Summer (of Learning) is Here!

Growing up, reading was always the best way to let my imagination go wild.  While living in a military installation overseas, there normally wasn't much to do during the summer time, but there was always the good old library to visit.  We had a summer assignment of sorts, where we had a bingo card, with each square containing the name of a book.  The goal, of course, was to read through as many books as possible to get as many bingos as possible.

I don't really recall what the prizes were but I know that there were definitely no Tablets or iPads or anything of the sort at the time.  Maybe a cup that had a little label that had "Reading is Fun" along the side or something along those lines.  Still, it was a great program, and I had a chance to explore the center of the Earth or fight evil space men alongside my hero in an adventurous battle to save the world.

And now with the sun slowly starting to peek through the clouds, comes summer, and with it, the Summer of Learning at KCLS!

I didn't really grow up with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and contrary to my current career, I was actually more interested in arts, crafts and languages.  If STEM was a big thing at the time, I'm sure I would have fallen into Science and Technology but alas it wasn't something available for myself.  Which is why I find it so exciting to see KCLS offering Programs that not only hit Reading and Art but also STEM.

Here are just some of the ones that I find interesting, though they aren't in Redmond unfortunately:

Bubbles, Volcanoes and Rocket Balloons Workshop
Presented by Debbie Hansen, The Science Lady.
Ages 3 to 5. or Ages 5 to 7.
Discover scientific laws through fun experiments including rocket balloons, effervescent bubbles, a baking soda volcano and dancing raisins.
Dates & Locations


Mathemagic!
Presented by Thomas Pruiksma.
Ages 8 to 12
Discover secrets about numbers and learn to do mathemagic (math + magic) tricks to amaze your friends and family in this workshop.
Dates & Locations 

Hands-on Bunraku Puppet Manipulation Workshop
Presented by: Thistle Theatre.
Ages 8 to 12.
Discover Bunraku puppetry, a traditional Japanese art for hundreds of years. A brief history, mechanics and demonstration of the Japanese art form is included.
Dates & Locations

Candy Experiments Show
Presented by Loralee Leavitt.
Ages 5 and older.
The author of Candy Experiments demonstrates that candy is more than a sugary snack. It can be an amazing science experiment! 
Dates & Locations
 
Candy Experiments Workshop
Presented by Loralee Leavitt.
Ages 8 to 12.
The author of Candy Experiments leads a workshop with stirring, squashing and sinking candy. Become a candy scientist! Dates & Locations

Of course, there's several more you can find at the Summer of Learning page on the KCLS site!

For children who participate in the Summer of Learning, there is quite the prize.  Go on to the Summer of Learning page to see the details! 

- James

Seattle Public Library – Simply Splendid

Our sister library systems continue to shine!  Congratulations to the Seattle Public Library on achieving a new world record for the longest book domino chain!

Orchestrated to launch their 2013 Summer Reading Program, the feat took 7 hours and 5 tries. It is clever, fun, and awesome and each time I watch it I pick up something new (notice the word on the first book?)

I sent this link to several of my friends and the one that is currently vacationing in Italy said she saw it on CNN International too.

If you want to own one of the books that participated (they were either donated or out of date for the library’s regular collection), be sure to check out an upcoming Friends of the Library book sale!

Happy Viewing! :-)

Seattle Public Library Shines!

Puget Brass!!

The bold sounds of Puget Brass definitely encourage the use of exclamation points! (!)

On Sunday, March 17th at 2 p.m., Puget Sound’s premier British style brass band, Puget Brass, will blow out the dreary winter days with a Spring concert for the whole family at the Redmond Library. You will be regaled by marches and soothed by symphonies, all played in the unique and entertaining style popularized by British colliery* bands of the early 20th century.

Hope to see you there – come early to grab a good seat!

___________________________________________________

*colliery = coal mine and associated buildings
If you want to study up before you hear the music, consider renting the movie Brassed Off, which inspired the creation of Puget Brass.  If you still own a VCR, borrow it from the library!  Otherwise, Netflix also has available in their streaming collection.

Nonprofits Front & Center, October 30th Event

Free Annual Event for the Nonprofit Community
hosted by the
Nonprofit & Philanthropy Resource Center
at the Redmond Library

SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFECTIVE FUNDRAISERS
Featured Speaker: Janet Boguch
Principal & Owner of Non-Profit Works and Wide Angle Coaching

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

How do the Seven Habit of Highly Effective People, made famous by Stephen Covey, pertain to fundraising?

Nonprofit expert Janet Boguch will address this question with inspiration, humor and practical advice gained from over 25 years of experience in the sector. Janet is highly regarded for her energetic, interactive and results-driven presentations.

Reception to follow the program.

RSVP online or call 425.885.1861.

Sponsored by the Nonprofit & Philanthropy Resource Center at the Redmond Library and the Friends of Redmond Library.

Hope to see you there!

Take Time To Read: SeaTac Edition

Take Time To Read is the King County Library System’s multi-year initiative with the goal of increasing reading of all kinds, in all formats, all across the county. Sponsored entirely by the King County Library System Foundation, you might find Quick Reads Shelves in your area while you are waiting for your tires, your doctor, or your license!

My favorite Take Time to Read Installation is at Sea-Tac. With 3 Quick Reads Shelves, entirely recycled from old library shelving, and four chairs, travelers will be able to “borrow” items through September. I use the term “borrow” loosely because all the items are donated (no public money is used to obtain the items) and are meant to be taken…not necessarily returned if your home base isn’t Seattle! Donations have arrived from KCLS Staff, Lake Forest Park Friends, KCLS Foundation and from a bookstore in Black Diamond called Finally Found Books.

A team of five staff from Valley View Library work to keep the shelves stocked with materials. They send one person to the airport six days a week to straighten and restock. With a tote of 46 magazines, 30 adult titles and 15 kids’ books in each shipment, about 600 items per week are re-stocked.

The library reports that the shelves are a smashing success with the public and with Sea-Tac, even the screeners are into it!  I hope you are finding time wherever you are today to Take Time To Read!

Hope to see you at Derby Days 2012!

The 72nd Annual Redmond Derby Days is just around the corner and the weather should be spectacular! The pancake breakfast at the firehouse….the parades….the music….and of course, the bicycles!  Spanning three full days this year, I hope you’ll find time to enjoy a few of the events this weekend. This year’s event also has a few special extras to help celebrate Redmond’s 100th birthday.

I’ll be in the Redmond Library booth starting at 3 p.m. and would love to chat with you about how the library can best serve your needs. Beware though, I just might try to recruit you to serve on the Board! Or the Friends!

Along with Redmond Lights (save the date: December 1), Derby Days ties for my favorite Redmond event of the year.  Actually, I think it’s a three-way tie with Ananda Mela, which is the last weekend in July and also on the City Hall Campus. All three events are a wonderful (and free) opportunity to celebrate the diversity to be found in our community and I’m grateful to be a resident in a place that honors our traditions yet is always moving forward!

Orientation to Ancestry: A Class for Beginning Genealogists

The Redmond Library hosts a variety of programs across ages and interests, and classes on genealogy are always popular!

On Thursday, April 26th at 7 p.m. join Bob Barnes from Eastside Genealogy Society to learn how to navigate ancestry.com like a pro. With 7 billion genealogical records from across the globe and millions of family trees, ancestry.com is the world’s largest online family history resource. Savvy researchers can accomplish so much without ever having to look beyond this single resource.

In addition to seminars at the library and other community centers, you can find volunteers from the Eastside Genealogical Society at the Bellevue Regional Library. Volunteers are in Room 6 on the second floor and are available the first Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. For anyone, volunteers answer questions and give advice about using the Bellevue Library and other resources in the library but do not conduct any research.

The Eastside Genealogical Society was founded in 1978 and chartered in 1982 and is a member of the Federation of Genealogy Societies.

Our Architecture Legacy: The Stories Old Buildings Tell Us

Join historic preservation lecturer, Michael Herschensohn, for a talk on how architecture reflects our culture. The talk is at the Redmond Library on Saturday, March 17th at 1pm. Michael Herschensohn has a degree in Preservation Planning and History of American Architecture. For 21 years he has been on the board of Historic Seattle, the city’s only historic preservation organization. This program is made possible by a grant from Humanities Washington.

 Seattle Central Library (1919)

The places we create for ourselves — homes, factories, schools, parks, hotels, barns — are key markers in the story of people’s daily lives. Understanding the structure of these places helps us interpret human experience and foster greater appreciation for the past. In this Redmond Centennial Discovering History program, Michael Herschensohn examines historic buildings from across the state, with special emphasis on Redmond. By looking carefully at old buildings we can begin to understand the similarities and differences between the past and our contemporary lives.

 Seattle Central Library (2004)

Historic Seattle
Historic Seattle believes that buildings provide an essential link to the past, reminding us of who we are and where we came from. Founded in 1974, Historic Seattle is the only nonprofit membership organization dedicated to preserving Seattle and King County's architectural legacy. Its mission is to educate, advocate, and preserve.

For 2012, Historic Seattle provides a variety of tours, lectures, and special events that will expand your view of the Seattle area and give insights into its architectural delights. See the Events Calendar for details.

Friends of the Redmond Library Annual Meeting

“WORDS AND MUSIC: How a Singer became a Novelist”
Louise Marley
Redmond Regional Library
February 16 at 7:00 p.m.

”My presentation will focus on the marvelous and energizing phenomenon of a mid-life career change.  Since I had been a singer for decades before beginning to publish novels, I learned a lot about how the principles and lessons learned in a first career translate into success in the second; I also found that with age, comes courage--launching my second career was far easier than launching my first.”

Local author, Louise Marley will share her story and
evolution from the world of opera to award winning
Science Fiction and Fantasy. She has written fifteen
books. Her latest, The Brahms Deception, was released
in August 2011.

She was recognized twice with the Endeavor Award for a distinguished Science Fiction or Fantasy Book written by a Northwest author: The Child Goddess and Glass Harmonica.
Teens as well as adults are attracted to the writing style of a literary musician who intertwines intrigue with musical history and reference.

Orphee et Euridice: A Seattle Opera Preview

Christoph Willibald Gluck was one of the three greatest opera composers of the 18th Century. His most famous work is his operatic retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Euridice. Seattle Opera will be presenting the French version, Orphee et Euridice, which features a tenor in the role of Orpheus rather than a mezzo-soprano as in the Italian version. This splendid operatic masterpiece has not been presented in Seattle in more than 20 years.

Join opera lecturer, Norm Hollingshead, for a talk on what makes this opera so special. The talk is at the Redmond Library on Monday, February 6th at 7pm.  Mr. Hollingshead is an engaging speaker, who illustrate his commentary with recorded music excerpts.

The talk will also be given at the following KCLS locations:

Monday, January 30th, 7pm	Kirkland Library
Tuesday, February 21st, 7pm	Issaquah Library
Wednesday, February 22nd, 7pm	Mercer Island Library

Orphee et Euridice
This sumptuous and exhilarating account of the legendary Greek hero’s descent into the underworld to rescue his true love changed the course of musical storytelling forever. With its perfectly crafted libretto and generous helping of exceptional music — evocative choral passages, imaginative ballets, dramatic duets, and the hero’s famous lament — Orphee et Euridice conveys a timeless message of love’s power to triumph over all.

Seattle Opera performs Orphee et Euridice six times from February 25th through March 10th.

The Seattle Opera sets for Orphee have the challenge that they must portray two worlds: above-ground earth and the underworld. Go behind-the-scenes as the Scene Shop builds an 800 pound tree — both its above ground earthly stature and its unruly underworld root system. Here’s a video that shows a behind-the-scenes tour of building the sets:

Modern Language Association in Seattle

Oh, the MLA Handbook. How that brings me back to my college days! “Founded in 1883, the Modern Language Association of America provides opportunities for its members to share their scholarly findings and teaching experiences with colleagues and to discuss trends in the academy.”¹

Through the weekend, the Modern Language Association is hosting their 127th Annual Convention in Seattle.  Some of their sessions are open to the public, so consider joining sessions such as “Pinter in Seattle: A Creative Conversation with Frank Corrado and Harry Burton”, among other offerings.

Can’t make it in person? Follow the Annual Convention via Twitter. May your first full weekend in 2012 be full of interesting conversation!

1. Modern Language Association. “About the MLA.” mla.org. Modern Language Association, 13 Sept. 2010. Web. 6 Jan. 2012.

2011 Redmond Lights

If you’re looking for something to do after the library closes at 5 p.m. this Saturday, take a few steps across the parking lot to the City Hall campus and join the crowd for the 13th Annual Redmond Lights.  You’ll actually want to arrive closer to 4:45 though, so you don’t miss Santa’s arrival and the tree lighting! Music and activities abound in City Hall, the Senior Center, and the Public Safety Building.

After you pick up your blinker around the campus, walk the Sammamish River Trail’s Luminary Walk to Redmond Town Center (1.3 miles) to enjoy more cultural and holiday entertainment.  The Luminary Walk is one of my favorite holiday activities – it’s great to see all of the diversity that Redmond has to offer and learn about holiday and winter traditions from other cultures.

Once you arrive at Redmond Town Center, I’d highly recommend the Chili Cook-Off.  The last time we taste-tested, the Redmond Fire Department was our hands down favorite (sorry, Police!), but the field of competitors has widened this year with the addition of the City Council and a few local restaurants. There will also be plenty more music, food, and activities to enjoy.

Logistically speaking, there will be shuttles between City Hall and Redmond Town Center, every 30 minutes until 8:30 so you don’t have to walk there and back – unless you are super motivated to keep working off all of those holiday treats! You can leave your raingear at home, but don’t forget your hat and mittens – the weather forecast is for a clear, but frigid, night.

Hope to see you there!

The World of Alagaësia: A Visit from Christopher Paolini

On Tuesday November 29th at 7:00pm, meet Christopher Paolini, whose most recently published work, Inheritance, is final book of the Inheritance Cycle. Join us at the Redmond Library, where you’ll get to chat with the author and hear about the remarkable fictional world of Alagaësia, in which Eragon and his dragon Saphira battle the forces of evil. Books will be available for sale by Secret Garden Books, and a book signing follows Christopher’s presentation.

Inheritance 
Synopsis:  Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

Watch the trailer:

About the Author 
Christopher Paolini was born in Southern California and lived most of his life in Paradise Valley, Montana. The tall, jagged Beartooth Mountains that rise on one side of Paradise Valley inspired the fantastic scenery in Eragon, the first novel in his Inheritance cycle.

Christopher was homeschooled by his parents and often wrote short stories and poems. He made frequent trips to the library, and read widely. He was fifteen when he wrote the first draft of Eragon and his family self-published the book in 2001. His literary inspirations include the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, E. R. Eddison and the author of the epic poem Beowulf.

In August 2003, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers published Eragon and it was an instant success worldwide. Christopher's second novel Eldest was published in 2005, followed by Brisingr in 2008. To date, Eragon has been translated into 49 languages. The first three books in the series have sold 25 million copies worldwide. Inheritance, the fourth and final book in the cycle will be published on November 8, 2011 with a first printing of 2.5 million copies.

For more info about Christopher Paolini, see The Inheritance Cycle. This Web site contains activities, such as an interactive map of Alagaësia and an adventure game. You can also play the Facebook game, Inheritance Quest.

Redmond Library Schedule of Events
For upcoming events, including book discussions and author visits, see the Redmond Library’s Schedule of Events.

infoVote2011

In the past week I’ve received my King County mail-in ballot with the accompanying voter’s guide and it’s reminded me of the resources your local KCLS library has to help you cast your vote! 

The KCLS infoVote2011 site details resources available to help you to register to vote and learn about the candidates, measures, and initiatives on the ballot. Through the KCLS Collection, search the catalog for keywords such as elections; civics; voting; and democracy to locate election-related materials.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th and the final day to register to vote is Monday, October 31st. If you have more questions about voting in King County, also visit King County Elections online.

It’s Raining Books! 2011 Northwest Bookfest

It looks like it’s going to rain actual water too this coming weekend, but what better weather to get acquainted with a new-to-you author and curl up with one of their books!?  Or attend a workshop and start working on your own debut novel?

Dotted around Peter Kirk Park and including the Kirkland Library as one of the venues, there are activities at the 2011 Northwest Bookfest for the young and young-at-heart in every genre.  Exhibitors, author panelists, and workshops will abound. Some of my favorite topics include:

• Did It Really Happen or Did You Make It Up? Historical Novels (Saturday 10 a.m.)
• Original Music Inspired by The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (Saturday 1p.m.)
• Screenwriter Survival 101–The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Sunday 10 a.m.)

And if this wasn’t enough, perennially favorite library program Caspar Babypants will be performing at 10 a.m. on Saturday.  Plan your weekend with the complete author, workshop, and event line-up!  The event is free, but donations are accepted; suggested $5 per person or $10 per family.

The Library: Center of Derby Days Action! (IMO)

Chances are, if you visited the 71st Annual Derby Days last weekend, you passed the Redmond Library.  The parade route led by, vendors had booths set up in the shared parking lot with City Hall, and it was only (a few) steps away from the firefighter’s pancake breakfast.

I borrowed the bike rack at the library to park my wheels, arriving early enough that I was the first person to lock up there.  Bike secured, it was off to support the Redmond Firefighter’s Benevolent Fund and enjoy eggs, sausage, and M&M pancakes. 

I finished breakfast just in time to find a spot for the start of the parades.  It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen the Kids’ Parade but I think it’s safe to say it was very, very well attended.  The children, and their adorable costumes, just kept coming!  Our neighbors took part and the pictures I snapped of them look like a “Where’s Waldo” photo. Following all of the cute tikes on trikes and bikes, the Grand Parade included approximately 50 entries (I think) and the All City Marching Band/Seattle School District took top honors.  However, my favorite, of course, was the Redmond Library entry!

After the parades, I perused the booths before heading back to the library to extract my bike from the pile at the rack. (so much harder going home…one of these days I’ll be able to bike back up the Puget Power Trail to Education Hill from the Sammamish River Trail….) I hope that you and yours were able to enjoy the community festivities and stop by the library to see all that it has to offer too! If you missed the parades, you can catch the replay on RCTV.

p.s. The fireworks were rescheduled for this Friday.  Head down early to enjoy music by Leroy Bell and Doctor Funk!

Presto! -- A World of Magic with Louie Foxx

Louie Foxx will perform a magic show at the Redmond Library on Sunday, June 19th at 2:30. Louie calls his performance a “one man side show” full of:

• Astounding Magic Tricks
• Side Splitting Comedy
• Amazing Cowboy Tricks
• Eye Popping Hand Shadows
• And much much more!

The Magic!
Here are a couple of magic tricks that Louie has created. The first one is the Tortilla Magic Trick.

Louie has added a new bubble trick to his bubble act, it’s called the Exploding Bubble.

For more info, click here. For other events at the Redmond Library, see Schedule of Events.

About Louie
As a kid Louie realized that he excelled at all of the things that adults told him were a waste of time. Instead of playing baseball in high school, Louie built himself a rickety table and rode the bus into downtown to perform magic tricks on the street corner.

Celebrate! Newport Way Grand Opening!

If I wasn’t going to be out of town this weekend (Go, Bloomsday!), I would happily spend my April 30th, Saturday morning attending the grand re-opening for the Newport Way library branch.  While I technically visited all of the library branches in existence during my year of Jaime’s Jaunts, the “Newport Way” visit was a temporary location fill-in at Factoria Mall. This branch has been closed for almost a year so I’m sure the opening will draw quite the crowd. I love the excitement and sense of community as everyone gathers to experience new or refreshed libraries for the first time!

The $2.5 million dollar remodel expanded the current building by 790 feet and includes larger areas for teens and children as well as increased materials, computers, and wireless access. The last day to utilize the temporary location in Factoria Mall will be Thursday, April 28th.

Go!  Take pictures, enjoy the free treats, and meet some of your wonderful library staff as they welcome you back into the branch’s updated home.

Meet the Author: Samantha Vamos

On Tuesday March 22nd at noon, meet Samantha Vamos, whose most recently published children’s book is The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred. Join us at the Redmond Library, where you’ll get to chat with the author, look at early illustrations for her books, and watch a short movie on being an author. You’ll even get to take home an activity sheet.
Ages: preschool and older

The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred
Synopsis:  When a farm girl starts cooking, all the animals want to help. The cow contributes milk, the hen offers eggs, and even the duck makes a special trip to the market.

While the pot is bubbling merrily on the stove, everyone dances and sings - but who is watching the cazuela? Samantha R. Vamos and Rafael López serve up a spicy tribute to the classic nursery rhyme "The House That Jack Built" in this bilingual celebration of community and food.

Watch the trailer:

For more information on Samantha Vamos, see About Samantha.

Redmond Library Schedule of Events
For upcoming events for children, including the popular Story Time program, see the Redmond Library’s Schedule of Events.

Teen Librarian…Extraordinaire!

I’m a little behind the curve here (better late than never…), but I wanted to take a moment to continue to congratulate Amanda Hirst, Redmond’s Teen Librarian. 

Amanda was honored by the Lake Washington School District Parent Teacher Student Association in February for her service to the community.  Each year, during their Founder’s Day Luncheon, Lake Washington PTSA honors individuals from the community for their outstanding work with children and youth. Amanda facilitates much networking and programming with the Redmond High School and faculty nominated her for the award.

Want to catch Amanda in action?  Visit the Redmond Library and check out a teen event!