By Sue Hotz

Happy holidays

Because ‘tis the season of talking snowmen, elves, and flying reindeer, questions about Christmas magic abound. Ever wonder how Santa makes it around the world in one night? Then join us in the San Carlos Branch Library’s Winer Family Community Room on Dec. 23, from 2–3 p.m., for this special STEAM Academy program as we learn about antimatter and how it just might be the secret behind Santa’s sleigh! We will read stories, do hands-on science activities, and enjoy some festive treats. This program is perfect for ages 5 to 8.

SCFOL is asking Santa for a new managing librarian in our branch’s stocking; we’ve been very, very good this year; and we believe!

Holiday season at the library got off to a good start when about 100 patrons met “Pete the Cat” at his November special event.

Branch holiday hours and book sales

The San Carlos Branch Library will be closed from Friday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Jan. 1. It will reopen on Saturday, Jan. 2, when all adult and youth activities will resume at their regularly scheduled times, with two exceptions. The monthly members-only Pre-Book Sale will be held on Friday, Jan. 8, and the monthly Used Book Sale will be on Saturday, Jan. 9.

Remember to renew your annual SCFOL membership to enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere of the pre-sales. Membership envelopes are available at the sale. Non-Life Members must renew annually each January.

All libraries will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Books may be returned 24/7 using the new outdoor book drop located at the top of the new ramp. Do not place donated used books in the book drop. Place them by the entrance door that is next to the ramp. Remember, we can only accept gently used books and media.

Adult art and language activities

During January, in the Winer Family Community Room and Art Gallery, enjoy the “Mystery Quilts” created last summer by 18 members of SewMates. None of the ladies knew what the final pattern would look like except Wanda Pasek who gave them instructions along the way. Enjoy the displays on Wednesdays while joining in the Spanish Speaking Café from noon–2 p.m., and on Thursdays during the English Speaking Café from 2–4 p.m. These cafes are for non-native speakers of Spanish or English who would like to improve their speaking skills in these languages by engaging in everyday conversations with native speakers.

Libros

The Librarian’s Book Club is reading “Yellow Birds,” by Kevin Powers, for their Jan. 14 meeting from 12:30–2 p.m. New members are always welcome.

Pick up a copy of “Sisters of Heart & Snow” by local author Margaret Dilloway. On Jan. 22 she will be discussing her novel, the story of estranged sisters reunited while researching their Japanese mother’s history. Join her at the library on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.

Altavoces

Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 12–1:30 p.m., Patricia Burns discusses living with a chronic illness in a lecture titled, “But You Don’t Look Sick…”

On Jan. 15 from 1–2:30 p.m., hear Rabbi Michael Mayersohn tell about “Jewish Life as a Perpetual Minority” as part of the ongoing adult-enrichment OASIS series.

Year end highlights

Robert Cronk, Library Deputy Director of Public Services, spoke at the annual SCFOL meeting and gave us a peak into the exciting future of libraries –– they won’t be just for books anymore! They will have 3-D printers; have a Human Library Project that allows you to “check out a person”; house biotech lab; interconnect community and university libraries; and have special programs designed to enlighten every segment of our society. Many of these innovations are already available at our Central Library and some branch libraries. Yes, we do need a new San Carlos Branch Library in order to accommodate the future.

Judy Williams, former SCFOL president, reflected back over 2015. “I am both amazed and proud of the work which the Friends of the San Carlos Branch Library has accomplished,” she said. “Our membership grew to 314 and added 10 new Life Members; volunteers gave 8,373 hours of service to the library; the branch’s circulation of books and materials was close to 40,000; and a New Library Building Committee has been added to the list of SCFOL standing committees. As I leave office, I want to thank the members of the San Carlos Friends Board, the membership and the staff of the library, for their help and support over the past five years.”

Incoming president Joan Hayes also remarked on her new position and the future of SCFOL. “I am excited to be your new SCFOL president,” she said. “We have a terrific library staff and SCFOL Board –– all of whom work very hard to provide the many programs which are available at our branch.”

Hayes has lived in the San Carlos area for 42 years and has “seen the growth and popularity of our branch increase.”

“I look forward to it becoming a library of the future, and encourage you to attend our SCFOL meetings,” she said. Meetings are held in the Winer Family Community Room & Art Gallery on the third Wednesday of every month from 4–5:30 p.m. Contact her by leaving a note, by calling the library at 619-527-3430 or by email at [email protected].

Stay updated on all of the latest branch and SCFOL activities or join and receive regular newsletters by visiting sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org.

––Sue Hotz es miembro de la junta y presidenta de publicidad de los Amigos de la Biblioteca de San Carlos. Escríbele a [email protected].