We're back! Central Library re-opens on December 28

The Central Library, 600 Soledad, is scheduled to reopen on Monday, December 28, on its regular schedule, after being closed for two weeks to allow work on the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and repairs to roof and deck drains. This work was part of the ongoing Central Library weatherization project.

The Central Library’s operating hours are:
Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Friends of the San Antonio Public Library Book Cellar used book store will remain closed until January 4, 2010.

The javaNook Café on the ground floor of the Central Library will be open December 28-31, closing January 1, 2010, for New Year’s Day, and reopening Saturday, January 2, 2010.

For more information, the public may call (210) 207-2500 or visit www.mysapl.org.

Central Library to close for two weeks

The Central Library, 600 Soledad, will be closed to the public for two weeks, December 14 through December 27, to allow work on the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and repairs to roof and deck drains. The work is a phase in the ongoing Central Library weatherization project.

During the closure, library patrons who have placed materials on hold and requested that they be delivered to the Central Library will be able to pick their items up from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the library entrance on Soledad Street.

Borrowed items may be returned to the book drop by the Central Library entrance, or at any other San Antonio Public Library location. They may also be renewed online on the Library web page, by phone at (210) 207-6121 (toll-free 1-866-432-8950), or in person at any San Antonio Public Library branch.

A San Antonio Public Library card may be used at any San Antonio Public Library location. The libraries nearest the Central Library are:

San Pedro Branch Library
1315 San Pedro Avenue
(210) 733-1454

Landa Branch Library
233 Bushnell Avenue
(210) 732-8369

A list of all branch libraries can be found on the San Antonio Public Library web page.

The javaNook Café at the Central Library entrance will remain open for business during the closure, as will the library parking garage.

For more information, the public may call (210) 207-2500 or visit the Library's web page.

Just in time for holiday shopping!

Forget Black Friday - get ready for 50% Monday...and Tuesday, and Wednesday and Thursday and...! From Monday, November 30, through Sunday, December 6, everything in the Book Cellar will be on sale for 50% off!

Shop for holiday relaxation reading for yourself, or pick up gifts for everyone on your list, from kids to teens to adults. You'll find books, movies and music, all at half price.

Operated by the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library, the Book Cellar is located in the basement of the Central Library, 600 Soledad. Operating hours are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday. The Book Cellar is open from 11:00 a.m. t0 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

Proceeds from sales at the Book Cellar benefit the San Antonio Public Library, so stop by this week to pick up some bargains and help your library at the same time!

Are you a movie buff? Looking for the first season of "Pushing Daisies"?

Your San Antonio Public Library card is a free ticket to a world of entertainment! Whether you're a fan of Bogart and Bacall or Ferrell and Sandler, the Library has movies and TV programs available for checkout at no charge - and you can keep them for up to one week and renew your checkout period for an additional week if you need to! Even easier, in some cases you can download video to your MP3 device.

To find out what's available, just go to the San Antonio Public Library webpage, http://www.mysapl.org/. Items on DVD or VHS can be found in the online catalog. (If what you're looking for isn't available at your branch library, put it on hold and it will be sent to you at the location you specify.) To see what the downloadable offerings are, click on "Services" at the top of the page, then scroll down to the "Digital Downloads" section.

If you need help, you can always call our general information line at (210) 207-2500.

Happy viewing!

The San Antonio Public Library wants your opinion!

The Library is conducting a Community Needs Assessment to help us determine the course we should take for the next several years – what services we should offer, where new libraries are needed, how we can improve our services – anything and everything about the Library is under discussion.

Whether you use the Library a lot, a little, or not at all, we would like to hear from you. If you use the Library a lot, what can we do to make your Library experience even better? If you use the Library a little, what would help you to take advantage of more of our resources and services more often? And if you don’t use the Library at all, we would appreciate it if you would take some time to tell us why not.

We'd like to invite you to participate in a focus group to share your opinions about the Library. Focus groups will be held at the branch libraries listed below. Please join us to let us hear your thoughts. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, please call Beth Graham at 207-2638, Roberta Sparks at 207-2635, or Jessica Ramos at 207-2632.

Don’t forget – your input is essential in helping us develop the San Antonio Public Library’s plan for the future! Thank you!

The Library Community Needs Assessment is funded by a donation from the San Antonio Public Library Foundation.

PLEASE NOTE CORRECTED Focus group times and locations

Monday, November 2 • 6:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Great Northwest Branch Library, 9050 Wellwood or
Igo Branch Library, 13330 Kyle Seale Parkway

Tuesday, November 3 • 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Brook Hollow Branch Library, 530 Heimer Road or
Pan American Branch Library, 1122 Pyron Avenue

Tuesday, November 3 • 6:00 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Carver Branch Library, 3350 El. Commerce or
Forest Hills Branch Library, 5245 Ingram Road

Wednesday, November 4 • 12:00 noon-1:15 p.m.
McCreless Branch Library, 1023 Ada Street or
Westfall Branch Library, 6111 Rosedale Court

Wednesday, November 4 • 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Las Palmas Branch Library, 515 Castroville Road or
The Tobin Library at Oakwell, 4134 Harry Wurzbach Road

Friends of the San Antonio Public Library present Arts & Letters Award

What do T.R. Fehrenbach, Henry Cisneros, Max Lucado, Sandra Cisneros, Rosita Fernandez, Sterling Houston, Tommy Lee Jones, O'Neil Ford, Cary Clack, and Brother Cletus have in common? Oh, yes, and don't forget Janette Sebring Lowrey, author of The Poky Little Puppy.

Answer: they were all recipients of the Arts & Letters Award, presented annually by the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library to recognize and celebrate achievements by individuals who have demonstrated notably outstanding accomplishments in the arts and letters.

You're invited to join the Friends of the Library at the Central Library at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, as they honor the 2009 Arts & Letters Award recipients, musician Tom Masinter and historian/author/lecturer Felix D. Almaraz, Ph. D.

First presented in 1972, the award has been given to writers, artists, musicians, educators and entertainers whose dedication to their chosen field has served to enrich the literary, artistic and cultural life of San Antonio.

Don't miss the 2009 award ceremony on Sunday, October 25!

Got homework? We've got help!

So school is back in session - and you've got homework. The San Antonio Public Library's got you covered!

With your San Antonio Public Library card, you have free access to online tutoring in real time. Just visit our webpage, http://www.mysapl.org/, click on "Databases," then on "Live Homework Help." You'll be connected to a qualified tutor who will work with you to resolve your homework issues. Help is available in subjects from algebra to zoology, in English Monday through Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and in Spanish Sunday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Library has lots of ways to help with homework. For more infomation, call us at 207-2500.

They're 15! Great Northwest Branch Library has a quinceañera!

The Great Northwest Branch Library is 15 years old in 2009 and you're invited to help us celebrate! Come by the branch at 9050 Wellwood between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, to enjoy activities and fun for all ages. There will be dance performances, clowns, and visits from special guests Libro the Library Lion, firefighters from Fire Station 41, and Sparky the Fire Dog.

Take this opportunity to get your library card, join the Friends of the Library, or just find out more about all the great resources and services the Library offers.

Remember: Saturday, October 17 - the fun kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Be there or be square!

Meet the Author! Naomi Shihab Nye

October's Children's Electronic Bookshelf features the books of acclaimed poet and anthologist Naomi Shihab Nye.

On Thursday, October 15, Ms. Nye will present a poetry reading and discussion at San Antonio's Central Library. The session begins at 7:00 pm in the library auditorium. Poetry lovers of all ages -- particularly Young Pegasus poets past, present and future -- are invited to attend. Several of Ms. Nye's books will be available for purchase and autographing after the program with proceeds benefiting SAPL's Young Pegasus Poetry project.

Ms. Nye is a resident of San Antonio although her roots are in Palestine and the Middle East. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri but has called both Jerusalem and Ramallah home. She continues to travel widely bringing poems and inspiration to young writers around the globe. Her appearance is made possible through the Wm. Morris Endowment.

Libraries will be closed on October 12

All San Antonio Public Library locations will be closed Monday, October 12, for staff development and training. Books and other library materials may be returned to the book drop at any location.

Libraries will resume their regular operating schedules on Tuesday, October 13. For a complete list of Library locations and service hours, please go to the San Antonio Public Library web page.

The Friends of the Library Book Cellar used book store in the Central Library basement will also be closed October 12, but reopen Tuesday, October 13.

The Central Library parking garage will operate as usual on October 12.

Grand Opening of Molly Pruitt Public Library @ Roosevelt High School!

You're invited to help us celebrate the grand opening of the brand-new Molly Pruitt Public Library at Roosevelt High School, a partnership between the North East Independent School District and the San Antonio Public Library, on Saturday, October 10, 2009.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick off at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by a day of activities, programs, and fun for the entire family!

Come by the Pruitt Library at Roosevelt High School, 5110 Walzem Road, and see the city's newest library!

New school/library partnership opens October 1

At 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, the new Molly Pruitt Public Library at Roosevelt High School, 5110 Walzem Road, will open its doors for public service. The new library is a partnership between the North East Independent School District and the San Antonio Public Library, the second such collaboration. A similar facility at Reagan High School in the Stone Oak area opened in 1999.

The Library's public service hours during the school year will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; closed on Friday; and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Customers of the Windcrest Bookmobile stop are especially invited to visit the Pruitt Public Library. Please note: now that there is a San Antonio Public Library in your neighborhood, we are taking the opportunity to extend Bookmobile service to other areas of the city, and as of September 23 service has been discontinued at the Windcrest stop. Items checked out from the Bookmobile can be returned to the new Pruitt Public Library at Roosevelt High School, or to any other location of the San Antonio Public Library. A map of Library locations and schedule of service hours can be found on the San Antonio Public Library webpage.

And watch for information about our big grand opening celebration on Saturday, October 10!

New branch library service hours!

Beginning Thursday, October 1, almost all San Antonio Public Library branches will be open seven days a week on a new schedule. For more details, click on the "New Hours" icon on our web page, www.mysapl.org.

Twitter and Library Resources for Business Workshops full

Both sessions of "Twitter and Library Resources for Business" are full, and registration is closed.

Please look for our next workshop, "Facebook and Library Resources for Business," scheduled for mid-November.

Thanks for your interest in the San Antonio Public Library!

Online tools for business @ your library

The San Antonio Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and the San Antonio Public Library America will present free hands-on training in the use of the social media site Twitter for business publicity and promotion, and online business research tools available from the Library.

The class will be offered twice on Wednesday, September 23, once in the morning, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon; and once in the afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Central Library, 600 Soledad.

The first part of the workshop will focus on the use of Twitter to publicize and promote business. Participants will set up their own Twitter accounts and learn about applications, searching Twitter conversations, Twitter jargon, and how to use Twitter strategically for their businesses or organizations.

Next, the session will cover free online research tools for business available on the Library’s website, http://www.mysapl.org/, with emphasis on BusinessDecision, a service that provides customizable business-oriented reports, data, and maps for the San Antonio metro area. BusinessDecision provides powerful consumer market data that enables business owners to better reach existing customers and to identify new opportunities.

The training is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register for the morning session, go to http://tinyurl.com/saplbizinfo1, and for the afternoon session, go to http://tinyurl.com/saplbizinfo2.

One hour of free parking is available in the Central Library parking garage with a validated ticket. For more information about PRSA San Antonio, go to http://www.prsanantonio.com/. For more information about the San Antonio Public Library, call 207-2500 or visit http://www.mysapl.org/.

New Branch Library Hours

Beginning October 1, 2009, most San Antonio Public Library branches will be open 7 days a week on a new schedule!

New hours for Bazan, Brook Hollow, Forest Hills, Great Northwest, Igo, Johnston, Landa, Las Palmas, McCreless, Pan American, Thousand Oaks and Westfall

Monday.....12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday.....10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday.....12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday - Sunday.....10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

New hours for Carver, Cody, Collins Gardens, Cortez, Guerra, Maverick, Memorial, San Pedro, Semmes and Tobin
Monday.....10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday.....12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday.....10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday.....12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Friday - Sunday.....10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

School-year public service hours for the Bannwolf Public Library at Reagan High School and the Pruitt Public Library at Roosevelt High School
Monday - Thursday.....4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m
Friday.....Closed
Saturday - Sunday.....10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

New schedule for the Texana/Genealogy Room at the Central Library
Monday.....Closed
Tuesday.....12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday......9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday.....12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday.....9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday.....Closed

General public service hours at the Central Library will remain the same
Monday - Thursday.....9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday.....9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday.....11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information, please call (210) 207-2500 or visit our website, http://www.blogger.com/www.mysapl.org.

Online Tools for Business: Social Media and Library Resources

The San Antonio Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and the San Antonio Public Library America will present free hands-on training in the use of the social media site Twitter for business publicity and promotion, and online business research tools available from the Library.

The class will be offered twice on Wednesday, September 23, once in the morning, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon; and once in the afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Central Library, 600 Soledad.

The first part of the workshop will focus on the use of Twitter to publicize and promote business. Participants will set up their own Twitter accounts and learn about applications, searching Twitter conversations, Twitter jargon, and how to use Twitter strategically for their businesses or organizations.

Next, the session will cover free online research tools for business available on the Library’s website, http://www.mysapl.org/, with emphasis on BusinessDecision, a service that provides customizable business-oriented reports, data, and maps for the San Antonio metro area. BusinessDecision provides powerful consumer market data that enables business owners to better reach existing customers and to identify new opportunities.

The training is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register for the morning session, go to http://tinyurl.com/saplbizinfo1, and for the afternoon session, go to http://tinyurl.com/saplbizinfo2.

One hour of free parking is available in the Central Library parking garage with a validated ticket. For more information about PRSA San Antonio, go to http://www.prsanantonio.com/. For more information about the San Antonio Public Library, call 207-2500 or visit http://www.mysapl.org/.

Back-to-school is busy for teachers, too! There's help @ your library!

The San Antonio Public Library continues its series of free training workshops for teachers with a session scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19. This workshop will cover Library science resources for students. Participants will earn 2 CPE credits for each completed course.

The program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To reserve a place, please register online at teacher workshop or call (210) 207-2500.

One hour of free parking is available in the Central Library parking garage with a validated ticket. For more information, the public may call 207-2500.

Got homework? We've got help!

So school is back in session - and you've got homework.

The San Antonio Public Library's got you covered! With your San Antonio Public Library card, you have free access to online tutoring in real time.

Just visit our webpage, http://www.mysapl.org/, click on "Databases," then on "Live Homework Help." You'll be connected to a qualified tutor who will work with you to resolve your homework issues. Help is available in subjects from algebra to zoology, in English Monday through Sunday, 3:oo p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and in Spanish Sunday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Library has lots of ways to help with homework. For more infomation, call us at 207-2500.

Online Tools for Business: Social Media and Library Resources

The San Antonio Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and the San Antonio Public Library America will present free hands-on training in the use of the social media site Twitter for business publicity and promotion, and online business research tools available from the Library.

The class will be offered twice on Wednesday, September 23, once in the morning, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon; and once in the afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Central Library, 600 Soledad.

The first part of the workshop will focus on the use of Twitter to publicize and promote business. Participants will set up their own Twitter accounts and learn about applications, searching Twitter conversations, Twitter jargon, and how to use Twitter strategically for their businesses or organizations.

Next, the session will cover free online research tools for business available on the Library’s website, http://www.mysapl.org/, with emphasis on BusinessDecision, a service that provides customizable business-oriented reports, data, and maps for the San Antonio metro area. BusinessDecision provides powerful consumer market data that enables business owners to better reach existing customers and to identify new opportunities.

The training is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register for the morning session, go to http://tinyurl.com/saplbizinfo1, and for the afternoon session, go to http://tinyurl.com/saplbizinfo2.

One hour of free parking is available in the Central Library parking garage with a validated ticket. For more information about PRSA San Antonio, go to http://www.prsanantonio.com/. For more information about the San Antonio Public Library, call 207-2500 or visit http://www.mysapl.org/.

Las Palmas Branch Library gets a facelift

The Las Palmas Branch Library, 515 Castroville Road, will close on Monday, August 31, for renovations which will include roof replacement, parking lot repairs, exterior painting and graffiti-proofing, interior painting, restroom renovations, landscaping, sidewalk repairs, carpet replacement, furniture replacement, and installation of a new lighted flagpole. The project, which is funded by $480,000 in City of San Antonio Certificates of Obligation, is expected to last for approximately three weeks.

You can use your San Antonio Public Library card at any San Antonio Public Library location, and you can return your checked-out items to any location in the San Antonio Public Library system. You can also renew your materials online at www.mysapl.org, or phone at 207-6121 (toll-free 1-866-432-8950).

The libraries closest to the Las Palmas Branch Library are:

Bazan Branch Library
2200 W. Commerce Street
(210) 225-1614

Memorial Branch Library
3222 Culebra Road
(210) 432-6783

Guerra Branch Library
7978 Military Drive West
(210) 673-1492

You're invited to take this opportunity to get to know other libraries in our system!

For more information, please call 207-2500 or visit the Library’s website, www.mysapl.org.

Got homework? We've got help!

So school is back in session - and you've got homework.

The San Antonio Public Library's got you covered! With your San Antonio Public Library card, you have free access to online tutoring in real time.

Just visit our webpage, www.mysapl.org, click on "Databases," then on "Live Homework Help." You'll be connected to a qualified tutor who will work with you to resolve your homework issues. Help is available in subjects from algebra to zoology, in English Monday through Sunday, 3:oo p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and in Spanish Sunday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Library has lots more ways to help with homework. For more infomation, call us at 207-2500.

Job hunting? The San Antonio Public Library wants to help!

Job hunting? It’s a tough market out there. Be sure your résumé reflects your skills and experience!

Whether you don’t know where to start, or just need someone to proofread what you’ve written, help is available. Thanks to a free service offered by San Antonio Public Library, you can get online résumé help in real time from a qualified tutor.

You'll need your San Antonio Public Library card. Go to the library's web site http://www.mysapl.org/, click on "Databases," scroll down and click on "Live Homework Help," then click on "Career Center." Help is available 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.

You can also access this service from any public computer at the Library.

For more information, call (210) 207-2500.

SAPL audiobooks now in iPod and Mac formats!

iPod users can now download and enjoy almost every single audiobook on Overdrive! That’s right - Overdrive struck a deal with the vast majority of publishers allowing the conversion of .wma file audiobooks for a variety of Apple products.

Macintosh users can utilize a special Mac-compatible version of the Overdrive Media Console and download and enjoy the mp3-file audiobooks from Overdrive and NetLibrary - a total of over 1200 audiobooks to choose from.

To get started, you'll need a San Antonio Public Library card. Go to "Downloadables" on the San Antonio Public Library home page (http://www.mysapl.org/), then click on "Digital Media Downloads" under the "OverDrive Digital Library" header. Follow the instructions to start downloading books, music and more to your Apple-compatible device.

Don't have a library card? All you need is proof of residence in Bexar County and a photo ID. Stop by any location of the San Antonio Public Library and you can leave with your own library card!

Can't visit a library just now? Go to "How do I get a library card?" You'll be walked through signing up online, and will be able to access most of our online resources, including downloadables, right away! Come by a San Antonio Public Library location within 30 days to get your hard-copy library card.

(Of course, if you have an MP3 or other device, you can get the same great stuff! Just click on the "Downloadables" link above and follow the directions.)

And the best part? All of this is free! Happy reading - or listening!

Westfall Branch Library gets a facelift

The Westfall Branch Library will close on Monday, August 17, for renovations which will include roof replacement, parking lot repairs, American Disability Act upgrades to sidewalks and handicapped parking spaces, interior painting, new carpet, new furniture, restroom renovations, installation of a lighted flagpole, and repainting of the monument sign. The project is expected to last for approximately two weeks.

Your San Antonio Public Library card may be used at any San Antonio Public Library location. While the branch is closed, checked-out items may be returned to any location in the San Antonio Public Library system, renewed online at http://www.mysapl.org/, or renewed by phone at 207-6121 (toll-free 1-866-432-8950).

The libraries closest to the Westfall Branch Library are:

Landa Branch Library
233 Bushnell Avenue
(210) 732-8369

Cody Branch Library
11441 Vance Jackson Road
(210) 696-6396

Forest Hills Branch Library
5245 Ingram Road
(210) 431-2544

For more information, call 207-2500

Help for teachers @ your library

It's almost time for school to start, and teachers all over the city are getting ready to welcome new students. To help teachers prepare for the new school year, the San Antonio Public Library is offering a series of free database classes. The second class in the series, which will cover resources for elementary and middle-school students, is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. Students will earn 2 CPE credits for each completed course. Future classes will be determined, in part, by students attending the class.

The program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To reserve a place, please register online at http://tinyurl.com/teacher-resources or call (210) 207-2500.
One hour of free parking is available in the Central Library parking garage with a validated ticket. For more information, the public may call 207-2500.

Virtual San Antonio Public Library adds new resources

The Latino Collection at the San Antonio Public Library now has an online counterpart - open 24 hours a day! We've added subscriptions to the Latino Literature and the Latin American Women Writers databases from Alexander Street Press. Both collections feature thousands of pages of fiction, poetry, essays and plays, much of it never before published. Check out the showcases at Latino Literature and Latin American Women Writers for a quick overview of the content at each database. To access the databases themselves, go to www.mysapl.org and click on "Databases" at the top of the page.

The Latino Collection is a cultural and educational resource which chronicles and celebrates the literature, heritage, and contemporary life of Latinos in the United States. Though the majority of this collection focuses on the Mexican American or Chicano experience, materials about Puerto Rican, Cuban American and other Latin American heritages are also included in the collection. The collection was established in 1996 and currently includes more than 7,000 volumes.

Looking for a great career?

Are you looking for a great career? Think about becoming a librarian! The San Antonio Public Library and San Antonio Public Library Foundation want to help – you could receive a scholarship to study for your Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science! For more information, please call (210) 207-2635 or visit http://www.saplf.org/.

Cleaning goes green @ the Library

Most of us enjoy a clean home, but sadly, today’s hectic pace doesn’t leave us the time that she had for household chores. We want it – need it – to be done simply and quickly, which is why household cleaning products are a 7-billion-dollar business yearly (Packaged Facts, Feb. 2008). Chemicals make the work easier.

But do we need all those bottles and toxins under the sink? Some people say no. Today’s trend is green cleaning, a new twist on an old activity: housekeeping. Green cleaning involves eliminating toxins from the equation by use of natural or plant-based products to get the job done.

At a brownbag program at the Central Library, 600 Soledad, on Wednesday, August 5, at 11:30 a.m., April Mier will explain how to clean your home simply and effectively with a few basic multi-use products, such as vinegar, cream of tartar, baking soda, lemons, and salt. Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch to the event. Table seating will be available.

The event is free and open to the public. One hour's free parking is available in the Library Parking Garage with validated ticket.

Library invites kids, families to celebrate a summer of reading!

On Saturday, August 1, the San Antonio Public Library invites children and their parents to celebrate a summer of reading with SummerFest at the Central Library, 600 Soledad. The fun will kick off at 11:00 a.m. and run until 3:00 p.m. Activities will include crafts, games, facepainting, and refreshments.

The event is free and open to the public. For this event only, free parking will be available all day in the Library parking garage. For more information, the public may call 207-2621.

Summer Reading and SummerFest sponsors include the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library, CPS Energy, Scholastic, First Book, the San Antonio Silver Stars, McDonald’s, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation and the City of San Antonio Downtown Operations Department.

Renovations completed, Thousand Oaks is back in business!

The Thousand Oaks Branch Library, 4618 Thousand Oaks Drive, will reopen for service on schedule Monday, July 27, following two weeks of renovations. The $240,000 project, funded by Certificates of Obligation and City capital funds, included replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; roof repairs; installation of new carpet; new interior and exterior painting; parking lot repairs and re-striping; renovation of the restrooms; and installation of a new monument sign and lighted flagpole.

Thousand Oaks Branch Library service hours will be:

Monday 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

For a map showing the branch library's location, please go to http://www.mysapl.org/location.aspx?id=tho.

Looking for a great career?

Are you looking for a great career? Think about becoming a librarian! The San Antonio Public Library and San Antonio Public Library Foundation want to help – you could receive a scholarship to study for your Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science! For more information, please call (210) 207-2635 or visit http://www.saplf.org/.

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the moon landing

On July 20, 1969, the Lunar Landing Module of the Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon and astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on non-Terran soil. If you're fascinated by man's trip to the moon, the San Antonio Public Library can help you trace the footsteps of that historic journey.

For a look at the technology and engineering behind the project, check out the DVD series Men on the Moon.

A glimpse of the behind-the-scenes politics can be found in Piers Bizony's The Man Who Ran the Moon: James E. Webb and the Secret History of Project Apollo.

Two Mercury astronauts, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton, offer their perspectives on the space program in Moon Shot: the Inside Story of America's Race to the Moon.

Children can learn some of the history of manned moon travel in Apollo 11: First Moon Landing by Michael D. Cole, or Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca.

Visit NASA's official website http://www.nasa.gov/ for more information on the U.S. space program.

And, of course, ask your librarian for suggestions on where to look for great reads on this fascinating subject.

Has it really been five years? Celebrate with us!

Five years ago the west side of San Antonio gained a new library! The Guerra Branch Library, 7978 Military Drive West, opened on July 14, 2004, and quickly became one of our busiest locations.

Beginning at 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 18, 2009, we'll celebrate the Guerra Branch Library's fifth anniversary with fun activities and a special dedication.

At noon, storyteller Bob Blackstone will thrill kids and adults alike with his tales.

At 1:00 p.m., a special ceremony will dedicate the branch meeting room to a former District 6 City Council Representative, the late Enrique M. Barrera.

Winding up the activities at 2:00 p.m. will be the KaZamba African Drum and Dance Troupe.

All activities are free and everyone is invited.

Library shows you how to travel the world without breaking the budget

Safe, inexpensive world travel is possible - let Hostelling International USA show you how at “World Travel 101.” Novice international travelers will learn how to prepare for a trip overseas that won’t break the budget. Topics include planning an itinerary, transportation options, saving and carrying money, packing, accommodation, safety, and more. Depart from the familiar and begin your adventure with World Travel 101!

To find out all this and more, come to the Southwest Texas Council of Hostelling International USA budget travel workshop, “World Travel 101,” on Sunday, July 19, at 2:00 p.m. in the Central Library Auditorium, 600 Soledad.

The program is free and open to the public. One hour of free parking is available in the Central Library parking garage with a validated ticket. For more information, the public may call 207-2500.

Library offers special resources/assistance for teachers

Teachers have a lot to do, and the San Antonio Public Library wants to help. We are offering a series of summer training sessions for teachers to familiarize them with resources available through the Library. The introductory class will be on Saturday, July 18, at 2:00 p.m. and will cover the new mySAPL website, catalog searching, LearningExpress Library and Live Homework Help. Participants will earn 2 CPE credits for each completed course. Not only will you find out a lot about the resources the Library has to offer you and your students, but your input will also help us decide what to cover in future classes.

The program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To reserve a place, please register online at http://tinyurl.com/teacherdb or call (210) 207-2500.

One hour of free parking is available in the Central Library parking garage with a validated ticket. For more information, the public may call 207-2500.

Job & Career Resources @ the San Antonio Public Library

Whether you're starting your career or seeking a new position, the San Antonio Public Library can help you find and land the perfect job. The Library has lots of job and career resources, including job listings, résumé and interview help, and computer classes. At http://www.mysapl.org/, we've posted a Job and Career Guide to help you search our catalog, review databases, and find all kinds of other resources - all in one place.

Need to take a test to qualify for your next job? Visit LearningExpress on our webpage to practice. There are even online self-paced courses in topics such as business writing, and beginning July 1 LearningExpress will have a section to help with résumé writing!

No computer? Use ours! All 24 library locations have computers available to search for jobs, create a résumé, or submit an application online. (Bring a disk or flash drive if you would like to save your work.) We have wireless access if you have your own laptop or PDA.

These are just a few of the Library's resources on job hunting, careers, résumé development, and interviewing. Check with your librarian for help in locating and using these and other materials!

Library improves Bookmobile schedule

The San Antonio Public Library Bookmobile is adding more stops and adjusting its schedule to meet the ever-changing needs of library patrons. Beginning July 1, the Bookmobile will add one new stop, relocate two present stops, and shorten its hours at each location.

“With our customers’ increased use of the internet, they have changed how they use the Bookmobile,” said Ramona Lucius, Library Outreach Coordinator. “Instead of perceiving the bookmobile as a substitute for a building, a growing number of our patrons are placing requests for material on the library’s website [www.mysapl.org] and selecting the Bookmobile as their pick-up location. Shortening the time we spend at each Bookmobile location will allow us to make more stops and reach more people. Over the next year, we will be adding several new stops in outlying areas that are not currently being served.”

Full details for the Bookmobile’s schedule and locations are available on the new print schedule available at any Library branch, on www.mysapl.org, and on the bookmobile blog (http://saplbookmobile.blogspot.com/). Changes starting in July include: · Adding a new stop in Helotes at Casa Helotes Senior Center, 12070 Leslie. · Relocating the west side stop from John Glenn Elementary School to a new stop in Kirby at Hopkins Elementary School, 2440 Ackerman. · Relocating the south side stop from Southside ISD to a new stop in the Elmendorf area, 4125 S Loop 1604 E (in the Whataburger parking lot). The Bookmobile provides monthly library service to readers of all ages who live in the outlying areas of Bexar County. It carries over 3,500 books and loans approximately 10,000 items annually.

Out and [Writing] About

In honor of Pride Month, the Library will feature readings by local GLBTI authors. Featured authors are Anel Flores, Pablo Miguel Martinez, and Rialistic. Cosponsored by Gemini Ink.

June 25 • 6:30 p.m.
Brook Hollow Branch Branch Library
530 Heimer Road • 496-6315

For more information on Pride Month events, please visit http://guides.mysapl.org/content.php?pid=43429.

Meet the Author! Church of Lies

The San Antonio Public Library will offer a special presentation by Church of Lies author Flora Jessop on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 600 Soledad. Jessop, raised in the strict Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), will tell the dramatic true story of how in the 1980s she escaped from the church of the FBI's most-wanted polygamist, Warren Jeffs. Since then, Jessop has faced frustrating obstacles but won some hard-fought successes in rescuing women and children from the FLDS. Her book Church of Lies describes her dark experiences growing up in the polygamist sect.

The program is free and open to the public, and one hour free parking is available in the Library parking garage with a validated ticket. For more information, visit the Library's webpage http://www.mysapl.org/ and click on "Events Calendar," or call (210) 207-2500.

Take Me Out

In honor of Pride Month, the Library will host “Take Me Out” as part of the "Bringing Books to Life" series of dramatic readings. The San Pedro Playhouse, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, and the San Antonio Public Library made this reading possible through the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts.

June 20 • 2:30 p.m.
Maverick Branch Library
8700 Mystic Park • 680-9346

For more information on Pride Month events, please visit http://guides.mysapl.org/content.php?pid=43429.

Coming Out: Personal Journeys of GLBTI Community Members

In honor of Pride Month, the Library will host Coming Out: Personal Journeys of GLBTI Community Members. Panelists include Robert Vargas, Editor of Ignite SA, Partners and Stonewall Democrats Daniel Graney and Roberto Flores, and HRC activist, Gayl Newton, and transgender rights advocate, Julia DeGrace. Sponsored by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

June 18 • 6:30 p.m.
Landa Branch Library
233 Bushnell Avenue • 732-8369

For more information on Pride Month events, please visit http://guides.mysapl.org/content.php?pid=43429.

Library Improves Bookmobile Schedule

The San Antonio Public Library Bookmobile is adding more stops and adjusting its schedule to meet the ever-changing needs of library patrons. Beginning July 1, the Bookmobile will add one new stop, relocate two present stops, and shorten its hours at each location.

“With our customers’ increased use of the internet, they have changed how they use the Bookmobile,” said Ramona Lucius, Library Outreach Coordinator. “Instead of perceiving the bookmobile as a substitute for a building, a growing number of our patrons are placing requests for material on the library’s website [www.mysapl.org] and selecting the Bookmobile as their pick-up location. Shortening the time we spend at each Bookmobile location will allow us to make more stops and reach more people. Over the next year, we will be adding several new stops in outlying areas that are not currently being served.”

Full details for the Bookmobile’s schedule and locations are available on the new print schedule available at any Library branch, on www.mysapl.org, and on the bookmobile blog (http://saplbookmobile.blogspot.com/). Changes starting in July include:
· Adding a new stop in Helotes at Casa Helotes Senior Center, 12070 Leslie.
· Relocating the west side stop from John Glenn Elementary School to a new stop in Kirby at Hopkins Elementary School, 2440 Ackerman.
· Relocating the south side stop from Southside ISD to a new stop in the Elmendorf area, 4125 S Loop 1604 E (in the Whataburger parking lot).

The Bookmobile provides monthly library service to readers of all ages who live in the outlying areas of Bexar County. It carries over 3,500 books and loans approximately 10,000 items annually.

Celebrate Lincoln & Juneteenth @ your library!

The San Antonio Public Library is joining in the national celebration of our 16th President’s 200th birthday and Texas’ Emancipation on Juneteenth, June 19. The Library will mark this historic milestone with several events and activities aimed at renewing appreciation of Lincoln’s ideals of freedom, democracy and equal opportunity, and teaching students and adults the significance of Juneteenth and its implications for today.

Carver Branch Library
3350 E. Commerce Street • (210) 225-7801
June 18, 12:00 noon
Juneteenth Lecture by Dr. Carey H. Latimore IV
Assistant Professor at Trinity University and Co-Chair of African American Studies

June 18 and 19, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Juneteenth Workshop (students in grades 1st – 12th)
Presented by Claudette Lewis, former schoolteacher and founder of the Cherice Cochran Mentoring Foundation

Both events are free, but space is limited. Please call (210) 225-7801 for reservations.

Memorial Branch Library
3222 Culebra Road • (210) 432-6783
June 20, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Juneteenth Celebration
Refreshments, crafts and outdoor games, and summer book sale.

With more than 500 items about Lincoln in the library’s catalog, there are multiple resources available to examine the “Great Emancipator’s” legacy. During the month of June, free copies of the Library of America’s Lincoln Anthology will be available at each branch for patrons to pick up (while supplies last.) These booklets focus on how writers have appraised Lincoln's role in ending slavery and his attitudes toward race, and how his legacy has been used to challenge American society to live up to its ideals.

All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, the public may visit the Library website, http://www.mysapl.org/, or call (210) 207-2500.

All in the Family

In honor of Pride Month, the Library will host a panel discussion with local lawyers about legal rights for same-sex partnerships and families. Panelists include attorneys Stephanie Boyd, Ina Castillo and William F. Goodman.

June 11 • 6:30 p.m.
Cody Branch Library
11441 Vance Jackson Road • 696-6396

For more information on Pride Month events, please visit http://guides.mysapl.org/content.php?pid=43429.

Pride Movie Nights

The library will hold special screenings of Milk, the 2008 film that chronicles the life of Harvey Milk, San Francisco’s first openly gay elected official. Sean Penn won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as Harvey Milk.

June 9 • 6:30 p.m.
Central Library
600 Soledad • 207-2500

June 11 • 6:30 p.m.
Brook Hollow Branch Library
530 Heimer Road • 496-6315

June 13 • 2:00 p.m.
Landa Branch Library
233 Bushnell Avenue • 732-8369

June 26 • 1:30 p.m.
The Tobin Library at Oakwell
4134 Harry Wurzbach Road • 828-2569

For more information on Pride Month events, please visit http://guides.mysapl.org/content.php?pid=43429.

Library Kicks Off Summer Programming!

2009 Summer Programming officially kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at the Central Library, 600 Soledad. To jump start this special summer for children, the Magik Theatre will launch their library run of the hit show If You Give a Mouse a Cookie with performances at 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. at the Central Library. Based on the book by Laura Numeroff, this is a show kids will love. It’s funny. It’s silly. It’s Magik!

Throughout the summer, the library will offer events, crafts, prizes and other fun activities to encourage kids and teens to read a good book. Children can join the 2009 Summer Reading Club at any library location or online at mysapl.org beginning June 1. They’ll receive a Summer Reading Log and a calendar filled with library programs designed just for them. When they’ve completed fifteen books, they can bring their reading logs back to the library and choose a book to keep for their own.

The library’s summer programming will keep San Antonio’s children entertained with everything from Baby Time to BACK Pack (Books, Activities and Crafts for Kids). In addition to weekly library programs, several special performances are also planned. Following its premier performance at the Central Library, the Magik Theatre will take the show on the road with showings of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie at branch libraries around the city. Azul Barrientos will perform songs loved by generations of children, from gentle lullabies to rowdy playground rhymes. And Spikey Mikey, San Antonio’s favorite magician, brings his bag of tricks back to the library as well.

For more information on joining the Summer Reading Program, and for a complete calendar of children’s activities, visit mysapl.org. The San Antonio Public Library Children’s Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library, CPS Energy, First Book, Scholastic, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, and the San Antonio Public Library.

Celebrate Dance @ Your Library

In honor of Dance Celebration Month, the San Antonio Public Library will be hosting several dance events this weekend. The Library invites you to join us Saturday, May 30 for a presentation by the Kazamba Drum and Dance Group. An award-winning dynamic percussion and dance ensemble specializing in Brazilian, African and Caribbean influenced world rhythms, Kazamba combines Carnaval traditions from around the world with the energy of contemporary drum and dance performance.

Saturday, May 30 • 2:00 p.m.
Collins Garden Branch Library
200 N. Park • 225-0331

Other Dance Month activities this weekend include performances by The Bedouin Dancers. The Bedouin Dancers embody the beauty and complexity of Middle Eastern dance while remaining true to its origins. They perform Middle Eastern, Gypsy, Folkloric and Tribal Dances.

Sunday, May 31 • 2:00 p.m.
Semmes Branch Library
15060 Judson Road • 650-9540

2009 Summer Reading = Summer Fun

Every summer, thousands of San Antonio parents are faced with the same old question: “What do I do to keep my kids busy this summer?” The San Antonio Public Library has the answer: “Get them reading!” At 24 locations across San Antonio, the library will host summer reading programs for children and teens. The library will offer events, crafts, prizes and other fun activities to encourage kids to read a good book.

Children can join the 2009 Summer Reading Club at any library location or online at mysapl.org beginning June 1. They’ll receive a Summer Reading Log and a calendar filled with library programs designed just for them. When they’ve completed fifteen books, they can bring their Reading Logs back to the library and choose a book to keep for their own.

The library’s summer programming kicks off June 6 and will keep San Antonio’s children entertained with everything from Baby Time to BACK Pack (Books, Activities and Crafts for Kids). In addition to weekly library programs, several special performances are also planned. This summer, Magik Theatre returns to the library with the hit show If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, based on the book by Laura Numeroff. Azul Barrientos will perform songs loved by generations of children from Mexico and South Texas, from gentle lullabies to rowdy playground rhymes. And Spikey Mikey, San Antonio’s favorite magician, brings his bag of tricks back to the library as well.

The San Antonio Public Library Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library, CPS Energy, First Book, Scholastic, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, and the San Antonio Public Library.

Celebrate Dance @ Your Library

In honor of Dance Celebration Month, the San Antonio Public Library will be hosting several dance events in May. The Library invites you to join us Saturday, May 23 for a presentation by the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas. Artistic Director Catherine Batcheller will give an introduction to the work and mission of the Conservatory as well as the history and background of ballet. Attendees will then be treated to performances by a few of the company dancers and students.

Saturday, May 23 • 10:00 a.m.
Cody Branch Library
11441 Vance Jackson Road • 696-6396

Other Dance Month activities this weekend include performances by San Antonio School for the Performing Arts. Their children’s groups Sarsaparilla and Coming Attractions will perform Fiesta-themed dances.

Saturday, May 23 • 2:00 p.m.
Guerra Branch Library
7978 Military Drive West • 673-1492

Sunday, May 24 • 2:00 p.m.
Thousand Oaks Branch Library
4618 Thousand Oaks Drive • 657-5205

javaNook Coffeehouse Now Open @ Central Library

Visitors to the Central Library will find there’s been an addition to the great resources and services already available: the javaNook Coffeehouse has added its hospitality to the Library’s amenities. The coffeehouse, located just outside the Library exit at 600 Soledad, opened on Tuesday, March 31.

Operated by owners/managers (and friends) Don Counts and Nancy Maladecki, javaNook is lending a unique touch to the popular coffee industry. Customers are likely to see others playing chess, discussing the featured artist on display, or visiting, rather than isolating themselves with their computers or headsets.

As a local small business, javaNook believes in offering the best to their customers and serves locally-roasted coffee at reasonable prices. The javaNook menu includes a variety of blended espresso drinks served hot, frosted or iced, spritzers, javaNook’s specialty Frosty Max and Maddi Blaster drinks, and other non-coffee beverages to please all tastes. Also available are snacks, sweets, sandwiches and other tasty coffee accompaniments.

Don and Nancy’s goal is to make javaNook “the neighborhood coffeehouse,” and in the future they plan to offer poetry readings, live music and extended evening hours. For now, the coffeehouse schedule shadows Central Library hours:

Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

For more information on javaNook, visit their website at www.javanook.us. For more information about the San Antonio Public Library, the public may call 207-2500 or visit www.sanantonio.gov/library.

One hour of free parking is available in the Central Library parking garage with a validated ticket.

Young Poets Take Flight!

For more than 75 years, the library has celebrated the talents of the city’s young writers with the Young Pegasus Poetry Competition. Sunday, May 17, the Library will present the Awards Ceremony for the 71 young poets selected in the 2009 Young Pegasus competition. Begun by the Library in 1927, the Young Pegasus Poetry Competition has been a springboard for success in fields ranging from literature to the law. Previous Young Pegasus poets have included such outstanding San Antonians as Jay Brandon, Henry Cisneros, Naomi Shihab Nye and County Court-at-Law Judge Michael Mery.

Open to children 18 and under, the Young Pegasus Poetry Competition was begun to celebrate Book Week (now called National Children’s Book Week). This year among the 1,750 poems submitted for consideration, 86 were selected for publication. The youngest poet recognized is 6 years old.

Poets are invited to submit their work, which is then reviewed anonymously by a panel of judges. Selected poems are printed in an anthology, and publicly read during the Awards Ceremony. The published writers receive certificates honoring their achievement and copies of the anthology in which their work appears. Copies of the anthology will be on sale at the Awards Ceremony, and throughout the year at the Central Library. Cost of the anthology is $7.00, and all proceeds support the Library.

The ceremony is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17, in the Hermann Sons Grand Lodge at 515 S. St. Mary’s. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available at no charge in lots to the west and north of the Hermann Sons Lodge. Wheelchair access is through a door opening off the west parking lot. For more information, the public can call 207-2500.

Students the winners in “Be One in a Million” School Challenge

Congratulations to the 5,430 students who signed up for library cards as part of the San Antonio Public Library’s “Be One in a Million” School Challenge. While prizes will be awarded to the school in each district with the largest percentage increase in number of cardholders, their students are the real winners. A library card is our students’ smartest card, their best school supply, and their ticket to opportunity at any age.

During the past month, area schools participated in the “Be One in a Million” School Challenge and supported the library’s campaign to register 1,000,000 residents for library cards. Response to the school challenge was amazing – and unanticipated - with almost 200 San Antonio schools participating. Congratulations to our challenge winners below; each is truly “One in a Million”.

City Overall Winner (school with the greatest increase in number of card holders)
· San Antonio ISD – Briscoe Academy

School District Winners
· Alamo Heights ISD – Alamo Heights Junior School
· East Central ISD – East Central High School
· Edgewood ISD – Cenizo Park Elementary
· Harlandale ISD – Vestal Elementary
· Judson ISD – Salinas Elementary
· North East ISD – Montgomery Elementary
· Northside ISD – Stinson Middle School
· San Antonio ISD – Hawthorne Academy
· Somerset ISD – SSG Michael P. Barrera Veterans Elementary
· Southwest ISD – Indian Creek Elementary

All winners will be recognized at a City Council meeting and presented with a collection of new materials for their school library and a banner to promote their victory.

With a city illiteracy rate of 25%, the parent-teacher-librarian connection is critical to helping San Antonio create good literacy environments in homes, in our schools and in our communities. Thank you to all the schools who participated in the challenge, and especially their faculty and staff. They are “One in a Million”!

Support Your School and "Be One in a Million"

Over 150 San Antonio schools have answered the challenge from City Council and joined our library card campaign. The school challenge runs now through May 7, and encourages schools to sign up everyone in their community for a library card. Prizes will be awarded to the school in each district with the largest percentage increase in number of cardholders.

The winning schools will be recognized at a City Council meeting and presented with a collection of new materials for their library and a banner to promote their victory. Look for an announcement of each district’s winner on mysapl.org on May 8!

Participating schools include:

Alamo Heights ISD
Alamo Heights Junior School
Cambridge Elementary
Woodridge Elementary School

East Central ISD
East Central Development Center East Central High School Legacy Middle School Pecan Valley Elementary

Edgewood ISD
Brentwood Middle School Cenizo Park Elementary Coronado Escobar Fine Arts Academy Library Gardendale Henry B Gonzalez Elementary Las Palmas Elementary Loma Park Elementary Lyndon B Johnson Elementary N. Winston Elementary Perales Elementary Roosevelt Elementary Stafford Elementary Truman Middle School Wrenn Middle School

Harlandale ISD
Harlandale Middle School Leal Middle School

Judson ISD
Hartman Elementary Hopkins Elementary Salinas Elementary William Paschall Elementary

North East ISD
Bradley Middle School Bulverde Creek Elementary School Bush Middle School Camelot Elementary School Canyon Ridge Elementary Canyon Ridge Elementary School Castle Hills Elementary School Center School Churchill High School Clear Springs Coker Elementary School Colonial Hills Elementary School Dellview Elementary School Driscoll Middle School East Terrell Hill Elementary School Eisenhower Middle School El Dorado Elementary School Encino Park Elementary Encino Park Elementary School Encino Park Elementary School Fox Run Elementary Fox Run Elementary School Garner Middle School Hardy Oak Elementary School Harmony Hills Elementary Harmony Hills Elementary School Harris Middle School Hidden Forest Elementary School Huebner Road Elementary School Jackson Keller Elementary School Jackson Middle School Johnson High School Krueger Middle School Larkspur Elementary School Lee High School Long Creek Elementary School Lopez Middle School MacArthur High School Madison High School Montgomery Elementary School Nimitz Middle School Northern Hills Elementary School Northwood Elementary Northwood Elementary School Oak Grove Elementary School Oak Meadow Elementary School Olmos Elmentary School Reagan High School Redland Oaks Elementary School Regency Place Elementary School Ridgeview Elementary School Roan Forest Elementary School Ronald Reagan High School Roosevelt High School Royal Ridge Elementary School Serna Elementary School Stahl Elementary School Steubing Ranch Elementary School Stone Oak Elementary School Tejeda Middle School Thousand Oaks Elementary Thousand Oaks Elementary School Walzem Elementary Walzem Elementary School West Avenue Elementary School Wetmore Elementary School White Middle School Wilderness Oak Elementary School Wilshire Elementary School Windcrest Elementary School Wood Middle School Woodstone Elementary Woodstone Elementary School

Northside ISD
Bob Beard Elementary Cody Elementary Colby Glass Elementary Colonies North Elementary School Evelyn Scarborough Elementary Howsman Elementary Jefferson Middle School John Marshall High School Knowlton Elementary Locke Hill Elementary Luna Middle School Mary Burns Michael Elementary Mary Lou Fisher Elementary Murray E. Boone Elementary Nichols Elementary Rita Kay Driggers Elementary Scobee Elementary School Stinson Middle School Timberwilde Elementary Tom C. Clark High School Valley High Elementary Wanke Elementary William P. Hobby Middle School Wm.H. Taft High School Zachry Middle School

San Antonio ISD
Agnes Cotton Elementary Baskin Academy Bonham Academy Briscoe Academy Carvajal Elementary School David Crockett Elementary Edison High School Forbes Elementary School Fox Tech High School Gates Elementary Gonzales Achievement Center Highland Park Elementary Hillcrest Elementary School Huppertz Elementary Ira Ogden Elementary School Irving Academy Japhet Elementary School Jefferson High School Kate Schenck Elementary Knox Elementary Longfellow Middle School Madison Elementary Madison Elementary Navarro High School P.F. Stewart Elementary Pickett Center Robert B. Green Elementary Rodriguez Elementary School Steele Elementary Woodlawn Elementary

Somerset ISD
Somerset High School SSG Michael P. Barrera Veterans Elementary

South San Antonio ISD
Page Middle School Southwest ISD Big Country Elementary Bob Hope Elementary Christa McAuliffe Middle School Elm Creek Elementary Elm Creek Elementary Francis R. Scobee Middle School Hidden Cove Elementary Hidden Cove Elementary Indian Creek Elemenatry School Kriewald Road Elementary McNair Middle School Sky Harbor Elementary Southwest Elementary Southwest High School Sun Valley Elementary

College Applications and Financial Aid – Made Easy

College-bound students and their families who’d like assistance with applying for college and financial aid can get help at the Central Library Auditorium on Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. The library is offering a free program on College Applications and Financial Aid – Made Easy, presented by Chandra Murthy, as part of a non-profit service from the Gowri Krishna Foundation.

Preparation for college should start early in a student’s life. Parents and students will learn how to build an “education portfolio” that will make their college and scholarship applications more competitive. Information will be available in both English and Spanish.

Topics to be discussed include:
· applying for college
· financial aid and student loans sources
· preparing for standardized tests
· writing powerful essays
· the importance of extracurricular activities
· applying without a computer

Don’t’ wait! Register online at mysapl.org, or by calling 210-207-2500. Central Library is located at 600 Soledad. One hour of free parking is available in the Library Garage with a validated ticket.

Library Helps Separate Swine Flu Fact from Fiction

With cases of swine flu identified as close as neighboring Guadalupe County, community concern is increasing and citizens are searching for accurate, reliable information on the virus, preventative measures, and treatment. The library has established a guide on our website to help separate fact from fiction and link patrons to reliable sources.

The special section on swine flu has been added to the library’s guide for Health & Wellness, http://guides.mysapl.org/health, and provides patrons with links to updated statistics and the basic facts about swine flu. For the latest information, the library recommends the following web sites:

· Metro Health
The website for the City of San Antonio's Health Department. The site has a clickable link with current Swine Flu information. Includes 800 number for Swine Flu information: 1-(888)-777-5320.
· CDC Swine Flu Website
The website for the Centers fro Disease Control and Prevention has a section devoted to information about Swine Flu. The site includes the latest statistics on the number of cases.
· World Health Organization
The website for the World Health Health Organization. It includes the latest International information and lists travel advisories.

Want to be a librarian? We’ll tell you how!

Thursday, April 30, representatives from The University of Texas, the University of North Texas and Texas Women's University will be at Central Library to answer questions about their library and information science programs. Graduate School representatives will review coursework, areas of specialization and admissions requirements.

What: Information on becoming a librarian
Where: Central Library • 600 Soledad, 3rd floor
When: Thursday, April 30, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Information will also be available about the San Antonio Public Library Foundation's Better Future/Mejor Futuro Grant, which provides scholarships for students working toward a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. In August of 2008, the Library Foundation received a grant of nearly $1 million from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS). The IMLS made the grant of $963,420 in its latest round of awards under the Laura Bush 21st-Century Librarian Program.

Library officials estimate that the grant will fund tuition for 45 Master’s-Degree library students. Anyone who has completed a Bachelor’s Degree is eligible to apply for a scholarship by contacting the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, (210) 225-4728, or the San Antonio Public Library at (210) 207-2635.

Fiesta de Colores Celebrates Children, Books and Families

The San Antonio Public Library is throwing a Fiesta de Colores and participating in the international celebration of Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros -- a time to remember the joys of childhood and the pleasure of families reading together. Join us as we celebrate the colorful world of children, books and families!

This is a great opportunity for families to come together, explore their local library, and have fun! We'll start the celebration with a silly (but colorful) puppet show and then move on to some family-friendly crafts. Admission is free and open to the public.

Event Schedule:

Saturday, April 25
San Pedro Library - 2:00 p.m.
1315 San Pedro Ave. 733-1599

Semmes Library - 2:00 p.m.
15060 Judson Rd. 650-9540

Tuesday, April 28
Cortez Library - 3:30 p.m.
2803 Hunter 922-7372

Las Palmas Library - 7:00 p.m.
515 Castorville Road 434-6394

Westfall Library - 3:30 p.m.
611 Rosedale Crt. 344-2373

Wednesday, April 29
Brook Hollow Library - 10:30 a.m.
530 Heimer Rd. 496-6315

Forest Hills Library - 6:00 p.m.
5345 Ingram Rd. 431-2544

Pan American Library - 6:00 p.m.
1122 W. Pyron Ave. 924-8164

Thousand Oaks Library - 6:00 p.m.
4618 Thousand Oaks 657-5205

Memorial Library - 6:30 p.m.
3222 Culebra 432-6783

Thursday, April 30
Johnston Library - 11:00 a.m.
6307 Sun Valley 674-8410

Saturday, May 2
Central Library - 2:00 p.m.
600 Soledad St. 207-2621

Igo Library 13330 - 2:00 p.m.
Kyle Seale Pkwy 561-6113

Cody Branch Library Celebrates 25 Years!

Sunday, April 29, 1984, Cody Branch Library opened its doors to the public. On Saturday, April 25, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Cody will celebrate its 25th birthday! Readers of all ages are invited to come together, have some birthday cake and celebrate all the library has to offer. The party is free and open to the public.

Cody Branch Library was the 14th branch added to the San Antonio Public Library System and since then has consistently been the library’s busiest branch. In 2008, Cody circulated 477,623 books and materials and had 296,061 visitors.

Opened in 1984, it was built on land donated by the Northside Independent School District. The branch was named in honor of Mr. Edmund Cody who served as the Superintendent of the Northside School District for seventeen years and was instrumental in promoting the community library. With a collection of well over 90,000 volumes, the branch contains 13,617 square feet, including a public meeting room.

Event Schedule:
9 a.m. 25th Anniversary Celebration
10 a.m. Storytime Magic with Donnabelle the Clown
11 a.m. St. Gregory's Line Dancers
11:30 a.m. Perfomance by Brandeis High School Steel Drum Band
12 noon Goldilocks presented by the Clark High School Drama Department
1 p.m. Las Connyn Mariachi Duo- with Benita and Estella
2 p.m. Ukulele Fun with Joyce- Hawaiian Music and Dance for the whole Family
3 p.m. Brazilian La Capoeria

The Library Celebrates Fiesta!

All libraries will be closed Friday, April 24 as we take part in the 118th Anniversary of our annual city-wide Fiesta! Come check us out at the Battle of Flowers parade...we'll be in an antique fire truck in honor of the 2009 Big Read and Fahrenheit 451. Closely followed by the premier public performance of the San Antonio Public Library Book Cart Drill Team. ¡Viva La Biblioteca!

Battle of Flowers Parade
Friday, April 24
Vanguard 11:50 a.m.
Parade 12:45 p.m.
http://www.battleofflowers.org/parade.aspx

Semmes Stargazers

Join us for a "stellar" event! Semmes Branch Library, in association with the San Antonio Astronomical Association, invites you to bring your imagination and ask us questions about the universe around you! Telescopes will be provided. April 20 • 7:00 p.m.

Semmes Branch Library
15060 Judson Road • 650-9540

Library Honors Volunteers and Champions

The San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees will honor library volunteers and the winners of the 2009 Library Champion Awards at a reception in their honor, Sunday, April 19, at 10 a.m. The Library Champion award recognizes individuals (not employed by the Library) and community organizations for their substantial involvement with the Library system, or who have contributed time, talent or resources that resulted in the enhancement of library service in San Antonio. The San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees created the Library Champion Awards in 1996 to honor notable contributions to the Library system.
The 2009 Library Champion Award recipients are:

Frank Hernández: Memorial Branch Library volunteer who organized the branch youth chess club and sponsored the branch’s first chess tournament.

Grace Lorton: Thousand Oaks Branch Library volunteer who has served since the branch opened.

Roxane Wise: Guerra Branch Library volunteer who is also a Citigroup employee; her volunteer hours entitle the branch to a $500 donation from Citigroup. Guerra received a donation for Ms. Wise’s work in 2007 and expects to receive a further donation in 2009.

Linda Nairn: Immediate Past President of the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library responsible for the formation of nine new branch Friends groups. She also has more than 700 volunteer hours serving at the Book Cellar Used Book Store.

Dan Parman: donor of land for the Stone Oak Branch Library.

Dr. Catherine Rainwater: President of Friends of Johnston Branch Library and long-time volunteer; initiated library service project for her Girl Scout troop.

Mary Spears: former library practicum student at Pan American Branch Library; now a Pan American Branch Library and Central Library volunteer who has amassed a total of 540 volunteer hours in two years despite working full-time.

Andrés Mendez Torres: 90-year-old Bazan Branch Library volunteer who conducts free guitar classes every Saturday. Mr. Torres has volunteered since 1996.

Also receiving awards will be the three Library volunteers who have amassed the most hours this year, Paula Parra (Central Circulation), Gary V. Martínez (Westfall Branch Library) and Thomas Cook (Central Texana/Genealogy).

Texas’ First Living Library Available for Check-Out

The shelves at Igo Branch Library will be stocked full of people on Saturday, April 18, when Texas’ first official Living Library comes to San Antonio. At noon the library will check out their first Living Book to a Reader and before the day is over, we will learn about San Antonians’ eagerness to talk.

From noon to 4:00 p.m. the shelves of the Igo Branch Library will be full of people. A Civil War re-enactor, teenager, woman firefighter, actress, male ballet dancer, Anime expert, librarian, inter-faith minister, tattoo artist, forensic scientist, cabaret singer and sound recording engineer are just a few of the people who will be available to check out for a conversation at the Living Library. The Living Library idea is simple – a personal conversation can break down prejudices and pre-conceptions, and dialogue fosters understanding and tolerance.

“We want to give our patrons the opportunity to check out a living book and experience all of the privileges that entails,” said interim Igo Branch Manager Haley Holmes. “Our readers will be able to ask the books anything and learn about people and professions they otherwise would not encounter.”

During this unique event a group of volunteers serve as “Living Books” who are willing to share their personal life story with a “Reader”. Readers borrow them for half an hour, hear their narratives, question them, even pry a little, and – so the theory goes – break down some of their own preconceptions and stop "judging the book by its cover." Books and Readers have the opportunity to speak in private and personally in a structured, protected, free space for a limited time without any further commitment. Once a Book is returned, Readers can borrow other Books.

Check-outs are for 30 minutes. A San Antonio Public Library card is not required. Depending on demand, a Reader can place a hold on a Book and renew the Book once if there are no holds
and the Book agrees. The Reader must return the Book in the same mental and physical condition as borrowed. It is forbidden to cause damage to the book, tear out or bend pages, get food or drink spilled over the book or hurt its dignity in any other way. The Reader is responsible for preserving the condition of the Book.

The Living Library idea was the brainchild of Ronni Abergel, a Danish antiviolence campaigner, who has taken the Living Library to 12 countries and watched it flourish in places as diverse as Australia and Turkey.

"We live in a time where we need dialogue," said Abergel. "With dialogue comes understanding and with that comes tolerance and that's the mission of the Living Library: to promote understanding and tolerance through dialogue."

The Owl catches on fire with The Big Read 2009

Owl Radio to present audio version of Fahrenheit 451;
eligible recipients invited to request special radio receivers

San Antonio radio reading service Owl Radio, Texas Public Radio, the San Antonio Public Library, and the San Antonio Public Library Foundation have announced a partnership to allow the print-impaired to participate in The Big Read San Antonio 2009, a city-wide celebration of Fahrenheit 451. From Monday, April 13, through Friday, April 17, Owl Radio will present the audiobook version of Fahrenheit 451 every day at 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Radio reading service broadcasts can be heard only with a special receiver, available at no charge to eligible recipients. To get ready for the upcoming Fahrenheit 451 readings, Owl Radio invites any potential recipients to apply for the special receivers. Organizations, such as assisted living centers, which serve the visually challenged, are especially urged to participate. Once the application has been approved, the radio will be delivered and installed by a representative of Owl Radio. A donation of $25 or more with each application is requested, but not required, to help pay for the service. Owl Radio representatives emphasized that, though donations are vital to their operation, no qualified applicant will be denied service because of an inability to contribute. For more information about Owl Radio, or to receive an application, go to http://www.owlradio.org/, or call (210) 829-4223.

Owl Radio, a free community service of the Low Vision Resource Center, provides daily radio broadcasts of newspapers, magazines and other information for persons who are unable to read regular print due to a visual, physical or reading impairment. The service, which is co-sponsored by Texas Public Radio and the San Antonio Express-News, has been on the air continuously in San Antonio since March 6, 2002, and in the Hill Country since January 10, 2005. Owl Radio is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those who cannot read, reducing their feeling of isolation by providing a wide range of around-the-clock programming; and to developing a more aware citizenry by providing current information about community events and issues, thus helping increase the community involvement of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Young Pegasus Logo 2011