By A. Leigh

Benjamin Branch Library: Happy New Year!

What better way to greet 2015 than by expressing our gratitude for a wonderful 2014! The Benjamin Branch Library is honored to be a part of the Allied Gardens community and we hope that your holiday plans included a stop at the library to attend one of our exciting programs or to check out a few of our entertaining movies or books.

The new year brings the promise of progress, renewal and growth both individually and as a community and the Benjamin Branch would like the opportunity to contribute. As you aspire to more, you may be looking for information and inspiration. Begin with a search on our public Internet computers and follow through by accessing the materials and resources of 35 branches plus the Central Library. Please make visiting the library one stop on your path to achieving your New Year’s resolutions.

We are planning wonderful things for 2015 and we look forward to seeing you at the library!

Fabulous Finds Book Sale presented by The Benjamin Friends of the Library:

Saturday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Special presentations for adults:

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 3 p.m. “Rendezvous with Books” – Celebrate Library Lover’s Month by attending this Oasis presentation. We will share newer and older titles you may have missed. A wide range of books will be shared. Whether you read voraciously or only while on vacation, you will leave with a list of possible books to read and share with others!

Tuesday, March 3, 2 p.m. “Genealogy: Be an Ancestor Detective” – March 7 is Genealogy Day! Get ready and get to know your family tree. Have you always wondered what information is available on the Internet about your family? How much do you really know about your family? Now is the time to find the answers to questions about your ancestors: where they lived, how they lived, how they came to the U.S. and lots more. Knowing your ancestors is knowing yourself. The class will cover how and where to begin (always with yourself!). One warning should be given to prospective class members: This is a very addictive hobby and, once started, the need to know more grows and grows.

Mondays, Feb. 2 – April 13. AARP Free Tax Preparation! Free tax help to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older. Please call 619-241-2170 for more information.

Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Feb. 25, 1 p.m. Benjamin Friends of the Library meeting. Come join the Friends and support the library! Memberships start at $5 and new members are always welcome.

Ongoing programs for adults include:

Zumba, Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.

Hatha Yoga, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Fitness Fun for Older Adults, Fridays at 11:15 a.m.

Healthy Back Yoga, first and third Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Book Club, second Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

Mystery Class, Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Benjamin Friends of the Library, fourth Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

Special presentations for children:

“Kumeyaay Life Before 1769!” A delightful presentation for children of all ages. Learn factual information while having fun with Linda Hawley, Ed.M. of “Nature Adventures!” and Mission Trails Regional Park on Friday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m.

“Backyard Bandits: Raccoons, Opossums & Skunks!” Fun facts along with songs, puppets, real pelts, replicated skulls, scats, tracks and taxidermy specimens with Linda Hawley, Ed.M. of Nature Adventures! and Mission Trails Regional Park on Friday, Feb. 20 at 3 p.m.

Ongoing children’s programs:

Brilliant Babies Storytime (recommended for ages 0 – 18 months), Tuesdays at noon.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime (ages 2 – 5 years), Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Kids’ Yoga (ages 2 – 8 years), Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.

—A. Leigh is a branch manager at the Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch Library.