the name of the institution, then click on Add. Enter the word Donkey in the search box labeled Any of the Words. The high resolution image provides a clear indication of the affectionate petting the donkey has received over the decades! Images from this database can be downloaded and saved. For more information about this feature click on Help located at the top, right of the database screen.


You can use these or any of the databases in any location of the San Francisco Public Library without a library card. When you access from home, you will need enter your card number and pin.

End of Summer Reading Party with "It's in the Can"

End of Summer Reading Party with "It's in the Can"


Friday, August 3
4:00p
 
For seven years Jamie has been performing assemblies in elementary schools through out Alameda County expounding on the virtues of recycling, reusing, reducing and rotting. Now, in Jamie’s new one man show watch as he pulls a whole world from a garbage can. Filled with music, storytelling, juggling and you. Learn to have endless fun on less than $5! Balance a broom, spin a plate, bang on bucket and be amazed at your own creativity in this wonderful adventure.

Light refreshments will follow the performance. For children of all ages.

Connecting Kids and Honey Bees in the City

Saturday, July 28
1:30pm

Tim Murhrlin, beekeeper/educator affiliated with the San Francisco Beekeepers Association, will be talkimg about bee family structure, pollination, a little about Colony Collapse Disorder. There will also be honey for tasting.


For ages 3 and older

Knitting Your Act TogetherFor Teens-CANCELED

Friday, July 27
2:30

This program has been canceled. Sorry for inconvenience.
Learn basic knitting stitches and begin the process of making a scarf led by local teen knitter. All materials provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own materials. Space limited. To register, contact Marla at 415-355-2858 or mbergman@sfpl.org. First priority for this program goes to teens, ages 12-18.




Eddie Madril: Native American Hoop Dancer

Saturday, July 21
2:30 pm

Eddie Madril is a member of the Pasqua tribe of Southern Arizona and Northern Sonora Mexico. He represents his culture through singing, dancing and education.

For Children of all ages.


Insect Discovery Lab

Friday, July 20
1:00pm

Explore the fantastic lives of beetles, millipedes, tarantulas, walking sticks, whip scorpions and more! Learn about the natural history of bugs' lives. For ages 8 and up. Space limited, contact Marla to sign up at mbergman@sfpl.org or 415-355-2858

Free Movie: The Lady from Shanghai

The Lady from Shanghai : San Francisco Library Film Festival screening

Saturday, July 14
3:00pm

Watch this Orson Welles film noir classic on the Library’s large screen. Filmed partly on location in San Francisco, the movie features shots of Portsmouth Square, Chinatown, the old Steinhart Aquarium in Golden Gate Park and, of course, the famous shoot out takes place in the funhouse at Playland at the Beach.

Free popcorn provided!

Teen Movie: Flipped

Friday, July 13
2:00pm

Eighth grade love: to be or not to be. When second-graders Bryce and Juli first meet, Juli knows it's love. Bryce isn't so sure. Beginning that day, and for the next six years, young Bryce does everything he can to keep his outspoken wannabe girlfriend at arm's length, which isn't easy since they go to the same school and live across the street from each other. Based on the novel by Wendelin Van Draanen.

Rated PG, 90 mins



Songs with Alison Faith Levy

Tuesday, July 10
10:30 am

Alison Faith Levy, formerly of The Sippy Cups, performs a high-energy set of songs with lots of singing, dancing and participation from kids and grown-ups alike!
She will be singing new songs about baby anteaters, spinning tops and cupcakes, some Sippy Cups classics, and Itsy Bisty Spider as you've never heard it before.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Saturday, July 7
1:30-3:30

Parents for Public Schools will be presenting this program that helps parents learn what they need to know and do to get their child(ren) ready for kindergarten.

This is a program for adults.

Knitting Your Act Together for Teens!

Friday, July 6th
2:30pm

Learn basic knitting stitches and begin the process of making a scarf led by local teen knitter.

All materials provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own materials.

Space limited. To register, contact Marla at 415-355-2858 or mbergman@sfpl.org. First priority for this program goes to teens, ages 12-18.

Lizard Lady and Her Reptiles!

Friday, July 6
1:00pm

The wildlife experience that everyone loves! For 21 years Teressa Killeen has shared her knowledge and love of reptiles with the curious from 3 to 93! Learn about endangered species, while meeting some of the coolest snakes and lizards on our planet!
Reserve your space by contacting Marla, (415) 355-2858 or mbergman@sfpl.org. First priority for this program goes to youth, 6 and up.

Library closed on July 4 for Independence Day

All San Francisco Public Libraries will be CLOSED Wednesday, July 4, 2012 for Independence Day. We will resume our regular opening hours on Thursday, July 5, at 1 p.m.

Duct Tape Wallets For Teens

Friday, June 29
2:00pm

Make a duct tape wallet or card holder. Materials provided. Limit to 15 participants. Reserve your space by contacting Marla, (415) 355-2858 or mbergman@sfpl.org. First priority for this program goes to teens & tweens, 10 and up.

Doug Nolan and his 'Eco-Tainment' show

Monday, June 25th
4:00
For children of All Ages

The show blends juggling, comedy and audience participation so well that learning about the 4 R's (reduce, reuse, recycle and rot) has never been so much fun. He teaches about compost and green waste, and flirts with disaster, by juggling a watermelon, a raw egg and a tree branch! It's a nail-biting finale.

Cartooning Basics with Sirron Norris

Thursday, June 21

3pm

Learn to design characters and create expressions in a one hour workshop. The workshop is lead by Sirron Norris who designed this years Summer Reading Club poster and has many wonderful murals around the city.

For ages 8-16

Please call 355-2858 to register for space is limited.

Stories and Songs Inspired by Jokes and Dreams

Last Night I Dreamt I Ate a Giant Marshmallow and When I Woke up my Pillow was Gone! : Stories and Songs Inspired by Jokes and Dreams

Friday, June 15
4:00pm
Glen Park Library

The stories and songs of The Green Golly Project have always been a favorite of children everywhere – but nothing tickles a kid’s fancy more than silly jokes. This magical program combines stories about kid-life, songs about kid-experience, dreams about kid-stuff and jokes; silly and dumb but always funny jokes!

After and during the program kids will get a chance to tell their favorite jokes and share their most interesting dreams – both the ones they have when they’re asleep and the ones that they hold in their hearts and minds for the future!

Ages 3 and up

Islais Creek, Northshore, Sunnydale and More

Islais Creek, Northshore, Sunnydale and More: Learn about Your Urban Watershed
Wednesday, June 13
6:30pm
Glen Park Branch Library

Did you know there are eight watersheds in San Francisco? In this compelling program representatives from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission will provide an overview of our watersheds and explain the connection between San Francisco’s urban watersheds, the sewer system, the ocean and the bay. As part of the Sewer System Improvement Program (SSIP) you will be able to share issues you have experienced related to the sewer system and learn about project opportunities for storm water management.
 

 

Fantastic Trash: Recycle, Reuse, Recreate

Thursday, June 7
4:00pm

Become inspired through the Museum of Craft and Folk Art’s fabulous slide show of found object creations from around the world, made by folks like you!
Create an up-cycled masterpiece using objects from your own recycling bin, backyard, or those provided by the library and the Museum.

For ages 5 and older.

Summer Reading Kick off Party!

Summer Reading Kick off Party with Gerald the Magician!
Friday, June 1st
4:00pm
 
Free and for all ages!
 
Sign up for our Summer Reading Program AND witness the amazing magic of Gerald Joseph. Light refreshments will be served.


The Magic Show will be at 4:00pm then refreshments and signing up for the reading program will follow the performance.

Library closed Monday, May 28, 2012 for Memorial Day

All San Francisco Public Libraries will be CLOSED Monday, May 28, 2012 for Memorial Day. We will resume our regular opening hours on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at 10 a.m.

Kid's Yoga with Rebecca Blake

Kid's Yoga with Rebecca Blake

Friday May 4th
4:00pm
For ages 6-18
This class is taught in a fun, playful, supportive and exploratory format. At this age, we will bring in an element of silliness and playfulness through animals & nature, but there will also be quiet relaxation time.
This class supports children in developing strong and flexible bodies, and the poses also stimulate the brain. The kids will be taught relaxation techniques and tools to cope with stress, which will be useful throughout their entire lives. These skills will enhance their social skills and self-esteem, will allow for better sleep and will balance their bountiful energy.

Free Craft Program: Felt Flowers

Saturday, May 5, 2012

2pm
Glen Park Public Library


Create a fun flower using felt, needle and thread. Flowers can be used as hair accessories or pins. Hand craft a wonderful accessory for yourself or Mother's Day this year!

All materials are provided. Students should be able to handle a needle and thread or have a parent assist them. No sewing experience required!

Urban Fauna will be teaching this workshop.

Space is limited. For ages 6 and up. Please sign up at the Information Desk or by phone at 415-355-2858.



Docent Lecutre : The Cult of Beauty

The Cult of Beauty: The Victorian Avant-Garde, 1860–1900


Saturday, April 21st
3:00pm

This presentation traces the evolution of the British Aesthetic Movement from a small circle of progressive artists and poets, through the achievements of innovative painters and architects, to its broad impact on fashion and the middle-class home. Among the diverse masters represented are painters Dante Gabriel Rossetti and James McNeill Whistler and designer William Morris.
This docent lecture is a companion to the exhibit that will be at the Legion of Honor from February 18 until June 17, 2012.

Free Henna for Teens!

Friday, April 20th
4:00 pm

Want a free, safe, temporary tattoo? Choose your own design and learn how to apply it with henna. Henna artist Rachel-Anne Palacios will show you how and she’ll apply a design on participants.

Program limited to 20 teens.

For ages 12-18.
 For participants under 18, a signed parent/guardian permission form must be returned prior to the workshop. To reserve your space and/or request a form, contact Marla at 415.355.2858 or mbergman@sfpl.org


Free movie for Kids

At this month's First Friday, we are showing the film Chicken Run.

"Led by the inexorable Ginger, the rebellious chickens at the Tweedy Egg Farm boldly embark on one escape mission after another. One day, when Rocky the Rooster, a brash American "lone free ranger" crash-lands into the chicken coop, the chickens figure he can teach them to fly out. They hatch an exciting scheme to escape for freedom."
Friday, April 6
4:00 pm

For ages 6 and older

California Puppets with Jungle Joe

Wednesday, March 28th
6:30 pm

California Puppets featuring Jungle Joe will be performing his interactive "Animal Trainer Show".

For children of all ages.
This program is part of an annual event featuring puppet performances in libraries throughout the city.

Five Fabulous Women Artists of the 1800s

Wednesday, March 21st
6:30pm
Glen Park Library
2825 Diamond Street

Celebrate Women's History Month with local artist Marlene Aron as she discusses and presents slides of the beautiful and inspiring art of five women artists: Mary Cassatt, Berthe Morisot, Marie Bracquemond, Eva Gonzales, and Camille Claudel.
These artists exhibited their work in the Salon and the World Exposition in Paris, three of them showing their paintings alongside Pissarro, Degas, Renoir, and Monet in the first Impressionist exhibitions in the early 1870s. They painted their family, children, friends, and lovers, along with scenes of gardens, forests, and landscapes. Take a journey through the artistry and lives of some of the movers and shakers of the Impressionist movement.

Lego Challenge!

Thursday, March 15th
4:00 pm
For ages 10-18.
Glen Park Library

Youth will have the opportunity to construct trucks, bridges, elevators, cranes, bulldozers, conveyor belts, and other motorized and alternatively powered contraptions. Instruction will be provided by Legos presenter. Space limited. To register, contact Marla at mbergman@sfpl.org or 415-355-2858.

No Baby Rhyme Time on February 28

There will be no Baby Rhyme Time on February 28, but we will have Playtime from 10:30-11:30.

The Art and Language of Flowers

Saturday, February 25
2:00pm

Join local florist and owner of Columbine Design, Kathleen Dooley, for a flower arranging demonstration.

Learn about the meaning of flowers and how to convey messages with colors, shapes and flower types that go beyond what's written on the card. We will also talk about different cultural meanings of flowers and colors and have time to discuss our own favorite flowers.

Library closed for President's Day

Please note that the Glen Park Branch and all other San Francisco Public Libraries will be closed on Monday, February 20, for Presidents' Day. We will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, February 21 at10 am.

Career Gateway Job Search Workshop

Wednesday, February 15

3:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Glen Park Public Library
2825 Diamond St

Jobseekers Workshop - Strategizing your job search takes a lot of effort and planning. In this workshop, you will get an overview of the career exploration process and the online Job Seeker's Guide. In addition, participants will be given time to begin using our online tools that will help you learn how to assess your skills and preferences, explore careers, create plans and set goals, expand your skills, and create a successful job search. Job seekers and career changes, come to this workshop ready to explore! This course is for people who are comfortable using Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer.
Explore job opportunities.

Find, compare, and enroll in education classes, courses, and training programs.

Learn how to achieve long-term goals.

Explore new ways to find job openings through your network.

Write successful résumés and cover letters.

Improve your interviewing skills.

The Career Gateway is a national website that has been customized by JVS San Francisco to help you in your job search. These workshops will be led by Janet Frishberg, who works at JVS as the Career Gateway Outreach Specialist. For more information about how JVS can help you in your job search, go to http://www.jvs.org/

Poetry and Chocolate for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is almost here and the Library has just what you need to make the day special!

Would you love to write a love poem? These books by acclaimed poets will guide you in the creation of your masterpiece:

The poetry home repair manual : practical advice for beginning poets by Ted Kooser

Poemcrazy : freeing your life with words by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge

Ordinary genius : a guide for the poet within by Kim Addonizio

If writing poetry is not for you perhaps one of these poets has already expressed exactly what you want to say.

100 Love Sonnets by Pablo Neruda
Before I loved you, Love, nothing was my own… begins the 25th sonnet in this lovely book, dedicated to the poet’s wife. Presented with the original Spanish text next to the English translation, these poems speak of the spiritual, as well as the sensual, aspects of romantic love.

Love Poems by Nikki Giovanni
The poems in this slim book range from humorous to painful. Many address platonic forms of love, for friends, family members and other artists. However, some of the poems are joyfully and unabashedly romantic. One example is, And I have You, which begins:

Rain has drops Sun has shine
Moon has beams That make you mine…

Love Haiku: Japanese poems of yearning, passion, and remembrance
If short and sweet is your style check out this beautiful little book, which includes poems by masters such as Issa and Busho, as well as works by contemporary Japanese poets.

Love’s Exquisite Freedom by Maya Angelou
Gorgeous reproductions of paintings and drawings by Edward Burne-Jones accompany Maya Angelou’s tribute to the power of love. Your valentine is likely to be delighted when you read this picture book for grown-ups aloud.

Random House treasury of favorite love poems
William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Lord Byron and Y.B, Yeats are among the well known poets represented in this volume. Works from antiquity, such as The Song of Solomon and Sappho’s Peer of gods he seemeth to me, are also included, as are poems by contemporary poets. The poems in this book are organized in chapters that represent love in all its phases, from Wooing and Seduction to Bitterness and Torment.

Of course poetry isn’t the only way to express your love. There’s also chocolate!


Sensational sweets : baking for tea time, desserts and celebrations
One chapter of this beautiful book is devoted to chocolate. The recipes are not necessarily for beginners, but the champagne chestnut torte with chocolate cream might just be worth the effort!

Chocolates and confections : at home with the Culinary Institute of America

This book provides step-by-step instructions that will enable you to create chocolates that are as beautiful to look at as they delicious to eat.

Maida Heatter’s book of great chocolate desserts
Classic desserts, such as Black Forest cherry torte, brownies and several types of soufflés and mousses are featured in this cookbook. However, there are also recipes for more unusual treats. For example, perhaps your valentine would enjoy chocolate prune whip and chocolate hot buttered rum.
Dulce : desserts in the Latin-American tradition
Filled with gorgeous photographs this book is a treat to browse. Again, recipes featuring chocolate are the focus of one chapter, however, chocolate appears in many of the recipes in other chapters. Some of the treats are twists on classic desserts, such as chocolate flan and chocolate tres leches cake, while others are more innovative. If you have an ice cream maker you might want to prepare a most appropriate Valentine’s Day dessert – chocolate jalapeno ice cream!
If any of your New Year's Resolutions involve running check out these informative, inspiring and fascinating books on the subject. All of them are available through the Library.

Haruki Murakami recently created a splash with the publication of his latest book 1Q84. Fans of Murakami's writing, runners, and anyone interested in the workings of this unique author's mind, may enjoy What I talk about when I talk about running: a memoir. In this slim volume Murakami discusses the beginning of his career as an author and the important role distance running plays in his work. The epitaph he suggests for his tombstone - “Haruki Murakami 1949-20** Writer (and Runner) At Least He Never Walked” – is indicative of his dedication to the sport.

Even those who don't aspire to run 50 miles through Mexico's Copper Canyon are likely to be fascinated by Christopher McDougall's Born to run: a hidden tribe, superathletes and the greatest race the world has never seen. Colorful characters, accounts of grueling races and poignant tales of exemplary sportsmanship make this book a thrilling read. McDougall's exploration of barefoot running is also enlightening and is credited for contributing to the current trend.
To learn more about barefoot running consider reading Run Barefoot Run Healthy: less pain more gain for runners over 30 by Ashish Mukharji. Written in a question and answer format, the book provides practical advice for those new to barefoot running.

For those new to running in general the Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running is a useful tool. Part one of this book, Why run?, addresses the reasons one might want to take up running. Other chapters focus on nutrition, stretching, weight loss and injury prevention. The chapter on intermediate training provides plans to achieve specific goals. Two training plans are provided, one for those who are already active and another for those who have not exercised for a while.

Runners who are interested in increasing distance and entering races may benefit from the advice found in Marathon and Half Marathon: the beginner's guide. This book contains a detailed 26-week training plan plus lots of great tips for dealing with injuries, setting goals and improving speed.

Library closed on Monday, January 16, for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Glen Park Branch and all other San Francisco Public Libraries will be closed on Monday, January 16, for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will reopen on Tuesday at 10:00 am.

Remember Everything You Check Out!


Can't remember the title of that great library book you read? SFPL has a new service that can keep track of what you check out. My Check-out History  is optional—you can turn it on or turn it off whenever you want.

How do you turn on My Check-out History? From our homepage, log in to your library account (at top right of page). Click on My Check-out History link at the bottom of your list, then click on the button “Turn On Check-out History.” It's that easy.

Lion Dancers at Glen Park!

The Jing Mo Athletic Association will be helping the San Francisco Public Library celebrate the Lunar New Year — Year of the Dragon, with lion dance and martial arts performances at libraries around the City in January. Join us for one of these spectacular and colorful events, sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

The Lion Dancers will be at Glen Park at 4:00pm.



First Fridays: Mighty Ugly Craft Challenge

Friday, January 6
4:00pm
Glen Park Public Library

Take the Mighty Ugly Craft Challenge to make a creature that is not cute-ugly but ugly-ugly. Craft materials will be supplied, but feel free to bring anything you would want to work with.

For kids ages 6 and thru 18.

Write Your Will Workshop

Write Your Will Workshop
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
 
6:00pm -7:30pm
 
Glen Park Branch Library
2825 Diamond Street
 
Stuart Bronstein, an estate planning and probate lawyer in San Francisco for more than 30 years, will lead participants in creating their own wills. Everyone will be able to leave the workshop with a fully functional will. Bring a blue non-erasable pen.
Space is limited. Please stop by the Information Desk or call 415-355-2858 to register.