By Sue Hotz
RFID comes to San Carlos Branch Library
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We have not yet found any pots of gold at the library, but we did find that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) machines have replaced our old self-check-out machines.
The San Carlos Branch is scheduled to be closed for two weeks in June to complete the RFID upgrade, but for now, the new RFID machines can be used in a manner similar to the old self-check-out machines. Please ask the staff if you need assistance.
Writing for Literacy Essay Contest
It’s that time of year again. The winners of the 20th annual Writing for Literacy Essay Contest have been chosen. Join us at the San Carlos Branch Library, April 19, at 6 p.m. to hear their essays and to congratulate our local winners.
Fourth grade winners from Benchley Weinberger Elementary (and their teachers) are: Lorelei Garrison (Kim Filner), Grace Michener (Kathy Aufsesser), and Mathew Neboshynsky (Erica Ruiz-Gutierrez).
Dailard Elementary winners are: Willow Carter and Courtney Klahn (Erin Keegan), and Maleah Castillo (Gretchen Sites).
Green Elementary winners are: Jocelyn Hammerstrand and Ariana Rodriquez (Susan Barrett), and Jadzia Murphy (Louise Volpe).
Eighth grade winners from Pershing Middle School are Caroline Beail (Brad Endicott) and Abigail Hayes (Chastain Foulk).
City-wide winners will be announced on April 27, 6:30 p.m., at the Balboa Park Club. Each participant received a pen and certificate from Friends of the San Diego Public Library. Our local winners will also receive a certificate from City Councilmember Scott Sherman and a Barnes & Noble gift card.
Participants had to choose one of the following topics for their essay: San Diego Zoo’s 100th Anniversary, the 2016 One-Book-One-San Diego book “Waiting for Snow in Havana” by Carlos Eire, or answer the question, “Which book would you save and why, if all the other books in the world should disappear?”
Five schools submitted 181 essays which were evaluated by our wonderful judges, Cathy Todd, Charlotte Adams, Maggi McKerrow, Lee Ottman, Sarah Hendy-Jackson, and Chair Joan Hayes. We thank them for their hours of reading and the tough decisions they had to make to choose our local winners.
Kudos also go to the contest’s corporate sponsors: FSDPL, San Diego Public Library, KPBS-One-Book-One-San Diego, San Diego Unified School District, and Computers 2SDKids.
The contest was started by past SCFOL and FSDPL President Jack Winer who also envisioned a new, larger San Carlos Branch Library. His son, Michael Winer, a SCFOL Building Committee member, is continuing his father’s quest. The Winer Family annually contributes $500 for the contest, in memory of Jack and Carolyn Winer.
Artists
Heavy rains kept some away, but those in attendance were awed by Hazel Ross’ “unique-art” demonstration. We thank her for sharing and hope she’ll do a repeat.
March 7–30, don’t miss Sumi Japanese paintings by Stephen Smith who is certified in Asian Brush Paintings’ Four Gentlemen: orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum.
His Artist Reception is March 18, noon–2 p.m. in the Library’s Winer Family Community Room & Art Gallery.
Our Art Gallery will host Roz Oserin’s show of her watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings from April 5–May 4.
A busy schedule prevents her from having a reception, but you can find her at her store, Nainsook Framing + Art, in the Village of La Mesa.
Speakers
March 25, 1–3 p.m., the “Learning to Think” series continues. This class takes a metaphysical approach to the law of attraction — how it works and how we create our own lives.
Travelers, don’t miss the April 21, 1–3 p.m. Road Scholar presentation by Jill Swaim. Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel for adults since 1975, offers 6,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries.
Books and authors
For their April 13, 12:30–2 p.m. meeting, the Library Book Club selected “People of the Book,” by the Pulitzer Prize–winning author Geraldine Brooks.
On March 24, 2–3 p.m., local award-winning author Janice Steinberg discusses her novel, “The Tin Horse.”
Set in Boyle Heights in the 1920s and 30s, this is a multi-generational story about the intense, often fraught bond that sisters share and the dreams and sorrows that lay at the heart of the immigrant experience.
OASIS
March 17, 1–3 p.m., “Tales of Strong Women.” Join storyteller Marilyn McPhie and celebrate historical ladies who weren’t afraid to make their mark on the world!
Youth spring nature adventures
April 19, 2:30–3:30 p.m., our weekly “After School Special” program has a wildlife focus.
Join us for Nature Adventures and “Backyard Bandits,” presented by Mission Trails Regional Park’s trail guide, Linda Hawley, Ed.M.
We will learn about San Diego’s wild animals, examine specimens, read books, sing songs, and make crafts. It’s fun for all ages.
The Who Hatches? Scavenger Hunt begins April 1. Pick up an entry form, find the 12 eggs that are hatching in the library, write the name or draw a picture of the creatures you find, and submit your correct entry by April 29, to be eligible for a $25 gift card raffle.
Reader’s Theatre
This is a fun way for children to be introduced to drama while building language arts skills. These programs are presented by Stacey Wein, Director of Literature Comes to Life.
I’ve sat in on her classes and am in awe of her energy! Every child gets to participate in these hands-on workshops. Kids ages 7 and up, read parts from a script, learn to use voice expressions to enhance the story, and develop confidence in reading aloud.
The March 22, 4–5 p.m. class will tackle “Mrs. Wishy-Washy” and more. The second session is scheduled for April 26, 4–5 p.m. We recommend pre-registration for these popular classes by calling 619-527-3430.
Dates to remember
It’s SCFOL Annual Memberships renewal time
March 25–April 2: San Diego Public School Spring Break
March 31: Library closed, Cesar Chavez Day
March 31: No SCFOL Pre-Book Sale this month
April 1, 9:30–3:00: SCFOL Monthly Used Book Sale
April 10–18: Passover
April 16: Easter Sunday
April 19, 6–7:30 p.m.: Essay Contest Awards
—Sue Hotz is publicity chair of the San Carlos Friends of the Library. Reach her at [email protected].
