Because \u2018tis 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\u2019s Winer Family Community Room on Dec. 23, from 2\u20133 p.m., for this special STEAM Academy program as we learn about antimatter and how it just might be the secret behind Santa\u2019s sleigh! We will read stories, do hands-on science activities, and enjoy some festive treats. This program is perfect for ages 5 to 8.<\/p>\n
SCFOL is asking Santa for a new managing librarian in our branch\u2019s stocking; we\u2019ve been very, very good this year; and we believe!<\/p>\n
Holiday season at the library got off to a good start when about 100 patrons met \u201cPete the Cat\u201d at his November special event.<\/p>\n
Branch holiday hours and book sales <\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n All libraries will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Adult art and language activities<\/strong><\/p>\n During January, in the Winer Family Community Room and Art Gallery, enjoy the \u201cMystery Quilts\u201d 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 Caf\u00e9 from noon\u20132 p.m., and on Thursdays during the English Speaking Caf\u00e9 from 2\u20134 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.<\/p>\n Libros<\/strong><\/p>\n The Librarian\u2019s Book Club is reading \u201cYellow Birds,\u201d by Kevin Powers, for their Jan. 14 meeting from 12:30\u20132 p.m. New members are always welcome.<\/p>\n Pick up a copy of \u201cSisters of Heart & Snow\u201d 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\u2019s history. Join her at the library on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n Altavoces<\/strong><\/p>\n Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 12\u20131:30 p.m., Patricia Burns discusses living with a chronic illness in a lecture titled, \u201cBut You Don\u2019t Look Sick\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n On Jan. 15 from 1\u20132:30 p.m., hear Rabbi Michael Mayersohn tell about \u201cJewish Life as a Perpetual Minority\u201d as part of the ongoing adult-enrichment OASIS series.<\/p>\n Year end highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n 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 \u2013\u2013 they won\u2019t be just for books anymore! They will have 3-D printers; have a Human Library Project that allows you to \u201ccheck out a person\u201d; 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.<\/p>\n Judy Williams, former SCFOL president, reflected back over 2015. \u201cI am both amazed and proud of the work which the Friends of the San Carlos Branch Library has accomplished,\u201d she said. \u201cOur membership grew to 314 and added 10 new Life Members; volunteers gave 8,373 hours of service to the library; the branch\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Incoming president Joan Hayes also remarked on her new position and the future of SCFOL. \u201cI am excited to be your new SCFOL president,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have a terrific library staff and SCFOL Board \u2013\u2013 all of whom work very hard to provide the many programs which are available at our branch.\u201d<\/p>\n Hayes has lived in the San Carlos area for 42 years and has \u201cseen the growth and popularity of our branch increase.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI look forward to it becoming a library of the future, and encourage you to attend our SCFOL meetings,\u201d she said. Meetings are held in the Winer Family Community Room & Art Gallery on the third Wednesday of every month from 4\u20135:30 p.m. Contact her by leaving a note, by calling the library at 619-527-3430 or by email at president@sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Margaret](\"https:\/\/missiontimescourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Margaret-Dilloway-2-1.jpg\")
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