County of San Diego: SDCL News

Teens at the Lincoln Acres Branch of the San Diego County Library took walking tours through their community to photograph it from their perspective. Their work will be on display at a special exhibit at the Lincoln Acres Branch Library on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit is open to the public.

The “How I See It” project was sponsored by a grant from the California Council of the Humanities. 20 other libraries across the state are also participating. For more information see: http://www.calhum.org/programs/HISI_libraries_myPlace.htm

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Lincoln Acres Branch
2725 Granger Ave.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 475-9880

This project is a program of the California Council for the Humanities’ California Stories: How I See It campaign conducted in partnership with Califa. It is supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. For more information on the Council and the California Stories Initiative, visit www.californiastories.org.

The "Let's Talk About It" book discussion for the week of November 12 at the La Mesa Branch Library has been moved to November 19.

Exhibit includes photographs taken in Vietnam 1967–1969 by U.S.M.S. 3rd Marine Division combat photographers. Opening reception November 8th from 1:00–3:00 PM at the Valley Center branch library.

The San Diego County Library will host a reception for internationally acclaimed photographer Tony Gleaton at the Julian Branch Library, 1850 Highway 78, on Thursday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. Gleaton will speak about his famed exhibit, “Tengo Casi 500 Años: Africa’s Legacy in Mexico,” which will be on display from November 13 - December 12. The exhibit is part of the Southwest Collection/Special Collection Archives of Texas Tech University and has previously been shown at the Smithsonian Institution. The Friends of the Julian Library will serve refreshments.

“Tengo Casi 500 Años” features images of descendants of African slaves brought to New Spain (Mexico). Gleaton began the project, his best-known collection, while traveling in Guerrero and Oaxaca in the 1980s. “I spent time, communed with, and was hosted by present-day members of the African Diaspora in the new world,” says Gleaton.

The images define Gleaton’s African heritage and the assimilation of indigenous peoples with other cultures. He defines his work as examining “our common elements and the disparities, which in making us different, also bind us together in the human condition.” Gleaton’s works have been exhibited in museums, universities and libraries, and have toured Mexico and Cuba.

The exhibit is part of the San Diego County Library’s World Music & Cultural Arts series. The reception is free to the public and reservations are not required. For more information, please call (858) 694-2415 or see www.tonygleaton.com.

The Vista, San Marcos, Ramona and Poway branches of the San Diego County Library will present concerts by the Yee-Rodriguez Duo, a pair of classical musicians, on Wednesday, November 19; Thursday, November 20; and Friday, November 21. The programs are free of charge and the public is invited. The schedule is listed below.

Featuring José Rodriguez on classical guitar, and Thomas Yee on violin, the program will include music by Paganini, Piazzolla, Vivaldi, along with traditional Tango and Jazz. The Duo has released a CD entitled “Historia.” The pair presented a series of successful concerts with the County Library in the spring, and are back by popular demand.

Both musicians hold Master’s of Music degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and have won a variety of awards. A native of Tijuana, Rodriguez makes his home in Chula Vista. He serves on the faculty of two schools in Mexico. Yee performs with four symphony orchestras in Northern California, as well as the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and the Berkeley Opera.

Wednesday, November 19, 4 p.m. – Ramona Library, 1406 Montecito Road; (760) 738-2434;
Wednesday, November 19, 7 p.m. – Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road; (858) 513-2900;
Thursday, November 20, 6:30 p.m. – San Marcos Library, #2 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, (760) 891-3000;
Friday, November 21, 7 p.m. – Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Avenue, Vista, (760) 643-5100.

The San Diego County Library will host virtuoso Native American performers with the Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble, at its Bonita Branch Library, 4375 Bonita Rd, on Saturday, November 8, at 7 p.m. The free event is part of the Library's World Music & Cultural Arts series and is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Bonita Library.

Kevin Locke, a Lakota Sioux, is known throughout the world as a visionary hoop dancer, preeminent player of the indigenous Northern Plains flute and master storyteller. A recording artist and educator, Locke was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which recognized him as a "Master Traditional Artist who has contributed to the shaping of our artistic traditions and to preserving the cultural diversity of the United States." His message also covers global citizenship, which is expressed dramatically in the traditional hoop dance which illustrates, in his words, “the roles and responsibilities that all human beings have within the hoops (or circles) of life.” Recent appearances of the ensemble include the Smithsonian Institution and the Lincoln Center. Time-Life described the troupe’s performances as “music to sustain the heart.”

Representing the Plains nations of Lakota, Anishinabe, and Comanche, the Southeastern tribe Choctaw, and the Woodlands Nations of Ojibwe and Oneida, this one-of-a-kind ensemble of American Indian champions and award winners offers a rich variety of American Indian traditions and aesthetics in dance, instrumentals, song, storytelling, sign language and audience interaction.

The performance begins with freestyle dancing by ensemble members, with each taking a solo followed by indigenous sign language, narrative and song, including an honor song to the hosts. Then the spotlight turns to dances honoring the Eagle and the Buffalo, including related songs and stories, flute solos and duets, culminating in a finale of breathtaking Hoop dancing and champion fancy dancing. A highlight of any Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble concert or workshop is an invitation to the audience to participate in hoop dancing, social dancing, songs and sign language.

The concert will take place outdoors on the library patio. For more information please call (858) 694-2415.

The San Diego County Library will host a series of events in celebration of November’s Jewish Book Month at branches across the county. The events are in partnership with the annual Jewish Book Fair of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. They include a visit from illustrator Steve Gray on Monday, November 10, and “Living Voices” performances and a book presentation with klezmer violin music by author-musician Yale Strom on Thursday, November 13. The schedule is listed below.

Steve Gray is recognized throughout the world for his signature illustration style. His humorous cartoon characters are seen in digital media, broadcast and print. He is the illustrator of the children’s book There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea by Jennifer Ward. Gray will lead an interactive drawing workshop for children at the Imperial Beach, San Marcos and Vista libraries, demonstrating how books are illustrated.

Living Voices, a multi-media performance group from Seattle, uses a unique combination of theatre, video and live interaction to create a high impact experience allowing audiences to discover history’s relevance to their lives. Actress Rachel McClintock will perform two different presentations, “Island of Hope,” on the immigrant family experience, and “Through the Eyes of a Friend,” about Anne Frank and other young people in the Holocaust. These presentations are suitable for all ages.

Yale Strom is a local violinist, composer, filmmaker, writer, photographer, playwright and the author of the children’s book The Wedding that Saved a Town. He will present his book to young audiences, followed by a lively klezmer violin performance.

All events are free to the public and reservations are not required. For more information call (858) 694-2415.

Steve Gray Visit
Monday, November 10
Imperial Beach Library, 810 Imperial Beach Blvd; (619) 424-6981: 10 a.m.
San Marcos Library, #2 Civic Center Dr; (760) 891-3000: 1 p.m.
Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Av; (760) 643-5100: 4 p.m.

Living Voices
Thursday, November 13
Island of Hope (Ellis Island):
Lemon Grove Library, 8073 Broadway; (619) 463-9819: 10:30 a.m.
Through the Eyes of a Friend (Anne Frank):
Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego; (619) 660-5370: 1:30 p.m.
Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton St; (619) 463-3006: 3:30 p.m.

Yale Strom Visit
Thursday, November 13
Poway Library, 13137 Poway Rd; (858) 513-2900: 10:30 a.m.
Ramona Library, 1406 Montecito Rd; (760) 738-2434: 1 p.m.
Julian Library, 1850 Hwy 78; (760) 765-0370: 3:30 p.m.

In November and December, the Spring Valley and Imperial Beach branch libraries will host Meet and Greets with Victor Villaseñor, bestselling author of "Rain of Gold," "Burro Genius" and more.

Villaseñor's latest book, "Crazy Loco Love," will be available for purchase and signing.

Monday, November 17
5:30 p.m.
Spring Valley Branch Library
836 Kempton Street
Spring Valley, CA 91977
(619)463-3006

Monday, December 8
6:30 p.m.
Imperial Beach Branch Library
810 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619)424-6981

Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to submit an original 5-minute film to San Diego County Library's Teen Flix Festival from Jan. 1-Feb. 14, 2009. This year's theme is "My Favorite Thing." Grand prize winners will get a flip camera.

The Lincoln Acres Branch of the San Diego County Library, 2725 Granger Avenue, National City, will hold a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 18, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. to honor the memory of its student worker José Luis Rodriguez, who was slain in 2007, during a still-unsolved crime spree. County Library Director José Aponte will open the afternoon with a welcome. The event will be free of charge and the public is invited.

Entertainment will be provided by dance troupe Danza Mexi’Cayotl and mariachi band Azteca de Oro. Children’s activities will include a performance by popular dance group C.R.E.W., a magic show by Rafael Magic, crafts, face-painting and balloon making. Refreshments and other items will be provided by Ralphs, Costco, Northgate Market, Walmart and Pureflo. An information fair will include a variety of local community organizations.

In memory of Rodriguez, Crime Stoppers will announce a $50,000 reward for the solving of the double homicide which occurred November 23, 2007. Rodriguez was one of two people killed in three unsolved shootings that spanned 40 minutes in Chula Vista and San Diego. The Friends of the Lincoln Acres Library will announce an essay contest and plans to establish a scholarship in memory of the student, who was in his first semester at San Diego City College. A May, 2007, graduate of Sweetwater High School, Rodriguez was slain while celebrating his 18th birthday, which would have been the following day.

12:00 noon - Welcome by José A. Aponte, Library Director
12:10 p.m. - Danza Mexi’Cayotl
12:30-2:30 p.m. - Face Painting
12:30-3:30 p.m. - Children’s Crafts
1:00-2:00 p.m. - Refreshments
1:00-2:00 p.m. - José Luis Rodriguez Slide Show Presentation
1:00 p.m. - Announcement of José Rodriguez Scholarship Essay Contest
1:10 p.m. - C.R.E.W Dance Troupe
2:00 p.m. - Crime Stoppers Announcement
2:15 p.m. - Rafael Magic
3:05-4:00 p.m. - Mariachi Azteca de Oro

The San Diego County Library's L.E.A.R.N. adult literacy program and the Laubach Literacy Council of San Diego will host a tutor training for volunteers who want to teach English as a Second Language (ESL). The sessions will be held at the Ray & Joan Kroc Salvation Army Community Center, 6605 University Av, on two consecutive Saturdays, November 1 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants must attend both sessions. No prior experience is necessary. Potential tutors are asked to call Dr. Charles Ross at (619) 442-1481 or e-mail: intgallery@aol.com to register or for further information.

The training will be led by Carolyn McGavock, an adult ESL instructor currently on the faculty of San Diego Community College, with 17 years of teaching experience in the field. Trained tutors will meet with learners, many of whom are recent immigrants from countries around the globe, oneon- one or in small group settings. Times and locations are at the convenience of all parties, and ESL tutoring sessions are held in many County Library branches.

The L.E.A.R.N./Laubach partnership recently won an Acts of Caring Association of Counties as one of the nation’s top volunteer programs.

The Descanso Branch of the San Diego County Library, 9545 River Drive, will hold a ribboncutting ceremony on Thursday, October 23, at 3 p.m., to celebrate the expansion of the branch by 455 square feet to open a new community room. Second District County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and County Library Director José Aponte will be on hand to welcome the community, along with Friends of the Library President Jenny Belle Bowman. Entertainment will be provided by musicians Paul Nichols and Cindy Burnham, along with balloon animals by Tony Bradley. The Library Friends will serve refreshments.

“The County Library is delighted to expand our facility, programs and services in Descanso” said Aponte.“ Judging from past patterns and documentation, as well as the involvement of the Friends of the Library, this is a branch that fills an essential role in the delivery of timely information and self-directed learning for our residents.”

The Friends of the Library raised $100,000 for the construction project and the county supervisor allocated $150,000 from the District Two Community Project funds. The branch now measures 2,647 square feet. Along with the new community room, improvements to the facility included converting the former community room into a children's room, creating a 200 square foot “teen space,” adding a new roof and a fresh coat of exterior paint, installing a more energy-efficient heating/cooling system and paving the parking lot. Other new features include wireless Internet access, additional comfortable seating, two early literacy learning stations for children and an additional public computer.

Once named “America’s Second Smallest Public Library” by the American Libraries magazine (the Okracoke Island, N.C. library just inched out Descanso for the dubious honor), the former 192 square foot library branch is now the Friends of the Library bookstore adjacent to the current library. No more than two customers at a time could browse through a limited number of materials, whereas, last year the branch saw 34,442 visitors, averaging more than 130 per day.

The Borrego Springs Branch of the San Diego County Library will hold its grand opening celebration on Saturday, October 25, at 3 p.m. in its new facility at the east end of The Mall Shopping Center, 587 Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 125. The ceremony will take place during the town's annual Borrego Days Desert Festival. Fifth District County Supervisor Bill Horn and County Library Director José Aponte will be on hand to officially open the new library, along with Honorary Mayor Betsy Knaak and Friends of the Library President Jim Roller. The Friends of the Borrego Springs Library played a major role in securing the location. Refreshments will be served following the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the band Grand Canyon Sundown will perform.

“I'm proud to have helped upgrade the library in Borrego Springs,” said Horn, who provided $114,000 from his supervisorial district's Community Projects fund for the expansion. “Starting in October, the people of Borrego Springs will have a bigger and better facility. Comfort is important to educational settings, and this new library will provide that for patrons and staff. I encourage every person in Borrego Springs to make sure they have a library card.”

“The County Library is delighted to expand our facility, programs and services in Borrego Springs,” added Aponte. “Judging from past patterns and documentation, as well as the involvement of the Friends of the Library, this is a branch that fills an essential role in the delivery of timely information and self-directed learning for our residents.”

The new facility, at 3,787 square feet, will be more than double the size of the existing branch, which is located at the western end of The Mall. The County signed a five-year lease at the site, with two five-year options to extend. The current library will close at the end of the business day, 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, for the move. During moving week, basic library services will be offered in the new facility's community room starting Tuesday, October 7. These will include checkout of selected materials from the library collection, checkout of reserved materials, returns and renewals, as well as wireless Internet access. The new branch will open for business on Tuesday, October 14, and Tuesday hours will be extended permanently to 6 p.m.

Increased demand by the community for information, books and educational materials led to the library's expansion. Public need for greater Internet access was also a factor. Features will include new furniture, a larger children’s area, a new teen area, and additional seating and more public computers. A community room will allow for more library programs and events for children, teens and adults. The room will also be available for public meetings.

The Lemon Grove Library, 8073 Broadway, will host a Haunted Library extravaganza on Saturday, October 25 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., with spooky activities and entertainment for children of all ages. The event will feature the Raggle Taggle Pirate Band, a costume parade, an Alakazam Magic show, a fortune-teller, face-painting by Hamernik Studios, doughnut decorating, and much more. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and participate in a Monster Mash Dance Party. A variety of other activities and crafts will round out the afternoon and evening, with prizes, refreshments and games included. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

The Raggle Taggle Pirate Band is a San Diego based group that plays a mix of Celtic, Scottish, English and Irish jigs and reels. The band has performed throughout the southwest at conventions, cabarets, and Las Vegas venues. In the spirit of Halloween, Raggle Taggle members will dress the part of pirates and perform pirate-inspired songs.

3:30 p.m. - Raggle Taggle Pirate Band
4:30 p.m. - Doughnut decorating
5:00 p.m. - Face painting (until 7 p.m.)
5:30 p.m. - Haunted Cemetery
5:30-6:30 - Monster Mash Dance Party
6:30 p.m. - Costume Parade
7:00 p.m. - Alakazam Magic
7:45 p.m. - Pumpkin Prize Drawing

[ View Event Flyer - La Mesa Library ]
[ View Event Flyer - Vista Library ]

The San Diego County Library will host another of its popular national book discussion series, “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature — Identity and Imagination” this fall. The free monthly series begins Wednesday, September 17 at the La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Av, at 6:30 p.m., and the Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Avenue, at 1 p.m.

“Let’s Talk About It,” now in its third round, has been well-received by the public since its first launching 2006, and community members continued to meet informally after the series ended. Professors June Cummins, San Diego State University, and Martha Stoddard-Holmes, California State University — San Marcos, will lead discussions during the five Wednesday meetings. Local co-sponsors of the series include Astor Judaica Library (Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center); San Diego Agency for Jewish Education; San Diego Public Library and San Diego State University.

The San Diego County Library is busier than ever, according to statistics from Fiscal Year 2007-2008. With the economic downturn, and high fuel costs, County residents are turning to their local libraries in record numbers to take advantage of the free services and materials. Many also reported that the price of gasoline kept them nearer home this past summer, where entire families participated in their local library summer reading programs and events. Library events in the County Library are plentiful (averaging nearly 40 a day) and free of charge. Public access computers are heavily used.

Enhanced services were factors in the increases across the board. Overall open hours rose 6.3% over last year. Customers are able to return their materials to any of the library’s 33 branches and two bookmobiles. A new “floating collection” allowed books and other materials to be relocated to the branch to which they are returned, thus making the entire collection more readily available to all customers.

“By every measure, we are delighted by our progress in positioning the San Diego County Library as one of the preeminent libraries in the nation,” said José Aponte, director of the County Library. “In the past Fiscal Year, we added technology, built new libraries and added more materials and programs, affirming our commitment to inform, educate, inspire and entertain our customers.”

Quetzal’s mix of Mexican and Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, R&B, and rock is supercharged by the dynamic vocals of Martha Gonzalez. Their sound is inspired by the traditional “son jarocho” music from Veracruz, salsa rhythms from the Caribbean and rock influences from Santana to Morrissey. The Los Angeles Times called Quetzal “a Chicano group that tackles multiculturalism and Latino con funk genres with soulfulness and an unusual instrumental chemistry.” The band is known for its commitment to using art as a tool for social change.

Quetzal’s fourth and most recent studio album, “Die Cowboy Die,” marks a radical reconstruction that continues to broaden the band's palette and the parameters of Chicano music. The group embodies cross-cultural fusion both in their music and the diverse backgrounds of its members, including a Brazilian percussionist and a guitarist of Japanese-Mexican heritage.