Science Teacher Wanted

The Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library are seeking a Science teacher for an after-school program. The position requires a short-term contractor to provide two eight-week after-school sessions at the La Farge and Southside branches and to coordinate a NASA astronaut public presentation. Curriculum is already developed.

For Immediate Hire. Closing Date: January 15, 2010.

Send résumé and references to:

S. Sonflieth, Branch Director
La Farge Branch Library
1730 Llano Street
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Upcoming Books and Babies

A 6-week program for babies 6 months to 2-years-old and their caregivers.

Winter Session

Wednesdays, at La Farge Library
January 6 - February 10
10:30 to 11:00 am

Thursdays, at the Southside Library
January 7 - February 11
10:30 to 11:00 am

It's never too early to start your child on the road to reading.

Your child will enjoy books, songs, and finger games from the comfort of your lap.

To register and for more information call
Southside Children's: 955-2828
La Farge Children's: 955-4863

Winter PreSchool Story Time

Tuesdays, at the La Farge Library
January 5 - May 4
2 to 5-year-olds: 10:30 am to 11:15 am

Wednesdays, at the Southside Library
January 6 - May 5
2 to 5-year-olds: 10:30 am to 11:15 am

Fridays, at the Main Library
January 8 - May 7
2 to 5-year-olds: 11:00 am to 11:45 am

It's free!
Children will enjoy stories, songs, finger games, puppets, and crafts. Open enrollment.

For more information, call:
La Farge Children's: 955-4863
Southside Children's: 955-2828
or Main Children's: 955-6783

Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Photo by TT @SS.

Library Board Openings

The Santa Fe Public Library is seeking candidates for the Library Board which is appointed by the Mayor to represent the residents of Santa Fe. There are two positions, one from the City and one from the County. The County board member must live outside the incorporated boundaries of the City. Board members serve for three years.

The seven member Library Board was created as an advisory board to the City Council and is charged with working with the Library administration to recommend policies on the use of the library, book selection, acceptance of gifts and bequests, management and operation and such matters as a public library board may properly set policy on.

Interested residents may apply by submitting a letter of interest and a résumé to:

Maria Finley
Santa Fe Public Library
145 Washington Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501

or deliver it to the Library by January 9, 2010 by 5:00 p.m.

Santa Claus Sneaks In

Due to funding issues, we weren't sure if we'd be able to offer the popular Books & Babies program in the 2010 year. This popular 6-week program for babies 6 months to 2-years-old and their caregivers has been at the Southside and La Farge Branch Libraries for several years, and is an important tool in early literacy.

Fortunately, a secret Santa Claus arrived in the form of funding so that the program can be offered for another year. We'd like to thank our benefactor for this generous gift!

Be sure to check the Children's Pages for the new Books & Babies Schedule, as well as PreSchool Story Time for older children.

May you and your families have a Happy Holiday!

Image courtesy of Get Caught Reading.

Dogs in Knits

I am just cataloging the cutest book in the world, Dogs in Knits. While in theory I am against putting a dog in a sweater, because, you know, that’s why they have fur, I can’t help but dissolve into a puddle of overwhelmed cutification when I see them. This book has patterns and instructions for the cutest puppy sweaters, and even little bios of the doggy models. I can’t stand the cuteness! I’m melting!

Luckily I have no talent, so could never attempt anything in this book, because the dog in my family would wither me with one look if I dared try approaching him with one of these sweaters. I still bear scars from the puppy cowboy hat from this year’s pet parade ...

by AA @Main

Libraries Close Early

Due to inclement weather, all branches at the Santa Fe Public Library will be closing at 6:00 pm today, Wednesday, December 23rd.

Please call your local branch if you have further questions about hours and closings:

Main Library: 955-6781
La Farge Library: 955-4860
Southside Library: 955-2810

Elementary...

Sometimes a literary character becomes so ubiquitous, it's easy to forget that she or he is not a real person. Sherlock Holmes, for example, has found immortality and fame as a character in both his own works and spin-offs and appropriations. Mr. Holmes has also led a long and varied life on the small and silver screens. While some people believe that Basil Rathbone is the ultimate Sherlock, I think that the television and movie series starring Jeremy Brett characterizes both the original stories and Sherlock Holmes character the best. However, another actor is donning the Sherlock Holmes mantle soon. While Robert Downey Jr. doesn't quite have the Jeremy Brett Sherlockian profile, lets hope he pulls it off.

If you'd like to view the Holmes universe from a different angle, a new graphic novel by Leah Moore (daughter of Alan Moore of Watchmen fame) and John Reppion puts our intrepid detective in an uncharacteristic situation. It starts slowly, but definitely becomes a page-turner, especially in front of a cozy fire on a chilly winter evening. The first volume, The Trial of Sherlock Holmes, also brings a lot of depth to the Dr. Watson character that many other adaptations miss.

If you've read all the books and stories, watched the shows and movies, and belong to as many Holmesian Societies as you have time for but your interest still isn't slaked, an interesting area of research is Holmes's creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We have several biographies about him, and here's an interesting article about his interests in the occult and spiritualism.

As the great character queried: "...when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" And the truth is that Sherlock Holmes and his many creators will be entertaining and enlightening fans new and old for years to come.

Green Chile Cheeseburgers Galore!

Even though this time of year will have most of us making and/or eating posole and tamales, Gil's Thrilling (and Filling) Blog has recently highlighted our state's unofficial Casual Dining Dish: The New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger. He's gone even further than word-of-mouth amongst friends, and has posted The New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail interactive map. On the map, you can click on a burger and get the address of the burger joint. Wryly cool. (Uh, oh: looks like the SE corner of our state is strictly batty.)

The map is "a listing of the Land of Enchantment’s most outstanding green chile cheeseburger restaurants, drive-ins, diners, dives, joints, cafes, roadside stands and bowling alleys." The Cheeseburger Trail grew from a collaboration between the New Mexico Tourism Department and the Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge at the New Mexico State Fair in September. Likely this will drive out-of-state readers wild with desire to get back to New Mexico for a Green Chile Cheeseburger. For us in-state eater/readers, it can give us ideas for new places to try on road trips, or places in town we may have overlooked.

Be sure to check Gil's blog to see the winner of the Governor’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge, and to see which local eateries made the map.

by JP @SS & AM @Main

New Year's Closures

All branches of the Santa Fe Public Library will close at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 31st for New Year's Eve. They will be closed all day on Friday, January 1st for New Year's Day.

The Libraries will resume normal hours on Saturday, January 2:

Saturday, January 1:
All Libraries: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday, January 3:
Main Library: 1:00 - 5:00 pm

Have a Happy New Year!

Encore, CSF

I think a lot of people have been holding their collective breath to see how things would turn out with the Laureate takeover of the College of Santa Fe. I know I have been. And so I jumped at the chance to get tickets to the first official play in the Greer Garson Theatre (not the little Weckesser theatre, but the big red velvety one) since the takeover. Back when I was a student at CSF, I had to go to one of the plays for my Western Culture class. I didn’t want to go, my date backed out, and my car broke down at the gas station on the way. But once I got there, I fell in love with the whole experience – the acting, a friend in the cast, the red velvet seats, the cozy cavelike feeling of the theatre, a gripping play keeping me on the edge of my seat. For the subsequent seventeen years, I have caught as many of the plays as I’ve been able, even when I lived outside of New Mexico for a few years, on frequent trips back home. I’ve rarely been disappointed in the talent, the caliber, the entire experience. And I wept copiously after going to see Sweet Charity, the final play last year, when we thought the College was finished for good.

I was nervous that things would have changed, and that it wouldn’t be the same fantastic experience I had taken for granted. When I arrived, the audience was small, and the theatre had been curtained in half to make it smaller. But I settled into my seat with hope in my heart, and I was not disappointed. I’m pleased to report that the play I saw on Sunday, Boys’ Life, carried me away. It was well-acted and thought-provoking, the characters were engaging and infuriating, the set design was clever, and I really enjoyed the whole thing immensely.

Whatever the rest of the story is with the “new” College of Santa Fe, I’m thrilled that the theatre department is still persevering, and I’m already making plans to catch the student-directed production in February. I’ll be the one in the front, bouncing up and down on my red velvet seat.

by AA @Main

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Saturday, January 9th
2:00 - 2:45 pm
Southside Branch Library
6599 Jaguar Drive

A BRAVO Kids Concert of Amahl and the Night Visitors, a children’s Christmas/Epiphany opera, will be presented at the Southside Branch Library. The opera will be costumed and staged, featuring 6 youth singers.

The Santa Fe Public Library is hosting this free event in conjunction with the Santa Fe Concert Association.

Call 955-2828 for more information.

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board Seeking New Members

The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board (MYAB) is looking for two youth, ages 13-18, to join the Board. The MYAB is a group of ten youth in Santa Fe who provide input to the Mayor and City Council on youth policy and work to get other youth involved in their community. They are looking for members who are active and committed to their community and who want to have a voice in city government.

Applications forms can be found by searching MYAB on the City of Santa Fe's website. All applications must be submitted to myabapplications@gmail.com by 5:00 p.m. on January 8th. All questions can be directed by email to alxwirth@gmail.com or to Gordon Betancourt at 955-6860. The current members of the board will recommend two applicants to the Mayor and City council for appointment.

Christmas Holiday Closings

All branches of the Santa Fe Public Library will be closing at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 24 for Christmas Eve. All branches will also be closed on Friday, December 25 for Christmas.

The Libraries will resume normal hours on Saturday, December 26:

Saturday, December 26:
All Libraries: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday, December 27:
Main Library: 1:00 - 5:00 pm

May everyone have a healthy and happy holiday!

No Wonder Why We're Tired

Tired, yet happy!

We've updated the Library Facts and Statistics page with the past fiscal year's details. Library visits have gone up almost 7% over the past year.

Some more fun facts:

• Our borrowers (that's you with a library card!) increased 8.22%
• Library visits increased almost 7%
• Our circulation—books and other items checked out—increased 21.12%.
• Almost 24% of those items were Children's.
• Young Adult circulation increased by 43%.
• Self-check out increased by almost 55%
• 28% more holds were filled
• 499 Programs were just for Children, almost 10% more than last year
• 15,126 Children attended library programs, for a 12.17% increase
• Adult Program attendance increased by 60%
• Reference questions increased by almost 7% (Who says the Internet will replace librarians?)

Interestingly, use of our public PCs decreased by about 4%. Even though it seems as if our computers are always in use, we believe that the Wifi at every branch has freed up the PCs a bit. We're still waiting on those statistics.

Still curious about us? Be sure to check our Library Facts and Statistics page for every number you can dream of.

I've Been Schooled

Not often, but often enough, I've been hearing or reading the phrase, "a myriad of," and my ears or eyes chafe. Let's say the original sentence is "You have a myriad of possibilities," using myriad as a noun. Well, my inner editor would immediately do some cutting in order to hear, "You have myriad possibilities," where myriad is an elegant and economical and lyrical adjective.

My inner indignant editor finally reached critical mass today, and I went to the convenient Merriam-Webster. According to this trusted source...I'm wrong, but apparently I'm in a wrong majority. Myriad can function as both a noun and an adjective, and its use as a noun precedes the adjective by about two centuries. M-W even editorializes in its usage section:

"The noun myriad has appeared in the works of such writers as Milton (plural myriads) and Thoreau (a myriad of), and it continues to occur frequently in reputable English. There is no reason to avoid it." [Emphasis added.]

Just to make sure, indubitably sure, I consulted two of my favorite word sites for confirmation: A.Word.A.Day and World Wide Words. They both back up Merriam-Webster, albeit with a tad less scolding. AWAD has even fielded letters about this word, while making pleas to all to allow the English language to breathe and grow.

So, my ears and eyes must adjust to this breathing growing language. I can start by saying how thankful I am that everytime I sit down to write, I have a myriad of words to choose from. It still sticks a bit, but at least it's not incorrect.

Mapping New Mexico

With a state as vast as ours, maps and atlases are an ongoing fascination for many of us. However, if you'd like to get to know the state aside from roads and topography, there are a couple of great online resources to start with.

The New Mexico Humanities Council has put together the Atlas of Historic New Mexico Maps. This online resource has maps from the 1500s to the early Twentieth Century. A great feature of these maps is the ability to switch back and forth between the historic map and New Mexico today. You can also see the older map superimposed on today's physical map for reference. Biographical information about the mapmaker is provided, and all the maps are put into a larger historical context with a wealth of primary source documentation.

If literature is more your passion, the New Mexico Office of the State Historian has a literary map of the state. You can click on a place name, and links to literary excerpts appear for each one. History, memoir, poetry, and fiction are all used to verbally map each place. For example, clicking on Chimayó brings up a prose excerpt by Cristina Ortega, and poetry by Adán V. Baca and Estevan Rael-Gálvez. It's easy to lose track of time on this site as you read about places you've been to, or click on places you've never heard of and read what has touched others about it.

After studying up on the history and literature of the Land of Enchantment, you'll soon be pulling out those road atlases to plan your next adventure!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Sorry, I lied.

The City of Santa Fe has put out some great resources if you don't want your leisurely walk to be wild and woolly. Prescription Trails is a series of guides that chart out walk- and wheelchair-friendly routes throughout the city.

The information is similar to hiking trail guides, with an overview of the route, mileage, trail surface, and attractions. All the guides are arranged by Zip Code and available in either jpg or PDF-printable formats.

A quick scan through a bunch of trails showed that they were under a mile, and many were at Difficulty grades 1 and 2. So even if this winter hits us hard, it should still be possible for all of us to take a little stroll around our city. Just make sure to bundle up before you go.

New Blog on the Block

Just a couple of weeks ago, we were given a heads-up about a new blog, Santa Fe Literary News. We thought we'd have to wait a bit for this resource to get its cyberlegs, but in just a couple of weeks it's become essential for local book lovers. Maintained by local writer James McGrath Morris, this is definitely one to check weekly, if not daily.

Recent posts include:

• Reviews of Butterfly Landscapes of New Mexico and The Santa Fe House
• New Mexican Writing Contest
• Santa Fe Science Writing Workshop
• Santa Fe Writers Conference

Whether it's a local reading, or a local author's tome making it to the big screen, this blog fills a much-needed niche in online Santa Fe. If you need to promote some local literary news, James provides an easy link to his e-mail on the blog. I could go on, but you'll just have to check it yourself!

Young Native Artists Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 12th and 13th
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

John Gaw Meem Room
New Mexico History Museum
Entrance on Washington Ave. next to the Palace Gift Shop.

Most Santa Feans and most likely every tourist has shopped under the portal at the Palace of the Governors for exquisite Native American jewelry over the years. What most people do not know is that the Native American artists must be 18 years of age to sell on the Portal. To meet the needs of the many younger, talented artists, the Young Native Americans Artist Show and Sale for the children of the Portal Artists was created.

For the past four years, the Main Library has had the privilege of hosting this program while the New Mexico History Museum completed its expansion. I had the honor of working closely with the Native American Portal Committee to help coordinate the program at the Library. Trust me, it was no imposition.

On the morning of the event the parents, aunts and uncles and children would line up outside the Library, many having driven for hours to get to Santa Fe. Over the four years, I have seen children grow into adult artists with the greatest creativity and talent. My office is a brighter place with art by Camile, pottery by Mitchell, and figurines by Beth. And my jewelry is commented on every time I wear a piece by Tammy, Bradley or Richard. I have watched these talented young people grow, not only physically, but in their many artistic skills. Tammy has grown from a quiet 9-year-old into a vivacious teenager, eager to show her work and let people know how she creates her work.

This year I have the honor of cutting the ribbon to open this Show and Sale; I serve as a kind of honorary godmother to the project and to the children. They did not have to ask me if I would be there to do the honors, they knew I would be there anyway for our incredible young artists.

We have found that tourists have called the library weeks in advance to make sure they had the correct dates as they so enjoy this Show and Sale. Don’t miss meeting these talented young artists. Come join us.

by PCH @Main

This Will Change Your Life...

While doing, ahem, research at lunchtime, I came across the following. It's already changed several lives. Will it change yours?



If the video doesn't show, click here.

2009 New Mexico Book Award Winners

The New Mexico Book Co-op has announced the New Mexico Book Award winners. Every year, publishers and authors submit books they have written or published, to be considered for the New Mexico Book Awards. The fun for the Library staff begins when they sign up to review the books submitted. Other libraries and volunteers are involved. Every book was judged by at least 3 people; some books in big categories had as many as nine judges. The judges reviewed all the books. And from that 34 Winners and 115 Finalists were selected.

Our contacts at LPD Press kindly haul in boxes of books for our review, all neatly divided and marked as to category—poetry, history, children’s books, self-help, etc. The variety of the books is amazing—on all levels from pre-school books to academic tomes.

As a special treat, the reviewer may request one of the books they reviewed as a thank you. The Friends of the Library and the Santa Fe Public Library sponsor the category of Young Readers Book, (to grade 3).

Special awards are given to authors: award winners this year were Michael McGarrity, Joe Sando, Howard Bryan and Joe Wesbrook. Tony Hillerman’s Thief of Time won the People’s Choice Award. Best New Mexico Book is Martha Andrews and Richard Melzer’s The Whole Damned World (Rio Grande Books). Best of Show Book is Jillian Brasch’s The Last Gifts: Creative Ways to Be with the Dying (Andrews McMeel Publishing), and Lois Manno’s Visions Underground: Carlsbad Caverns through the artist's eye (Rio Grande Books). A tie.

This shows the best of our creative New Mexico writers and publishers. Happy reading.

by PCH @Main

Interlibrary Loan Holiday Hiatus

Interlibrary Loans will be temporarily suspended between Saturday, December 12th, 2009 and Friday, January 1st, 2010. We will not accept any requests after Saturday, December 12th, and will resume accepting requests on Saturday, January 2nd, 2010.

The Interlibrary Loan Department takes a hiatus at the end of the year due to closures of educational institutions from which we do much of our borrowing and lending.

Interlibrary Loan requests need to be submitted in person. We will not be accepting requests while we are on hiatus, and we ask that you wait until January 2nd to bring them in.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

December Library Exhibits

Main Library
The Oil Paintings
by Gina Bilwin

La Farge Library
Arts and Crafts
from the Seniors of
Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center

Southside Library
Puzzling Creation
Paintings
by Jim Modiano

For more information, check our Art page.

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

Free Computer Workshops for Adults

Winter Session
Beginning January 12, 2010

Southside Library
Jeff & Michelle Branch Community Room
6599 Jaguar Dr.
955-2820

Do you want to use the internet or e-mail but not sure where to start? Take one of our free, hands-on workshops! We'll start you off with the basics, and work with you on your level of experience. If you already know the basics, we'll show you tricks and tools to make you more comfortable and skillful with using online resources and e-mail.

Registration is recommended and will start on December 21 for the January workshops. Call 955-2820 or register in person at the Southside Reference Desk.

Tuesday Mornings
10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

January 12:
Basic Internet E-mail -
Set up a free e-mail account on the internet to send and receive messages.

January 26 :
Basic Internet Searching -
An introduction to web site navigation, using a browser, web addresses, and links, and searching the internet.

February 9 :
Basic Internet E-mail -
Set up a free e-mail account on the internet to send and receive messages.

February 23 :
Basic Internet Searching -
An introduction to web site navigation, using a browser, web addresses, and links, and searching the internet.

Thursday Afternoons
5:30- 7:00 p.m.

January 21 :
Basic Internet Searching -
An introduction to web site navigation, using a browser, web addresses, and links, and searching the internet.

February 4 :
Basic Internet E-mail -
Set up a free e-mail account on the internet to send and receive messages.

February 18 :
Basic Internet Searching -
An introduction to web site navigation, using a browser, web addresses, and links, and searching the internet.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Holiday Book Sales

Two Days! Two Selections!

Open to the Public.
Gift books individually priced.

Great stocking stuffers and holiday gifts!

Main Library
December 5 - One Day Only
Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm

Southside Library
December 12 - One Day Only
Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm


The Holiday Sales at Main and Southside will feature different selections of books at each site.

All sales sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library. Funds raised by the Friends are dedicated to purchasing new books for the Library.

Three Cheers for the MVD!

As someone who provides information for a living, I've learned to appreciate what it's like on the "other side" of the desk. Despite the collective nationwide groans at the mention of the Department of Motor Vehicles, I have to say that here in New Mexico, our own MVD bucks that national trend. Whether I've gone to the MVD in Albuquerque, Aztec, or Santa Fe, the staff are always informative, helpful, and very often, quite friendly.

While it's true that the lines at the Field Office can be something out of Kafka, once you speak to the person behind the desk you get a wealth of helpful information and efficient service. Even better, calling up the MVD (505-476-1501) allows you to speak with a person who will help you be prepared before heading out to the long lines. Every time I've had to call over the past 13 years, the MVD staffer has been patient with my questions, succinct and precise with the information I need, and very helpful and reassuring. The MVD website wouldn't win any awards for zazz (but honestly, neither would ours), but it is well-organized, full of useful forms, publications, and an FAQ, and the Online Registration Renewal is an easy-to-use timesaver—or in my case, lifesaver!

When we're on the "other side" of the desk, it's natural to feel nervous and apprehensive, especially when dealing with the dreaded MVD. But I have to say, despite the maligning of motor vehicle workers everywhere and the state budget crunch, the New Mexico MVD public servants go above and beyond as a matter of course. If you don't quite believe me, you can always ask one of us helpful reference librarians to help you navigate the MVD site to get you the forms and information that you need. After all, we've all been there at one time or another.

Thanks MVD!

Holiday “Stocking Stuffer” Sale

Friday, November 27 -
January 8, 2010

Santa Fe Community Gallery
201 W. Marcy St. at Sheridan

The public is invited to an opening on Friday, November 27, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Free hot cider and cookies will be served. The Community Gallery is located inside the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Public parking is available in the Center garage, located off S. Federal Place. The Community Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

“The ‘Stocking Stuffer’ Sale promotes locally-made art as a personal and creative gift-giving alternative,” states gallery manager Rod Lambert. “Supporting local artists and artisans, while encouraging Santa Feans to both appreciate and acquire local art objects is at the core of the Community Gallery’s mission.” The work of over 50 artists will be represented, with a variety of media, styles and price points.

Perfect for memorable gift-giving, works featured in the show are all one-of-a-kind, original artworks, created by local artists and artisans, priced between $5 and $200. The sale is unique in Santa Fe, offering the opportunity to support the locally-made art market while purchasing affordable, high-quality artworks.

The sale will include: jewelry by Linda Apodaca, Patricia Boehnlein, Connie Gaussoin, David Gaussoin, Wayne Nez Gaussoin, and Marion Martinez; ceramics created by Maggie Mae Beyeler, Heidi Loewen, and Greta Ruiz; small-scale sculptures by Matthew Chase Daniel and Rand Marco; book art by Joy Campbell; tin by Justin Gallegos Mayrant; and basketry by Felicia Trujillo.

For more information about the Community Gallery, visit the Santa Fe Arts Commission site , send an email to rdlambert@santafenm.gov or call 505-955-6705.

Buy Into Santa Fe

With Free Holiday Parking at Two City Garages

Shop Local Campaign Kicks off for the Holiday Season

The City of Santa Fe will offer free parking during the holiday season as part of the “Buy Into It” campaign, which encourages people to support the local economy by spending in Santa Fe whenever possible.

Once again this year, Santa Feans will be able to park free and shop local beginning on November 27, aka Black Friday, and running through Sunday January 3, 2010. Parking will be free at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center garage and the Railyard garage every Saturday and Sunday. Monday through Friday the first two hours of parking will be free. In addition, the City’s Parking Division will offer a 20% discount on all CashKey reloads.

Free parking will be offered according to the following schedule:

Santa Fe Community Convention Center garage:
201 W. Marcy Street
Hours: M-Sun: 6:30 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday - Free all day
Monday thru Friday - First two hours free, normal rate (.90 per ½ hour) will apply beginning the third hour or any part thereof

Railyard Garage:
500 Market St.
Saturday and Sunday - Free all day
Monday thru Friday - First two hours free, normal rate will apply beginning the third hour or any part thereof

Standard daily rates will apply to other parking facilities and lots.

Parking Garage Hours:
Convention Center: M-Sun: 6:30 am - 10:00 pm
Railyard: M-Sat: 5:45 am-10 pm; Sun: 10 am-7 pm

The “Santa Fe - Buy Into It” partners (The New Mexican, The Santa Fe Reporter, Hutton Broadcasting, The Journal Santa Fe, The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, The New Mexico Free Press, Comcast Spotlight, Santa Fe Place, HK Advertising and the City of Santa Fe) are launching the holiday campaign in order to promote consumer confidence and awareness of the local economy. The campaign is an unprecedented partnership, which brings these organizations together in a cooperative, proactive effort to support Santa Fe’s economy.

Persons who need to reload their CashKeys can do so Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 120 S. Federal Room 312. Due to the manufacturer’s limited supply no new CashKeys are being sold, but anyone who owns a CashKey can reload it.

"Gingerbread Houses" Craft

Join us for winter holiday fun making “gingerbread houses” using paper, ink pens, and glitter!

Thursday, December 10th
4 pm at the La Farge Library

Wednesday, December 16th
4 pm at the Southside Library

Thursday, December 17th
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

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

Telling New Mexico Lectures

The Telling New Mexico Inaugural Lecture Series kicks off at 1 pm on Sunday, Nov. 22, at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe. A special reception will be followed by former Palace of the Governors Director Thomas E. Chávez, speaking on Chasing History: Quixotic Quests for Arts, Artifacts and Heritage.

Tickets cost $10. Until Nov. 20, subscribers to all five lectures in the series can get a reduced price of $40. To purchase tickets go to Telling New Mexico Tickets or visit the museum’s shops. Future lectures will cover Blackdom, Navajo women and Japanese internment camps. Click here for the full lecture series schedule.

The New Mexico History Museum is located at 113 Lincoln Avenue next to the Palace of the Governors.

NM Literary Arts Fundraiser

"An Evening of Gratitude and Praise"

Collected Works Bookstore
202 Galisteo St. at Water St.
Monday, November 23
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Support and celebrate New Mexico Literary Arts at this fundraiser. Featured readers are Anne Valley-Fox, Joan Logghe, J.B. Bryan, Miriam Sagan, and Michelle Holland. Poetry Gratitude Awards honoring the generosity of poets in our community will be given.

Suggested donation is $10. Call (505) 988-4226 for more information.

Main Library Anime Club

Starting on December 3rd, the Main Library will be hosting Anime Club for teens ages 13-18. The Club will be held the 1st and 2nd Thursday of each month, from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm. Each month will feature a different anime film and snacks.

Anime is a style of Japanese animation. It's similar to the popular manga comics. Whether you've been an Anime fan for years or just getting started, you're welcome to just drop by, watch some anime, and help choose the movie for the following months!

Coming Attractions:



See you on December 3!

For more information, call 955-6783.

Thanksgiving Closings

For the Thanksgiving Holiday, all Library Branches will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27.

The Libraries will resume normal hours on Saturday, November 28.

Main Library
145 Washington Ave.
505-955-6780
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 1 - 5 pm

La Farge Library
1730 Llano St.
505-955-4860
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Closed Sunday

Southside Library
6599 Jaguar Dr.
505-955-2810
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Closed Sunday

Photo courtesy of NWTF

The Art of Slow Communication

I still handwrite letters with my holiday cards. I know that may seem old-fashioned, but I like doing it and hope the recipients enjoy the personal touch. It seems in this world there is no limit as to how fast we must act, talk, read, and write to meet the ever increasing demands on our time.

Of course, I was raised by an English teacher, so good penmanship was taught and valued in our home. In fact my first job was to hand-letter the library code on all the fiction books in my Junior High library. I used a pen and white ink. So for me there is nothing better than to curl up in front of a fire with my note cards and pens…except maybe to curl up in front of a fire with a good book.

If you are interested in learning tips and techniques for hand-addressing holiday envelopes and making simple heartfelt cards, the La Farge Branch Library will host artist and professional calligrapher, Sherry Bishop, on Tuesday, December 1st from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Ms. Bishop will present a two-hour hands on adult workshop entitled, “Calligraphy, Handwriting, and the Gift of a Letter”. All materials will be provided. Bring your address book. Space is limited, so call 955-4862 to register.

by SAS

Amnesty for Overdue Fines -- For Life!

Recently, we received the following anonymous note in an overdue book:

So sorry I'm overdue, I feel extremely guilty and my only excuse is that this is such a wondrous book, I couldn't rush it coz if makes you think too much.

Sorry again & enjoy the ride

This note received one librarian's "Best Excuse Award", and elicited sighs of empathy and understanding from several others. This patron is not alone in finding a book that is thought-inspiring, life-changing, epiphany-having—a book that you want to keep for a long time, but also want to return so that others can enjoy it.

While several of us are dying to know which book inspired such sentiment, we all agree that it doesn't matter. We invite all of you to peruse our bookshelves and catalog and find something so compelling that you may be tempted to return it a bit late as well. And remember, we don't charge overdue fines, but we do ask that you return your items in a timely manner so that others may "Enjoy the Ride!"

Three Art Workshops

by FACT (Fine Arts for Children and Teens)

Rothko Inspired Paintings -
art that expresses emotions and ideas through color. Presented by Megan Bersett.

Southside Library
5 to 8-year-olds:
Weds., Dec. 2 / 4:00 - 5:30 pm

9 to 12-year-olds:
Weds. Dec. 9 / 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Finger Puppets and Wire Sculptures -
creating art that celebrates favorite storybook characters. Presented by Aline Hunziker.

Main Library
Finger Puppets: 5 to 8-year-olds:
Sat., Dec. 5 / 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Wire Sculptures: 9 to 12-year-olds:
Sat. Dec. 12 / 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Tin Relief Insects -
creating unique bugs detailing the body shape, number of legs, and tentacles. Presented by Megan Bersett.

La Farge Library
5 to 8-year-olds:
Weds., Dec. 16 / 3:30 - 5:00 pm

9 to 12-year-olds:
Weds. Dec. 23 / 2:00 - 3:30 pm

All these programs are free. Materials are provided.
Call the library where the program is being held to register.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival

Do some holiday shopping and be eco-friendly!

Pre-Winter Book Sale

November 21 and 22
La Farge Library
1730 Llano St.

Open to the Public -
No Members-Only Hours :
Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm

Sunday: 1 - 4 pm
Bag Day --$3.00 a bag: the Friends provide the bags.

Discount Books Only

Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Documentary Filmmaking: Getting Started

Wednesday, November 18
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Main Library
Community Room
145 Washington Ave.

Do you have a great idea for a documentary film but are not sure how to get started?
Join award-winning filmmakers Jilann Spitzmiller and Hank Rogerson for a free talk about documentary filmmaking. They'll discuss how to develop documentary ideas, where to look for funding and how to begin production. They'll show clips from their own work and take your questions.

The program is free and open to the public.

Wild Things

Constantly, patrons with their little ones come into the Children's Room at Southside looking for a book they loved when they were young. And often they look for Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. We hear “It was one of my favorite books,” or “I love Max.” We have Wild Thing posters in the room and the kids love them. The book's illustrations are eye-catching, and the story is one that every child can relate to. Max is wearing a costume. Who doesn’t like to dress up? He goes on an adventure, and is crowned king where he wants everyone to be happy. Isnt that what we all want? And when things get rough, we just want to go home. Oh Yeah. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end to the story in 10 sentences. Sublime.

And now that there is a new Where the Wild Things Are movie, we can’t keep the book on the shelf. We even had a "Max" at our preschool story time Halloween party. Santa Fe fireman came to celebrate with us and give a trick or treat safety lesson and let the little goblins see the trucks. So if you haven’t read the book yet—come to the library and get in line like you would at the movies.

by TT @SS

Memoir Writing:

Use Your Shimmering Images
to Tell the Story of Your Life

Lecture, discussion, and mini-workshop
by Lisa Dale Norton

Tuesday, November 17
7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
La Farge Library Community Room
1730 Llano Street

In this evening lecture, discussion, and mini-workshop you learn about shimmering images, the building blocks of memoir. You practice finding them, teasing out the meaning that hides inside them, and putting them together to write a story about your life. Books by Ms. Norton will be available for purchase.

Lisa Dale Norton is the author of the popular book, Shimmering Images: A Handy Little Guide to Writing Memoir published by St. Martin’s Press, and the critically acclaimed literary memoir Hawk Flies Above: Journey to the Heart of the Sandhills. She blogs about story for The Huffington Post, teaches online memoir writing classes at Lisa Dale Norton The Official Site, and is on the faculty of the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. She lives in Santa Fe.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Hillerman Book Launch

Tony Hillerman’s Landscape—
On the Road with Chee and Leaphorn

Sunday, November 8
4:00 - 6:00 pm
Santa Fe Community Convention Center
201 W. Marcy at Sheridan

Actor Wes Studi and author Michael McGarrity will join the celebration of the late author Tony Hillerman. This 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 are available from the Lensic at 988-1234. Tickets are $20.00 in advance; $25.00 at the door.

Anne Hillerman and Don Strel are generously donating the proceeds of the book sales and event to the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

For more information, call Maria at 955–6789.

Tony Hillerman Week

Dedication of the Tony Hillerman Teen Patio

Sunday, 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.

BRAVO KIDS! Concert

Saturday, November 14th
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Southside Branch Library

The Santa Fe Public Library will host the Santa Fe Concerts Association's BRAVO KIDS! Program, coordinated by Gina Browning. The program will present five of the eight EPIK Artists in concert. The November 14 program includes cellist Pecos Singer, violinists Eric Illick and Sarah Rogowskey, and singers Eric Illick and Maya Rose Tweten.

The young performers will also talk with the audience about their instrument and what it’s like for them to be a performer, as well as taking questions from the audience.

Sponsored by a grant from the EPIK Foundation, these talented young performers are all from Santa Fe. This is a free event open to the public.

Veterans Day Library Closures

All branches of the Santa Fe Public Library will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

All branches will be open for regular hours on Tuesday, November 10, and will resume regular hours on Thursday, November 12.


Please check out the City of Santa Fe Calendar for more information about this year's Veterans Day Parade.

November Library Exhibits

Main Library
La Tieria
Acrylic Paintings
by Steve McLellan

La Farge Library
Calligraphy, Handwriting and the Gift of a Letter
by Sherry Bishop

Southside Library
Landscapes and Memories
Photographs
by Peter Wagner

For more information, check our Art page.

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

Halloween Year-Round!

While 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

Wreaths of Thanks

Thanksgiving Craft Program
For Children ages 5 to 12.

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

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

Manga Workshops

Two-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.

‘Little Japan’ at Warehouse 21

Saturday, 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.

Southside Teen Programs: Day Change

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.