Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloween Year-Round!

Sombrero DayWhile it's no secret that tomorrow is Halloween, some of us like to go incognito, masquerade, or don costumes a little more often than once a year. So recently, a couple of us have instituted Theme Days. Think back to your high school or college years, and those dreaded Spirit Weeks—if you did not have Spirit Week, be very grateful, and let your curiosity end right there!—when everyone in your homeroom or class or clique had to wear something in the same theme, like "Sock Hop". Likewise, think of the Corporate America tradition of Hawaiian Shirt Friday.

So yes, there is a precedent. No one said we'd win innovation awards for Theme Day.

At first, we set up a couple of ground rules for Theme Day. One: we had to use items that we already had. Two: we had to look mostly professional and not let the costuming interfere with our duties. Well, #1 has already been transfenestrated, but #2 is only suspended when we have a good laugh with our patrons about our outfits. Although I have to say, navigating the stacks with a massive sombrero is more difficult than I expected. (I still found the items the patron was looking for, despite the hat bumping into the shelves.)

What we quickly discovered is that patrons and staff alike enjoy our Theme Days. Whether we're wearing blinking Halloween-themed head-thingies from Marcy Street Card Shop a few weeks early, cowgirl shirts and hats, or, our favorite so far, sombreros, it brightens the day for a few hours, gets people chatting and laughing (quietly, of course), and provides the unexpected in your monotonous or over-scheduled day.

So the next time you see some librarians with odd headwear or matching outfits, feel free to ask them what it's about. Hopefully you'll get a chuckle along with your weekly trip to the library.

Photo by RG @Main

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Wreaths of Thanks

Thanksgiving Craft Program
For Children ages 5 to 12.Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 12th
4 pm at the La Farge Library

Friday, November 13th
2 pm at the Southside Library

Thursday, November 19th
4 pm at the Main Library
All materials are provided for these free programs.

Please call to register and for more information:
La Farge: 955-4863
Southside: 955-2828
Main: 955-6783

Wheelchair SymbolThese programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Manga Workshops

MangaTwo-Part Manga Workshop for Teens
Presented by FACT
(
Fine Art for Children & Teens)

Saturdays: November 7 & 14
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Southside Library
6599 Jaguar Dr.

Saturdays: November 14 & 21
10:30 am - Noon
Main Library
145 Washington Ave.
Explore the art of Western graphic novels and Japanese manga in these workshops lead by manga enthusiast Aline Hunziker. Participants will use nib pens and brushes to create their own sequential art for graphic storytelling such as comic strips. Art techniques will focus on hatching, gesture, and the use of comic panels to tell a story.

This program is free and all materials are provided. Teens age 13 to 16 are invited to register by calling 955-2820 at the Southside Library and 955-6783 at the Main Library.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

‘Little Japan’ at Warehouse 21

Little JapanSaturday, November 7
6:00 pm

A cultural exchange with our Sister City in Tsuyama, Japan.

In honor of our relationship with Tsuyama, Japan, Warehouse 21 will be hosting a Tsuyama Robot (Robotcon) Project, a special COOLaboration with Monte del Sol Charter School, Santa Fe 400th Anniversary, City of Santa Fe Sister Cities, Santa Fe Japan Connection, Inc. and our Sister City, Tsuyama, Japan.

Japan-related activities begin Saturday at 5pm, and there will be a robot competition that will take place at 6pm. This is an exciting opportunity for students here in Santa Fe to operate a robot remotely for the kick-off of the competition in Tsuyama, which takes place on Sunday morning, their time. Smokin’ Bachi Taiko Drum Group will help events begin, too.

Other Japan-related activities include: Japanese food such as sushi and tea, Pocky (chocolate-covered biscuit treats), Ramune (carbonated drink) and can coffee (cold or hot); a table for origami in New Mexico colors to take to Hiroshima next May; tables from various local groups with kawaii mono (cute things) and other items such as bento boxes, chopsticks, phone charms, and key chains for sale.

Monte del Sol students will make a movie/slide show of Japan and Tsuyama that will be projected, and will feature Japanese music (J-pop and hip-hop). Warehouse 21 will help kids to make t-shirts for the event. After the robot competition, Warehouse 21will have at least one computer dedicated to an open Skype connection, so people from Japan could sit and talk with people in Santa Fe.

Tsuyama will have its own Santa Fe booth and participants at the competition in Tsuyama will be able to see and play shodo (calligraphy) robot, and communicate through Skype to any participants here in Santa Fe.

This event is dedicated to Julian Martinez, who was an avid admirer of the Japanese culture.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Southside Teen Programs: Day Change

TAB Logo Starting in November, the Southside Library Teen Programs will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 4:15 to 5:30 pm.
1st Tuesday - Book Club
2nd Tuesday - Teen Advisory Board
3rd Tuesday - Anime Club
4th Tuesday - Anime Club

Come and bring your friends!
The Southside Library is located at 6599 Jaguar Dr.
For more information, stop by the Library or call Lydia Wren at 955-2829.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Songs We Sing (sometimes)

Periodically, we go through our website to make sure that everything is accurate and up-to-date. Our Internet Starting Points in particular require a lot of upkeep to make sure that everything works. However, so much information is jam-packed on these pages that sometimes we surprise ourselves with some of the quirky resources we provide access to. For instance, on our About Books & Literature page under Criticism and Author Information, we link to an excellent Authors' Calendar produced by a public library in Finland. Also on Kuusankoski's Pegasos page is a small link called the Library Song.

Now, having once joked about creating a Santa Fe Public Library Fight Song, complete with marching band accompaniment, discovering another Library Song out there captured our imagination. There are sound clips on the site, so we could hear the melody, but alas! No singing in either English or Finnish! Fortunately, one of our number is a singer of local renown, and was gracious—and shameless—enough to sing it to us.

Library Song


As far as songs go, it has the type of melody that sticks in your head like the frosting remnants from a stale cinnamon bun. (What's the equivalent in Finland?) Its lyrics are somewhat, um, simple, and a couple of us took issue with the line: "...And for mothers, books of recipes..." The vocalist in our midst opines that it is most likely a song for children, and even he couldn't get past a single verse/chorus recital. His vocal interpretation includes a fermata, or hold, on the last note of the next-to-last line, feeling that this lends the tune an air of sophistication.

While this was a great find that provided oodles of hilarity, the Library Song falls far short of being a model for a Santa Fe Public Library Song. While we've decided that a Fight Song might give our patrons the wrong idea (and make us all wear the same-color jersey), we're certain that a song that fails to mention guacamole and chocolate and chile just won't adequately convey the spirit of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Special thanks to RG & AA @ Main

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Tony Hillerman Teen Patio Dedication

Tony HillermanSunday, November 8
1:30 pm
Southside Library
6599 Jaguar Dr.

November 1-8 is Tony Hillerman Week. To celebrate the life and work of this influential Southwest writer, you're invited to attend the unveiling of the Tony Hillerman Teen Patio and memorial stone plinth dedication at the Southside Library. The Hillerman Family will be present to accept this honor for Tony Hillerman.

Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Wurzburger will be emcee, and Mayor David Coss will read a proclamation. Mr. Tommy Pino, a Navajo spiritual man, will bless the stone memorial and patio. Refreshments and social time will follow.

Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Dearly Departed Co-Worker?

Things can be kind of ominous, working in the Main Library basement. No, I don’t mean because being underground is scary. It’s the co-workers you have to watch out for. This guy showed up yesterday:

We’re not sure who he is. A new hire? Or an old worker who wouldn’t work hard enough? Or someone who attempted ... TO QUIT!?

Nobody wants to get too close, so we may never figure it out. Boy, you gotta watch your back in the Technical Services Department. This place is downright spooky!

by AA @Main
Photos by MGB @Main

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tony Hillerman's Landscape

Tony Hillerman's LandscapeTo celebrate Tony Hillerman Week, November 1-8, the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library are delighted to host an intimate multimedia presentation and book signing for Anne Hillerman’s new book, Tony Hillerman's Landscape: On the Road with Chee and Leaphorn. The Harper Collins book features photographs by Don Strel.

The program will be held Sunday, November 8, 2009, from 4 - 6 pm, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy Street.

Shiprock at SunsetThis event will feature a slide show of photographs from the book, showing the places in Indian country that served as the inspiration for Tony Hillerman's mystery novels. It will be narrated by Anne Hillerman, his eldest daughter. She and her husband, photographer Don Strel, spent three years visiting the iconic landscapes Tony used as settings for his Indian country mysteries. She will share memories of her life with her father, and his travels.

Billie Blair will serve as mistress of ceremonies. The program will be followed by a reception and book signing. Books will be available for purchase.

Tickets will be available from the Lensic, 988-1234, or at the door. Ticket prices are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Santa Fe Public Library programs.

Monday, October 19, 2009

The Mighty Nobel

The AppointmentAt this time of year, every year, librarians and literature lovers wait for the announcement of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Part of the anticipation for librarians is whether the Library already owns the award-winning author’s books. This year we quickly ordered Ms. Herta Muller’s books, as they were not ones that had come to our attention in the past. We immediately placed orders for duplicate copies, to meet the needs of our literary patrons.

The Land of Green PlumsIn some libraries where I have worked, the owning of Nobel Literature prize winner’s books BEFORE it was announced earned a badge of great respect from other libraries. Some librarians would do a “football” pool on possible nominees/winners prior to the announcement. Few won both contests, but those who did proudly displayed their gold stickered badge made from gold paper and foil stars stuck on it. (You remember the stars some teachers would put on you tests or papers…)

Traveling on One LegSome librarians feel the same way about the British Booker Prize: if they haven’t read at least one third of the nominated titles, they feel they have slipped in their literary achievements. Being published in the UK, that is a book less likely to be available in the States until it wins. A friend told me recently that she just did not like the Booker Prize winners that she had read. I suggested she read other books by that author, since sometimes the award seems to go to an author for that earlier book that did not win. And pick up the nominees’ books which are of similar top literary quality.

The PassportI am not sure what it is with librarians and award books. In children’s literature the Newbery and Caldecott are treated in the same way. Librarians pride themselves on having selected an award winner before it gets an award. The year Charlotte’s Web was published, 90% of librarians guessed wrong. They loved Charlotte’s Web and lobbied for it to win the Newbery Award. But they were defeated by a committee who selected Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark. The latter is still a good read, but never reached the heights of E.B. White’s now-classic tale.

In any case, I make a list of must-reads and put them on hold at the Library. The award winners will fill many a cold NM night.

by PCH @Main

Friday, October 16, 2009

National Feral Cat Day

Feral Cat in San Juan, PRToday is National Feral Cat Day. When I first saw this on my calendar, I wondered what sort of festivites could possibly celebrate those rascals we see and hear in our yards, alleyways, and parks. After a little research, I found out that it's not one of those holidays that you celebrate, but it's a good day to educate yourself and observe.

Alley Cat AlliesAlley Cat Allies is a national organization that encourages education about and healthcare for the feral cats in our communities. They advocate health care and Trap-Neuter-Return for these alley cats, as well as basic protection. While there aren't currently any National Feral Cat Day events planned in Santa Fe or New Mexico, Alley Cat Allies offers lots of ideas for you and information for your veterinarian.

LemmyIf just hearing the word feral makes you advocate catch-and-kill, please read this thoughtful piece from the Las Cruces Sun-News. As the adopted human of a formerly feral cat, I'm very thankful for the people and organizations in this community who've been working diligently to make sure that every animal has a shot at the good life. While not every feral cat morphs into the cuddly lap cat that Lemmy on the right has, they all deserve to be alive and healthy.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Autumn Book Sale

Southside Library
6599 Jaguar Dr.
October 24 and 25

Friends Members Only*:Booksale Setup
Saturday: 10 am - 1 pm

Open to public:
Saturday: 1 pm - 4 pm

Sunday: 1 pm - 4 pm
$3 Bag Day!
*Memberships available at the door:
Individual: $10 - Household: $15

Hardcover books - $1.00 ea.
Paperback books - $0.50 ea. or 3 for $1.00
Children's books - $0.25 ea.
Videos & DVDs - $1.00 ea.
Cassettes - $0.25 ea.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.
All proceeds from the sale of these donated books are used to purchase new books for the Library.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

ANIME films

at the Southside Library for Teens
Teens are invited to take part in Teen Anime Club at the Southside Library, the 3rd & 4th Thursday of each month from 4:15-5:30 pm. Each month will feature a different anime film.

Coming up next:
Fullmetal Alchemist


Fullmetal Alchemist
If you're ages 13-18, you can participate in the selection process! Join us after school for a movie and snacks.

No registration required, just drop in.

The Southside Branch Library is located at 6599 Jaguar Drive on the corner of Country Club Rd.

Already viewed:

Moon PhaseSpiralxxxHOLiC


For more information, call Lydia Wren at 955-2829.

Images from: Operation Anime

Monday, October 12, 2009

Asynchronous Answers

A Word a DayOne of the drawbacks to working in a library is that it's impossible to follow every lead for new facts and information. Recently, someone at the library mentioned to me that there was a specific term for things cut out of books, but he or she couldn't remember what the word was. I guessed that the only possible word could be catastrophe, but no, that wasn't the term the person was looking for.

It wasn't a reference question, just a comment made in passing, but it's been lingering in the back of my mind. This morning, thanks to the wonders of email, my curiosity is satiated.

Today's word on A.Word.A.Day is grangerize, which is:

1. To mutilate a book by clipping pictures out of it.
2. To illustrate a book by adding pictures cut from other books.
The etymology of the word is rather charming, and has nothing to do with Hermione Granger, who surely would've had the same initial reaction that I did.

Thanks A.Word.A.Day, for solving yet another riddle!

Friday, October 09, 2009

Free Concert on the Plaza

October 10
in Celebration of
National Hispanic Heritage Month


The City of Santa Fe is pleased to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of events and activities in keeping with City Resolution No. 2008-59, acknowledging National Hispanic Heritage Month and encouraging our community to recognize the great contributions of Hispanics to our City. National Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law by Federal Public Law 100-402 and has been observed across the nation since 1988.

This Saturday, the Plaza Bandstand will play host to a free Hispanic Heritage day-long concert featuring a variety of music and dance performances. City Councilor Miguel Chavez will open the day with the reading of a Proclamation at 10:00 a.m. followed by live entertainment on the bandstand:

10:00 a.m. РBaile Espa̱ol
12:00 noon – Chicano Groove
1:30 p.m. – Sol Fire
3:00 p.m. – Grupo Herencia
4:30 p.m. – Lumbre del Sol
6:00 p.m. – Night Shift
7:30 p.m. - Sorela
9:00 p.m. - Soulz of the Sun
The Santa Fe Public Libraries celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with The Carlos Trio, Local Music with a Salsa Flavor, on October 13, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at La Farge Branch Library, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Southside Library and October 14, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

The Santa Fe Arts Commission Community Gallery will host artist Victor Archuleta in a workshop and demonstration of furniture making October 10, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Also, the Community Gallery has a limited number of signed La Cofradia Presenta Cultura 1979 posters for sale for $35.00 each. The image on the poster is by famed Hispanic artist and Cofradia member Eliseo Rodriguez (dec.).

Baking Soda Eureka

Baking Soda After stumbling across a nifty little book called Baking soda: over 500 fabulous, fun, and frugal uses you've probably never thought of by Vicki Lansky, I decided I had to know how my life could be improved by baking soda. I mean, baking soda? Sure, it’s handy for making cookies, but over 500 uses? Would it do my dishes? Vacuum the carpet? Well, it turned out this book was chock-full of interesting, inspiring, and downright wacky uses for our pal in the yellow box (and, in fact, it does do both dishes and carpet). It amazed me that something used in food could also be put to work in all sorts of cleaning and hygiene and kid-friendly projects.

I decided to experiment first with drain cleaning, since I am always very uneasy about the poisonous drain uncloggers on the market, and my tub drain has been a little sluggish lately. I enthusiastically poured the soda down the drain, and the next morning I poured distilled white wine vinegar over it. Holy cow! In a flashback to chemistry experiments gone horribly awry in high school, the fizzing bubbling rising-out-of-the-drain reaction was terrifying and the coolest thing I’d seen in ages! Once it calmed down a bit, I took the advice of a wise colleague and poured boiling water down as well. Now, my drain is speedier than a downhill train with no brakes, and yet I was liberated from the guilt that plagues me when I know I’ve done something evil to the environment, like used commercial drain cleaner. Hallelujah for bicarbonate of soda!

For my next trick, I am trying to work up the guts to use it to clean my contact lenses. If that works, there is truly nothing the little yellow box cannot do.

by AA @Main

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Columbus Day Library Closures

All branches of the Santa Fe Public Library will be closed on Monday, October 12 for Columbus Day.

All libraries will be open regular hours, 10 am - 6 pm, on Saturday, October 10.

Main Library will be open regular hours, 1-5 pm, on Sunday, October 11.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Historical/Hysterical Parade

Historical/Hysterical ParadeSanta Fe is known for quirky events. And seemingly, there is no way they are affiliated with the Library. However, one of our eagle-eyed volunteers seeking old photos of the library came across a picture of a Santa Fe Public Library-Woman’s Club and Library Auxiliary float in the Historical/Hysterical Parade which is a part of Fiestas. The photo was from about the 1930s. The Woman’s Club actually founded the public library in 1896. Armed with this information, the energetic volunteer organized a group of volunteers and a truck to be in this year’s parade! Carrying placards, librarians from many libraries took part.

Historical/Hysterical ParadePlacards had such sayings as:
"I Love my Library!"
"I left my heart in the Library!"
"Libraries Rock!"
"Volunteers gave 10, 208 hours to the Libraries"
“Doing Fine at 106 years in Santa Fe”

and last but not least:

"Do you have a Library card? 88,393 of your neighbors do!"

We know the library is popular, but what a great feeling when people along the parade route cheered the float, called out “We love the Library,” and “Keep up the good work!” If there had been a prize for the most popular float, we would have won, hands down.

I had a birds-eye seat as I had called “shotgun” on the truck. Not only did City employees cheer and yell to me, but regular library users as well. The Fire Chief and her young son waved and waved! Hmmm, maybe next year we can build a float, crown a "Miss Information" and have her ride on the float to represent us.
Historical/Hysterical Parade

by PCH at Main
Photos by SAS at Southside

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Meet the Parking Enforcement Staff

Meetings hosted by City’s Parking Division

The city’s Parking Division has begun hosting weekly citation information meetings regarding any citations received by the public that were issued by the city’s Parking Enforcement Officers. Meetings are held every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Santa Fe Community Convention Center parking garage offices across from the main post office on Federal Place.

Anyone who has recently received a parking citation may inquire about it and will have the opportunity to speak with the Administrative Manager and the Parking Enforcement Supervisor including the officer who issued the citation. Often there may be extenuating circumstances, of which the Parking Enforcement Officer is not aware, causing a citation to be issued; or the person who received the citation may be unaware of codes that mandate that a citation be issued.

The disposition of the citation may be recommended for payment, or it may be remanded to Municipal Court Judge Ann Yalman during parking court. Only Judge Yalman has the authority to dismiss a ticket.

Monday, October 05, 2009

Eleventh Annual Celebration of the Book

Southside Library
6599 Jaguar Dr.

Shinto Prayer


Thursday, October 15:
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Friday, October 16:
10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon

Saturday, October 17:
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy the Eleventh Annual “Celebration of the Book”! For the second year the Celebration will be held at the Santa Fe Public Library’s Southside Branch. The public is welcome during any of the Celebration hours and all the activities are free of charge. On Thursday and Friday the focus will be on school groups. Saturday there will be activities to include everyone. Bring the whole family!

Leaves of GrassThroughout the Celebration, there will be a display of handmade artists’ books from the Santa Fe Book Arts Group. There will be activity tables staffed by book artists who will teach willing participants to make their own books. All materials needed to make a complete book will be provided.

Santa Fe Poet Laureate Valerie Martínez will also teach students to create their own poetry.

The event is sponsored by the Santa Fe Book Arts Group and the Santa Fe Public Library.

For further information please contact Ava Fullerton, 982-2846 or Donna Norquist at donnanorquist@earthlink.net.


The DeepPrayerbook


Children's StoryAfrican Journey

Book Credits:

Top: Shinto Prayer for Peace by Beverly Ann Wilson is a flagbook.
Center: Leaves (incorrectly titled Leaves of Grass) by Claudia Willliams is an original creation.
Bottom (l-r):
The Deep by Claire Dunne is an accordian fold structure.
Lake Superior Prayerbook (Prayerbook) is a unique piece.

Children’s Story by Marilyn Chambers is a coptic bound book.
African Journey by Loraine Klinger is an accordian fold pop-up book.

Saturday, October 03, 2009

The Carlos Trio: Update

Performing local music with salsa flavor

Santa Fe 400thA Free Program for Families
In Celebration of
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th through October 15th

Tuesday, October 13th
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
La Farge Branch Library

Tuesday, October 13th
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Southside Branch Library

Wednesday, October 14th
New Time
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Main Library

WheelchairSponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Friday, October 02, 2009

City-Wide Food Drive

“What can you do in 21 days?”

Food DepotWarehouse 21City of Santa Fe


The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, in coordination with The Food Depot and Warehouse 21, will be sponsoring a city-wide food drive to take place in all of the high schools in Santa Fe. The food drive will take place between October 1st and October 21st and will challenge people under 21 to see what they can do in 21 days.

The goal of the food drive is to raise food donations as well as to raise awareness among youth about hunger in our community. The food drive will benefit the Food Depot, Santa Fe Public Schools Adelante Program and Youth Shelters.

The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board has been working with the student governments at the high schools to promote the food drive. Food collection bins will be delivered to all local high schools. The winner of the food drive (determined by the weight of the food collected divided by the number of enrolled students) will receive the ability to host an event at Warehouse 21.

The public may donate through food collection bins at City Hall at 200 Lincoln Ave., and Warehouse 21 at 1614 Paseo De Peralta.

Thursday, October 01, 2009

October Library Exhibits

Main Library
Capillas y Flores
Oil Paintings
by Romana Vigil


La Farge Library
It’s A Beadiful Day!
by Darrell Blair


Southside Library
Land of Enchantment-Impressions
Oil Paintings
by Lydia S. Rael

For more information, check our Art page.

For upcoming events, check our Calendar and Children's pages.