Vol. 39 No. 12December 2008

At the LibrAry DeCeMber 2008 1

Coming Up: January 10 Tribute to Jack Spicer Main, Koret Auditorium

January 24 Chinese new year Celebration and30th anniversary of Sino-american Diplomatic relationsMain, Koret Auditorium

January 31 Writers rememberedMain, Koret Auditorium

sfpL.org

Library by the Numbers:

play to Learn height Measurer tower includes:

All Aboard the Holiday Train! All Aboard, the Library’s annual model train display, kicks off the holiday season in front of the Fisher Children’s Center at the Main Library on Sunday, Dec. 6.

The interactive electric toy train layout, which measures 5 feet by 10 feet and consists of 35 feet of track, features a Lionel O Scale replica of the Polar Express, which starred in Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 holiday classic, and in the subsequent 2004 movie adaptation. Another face familiar to children and adults who love trains—Thomas the Tank Engine, with his friends the passenger coaches Annie and Clarabel—will accompany the Polar Express.

Large, easy-to-use push buttons allow children of many ages and abilities to start the trains, and to operate accessories, including a ski gondola, a toboggan run and lights for the Holiday Village. A seasonal favorite, All Aboard also will feature many new village buildings, plus a beautifully lit and operating Ferris wheel.

“The train display reminds me of a line from a Christmas song, ‘…to kids from 1 to 92…’ (from Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” noted Loretta Dowell, manager of the Children’s Center. “The train is like a magnet that draws people of all ages. It is fascinating to watch how children and adults will stop and push the buttons to make the trains move.”

The annual holiday train display is the work of Roberto Lombardi, an avid train collector and the Library’s facilities director, along with staff from the engineering unit. A display of model trains and publications on model railroading is on view near the exhibit. And young train engineers can check out the collection of train books available in the Children’s Center.

New!

Podcasts and MoreMany Library programs and perfor-mances from the Koret Auditorium can now be viewed and downloaded on the Library’s Web site, sfpl.org.

Our new Word & Performance Web page includes streaming media, podcasts and videocast options. The pages include a wide variety of mate-rial such as author programs, music performances, lectures, poetry read-ings and other events presented by San Francisco Public Library. These lively and important presentations also include select performances from our archives. Please stay tuned for more performances and material. You can get an RSS feed to stay current on select programs.

Available programs include read-ings by Lalita Tademy, author of 2007’s One City One Book selection, Cane River; local authors from the Litquake series; and videos of grand openings of branch libraries built or renovated through the Branch Library Improve-ment Program.

For more information, please visit our eMedia: Word and Performance page at www.sfpl.org/emedia.

More Days, More Hours, Extended Services!

Inspiration Across the NationA wealth of resources of the Library of Congress, including histori-cal maps of San Francisco, will come alive at the Main Library on Dec. 11. The program will include a special appearance by Bay Area

treasure, U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan, who will read from her work; a demonstration of the new online Library of Congress Experience by Center for the Book Director John Cole and other representatives from the Library of Con-gress; and remarks by California State Librarian Susan Hildreth and City Librarian Luis Herrera. This demonstration includes the new www.myLOC.gov Web site which brings the riches of the Library of Congress to your fingertips. The program will be 10 a.m.–noon, in the Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room.

books

red money envelopes (Chinese New year)

marbles

cable cars

ghirardelli Chocolate bars

Library cards

16814

198281560

see story on page 3.

U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan

Special open houses were held at seven branch libraries last month to cel-ebrate new open hours. New Sunday hours of 1–5 p.m. were effective on Nov. 23 at the Bayview/Anna E. Waden, Merced, Noe Valley/Sally Brunn and Ortega Branch Libraries. Glen Park and Golden Gate Valley Branches are now open on Mondays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., effective Nov. 24.

Celebrations were held at each of the branches on opening day that included fortune cookies and other light refreshments, “I love Sunday” and “I Love Monday” buttons, and entertainment by performers such as Owen Baker-Flynn and Harpist in the Hood.

Nathan, age 12, is excited about the new Sunday hours at Bayview. “I like to come to the library, use the computers, check out books and meet my friends!” he explained.

With these new hours in effect, 12 libraries now offer seven-day service. A total of 17 libraries are open Sundays and 19 libraries are open Mondays. To help patrons remember the new hours, bookmarks and magnets are being distributed at the affected branch libraries.

Another exciting development is the new Bookmobile service to Treasure Island. Every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., the Bookmobile can be found at the Treasure Island Community Center, “Ship Shape” building, 497 Ave. I.

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 DECEMBER 2008 At thE LiBRARy

Branches under construction and projected opening dates:

Richmond – spring 2009

Portola – early 2009

Ingleside – summer 2009

Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial – fall 2009

Bernal Heights – early 2010

Potrero – 2010

Next branch slated for renovation:

Parkside

BLIP Update

Bernal Heights(625 Holly Park Circle, in front of Junipero Serra Elementary School)Monday: 2–5 p.m.Thursday: 2–5 p.m.

Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial(16th St., between Pond & Prosper, in front of the branch)Tuesday: 3:30–7 p.m.Saturday: 1–5 p.m.

Bookmobile hours subject to change; call (415) 557-4343 or visit www.sfpl.org for updated information.

The Library provides the following services during branch renovations.

Bookmobile Locations:

Temporary Services Schedule

International Languages Collection

3150 Sacramento St., (415) 355-2859Monday: ClosedTuesday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday: 1–9 p.m.Thursday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.Friday: 1–6 p.m.Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.Sunday: Closed

Potrero(1502 Mariposa St., north side, adjacent to the Jackson Recreation Center building)Tuesday: 2:30–5 p.m.Thursday: 10–12:30 p.m.

Richmond/Sen. Milton Marks(Sixth Avenue at Geary Boulevard)Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.Wednesday: 3–7 p.m.Saturday: 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Additional Services:

New Visitacion Valley Branch Library Moves ForwardInspIred by the Roman Pantheon, La Rotonda, and Low Memorial Library, Andy Maloney with the San Francisco Bureau of Architecture has created a clas-sic design for the new Visitacion Valley Branch Library. The building is cruciform in shape with four wings surrounding a central oc-tagon with a dome rising above the pitched roofs of the wings. Two major wings branch off the east and west facets of the octagon with minor wings branch-ing off the north and south facets. This design creates interesting views from many vantage points. It’s easy to navigate and provides a logical order of spaces.

There will be ample sources of natural light and ventilation throughout the building. Each of the four wings terminates with a Roman arched window about 15 feet wide to match the octagon archways. Each of the minor axes terminates in window walls of rectangular shaped windows

and storefront, some with doors. Within the octagon there are the four semicircular arched windows as well

as the central oculus. Like the Pantheon, the oculus will light the central space and cast a lit shape that travels around the octagon in a daily, seasonal and yearly pattern.

At more than 8,500 square feet, the branch will have separate areas for adults, teens and children, over 30 computers, room for an increased book and materials collection, a study room and a new pro-gram room with after-hours access for community events. It will be energy efficient, contain a dramatic

central reading area and include courtyards for gardens, outdoor reading and gathering spaces. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2009, with the new building opening late 2010.

It will be energy efficient, contain a

dramatic central reading area and

include courtyards for gardens, outdoor

reading and gathering spaces.

Courtesy of Bureau of Architecture, Department of Public Works, City and County of San Francisco

Community Room Plaza Looking North West Exterior Elevation Looking South East Entry Plaza Looking South West

Community Room Plaza Looking North East Exterior Elevation Looking North West

Exterior Elevation Looking North EastChildren’s Room Plaza Looking North East Reference/Staff Plaza Looking North West

At thE LiBRARy DECEMBER 2008 3

Exhibitions

December 2008Skylight gallery

Opening Hours: same as MainClosing Hours: Mon.-Sat., 6 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m.

*Afghanistan 1970-1975: Images from an Era of PeaceBlack & white pre-war photographs of Afghanistan by Joseph Hoyt. Through Jan. 18. Main, 6th Floor, Skylight Gallery

Other Exhibition Areas in the Library

Digging Deep: Underneath San Francisco Public LibraryThe current Main Library rests on a Gold Rush-era cemetery and the ruins of the old City Hall destroyed in the 1906 earthquake & fire. The archeological remains pulled from the site tell the story of the early development of the Civic Center area. Ongoing. Main, 1st Floor, Grove Street entrance exhibit cases

Harvey Milk: Private Life/Public LifeExhibition explores Milk’s life, from childhood to his time on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Through Jan. 10. Main, 3rd Floor, James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center, and 6th Floor, San Francisco History Center

On the Yellow Brick Road: Market Street’s “Sound Money” Parade, 1896Exhibition features political banners, press reports & political cartoons published in the months leading up to the November general election. Through Jan. 31. Main, 6th Floor, San Francisco History Center

San Francisco Public Library Holiday TrainFeatures a Lionel O Scale replica of the Polar Express, Thomas the Tank Engine and passenger coaches Annie and Clarabel. Large, easy-to-use push buttons allow everyone access to operate the trains & accessories, including a ski gondola, a toboggan run, Holiday Village lights, new village buildings and a Ferris wheel. Dec. 7 through Jan 9. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Center

The Colorful World of Nancy HomFeaturing children’s book illustrations in silkscreen, gouache & colored pencil. Dec. 2 through Jan. 23. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Center

FBI Turns 100Display of documents from the Government Information Center collection & photos from the San Francisco Historical Photo Collection that documents the evolution of this famous government agency. Through Dec. 1. Main, 5th Floor, Government Information Center

Irreplaceable: Wildlife in a Warming WorldExhibition addresses global warming’s potential threat of species extinction. Through Dec. 31. Main, 5th Floor, Wallace Stegner Environmental Center

Dorothy Starr: San Francisco’s First Lady of Sheet MusicDisplay of sheet music from the Library’s collection.Through Dec. 6. Main, 4th Floor, Art, Music & Recreation Center

Girl Who “Wed” Another Girl: Pre-1950 Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Marriages in the United States Exhibit profiles several anatomically-same sex California couples who married and lived as husband and wife, in defiance of legal & social conventions. Through Dec. 18. Main, 3rd Floor, General Collections & Humanities Center

Amy Beach: Her Blissful Years in San Francisco (1866-1944)Exhibition of photographs, scores, sheet music & archival material. Through Dec. 4. Main, 4th Floor, Steve Silver Beach Blanket Babylon Music Center

*Transforming Kami: The Art of OrigamiExhibition displays works of current origami pioneers who transform simple sheets of paper into beautiful origami sculptures. Through Dec. 21. Main, 3rd Floor, Teen Center

Our Rights as Human Beings: The 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights1949 photo exhibition explaining the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Dec. 1 through Feb. 1. Main, 3rd Floor, International Center

Exhibitions at the Branches

Bayview’s Historical FootprintsPhotographic exhibition celebrating the diverse history of Bayview Hunters Point, featuring multimedia oral histories from elders in the community. In collaboration with Bayview Hunters Point Neighborhood History Preservation Project. Permanent. Bayview

*Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library

“Sana, sana, colita de rana.Si no sanas hoy, sanarás mañana.

Sana, sana, colita de rana,Ten un besito para hoy y mañana.”

Honoring Susie TaylorIt‘s a pleasure to celebrate an individual’s accomplishments while they’re still a vital part of an organization. A Sunday this past September was the occasion of much fanfare as the calligraphy community of friends, colleagues and family honored the achievements of Susie Taylor, curator of the Harrison Collection of Calligraphy & Lettering at the San Francisco Public Library.

Susie has worked at the library since 1977, where she has cared for and almost single-handedly developed one of the most important contemporary calligraphy collections in the world. A talented calligrapher whose work is de-fined by grace and delicate beauty, Susie came to the Library where she started immediately to work in the Special Collections Department (now the Marjorie G. and Carl W. Stern Book Arts & Special Collections Center), and where she continues today working with stu-dents, researchers, designers, lettering artists and interested patrons—guiding and inspiring, and reminding them that the handwritten letter came before the printed one.

A student of the gifted San Francisco calligrapher Byron McDonald, Susie was later influenced by the great calligrapher and type designer Hermann Zapf. Her deep understanding of the world of lettering may be seen throughout the Harrison Collection—the works of more than 100 lettering artists from around the world, more than 1,000 pieces of original calligraphy and a large non-circulating collection of books and

periodicals supporting the study of calligraphy—much of this the result of Susie’s diligent pursuit of excellence in lettering.

Students of the lettering arts will find valuable information in the development of the book hand, and artists’ roughs and drafts have been carefully collected over the years. Several archives of important calligraphers are held at the San Francisco Public Library because of Susie’s commitment to the preservation of calligraphic history. Few institutions can claim such dedication to the development of a collection such as the San Francisco Public Library’s Harrison Collection of Calligraphy & Lettering. Susie Taylor is one of a kind!

The Harrison Collection is open to the public without ap-pointment: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10–6; Friday: noon–6; Saturday: 10–6; Sunday: noon–6. Closed Monday. In the Book Arts & Special Collections Center, Sixth Floor, Main Library, Civic Center.

Play

to Learn at the Main Librar y

City Librarian Luis Herrera smiles warmly as he discovers this familiar rhyme from his childhood featured in the new interactive learning area in the Fisher Children’s Center. The new Play to Learn area transforms the traditional library into a play-based learning environment.

Library staff worked closely with Kim van der Veen and the talented design team at the Burgeon Group to create a special space for families to play, explore and connect anytime the library is open. The custom installation reflects San Francisco’s unique flavor with an original Lombard Street Rhyme Roll adorned with local maps, matching nature activity with seeds, berries and fauna from Strybing Arboretum, multilingual rhymes, Height Measurer Tower with Ghirardelli chocolate bars and cable cars, and oodles of tactile experi-ences for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families.

From the 11-foot-tall ABC whirligig, to the decoupage of the Golden Gate Bridge, every detail invites a new opportunity for discovery, conversation and learning. Rain or shine, it’s always a great day to play at the Main Library!

Additional installations can be found at the following 11 branches: Excelsior, Glen Park, Marina, Mission, Mission Bay, Noe Valley, Ocean View, Sunset, West Portal and Western Addition.

Quick Factoids:

The Height Measurer Tower has • 168 books• 14 red money envelopes (Chinese New Year)• 198 marbles• 28 cable cars• 15 Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars• 60 Library cards

Susie Taylor, curator of the Harrison Collection of Callig-raphy & Lettering. Photo courtesy of San Francisco History Center

4 DECEMBER 2008 At thE LiBRARy *Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library

AdultsAdult Winter Reading Program Dec. 13 through Jan. 17. Earn small prize just for reading! All who complete pro-gram will be eligible for grand prize raffle drawing! Info: (415) 355-2858. Glen Park

1 Monday

World Aids Day EventDiscussions on health-pro-moting medical treatments; screenings; speakers; info tables; entertainment. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 1–4 p.m.

*First Monday Movies at Excelsior: Salaam Bombay (1988, 114 min.) In Hindi with English subtitles. Excelsior, 6:30 p.m.

2 tuesday

*At the Gates Poetry by Jeffrey Grossman & Rosemary Manno. North Beach, 7 p.m.

3 Wednesday

Get a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential Lecture by Sheila Hansen. Mission Bay, 6:45–7:40 p.m.

4 thursday

*Shig! The Life & Times of Shigeyoshi Murao, the Quintessential Bookman: The Annual Book Arts &

Special Collections Holiday Lecture Talk & slideshow by Patricia Wakida. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 6:30–7:45 p.m.

6 Saturday

Stock to Study GroupBetter Investing hosts session for intermediate investors. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman Created California Author talk: Frances Dinkelspiel. Main, Latino/His-panic Community Meeting Room, 2 p.m.

*Images of Nature: A Cel-ebration of Nature from Im-pressionism to Modern ArtSlide show by Marlene Aron. Golden Gate Valley, 2–3:30 p.m.

*Holiday Wreath Making10-person limit. Sign up at (415) 355-2898. Ingleside, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

*The Sit-Down Readers’ The-atre Presents Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part II Read a part, if you like. North Beach, 2 p.m.

*Ring in the Green: Eco-Friendly Projects for the Holidays: Printed Cards & Wrapping Paper For adults & teens. Ortega, 2–4 p.m.

7 Sunday

*Christmastime Negro Spiri-tuals: Songs of Promise & Hope Led by Laroilyn H. Davis; audience participation. Main, Koret Auditorium, 2–4 p.m.

9 tuesday

ITVS: Helvetica Panel discus-sion follows film. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6–7:30 p.m.

*Radar Reading Features Antonia Crane, Jillian Lauren, Kriss de Jong & Ace Morgan. Main, Latino/Hispanic Commu-nity Meeting Room, 6–7:30 p.m.

10 Wednesday

*Developing Minds: Understanding Ideas Video exploring practical strategies for parents & teachers to help children understand more ef-ficiently. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Dan White Reads from The Cactus Eaters: How I Lost My Mind and Almost Found My-self on the Pacific Crest TrailAuthor reading & book signing. Book sales by Book Bay. Mis-sion Bay, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

11 thursday

The Library of Congress Experience U.S. poet laureate Kay Ryan reads from her work; John Cole demonstrates the new online “The Library of

Congress Experience.” Audi-ence discussion. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 10 a.m.–noon

13 Saturday

*Does the Secret Mind Whis-per? Celebration of the life of beat poet Bob Kaufman. Main, Koret Auditorium, 2–4 p.m.

United States-Russian Relations After the 2008 Presidential ElectionWith Andrei Tsygankov, PhD. Main, Latino/Hispanic Commu-nity Meeting Room, 2–4 p.m.

*Ring in the Green: Eco-Friendly Projects for the Holidays: Gift Boxes Made by Decorating Tins with Recycled Materials For adults & teens. Glen Park, 2–4 p.m.

16 tuesday

*Poetry Open Mic Hosted by Diamond Dave Whitaker. Park, 7–9 p.m.

18 thursday

*Kwanzaa Family Night Music, dance & poetry. Bayview, 6–8 p.m.

20 Saturday

*Get Your Knit TogetherPractice supplies provided; bring knitting needles. Space limited; reserve at (415) 557-4525 or lwatson@sfpl.org. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 10 a.m.–noon

*Nobel Prize in Literature: A Talk in Mandarin, by Professor Frederick Hsia Main, Latino/Hispanic Commu-nity Meeting Room, 2–4 p.m.

Book Groups3 Wednesday

Selection: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Sunset, 7 p.m.

18 thursday

West Portal, 2:30 p.m.

Selection: The Horse’s Mouth by Joyce Carey. (Bernal Heights group.) Home of the Art Fools, 80 Bronte St., 4 p.m.

27 Saturday

In Russian. Main, Latino/His-panic Community Meeting Room, 2–4 p.m.

31 Wednesday

In Spanish. Info: http://sfpl.org/spanish/news/rinconlit.htm. Main, 3rd Floor Confer-ence Room, 6–7:30 p.m.

Business CounselingWednesdays 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

Service Corps of Retired Executives Free Business Counseling Appointments:

(415) 744-6827. Main, 4th Floor, Business, Science & Technology Department, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Computer ClassesClasses Held at the Main: 5th Floor Training Center. Most classes at the Main require proficiency in basic keyboard skills. All classes are first come, first served.

tuesdays 2 & 9

Internet 1012–4 p.m.

tuesdays 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Basic Mouse & Typing Skills Volunteers available to intro-duce basic skills. 1:15–2 p.m.

5 Friday

Training for the Internet & Library Catalog (In Spanish)Meet at 3rd Floor International Center. Info: (415) 557-4430. 2–4 p.m.

6 Saturday

Word Processing Fundamen-tals Mouse & keyboard skills required. Info: (415) 557-4430. 11a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturdays 6, 13 & 20

Basic Mouse & Typing SkillsVolunteers available to intro-duce basic skills. 10:15–11 a.m.

Who are the Cactus Eaters?How do two people who’ve never shared an apartment intend to survive six months in the wilds with hardly more than a two-man pup tent and some trail mix? The answer is “barely.” Despite warnings from their loved ones, and even some nay-saying strangers, Dan White and his girlfriend set out into the wilderness. When these addled adventurers find themselves deep in the American wilderness, the hardships of the trail—and one deli-cious-looking cactus—test the limits of love and sanity.

As he charts their moments of bravery, stupidity, and luck, White shares their encounters with a veritable parade of backwoods characters—each one an unforgettable wonder of humanity and a testament to the transfor-mative powers of nature.

Dan White will read from and sign copies of his humorous memoir, The Cactus Eaters: How I Lost My Mind and Almost Found Myself on the Pacific Crest Trail, at the Mission Bay Branch on Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

More Crafts for TeensTeens! The winter holidays are here again. For many of you, it’s time to shop. Do you wonder where you can find an inexpensive gift that stands out from the others? Leave the department store options behind and make your own.

This month at the Library, there are six free craft workshops for teens. Leave each session with hand-made gifts or a new skill for creating more. Make custom collage wallets at Glen Park Branch, turn tools into jewels at Visitacion Valley Branch, knit a scarf at the Main Library, design a t-shirt at Parkside Branch or construct colorful cards and wrapping paper at Ortega Branch.

For holiday decorations, don’t miss the 3-D origami workshop at China-town. Once you’ve attended a workshop and need more Make-Your-Own ideas, have a look at the teen books listed below, and save your shopping dollars for the new year! Get creative!

The following books can be found in the teen collection. Use the library catalog to locate them, or ask a librarian for help.

Jeanology: Crafty Ways to Reinvent Your Old Blues, by Nancy Flynn Get Your Crochet On! Fly Tops & Funky Flavas, by Afya Ibomu Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt, by Megan NicolayHow to Make Great Stuff for Your Room, by Mary WallaceTeen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit, by Jennifer Wenger, Carol Abrams

and Maureen Lasher

December 2008

Pick for November and December:

The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan

THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA recently premiered The Bonesetter’s Daughter, an opera by Stewart Wallace based on the Amy Tan novel. There is a long history of creating operas from existing literary works from all times. Here is a selection of operas based upon famous literature.

Operas have been adapted from Greek and Roman classics–L’Orfeo by Claudio Monteverdi is based upon Ovid, and Hector Berlioz’s Les Troyens is based on Virgil’s Aeneid. Other opera composers have found inspiration in Shakespeare’s works. Giuseppe Verdi alone wrote operas based upon Othello, Macbeth and The Merry Wives of Windsor (Falstaff). Charles Gounod composed Roméo et Juliet, and more recently, Benjamin Britten based an opera on A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Plays by Pierre Beaumarchais have provided the basis for two operatic masterworks—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro (based upon La Folle Journée) and Gioacchino Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia. Victor Hugo has also been the source for great operas—both Verdi’s Rigoletto (based upon

Le roi s’amuse) and Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia. Abbé Prevost’s novel Manon Lescaut has been adapted

to the operatic stage by both Jules Massenet and Giacomo Puccini. Walter Scott’s Bride of Lammermoor became Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti. Modest Mussorgsky employed an Aleksandr Pushkin short story as the basis for his opera Boris Godunov. Dubose Heyward’s novel Porgy became the basis for George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.

During the past few decades the San Francisco Opera has commissioned several operas based upon great

literature. Wallace Stegner’s novel Angle of Repose was the basis for an opera by Bay Area composer Andrew Imbrie in 1976. Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ Les Liaisons dangereuses became San Francisco Conservatory faculty member Conrad Susa’s 1994 opera The Dangerous Liaisons. Tennessee William’s play A Streetcar Named Desire was composed for the San Francisco Opera in 1998 by André Previn.

To learn more about opera, visit the Oxford Music Online database, which includes the full content of the New Grove Dictionary of Opera, through the Library’s Articles and Databases.

Dan White

At thE LiBRARy DECEMBER 2008 5All programs and events are free and open to the public.

Computer Classes, cont.

10 Wednesday

Jobs & Career Resources on the Internet Ability to navigate the Web required. 2–4 p.m.

12 Friday

Training for the Internet & Li-brary Catalog (In Cantonese) Meet at 3rd Floor International Center. Info: (415) 557-4430. 2–4 p.m.

13 Saturday

E-mail Fundamentals Mouse & keyboard skills required (or observe). 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

16 tuesday

Library Catalog Mouse & keyboard skills required (or observe). 2–4 p.m.

17 Wednesday

Magazine, Newspaper and Information DatabasesBasic search skills required (or observe). 2–4 p.m.

18 thursday

Training for the Internet & Library Catalog (In Russian) Meet at 3rd Floor International Center. Info: (415) 557-4430. 9:15–11:15 a.m.

19 Friday

Training for the Internet & Library Catalog (In Mandarin) Meet at 3rd Floor International

Center. Info: (415) 557-4430. 2–4 p.m.

20 Saturday

Internet 101: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

22 Monday

The San Francisco Commu-nity Services Directory: A Guide to City Government and Local OrganizationsMouse & keyboard skills required. 3:30–4:30 p.m.

23 tuesday

Internet 102Basic proficiency of Internet required (or observe). 2–4 p.m.

29 Monday

The San Francisco Commu-nity Services Directory: A Guide to City Government and Local Organizations Mouse & keyboard skills required. 3–4 p.m.

30 tuesday

E-mail Fundamentals Mouse & keyboard skills re-quired (or observe). 2–4 p.m.

Classes Held at the Branches:

8 Monday

*Basic Computer and Internet Skills (In Spanish) Mission, 6:30–8 p.m.

10 Wednesday

Library Catalog DatabasesOcean View, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

15 Monday

*E-mail Fundamentals (In Spanish) Mission, 6:30–8 p.m.

16 tuesdayInternet Basics Basic mouse & keyboard skills required; sign up at information desk. Glen Park, 2–3 p.m.

19 FridayHow To Create A Blog Space limited: reserve at (415) 355-2898. Ingleside, 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Teenstuesdays 2 & 9

*DIY 3D Origami Club: Design Holiday Tree Ages 12-18. Paper supplies provided; attend-ees may bring recycled paper. In Mandarin & English. Space limited; info or registration: (415) 355-5626 or jewelchen@sfpl.org. North Beach, 3:30–5 p.m.

3 Wednesday

*Speak Up! Monthly Activi-ties Planning MeetingAges 12-18. Registration: (415) 355-5757 or aluini@sfpl.org. Bayview, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

*Teens Choice! Vote for a Movie Ages 12-18. Info: (415) 355-2868 or mbergman@sfpl.org. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m.

*From Tools to JewelsAges 12-18. Info or registra-tion: aharwood@sfpl.org. Visi-tacion Valley, 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Fridays 5 & 12*Beyond Journal Writing Ages 12-19. Info or regis-tration: (415) 557-4497 or blevine@sfpl.org. Main, 3rd Floor, Paley Conference Room, 4–5:30 p.m.

Fridays 5 & 12 *Chinatown Teen ’ZineAges 13–18. Bilingual online teen magazine workshop. Registration: (415) 355-2888 or jewelchen@sfpl.org. China-town, 3:30–5:30 p.m.

6 Saturday

*Great Teen Book SwapInfo or registration: dwong@sfpl.org. Ortega, 1 p.m.

*Teen ‘Zine Gaming DayAges 12-18. Info: (415) 355-2888 or jewelchen@sfpl.org. Chinatown. 1:30–3:30 p.m.

*Ring in the Green: Eco-Friendly Projects for the Holidays: Printed Cards & Wrapping Paper For adults & teens. Ortega, 2–4 p.m.

Saturdays 6, 13, 20 & 27

*Comics Club Ages 12-18. Registration: (415) 355-5757 or aluini@sfpl.org. Bayview, 2–3 p.m.

8 Monday

*Teen Movie Night: This Christmas (2007, 117 min.) Sunset, 6:30–8 p.m.

11 thursday*Make-up & Hair Styling for the Holidays Ages 12-19. With Xiao Hua (Amy) Chen. Info: (415) 355-5626 or jewelchen@sfpl.org. North Beach, 3:30–5:30 p.m.

*Teen Tie-Dye: Make T-shirtAges 11-18. Space limited to 20; reserve at (415) 355-5770 or alicechan@sfpl.org. Parkside, 4–5:30 p.m.

12 Friday

*”Make a Wallet” for TeensAges 12-18. Info: (415) 355-2832 or mbergman@sfpl.org. Glen Park, 4–5:30 p.m.

13 Saturday

*Teen ’Zine Ages 13–18. Bilingual online teen magazine workshop. Registration: (415) 355-2888 or jewelchen@sfpl.org. Chinatown, 1–3 p.m.

*Ring in the Green: Eco-Friendly Projects for the Holidays: Gift Boxes Made by Decorating Tins with Recycled Materials For adults & teens. Glen Park, 2–4 p.m.

17 Wednesday

*Teen Jewelry Workshop: Wire-wrapped BraceletWith Steven James; materials provided. Registration:, (415) 355-2832 or mbergman@sfpl.org. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m.

19 Friday*Teen Manga & Anime Club Info: (415) 557-4426 or raronowitz@sfpl.org. Main, 2nd Floor, Children’s Creative Center, 4–5:30 p.m.

20 Saturday

*Knit Happens! Teen Knitting & Crochet Club Ages 12-18. Prac-tice supplies provided; bring yarn & needles for project. Registration: (415) 557-4497 or blevine@sfpl.org. Main, 2nd Floor, Children’s Creative Center, 2–4 p.m.

*Crafty Teen: Holiday StuffInfo & registration: dwong@sfpl.org. Ortega, 2–3:30 p.m.

Videos on the Large Screen(When possible, films are shown with captions to assist our deaf and hard of hearing patrons.)

In the Koret Auditorium at the Main, Thursdays at Noon Heavenly Creatures

4 thursday

*City of Angels (1998, 115 min.)

11 thursday

*Defending Your Life (1991, 112 min.)

18 thursday

*Stairway to Heaven (aka A Matter of Life and Death) (1946, 104 min.)

Introducing Pearl’s Picks“(Nancy Pearl) has become…the librarian version of a rock star.”

Bust Magazine

Pearl’s Picks, an online list of reading suggestions from Nancy Pearl, is now available monthly on the Library’s Web site.

As a librarian and bookseller in Detroit, Tulsa and Seattle, Nancy Pearl gained national renown when the first of her best-selling reader’s advisory books, Book Lust, was published in 2003, followed by the surprise popularity of a librarian action figure modeled in her likeness. Pearl now appears regularly on National Public Radio’s Morning Edi-tion and draws large crowds at her personal ap-pearances in bookstores and libraries.

In 2004, Pearl became the 50th winner of the Women’s Na-tional Book Association Award for her extraordinary contribution to the world of books. Her most recently published title is Book Crush: For Kids and Teens—Recom-mended Reading for Every Mood, Moment and Reason.

In addition to maintaining her heavy reading and writing schedule, Pearl is an avid bicyclist and happy grandmother of two. She lives in Seattle with her husband Joe.

Pearl’s Picks now can be found every month on the San Francisco Reader’s Corner page of the Library’s Web site, sfpl.org. Click on NextReads. Her suggestions for good reading will have you coming back each month for more!

NextReads

Events and Happenings

If you haven’t checked out NextReads yet, wait no longer. You can receive e-newsletter book recom-mendations in subjects including Armchair Travel, Nature and Science, Mind and Body Fitness, Fic-tion A to Z and more.

Each book suggestion links directly to our catalog so you can reserve the title; many sugges-tions also include table of contents and first chap-ter links, so you can get a taste of the book before you commit.

In our bi-monthly San Francisco Interest newsletter you’ll find a variety of recently released novels, memoirs and nonfiction set in the Bay Area, along with special sections highlighting top-ics like new cookbooks from local chefs, classic San Francisco mysteries and librarian recommen-dations for the best local travel guides.

Here are a few of the books featured in the November/December 2008 San Francisco Interest newsletter:

Local Girl Makes History: Exploring Northern California’s Kitsch Monuments by Dana Frank

An historian’s nostalgic trip to a series of local day trip sites takes an unexpected turn as Dana Frank explores the mysterious draw of these places.

The Dirty Secrets Club by Meg gardinerIn the wake of an ongoing string of high-pro-

file murder-suicides in San Francisco, forensic psy-chiatrist Jo Beckett is hired by the SFPD to perform investigative autopsies and discovers a harrowing commonality among the suicide victims.

The Heartbreak Diet: A Story of Family, Fidelity, and Starting Over by thorina Rose

After marrying young, living in New York, and settling in San Francisco, Rose and her husband

start a family. When he be-gins an affair with his “run-ning partner,” Rose must find a way to rebuild her life with her two young sons, navigat-ing her own inner doubts and the chorus of advice from well-meaning friends.

The San Francisco Tape Music Center: 1960s Counterculture and the Avant-Garde. Edited by David W. Bernstein

Told through vivid personal accounts, inter-views and retrospective essays by leading scholars and artists, this work, capturing the rich, heady artistic milieu of the ‘60s, is the first comprehensive history of the San Francisco Tape Music Center.

Accidentally on Purpose: A One-Night Stand, My Unplanned Parenthood, and Loving the Best Mis-take I Ever Made by Mary F. Pols

Set in the Bay Area, this memoir describes how the author, the daughter of a conservative Irish Catholic family, became unexpectedly preg-nant after a one-night stand with a man ten years younger than herself and how she developed a lasting friendship with her baby’s father.

Roux Morgue by Claire JohnsonSan Francisco pastry chef Mary Ryan finds her

new teaching job complicated by the presence of homicide detective O’Connor, hostile dean Robert Benson, student Coolie Martin, and the strange deaths of a number of faculty and staff.

To learn more about NextReads, visit the Reader’s Corner section of our Web site at sfpl.org/news/sanfranciscoreads.htm

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Visit missionkidsread.org for info on children’s programs, parental resources & more.

Dec. 2 through Jan. 23

The Colorful World of Nancy Hom Featuring children’s book illustrations in silkscreen, gouache & colored pencil. Dec. 2 through Jan. 23. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Center

Dec. 13 through Jan. 17

Kids’ Winter Reading ClubRead to earn small prize; one lucky reader will win a penguin puppet! Glen Park

1 Monday

*San Francisco Shakespeare Company Presents Romeo and Juliet Ages 5 & older. Q & A after program. Info: (415) 355-2823 or ccormier@sfpl.org. (Marina program.) Moscone Recreation Center, 1800 Chestnut St. (near Buchanan), 3:30 p.m.

Mondays 1, 8 & 15

Homework HelpAges 5 & older. Grades K-7. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m.

Mondays 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Homework HelpAges 5 & older. Grades K-7. Mission, 4–6 p.m.

2 tuesday

FilmsAges 3-5. Parkside, 10 & 11 a.m.

*Crafts with Sophie All ages; parents/caregivers should attend to help children under eight. Anza, 3:30 p.m.

*Dana Smith & His Perform-ing Dog, LaceyGlen Park, 10:30 a.m.

*Holiday Crafts: Handmade Cards & Decorations Ocean View, 4:30 p.m.

*CraftsAges 3-5. Space limited; reserve at (415) 355- 5660. Portola, 11 a.m.

tuesdays 2, 9 & 16

Homework HelpAges 5 & older. Grades K-7. Excelsior, 4–6 p.m.

tuesdays 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Homework HelpAges 5 & older. Grades K-7. Mission, 4–6 p.m.

3 Wednesday

*Puppet Art Theater Presents The Boy Who Cried Wolf Ages 5 & younger. Space lim-ited; reserve at (415) 355-2868. Excelsior, 11 a.m.

Wednesdays 3, 10 & 17

Homework HelpHigh school volunteers assist children with their homework. For kids in grades K-7.Excelsior, 4–6 p.m.

Wednesdays 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

Homework HelpAges 5 & older. Grades K-7. Mission, 4–6 p.m.

4 thursday

*A Christmas CarolEnglish actor Marti Harris plays Charles Dickens in a dramatic reading of an abridged version of the beloved story. Class reservations: Tim Troy at (415) 557-4554. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Center, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Ages 8 & older.

*Nick Barone Puppets Present The Enchanted Forest(Bernal Heights program.) Info: (415) 641-5380. Star Video, 402 Cortland Ave., 4:30 p.m.

*Crafts Ages 5 & older. Space limited; reserve at (415) 355-5660. Portola, 4:30 p.m.

thursdays 4, 11 & 18

Homework HelpAges 5 & older. Grades K-7. Mission, 4–6 p.m.

Saturdays 5, 12, 19 & 26

Chess Club Ages 6 & older. All levels. Excelsior, 3:30–5:30 p.m.

6 Saturday

*The Lizard LadyAges 5 & older. Space limited; reserve at (415) 355-5652. Merced, 4 p.m.

*The San Francisco Conser-vatory of Music Presents a Holiday ConcertMission Bay, 2 p.m.

Mondays 8 & 22

Videos Ages 3 & older. Bay-view, 10:30 a.m.

9 tuesday

*Diana Shmiana’s Winter Wonderama Ages 3-7. Stories, puppets, magic, singing & clowning. North Beach, 11 a.m.

Films Ages 3-5. Chinatown, 10,

10:30 & 11:05 a.m.; 2 p.m. Ages 3-5. Noe Valley, 10:15 &

11 a.m. Ages 5-7. Chinatown, 4 p.m.

10 Wednesday

*Dave Rodrigues, the Astro Wizard Ages 8 & older. Space limited; reserve with Tim Troy at (415) 557-4554. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Center, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Jumpstart Presents Family Literacy WorkshopsFor parents & caregivers of children 6 & younger (children welcome). Includes dinner for family, plus one book & home activities. Large groups reserve with Liz Wilkinson at (415) 536-5867. Bayview, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Family Night! Folk songs with Jim Stevens. Parkside, 7 p.m.

*The Magic Makers Presents Winter Tales and TailsAges 5 & older. Space limited: reserve at (415) 355-2848. Visitacion Valley, 1 p.m.

FilmsAges 7-12. Chinatown, 4 p.m.

Videos Ages 3-5. Visitacion Valley, 10:30 a.m.

11 thursday

Toddler TeaAges 3 & younger with parent/caregiver. Early literacy activi-ties & reading. Snacks & bever-ages; bring bottle or sippy cup. Bayview, 6–7:30 p.m.

*Jim Stevens Singer, songwriter & storyteller. Presidio, 4 p.m.

*Magician Al FodorAges 3-5. Sunset, 10:30 a.m.

Films Ages 3-5. Chinatown, 10 a.m. Ages 3-6. Golden Gate Valley,

10:15 a.m. Ages 7-12. Chinatown, 4 p.m.

12 Friday

*San Francisco Center for the Book WorkshopGrades 2-7. Improvisational book making with Cathy Miranker. Mission, 3–5 p.m.

13 Saturday

*The Puppet Company Presents The NutcrackerOrtega, 3 p.m.

14 Sunday

*Chung Ngai Dance TroupeTraditional folk dances, lion dance, drumming & martial arts. Ingleside, 2:30 p.m.

15 Monday

*Fantastic Trash: Recycle, Reuse, RecreateAges 8 & older. Construct artis-tic masterpieces from recycled trash. Ocean View, 4:30 p.m.

16 tuesday

FilmsAges 3-5. Groups must confirm space at (415) 355-5727. West-ern Addition, 10 & 10:45 a.m.

17 Wednesday

Films/Videos Ages 3-5. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Center, 10 & 10:45 a.m.

18 thursday

Films/Videos Ages 3-5. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Center, 10 & 10:45 a.m.

Videos Ages 3-5. North Beach, 10,

10:30 & 11 a.m.; 3 p.m. Ages 3-5. Sunset, 10:30 a.m. Ages 5-7. North Beach, 4 p.m.

Annual Kwanzaa CelebrationFamily. Poems, music, stories, crafts, food, & performance by the Never Stop Learning Crew (local hip hop group). Bayview, 6–8 p.m.

*The Fratello Marionettes Presents The North Pole Review Ages 3 & older. Space limited; reserve at (415) 355-2889. Chinatown, 10 a.m.

*Cascada de FloresAges birth-5. Traditional songs & dances of Mexico and Cuba. (Potrero program.) St. Teresa’s Church, 390 Missouri St. (at Connecticut), 10:30 a.m.

19 Friday

Holiday Crafts Ages 5-12. Bring photo or copy of a photo. Western Addition, 3–5 p.m.

Crafts With ValerieMission, 3 p.m.

20 Saturday

*Boswick the ClownWest Portal, 11 a.m.

Films Ages 3-5. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children’s Center, 11 a.m.

21 Sunday

Holiday Crafts Ages 6 & younger. Ingleside, 3:30–4:15 p.m.

22 Monday

*Bracelet Crafts with Mrs. Wong Ages 8 & older. Space limited; reserve at (415) 355-5770. Parkside, 3 p.m.

23 tuesday

Films Ocean View, 4:30 p.m.

27 Saturday

Videos Excelsior, 11:30 a.m.

*Dreidel SpinningChinatown, 2:30–3 p.m.

Videos Ages 5 & younger. West Portal, 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Calendar

6 DECEMBER 2008 At thE LiBRARy

All programs and events are free and open to the public.

Programs are for children of all ages, except where noted.

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. Groups need to reserve space.

Where branch is closed for renovation, alternate location is listed.

Golden Gate Valley Branch programming room is not accessible by elevator.

For film titles, call branch library or go to www.sfpl.org/news/events.htm and click on Children’s Films & Videos.

December 2008

*Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library

Lapsits Stories, songs & rhymes for

infants, toddlers and accom-panying adults; for ages birth to 3, unless noted otherwise.

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

Anza Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Bernal Heights Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 10 a.m. Ages 18 months-3 years(Lapsits held at Red Hill Books, 401 Cortland Ave.)

Chinatown Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 11 a.m. Birth-2

Excelsior Tue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 11 a.m.

Eureka Valley Wed, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 3 p.m. (Lapsits held at Eureka Valley Recreation Center, 100 Collin-gwood St., between 18th & 19th Sts. If Center is closed on 12/24, program is cancelled. Info: (415) 557-4353.)

Glen Park Tue, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Golden Gate Valley Tue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:15 a.m.

Ingleside Tue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Main Mon, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Marina Mon, 1, 8, 15, 22 at 10:15 a.m. Ages 18 months-3

Mon, 1, 8, 15, 22 at 11 a.m. Birth-18 months

Merced Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Mission Mon, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 1–1:30 p.m. Ages birth-1(Spanish/English)

Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 10:10 & 11 a.m. Ages 18 months-3 (Spanish/English)

Mission Bay Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 10:15 a.m. (musical)Fri, 5, 12, 19 at 4 p.m. (musical)

Noe ValleyTue, 2, 16, 23, 30 at 10:15 a.m.

North Beach Thur, 4, 11 at 10:15 a.m.

Ortega Tue, 2, 9, 16, 30 at 10:30 a.m. Ages Birth-2

Park Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Portola Thur, 11, 18 at 11:15 a.m.(Lapsits held at Family Connec-tions, 2565 San Bruno Ave.)

Sat, 6 at 1:30 p.m.(Lapsits held at Portola Branch. Groups of five or more: reserve at (415) 355-5660.)

Potrero Thur, 4, 11 at 10:30 a.m. Birth-5 (Lapsits held at St. Teresa’s Church, 390 Missouri St., at Connecticut.)

PresidioTue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:15 a.m. Ages 1-3

Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 10:15 a.m. Ages 1-3

Sat, 6, 13, 20 at 10:15 a.m. Ages Birth-1

RichmondSat, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 11 a.m. Birth-3 (Lapsits held at Richmond Police Station Community Room, 461-6th Ave.)

Sunset Sat, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 11 a.m.

Visitacion ValleyTue, 2, 9, 16, 23 at 11:30 a.m.

Western Addition Thur, 4, 18 at 10:15 a.m. Ages 1-1/2 to 3

West Portal Tue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 a.m. + craft

Thur, 11, 18 at 10:30 a.m. + craft

Storytimesn Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. Groups need to reserve space.

n Family Storytimes are for children of all ages unless noted.

AnzaTue, 2, 9, 16, 23 at 10:30 a.m.

BayviewTue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 5 & younger

Bernal HeightsTue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10 a.m. Ages 5 & younger. (Story-times held at Red Hill Books, 401 Cortland Ave.) Family

ChinatownSat, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10:30 a.m. Family

Eureka Valley Wed, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 3:30 p.m. Ages 3-5(Storytimes held at Eureka Valley Recreation Center, 100 Collingwood St., between 18th & 19th Sts. If Center is closed on 12/24, program is cancelled. Info: (415) 557-4353.)

Excelsior Wed, 10, 17 at 11 am. Ages 3-5 (In Chinese/English)

Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 11 a.m. Ages 3-5

Sat, 6, 13, 20 at 11:30 a.m. Family

Glen Park Tue, 9, 23, 30 at 11:15 a.m. Ages 3-5

Wed, 17 at 7 p.m. Family

Ingleside Wed. 3, 10, 17 at 4:30 p.m. Ages 3-5

MainTue, 2 , 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 a.m. Family

Sat, 6, 13, 27 at 11 a.m. Family

Marina Tue, 9, 16 at 10:15 a.m. Ages 3-5

Merced Sat, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 11:15 a.m. Family

Mission Wed, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at 10:10 a.m. Ages 3-5

Mission BayThur, 4, 11, 18 at 11 a.m. Ages 3-5

Noe ValleyTue 2, 16, 23, 30 at 11 a.m. Ages 3-5

North BeachThur, 4, 11 at 11 a.m. Ages 3-5

Ocean ViewTue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 11 a.m.–noon Ages 3-5

Sat, 6, 13, 20 at 3:30 p.m. Family

OrtegaTue, 2, 9, 16, 30 at 11:30 a.m. Ages 2-5

ParkTue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 3:30 p.m. Family.

Thur, 4, 11, 18 at 11:30 a.m. Ages 2-5

Parkside Tue, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10 & 11 a.m. Ages 3-5

Portola Tue, 2 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5Groups of five or more,reserve at (415) 355-5660.(Storytimes held at Portola Branch.)

Tue, 9, 16 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. (Storytimes held at Family Connections, 2565 San Bruno Ave.)

Thur, 4 at 4 p.m. Ages 5 & older (Storytimes held at Portola Branch.)

RichmondTue, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 11 a.m. Ages 3-5 (Storytimes held at Richmond Police Station Community Room, 461-6th Ave.) Sunset Thur, 4 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5 Visitacion Valley Tue, 2, 9, 16, 23 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5

Western Addition Tue, 9, 23 at 10:40 a.m. Ages 3-5 Groups of five or more, reserve at (415) 355-5727

West Portal Wed, 3, 10, 17 at 7 p.m. Family/ages 2-5(In Russian) + craft

Sat, 6, 13 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 5 & younger

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IT HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL YEAR for Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. We are grateful to our members, volunteers and support-ers for their enduring support of the San Francisco Public Library, a source of education and growth for people of all ages.

2008 marks our best fundraising year to date and we wrap up the year celebrating the many successful initiatives and partnerships we have built.

This year, Friends of the SFPL contributed nearly $4 million to the San Francisco Public Library through the annual support grant of $750,000 and $2,325,000 in capital support. Over the past ten years, Friends has donated nearly $20 million to the library in monetary and in-kind donations.

Friends Neighborhood Library Campaign contin-ues to work with the Library’s Branch Library Improve-ment Program to transform the entire library system. Newly renovated branches in Western Addition and Noe Valley reopened this year. We have reached the midway point in the campaign, having raised almost $8 million so far to pay for the furniture, fixtures and equipment in the new and renovated neighborhood libraries.

Over 700 individuals volunteer with Friends throughout the year. Our dedicated volunteers make it possible for Friends to impact and benefit com-munities, support the library, run our bookstores and

book sales, reach out to our members and produce our many wonderful events.Additionally, thanks to our volunteers, book lov-

ers and library supporters, the 44th Annual Big Book Sale was our largest and most successful sale to date, raising $265,000! All proceeds from the sale benefit the library’s education programs that promote literacy for children, teens and adults. Not only did we raise far more than our previous record of $250,000, but we did so this year by selling the books for $5 and under!

Our 12th Annual Library Laureates event in April honored 35 local authors to the theme of Noir in the City. The very special evening raised over $150,000 for the San Francisco Public Library, which funds

children’s education pro-grams such as Summer Reading, SAT Preparation Workshops and art exhi-bitions.

In 2008, Friends’ programming included the International Poetry Festival Flor y Canto and Poets 11, as well as many author events at our two bookstores and our

main office. Our support of the literary community continues to grow through new partnerships with organizations such as Porchlight: A storytelling series and Litquake, and we have bolstered our member benefits with new opportunities including half-off tickets to Porchlight and discounts to select events at the Jewish Community Center. This year, we re-launched our Web site to better serve our members and community.

Through the generosity of our remarkable donors, members, volunteers and library lovers, Friends is proud to contribute to the excellence of the San Francisco Public Library.

,

Friends Focus

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:

A Different Light Bookstore 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 Bibliomania Bird & Beckett Books & Records Black Oak Books holding Corp.

Bolerium Books Book Bay Fort Mason Book Bay Main Books, inc. Booksmith Borderlands Books Browser Books Christopher’s Books Chronicle Books Compass Books, inc. Cover to Cover Booksellers Dog Eared Books Eastwind Books globus Slavic Bookstore

great Overland Book Company green Apple Books & Music Kayo Books Louie Brothers Book Store, inc. Manning’s Books & Prints Marcus Book Stores McDonald’s Book Shop Phoenix Books Red hill Books San Francisco Botanical gardens, garden Bookstore Stacey’s Bookstore thidwick Books

At thE LiBRARy DECEMBER 2008 7

December Featured Sections

Book Bay Main Books on Tape & CDBook Bay Fort Mason Literary Sidelines: Letters,

Essays & Memoirs

December Events

Dec. 15

Porchlight The Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero Ave. Doors at 7 p.m./Show at 8 p.m.

December Events at the Jewish Community Center

Jewish Community Center SF, 3200 California St., San Francisco, CA (415) 292-1200

Friends members receive the JCC member price.

Dec. 2

A Palestinian Childhood featuring Ibtisam Barakat, in conversation with Peter Waldman. 6:30 p.m. $12 Public $10 Member $5 Students

Dec. 4

A Musical Evening with Pianist Jeffrey Siegel 8 p.m. $26 Public $22 Member $15 Students

Dec. 7

Abracadabra: Jews & Magic 2 p.m. $25 Public $20 Member

Dec. 9

Film: The Soul of MoroccoBy Ricky Ray. 2 p.m. $10 Public $8 Member

Dec. 14

In Loving Memory of Eugene Friend 7 p.m. $45 Public $40 Member

Dec. 16

The Radical Jack London 8 p.m. $12 Public $10 Member

Book Bay Locations & hours

BOOK BAY FORT MASON Fort Mason Center, Building C Open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Telephone (415) 771-1076

BOOK BAY MAIN Main Library Grove Street Entrance Open all Library hours Telephone (415) 557-4238

Thanks to Our Friends for Another Great Year

Western Addition Branch Library

Noe Valley Branch Library © David Wakely

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 LARKIN STREETSAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102

At the Library

8 DECEMBER 2008 At thE LiBRARy

LIBRARY LOCATIONS AND HOURS S M T W T F S

ANZA 550 37th Ave. 355-5717 1–5 10–6 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6

BAYVIEW/WADEN 5075 Third St. 355-5757 1–5 10–6 10–6 1–8 10–8 1–6 10–6

BERNAL HEIGHTS Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2.

CHINATOWN 1135 Powell St. 355-2888 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 Children’s Room 1–5 1–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 1–6 10–6

EUREKA VALLEY/MILK Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2.

EXCELSIOR 4400 Mission St. 355-2868 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6

GLEN PARK 2825 Diamond St. 355-2858 x 10–6 10–6 12–8 1–7 1–6 1–6

GOLDEN GATE VALLEY 1801 Green St. 355-5666 x 10–6 10–6 12–8 1–7 1–6 1–6

INGLESIDE 1649 Ocean Ave. 355-2898 1–5 x 10–6 12–8 1–7 1–6 1–6

MAIN LIBRARY 100 Larkin St. 557-4400 12–5 10–6 9–8 9–8 9–8 12–6 10–6

MARINA 1890 Chestnut St. 355-2823 1–5 10–6 10–6 1–9 1–9 1–6 10–6

MERCED 155 Winston Dr. 355-2825 1–5 10–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6

MISSION 300 Bartlett St. 355-2800 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 Children’s Room 1–5 1–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 1–6 10–6

MISSION BAY 960 Fourth St. 355-2838 1–5 x 10–6 12–8 10–6 1–6 1–6

NOE VALLEY/BRUNN 451 Jersey St. 355-5707 1–5 x 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6

NORTH BEACH 2000 Mason St. 355-5626 x 12–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 1–6

OCEAN VIEW 345 Randolph St. 355-5615 x 10–6 10–6 10–7 1–7 1–6 1–6

ORTEGA 3223 Ortega St. 355-5700 1–5 10–6 10–6 1–9 1–9 1–6 10–6

PARK 1833 Page St. 355-5656 x 10–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6

PARKSIDE 1200 Taraval St. 355-5770 x 1–6 10–9 1–9 10–6 1–6 10–6

PORTOLA 2450 San Bruno Ave. 355-5660 1–5 x 10–6 12–8 1–7 1–6 1–6

POTRERO Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2.

PRESIDIO 3150 Sacramento St. 355-2880 1–5 x 10–9 1–9 10–9 1–6 10–6 ILC (International Languages Collection) x x 11–9 1–9 11–9 1–6 10–6

RICHMOND/MARKS Closed for renovation 557-4353 See temporary services schedule on page 2 .

SUNSET 1305 18th Ave. 355-2808 1–5 1–9 10–9 10–9 10–6 1–6 10–6 Children’s Room 1–5 1–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 1–6 10–6

VISITACION VALLEY 45 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 Community Center, 497 Ave. I Thursdays, 10:30–12:30 and 1–4:30

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/news/atl/atl_online.htm

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: publicaffairs@sfpl.orgWeb 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.

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 meeting: 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 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 on Wednesday, Dec. 24 beginning at 5 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 25 for Christmas; and on Wednesday, Dec. 31 beginning at 5 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s.

“x” means CLOSED. For more information: www.sfpl.org (All phone numbers are in the 415 area code.)

December 2008In this Issue:Page 1 - All Aboard the holiday train!

Extended hours

Library of Congress

New! Podcasts and More

Library by the Numbers

Page 2 - Visitacion Valley Branch

Page 3 - Play to Learn at the Main

honoring Susie taylor

Exhibitions Calendar

Page 4 - Opera and Literature

Who are the Cactus Eaters?

More Crafts for teens

Adult Calendar

Page 5 - NextReads

introducing Pearl’s Picks

Page 6 - Children’s Calendar

Page 7 - Friends Focus

thanks to our Friends Western Addition Branch Library