Santa Fe Public Library Closed Thursday, July 4th

All branches of the Santa Fe Pubic Library will be closed Thursday, July 4th, for Independence Day. We'll be back to regular hours on the 5th!

Ken Karter, Funny Dummy, July 5-6

Southside Gnome Chronicles: The Journey Begins; or 5 Great Resources to Help You and Your Gnome Friends Explore Santa Fe

Sticky , the resident gnome at Southside Library, and his good friend Blue have decided brave the heat and venture out of the library this weekend (after seeing Harrell House of Natural Oddities, of course!) to explore our fair city and all of the exciting attractions it has to offer.  They were asking us for some help figuring out where to start, so we thought we would share some great books and other resources available at the library to help them, and you, explore Santa Fe. Check back frequently to see what kind of adventures our roamin’ gnomes are having! Here are our gnome-approved recommendations to help you get started on your own Santa Fe adventure:

1.    Santa Fe Bikeways and Trails Map – All three branches of the library have this nifty free map of the extensive network of trails and bike path in and around Santa Fe available to help guide you on your outdoor adventures.  Check your branch’s brochure display or reference desk to get one.

2.    New Mexico and Santa Fe Guidebooks- All three locations of the library have guidebooks galore to help you explore New Mexico; from trail and outdoors guides to travel and everything in between!  Ask your reference librarian, or check the library catalog.

3.   Santa Fe History books- Gnomes can live to be nearly as old as the city of Santa Fe is (the average lifespan of your garden variety gnome is in fact 375 years, in case you didn’t know), so naturally they love history!  It’s a good thing all three branches are chock full of local history books.  If you want to learn more about the illustrious history of New Mexico and all the fabulous places you visit on your adventure check the library catalog or ask a librarian for help (hint: the magic number is 978.9).

4.    Local Newspapers – All three libraries keep the latest issue of the Pasatiempo for you to peruse and find out what’s happening around town.  Check at your reference desk! And you can always  pick up a free copy of the Reporter or Tumbleweeds at the library for even more ideas for  things to do.  Don’t forget to check the library’s calendar of events too!

5. (SHHH!! This one is a Secret Bonus only for readers of the library blog): The Thrill of the Chase- If the natural beauty and interesting cultural events happening all the time in Santa Fe aren’t enough to get you out exploring, perhaps the prospect of hidden treasure is?! As some savvy library users have already discovered, the library does own two copies of Forrest Fenn’s The Thrill of the Chase, a memoir that is supposed to contain clues that lead to a hidden treasure.  You can place a hold on the circulating copy through the library catalog (it will probably be a long wait though), or go downtown to Main and view their reference copy in the library to see what the treasure-hunting hype is all about. Gnomes do love treasure! Happy Trails!

Post and Photos by MM

Reminder: Harrell House of Natural Oddities is this Friday and Saturday

City of Santa Fe Trails Remain Open for Hikers, Bikers and Runners!

Dale Ball and La Tierra Trails Open

Paved Trails: Rail, Acequia, River, and Chamisa Trails Open

City of Santa Fe residents can continue to enjoy outdoor recreation and the use of City of Santa Fe trails for hiking, biking, running and general recreation, even though the U.S. Forest Service closed the Santa Fe National Forest for fire prevention on June 24, 2013.

Trails remain open thanks to dedicated trail advocates, who have worked with the City of Santa Fe Fire Department all spring to ensure that the trails are continuously monitored. Recreationists are asked to PLEASE STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS and reminded that the trails are open for now, but could close if new fires ignite or if trail users abuse the privilege.

Trails will be busier and more crowded and visitors are asked to respect all user groups, bikers must yield to hikers and horses and vice versa! Dogs must be on leash and under control at all times.

This is also a great time to explore some new trails like the Galisteo Basin Preserve and the soon to open Santa Fe Botanical Gardens at Museum Hill.

For more information visit the city’s website on hiking and biking trails at: http://www.santafenm.gov/index.aspx?NID=2281

Next Digging Into Science, Wednesday July 3rd at Main

Learn about rocks, soil, fossils and the sun's energy through fun, simple experiments. These sessions are part of the Summer Reading Program at the Main Library. Classes are open for children ages 5-12.

• Session 3: Wednesday, July 3rd 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
• Session 4: Wednesday, July 17th 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

For more information about these FREE sessions and to register visit the Main Library's Children's Room,145 Washington Avenue or call the Children's Room at (505) 955-6783.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Funded by the Mary Dolores Vocelle Estate

Southside Gnome Chronicles

If you haven't met him already, we'd like to introduce you to Sticky the Gnome, one of the wonderful nomadic garden gnomes living at Southside Library this summer.  Sticky and the rest of his gnome family are helping us Dig Into Reading with the Summer Reading Program. Sticky has been having a ball at the library so far, and he's been making a lot of new library friends!

Meet Sticky!!!

Sticky moves around, but he can usually be found on the Children’s Desk.

Sticky and some of his new friends!

Sticky and Dragon. Mythical creatures have to stick together.

Sticky can’t wait to see who wins the bicycles for this year’s Summer Reading Program!

Sticky checking out our garden of Readers in Bloom. Sticky really digs reading!

Post and Photos by MM

Viva Flora! – Treasured Plants of New Mexico Programming Events, Free to the Public

The City of Santa Fe Arts Commission, in partnership with Santa Fe Botanical Garden, will present a series of programming in affiliation with the current Community Gallery exhibit, “Viva Flora,” which focuses on the treasured plants of  New Mexico. All events take place at the Community Gallery, 201 West Marcy Street, inside the Santa Fe Community Convention Center and are free and open to the public. For more information call, 505-955-6705 or email rdlambert@santafenm.gov.

June 26, 6–8 p.m., NM’s Living Landscapes, Bill Dunmire, lecture (to be held in the Community Gallery)

June 29, Noon–4 p.m., Especially for Kids, hands-on workshop (to be held in the Community Gallery)

July 10, * Please note that the July 10 lecture, Landscaping with Native Plants with Tracy Neal has been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.

July 27, Noon–4 p.m., Painting O’Keeffe’s NM Flowers, with Jan Denton, hands-on workshop (to be held at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Education Annex)

August 7, 6–8 p.m.,  The Other Environmentalist, David Witt, lecture (to be held in the Community Gallery)

August 10, Noon–4 p.m., Especially for Kids, hands-on workshop (to be held in the Community Gallery)

The Community Gallery promotes, sells and exhibits the work of New Mexico artists and artisans, with the emphasis on Santa Fe, through exhibitions, professional training and community involvement in the arts. Community Gallery programming provides a range of services, exhibitions and activities that engage the public as well as support the efforts of local artists and artisans. As a result, the gallery is a hub for viewing and exhibiting exciting artworks and brings the community to art as well as art to the community.  For more information about the Community Gallery, visit www.SantaFeArtsCommission.org, send an email to rdlambert@santafenm.gov or call 505-955-6705.

SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST AND VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE CLOSED

The entire Santa Fe National Forest will be closed to public entry effective Monday, June 24, 2013 at 8 a.m. The only exception to the closure is the Rio Chama Scenic River corridor which will remain open to the public, with Stage II fire restrictions. The accessible area along the Rio Chama includes 100-feet from both sides of the river starting at the north end of the river at the Coyote and Cuba Ranger District Boundary downstream to the southeastern boundary near Forest Service Road 151.

“The weather forecast is calling for dry, hot and windy conditions in the coming days and with the current fires and new fires reported daily, we cannot afford to take the added risk of human-caused wildfires,” said Forest Supervisor Maria Garcia. Some areas have reported rainfall but it has been isolated and not enough to lessen the probability of wildfires spreading quickly. “These safety measures (restrictions and closures) are primarily meant to protect the public and also to protect the natural and cultural resources people enjoy and which sustain their way of life,” added Garcia, “The closure will be lifted once we receive significant rainfall to abate wildfire risk.”

As per Closure Order 10-387, the entire Santa Fe National Forest is closed to all access except for the Rio Chama Scenic River corridor; exceptions to this closure order include:

1. Persons with a Forest Service letter or permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Residents in the area accessing private property via a restricted Forest Service road.

Valles Caldera National Preserve main entrance is open from 8 am to 6 pm. The public can drive to the Valle Grande Staging Area where they can visit the gift shop or view elk and other wildlife in the area; visit the website: http://www.vallescaldera.gov.

Carson National Forest will remain in Stage I Restrictions and continue with the closure of Pecos Wilderness managed by the Carson National Forest and the trails which access the Pecos Wilderness. These include: the San Leonardo Trail #30, Trampas Trail #31, Santa Barbara Trail #24, Serpent Lake/Alamitos Trail #19 and Ripley Point Trail #36; visit the website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/carson.

Reminder: La Farge Book Sale is Tomorrow!

YOU are invited to a special event: an all-day Bag Day, Saturday, June 22, 10 am to 4 pm, at the La Farge Branch Library, 1730 Llano Street. Imagine! All you can stuff into a bag (provided) for only $3! You’ll find excellent choices in great condition for your summer enjoyment. 

We are offering this special summer opportunity because the citizens of Santa Fe and surrounding area have been extremely generous this spring in donating books. 

The proceeds of the sale will continue to sponsor the purchase of new books for the library, through the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library. Bring a Friend!

Post by PH

Harrell House of Natural Oddities, June 28-29

Summer Reading Craft: Cartouche, June 25-27

Reminder: Andy Mason Sings Today and Tomorrow

Join the award-winning musician in songs about pizza, sharks, pirates, and more!

• Main Library, 145 Washington Avenue, Thursday, June 20, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Oliver La Farge Branch, 1730 Llano Street, Friday, June 21, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Southside Branch Library, 6599 Jaguar Drive, Friday, June 21, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This is a free program sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library. Funded by the Mary Dolores Vocelle Estate.

Most Popular Blind Dates and Poetry

The results are in for our most popular selections from last month’s Blind Date with a Book and Poetry Month displays at the Main Library. Thanks to everyone that was willing to take a chance on a cover-less book or dig into some poetry!

1^st Place:

Half broke horses: a true-life novel

2^nd Place (Ties):

A memory, a monologue, a rant, and a prayer

Lost city of Z

Mind's eye

3^rd Place (Ties):

Big sleep

Book of longing

Dead until dark

Ender's game

The Eyre affair: a novel

Farm city: the education of an urban farmer

Flow my tears, the policeman said

1Q84

The last night of the earth poems

The subject tonight is love

Digging into Science, Wednesdays at the Main Library

Learn about rocks, soil, fossils and the sun's energy through fun, simple experiments. These sessions are part of the Summer Reading Program at the Main Library. Classes are open for children ages 5-12.

• Session 2: Wednesday, June 19th 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
• Session 3: Wednesday, July 3rd 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
• Session 4: Wednesday, July 17th 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

For more information about these FREE sessions and to register visit the Main Library's Children's Room,145 Washington Avenue or call the Children's Room at (505) 955-6783.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

Funded by the Mary Dolores Vocelle Estate.

“Hometown Hero” Public Unveiling Santa Fean Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry Honored!

On Monday, June 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., the public is invited to attend the revealing of George Rivera’s bronze statue “Hometown Hero,” which depicts Sergeant First Class (SFC) Leroy Petry. The ceremony will be held on the South Lawn of City Hall at 200 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Santa Fean SFC Petry began his military career in 1999 as an Army Ranger. In 2008, while deployed in Afghanistan, Petry and his regiment were engaged in combat to potentially capture a high-value target. During this battle, the SFC Petry disregarded his safety, picked up a live grenade and tossed it away from his fellow Rangers--amputating his right hand. In 2011, President Obama acknowledged this selfless sacrifice by awarding our “Hometown Hero” the Medal of Honor.

Pueblo of Pojoaque Governor and sculptor, George Rivera pays homage to Petry’s persistently optimistic outlook by capturing the Medal of Honor recipient’s warm smile and extended hand in his sculpture.

City Hall, in the heart of Santa Fe, is the perfect location for the piece; Rivera says, “…that gesture of shaking hands is going to be a positive thing for people that come to Santa Fe—whether they’re originally from Santa Fe and locals…or whether they’re visitors from another state or another country; that gesture is universal.”

Governor Rivera and the Pueblo of Pojoaque donated “Hometown Hero” to the Petry family, who then generously donated it to the City of Santa Fe. Hear more comments from the artist at the City of Santa Fe’s YouTube account: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VsF9Ueja_I.

Below are photos of Pueblo of Pojoaque Governor and Sculptor, George Rivera taken June 20^th at the installation.

Andy Mason, June 20-21

Viva Flora! – Treasured Plants of New Mexico An Exhibit in Partnership with Santa Fe Botanical Garden June 21 – August 23, 2013

Exhibit Opening, Friday, June 21, 5-7 p.m.

The City of Santa Fe Arts Commission Community Gallery announces Viva Flora!, Treasured Plants of New Mexico, an exhibit featuring artwork inspired by the plants of New Mexico. Presented in partnership with Santa Fe Botanical Garden, and in celebration of the grand opening of the new Santa Fe Botanical Garden at Museum Hill, Viva Flora! explores the vibrancy and beauty of New Mexico’s flora. The exhibit will include the artworks of over 35 local artists in a variety of media. In the spring of 2012, artists selected a single New Mexico plant from which to draw inspiration. The results of their creative endeavors will be on display in the Community Gallery from June 21 – August 23, 2013. The exhibit schedule will include educational programming including lectures and workshops in celebration of the exhibit and the work displayed. All work will be for sale and a portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Santa Fe Botanical Garden for their continued programming. The public is invited to an opening on Friday, June 21, from 5-7 p.m.

“Viva Flora! is a great opportunity for the Community Gallery to partner with a dynamic local organization while providing exposure for the fine work of participating artists,” says Rod Lambert, Community Gallery Manager. “As a function of our mission, the Community Gallery welcomes opportunities that engage the community in new and exciting ways. Working with Santa Fe Botanical Garden, this exhibit appeals to art lovers, plant lovers and the entire community. Viva Flora! has something for everyone.”

“I can’t wait to see the artistic expressions that each of the artists created for this show,” said Managing Director of Santa Fe Botanical Garden, Linda Milbourn.

Participating artists include: Laura Brink, Fionna Buck, Joy Campbell, Lisa Coddington, Jan Denton, Derusha, Pamela DiMauro, Carol Farmer, Anne Farrell, Judy Felsen, Christina Hall-Strauss, Sarah Hartshorne, Diane Inman, Basia Irland, Lauren Johnson, Vasili Katakis, Paul Murray, Donna Nova, Janet O’Neal, Deborah Paisner, Mary Parkes, Patricia Pearce, Flo Perkins, Raymond Petersen, Bettina Raphael, Adrianna Reyes Newell, Romi Sloboda, Vanita Smithey, Jacklyn St. Aubyn, Lisa de St. Croix, Suzanne Stern, JoAnne Tucker, George Vogel, David Welch, S.K. Yeatts and Bette Yozell.

The Community Gallery is located inside the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 West Marcy Street, at the intersection of Sheridan Street. The Community Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 505-955-6705.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden celebrates, cultivates and conserves the rich botanical heritage and biodiversity of our region. In partnership with nature, they demonstrate their commitment through education, community service and the sustainable management of two nature preserves and the future public garden on Museum Hill. More information at www.santafebotanicalgarden.org

The Community Gallery supports local artists, promotes artistic excellence, and strengthens the local arts economy through diverse exhibits, educational and professional development opportunities for local artists, and engaging activities for the public. Through thoughtful and creative programming, the Community Gallery is a hub for viewing quality New Mexico art and the presentation of dynamic educational opportunities, bringing art to the community as well as the community to art. For more information, call 505-955-9705.

Samples from the show below:

David Welch, Primavera, 24 x 29, Watercolor

Basia Irland, Book XXXI Mountain Mahogany, Dercocarpus montanus). Rio Grande, New Mexico, 24 x 30, Archival photograph on canvas Celebrating 25 years of supporting the arts in Santa Fe.

Diane Inman, Buffalo Gourd, 22 x 23, Colored pencil

The City of Santa Fe Arts Commission (SFAC), an agency within the municipal government of the City of Santa Fe, provides leadership by and for City government in supporting arts and cultural affairs.The SFAC also recommends programs and policies that develop, sustain and promote artistic excellence in the community.  For more information contact the SFAC at 505-955-6707 or email artscommission@santafenm.gov, or by fax 505-955-6671

Celebrate the Re-opening of DeVargas Park with FantaSe

Celebrate the reopening of DeVargas skate park this weekend with FantaSe. Below is the festival site and the schedule of events:

http://creativesantafe.org/fantase-festival 

http://creativesantafe.org/fantase-schedule

Help Plan the future of affordable creative spaces in Santa Fe with this survey:

http://creativesantafe.org/artspace-survey
  

Summer Book Sale, Saturday June 22, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., La Farge Branch

Book Sale from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 22nd. All Day Bag Day! $3 a bag! Bags provided. Cash or checks only please. The Oliver La Farge Branch is located at 1730 Llano Street. Sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

The Flying Debris Show, June 15-16

Summer Reading kick off event!

Susie Tallman and Laurie Magovern helped our Library give a grand kickoff for this year’s Summer Reading Program!  With music and interactive storytelling, they made it a very special occasion.  They are depicted with one of the participants in Summer Reading 2013 and one of many smiling faces!

Gnomes Invade the Southside Branch!

Yes, you read that correctly. It sounds a little crazy we know, but it’s one hundred percent true! A wandering band of nomadic lawn gnomes has indeed recently taken up residence in the Southside Branch of Santa Fe Public Library.  Not to fear though, friends, these gnomes are here to help, or at least just to hang around and read and amuse Library visitors with their gnome-ly antics! 

Lawn gnomes, as it turns out, are avid readers. Apparently they heard about our fabulous Dig Into Reading summer reading program (have you registered yet?) and decided, since there isn’t very much lawn as such in Santa Fe, to take a break from their usual outdoor gnome activities (gardening, protecting lawns, feasting, etc.) and catch up on their reading lists by making the Library their gnome-home for the summer.

So, next time you come into the Southside Branch, keep your eyes peeled for signs of gnome activity. Shenanigans are most definitely afoot! The gnomes are digging into reading with a voracious appetite, and we hope you and your family will too!

Recycling Bins for City Residential Curbside Customers Will Be Available at the Main Library June 6, 2013 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

The City of Santa Fe Environmental Services Division will have residential recycling bins available for City residential curbside customers who need new or replacement bins at the Main Library, in front of the Library at 145 Washington Avenue, tomorrow, June 6 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The bin giveaway will take place in front of the Main Library under the Portal.

This program will be available at the La Farge Branch, 1730 Llano Street,  Tuesday,  July 16 and at the Southside Branch, 6599 Jaguar Drive, on Thursday, July 18. All giveaways will be held from 10:00am-2:00pm.

City residents who have residential curbside service can pick up two containers. Due to limited space old, broken containers will NOT be accepted at this event, however, they can be dropped off at 1142 Siler Road anytime. The old containers are returned to the manufacturer where they are recycled. For more information call the Environmental Services Division at 505-955-2200.

Summer Reading Craft: Cairns and Rock Art Craft, June 11-13

25 Signs You Spend Too Much Time at the Library

How many of these apply to you?

http://now.msn.com/signs-you-spend-too-much-time-in-the-library

June 2013 Art Exhibits

• Main Library Tybie Davis Satin Gallery: Beauty of New Mexico by Mary Olivera; colorful pastel paintings of New Mexico landscapes. Opening reception, Sunday, June 9 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
• Main Library Display Cases: Children's Summer Reading Program by Santa Fe Public Library Children's Department
• Oliver La Farge Branch: Children's Summer Reading Program by Santa Fe Public Library Children's Department
• Southside Branch: Native of Americans by Reynaldo Barragan; art on canvas

Books and Babies Program, Wednesdays and Thursdays

It's never too early to start your child on the road to reading! Books, songs and crafts for children 6 months to 2 years old.

•Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Oliver La Farge Branch, 1730 Llano Street, (505) 955-4863.
•Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Southside Branch, 6599 Jaguar Drive, (505) 955-2828.

This free program is sponsored by a grant from the Brindle Foundation. To register or for more information, please call the library.

Songs and Stories with Susie and Laurie, Thursday, June 6 & Friday, June 7

Family Bedtime Stories, Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30pm, Oliver La Farge Branch

The Oliver La Farge Branch Library, 1730 Llano Street, offers a series of Family Bedtime Stories. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. when Children's Librarian, Walter Cook, will select and conduct story times.

Cook has been a Children's Librarian for over ten years. Telling stories to families is one of my favorite things about being a Children's Librarian. Not only am I sharing great stories, I see families together listening and creating their own memories, says Cook.

Children and their families are invited to participate in fun stories and hands-on activities. This is a great opportunity to make literature come alive for the whole family, as well as build memories and stimulate family conversations.

For more information please call (505) 955-4867.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.