Storytime at the Library

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~Author Unknown

I know that it’s still summer, but already you can start to feel that little nip in the air at night,  and know that summer is on it’s way out. Kids are back to school, and the whole routine of homework, after school activities, sports and more has begun again.

Well, the library is calming down a bit after all the summer excitement of the Summer Reading Game, and  nonstop programs.   At the library we are busy getting ready to return to our routine of story times.  Specifically, story times for young children.  I work at three libraries in Fremont: Fremont Main Library, Irvington Library and Niles Library.   And I am looking forward to one of my favorite parts of the job: story times!  Starting the week of September 9, both Niles and Irvington will begin their story times for preschoolers 3-5 and the following week Fremont starts their story times for preschoolers.  Check our event calendar for specific times and days.  You might also want to check out what great storytimes other Alameda C ounty Libraries are offering.

.At storytime, we not only read the children books.  We play music, dance, sing and generally have a fun time.  We make reading fun.  The children learn so much by coming to storytime.  They learn to sit and listen with a group of children.  They learn to see colors, shapes, alphabet, numbers, and follow a story.  They learn to get up and dance and use their creativity. We help create a love of books and reading that will help the children as they progress through school and their lives.

They learn that with reading they can go anywhere they choose.  They can live many lives through the stories that books have to tell.  Make reading a priority for your child.  Come to your local library and join us for storytime!

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volunteer season

Back  to  school  means  it  is also  time to  think about  the service  learning  requirement for  high  school.  There  are  a lot  of  volunteer  opportunities  for  high  school  students.   Some  are  looking for  a  short  commitment ,  some are  looking for  long  term involvement.   What  ever volunteer  opportunity  you  chose,  think  about it a little  and learn about yourself  and  your  interests .And  before  you  even  start – thanks  for  you  help.

Here  are  some places  in  ?Fremont where  you might  look  for  some volunteer  jobs.

Fremont Main Library is first .Teen volunteer applications are due September first.

Interested in Environmental issues? Click on the link to see this opportunity on September 3rd.

Interested in film or history? check out Niles essanay silent film museum for volunteer spots.

Do You want to help people? S.A.V.E.  ( safe alteratives to violent environments ) is a great place to help .

Tri-City Food Bank and Thrift store is another great place to volunteer.

Now the list I’ve put up here is just a start. The Fremont parks and rec department has opportunities, sometimes the animal shelter needs help and don’t forget the haunted house in October.  be  creative  ans look for  different opportunities.

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Available at the Library: Kill-a-Watt Meter

Energy usage meter

Do you have devices that are gobbling up energy and dollars? Some devices also use energy when they’re turned off. Is it worth it to keep your TV or computer turned on all the time?

You can soon find out with the Kill-a-Watt meter.

The meter will help you monitor the energy your appliances use. And it’s available for 7-day check-out at the Fremont Main Library as well as other Alameda County Library branches. Ask at the Information Desk.

You can use the meter in conjunction with the information PGE gives you about your bill, including your average cost for the kilowatt hours you use. Your costs will vary by the time of the year, by the number of hours you use and by your location.

And, the Kill-a-Watt meter also displays additional measurements like volts and hertz (line frequency), so you can use it to test line quality, determine whether an outlet is working and detect power spikes and disruptions.

By conserving, we can all help make sure resources available for everyone.

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Adventures for a Cause

Pick your own adventure, have fun and support a noble cause!

Be it Mongol Derby, the Mongol Rally, the Rickshaw Run, the Bajai Rally, the Ice Run…

Who says you can’t have the best of both/all worlds?

http://pinkauction.blogspot.com/2013/08/adventures-for-cause-1.html

http://pinkauction.blogspot.com/2013/08/adventures-for-cause-2.html

http://pinkauction.blogspot.com/2013/08/adventures-for-cause-3.html

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What is Reiki?

“Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy, and is also a word used to describe a system of natural healing, This tradition was founded by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication.

We live in a world of energy that nourishes and maintains all living things. When this energy flows uninterrupted there is balance and harmony within and around us, and we experience a sense of well being.

There are many variations of Reiki, but in essence Reiki treatments can help the body emotionally or spiritually. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system.

Reiki treatment is a process that anyone can enjoy in the normal course of their life. Reiki can be used alongside other conventional or complementary treatment and often helps to provide emotional support during recovery.

The practice is taught by Reiki masters / teachers who have trained in the tradition passed on in person from master to student. Excerpt from Reiki Association of UK

Books on Reiki @ Library

 

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Alive! A Valentino Mystery

Alive! A Valentino Mystery by Loren D. Estleman (2013) is the latest in the Valentino series, and finds our UCLA Archivist/“film detective” Valentino embroiled in a murder. Valentino’s friend Craig Hunter tries to contact him regarding some rare screen test footage, but Valentino doesn’t get a chance to deal with Hunter, for his friend turns up murdered. The footage? The legendary Lugosi test footage of Frankenstein. Valentino (of course) has to get to the bottom of this. Peppered with film/film people references, this book is a lot of fun— movie memorabilia collectors will recognize who collector J. Arthur Greenwood was based on immediately! In addition to the novel, you get “closing credits” which includes annotated lists of recommended film books and films to watch.

Others in the Valentino Mystery series: Frames (2008) and Alone (2009) are also available in the Alameda County Library.

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We Are Open On Sundays Now!!

We are opening our doors!!

Cookies to share with our happy patrons.

Crowds for the Magic show on the first Sunday.

If you are not aware that Fremont Library is now open on Sundays — Yes, we are!!

This past weekend on August 11, we finally opened our doors on a Sunday again for the first time in 10 years. Thanks to the City of Fremont for understanding the citizens’ needs and funding these hours. Without the City’s support, this would not be possible. Now we are open 7 days a week. Check here for our opening hours.

Here are some quotes from our happy patrons about yesterday’s reopening:

“I learned at the library how to make cookies so I don’t have to wait for the store to open to have some.” (5th grader)

“Now that we have retired we have learned again how great this place lives – don’t ever let libraries go away.”

(With tears in her eyes) – “Thank you so much for being open again on Sunday, this is the only time we can come and we love it so much.”

“When we moved here the library made a big difference in our lives – now we are making sure that our relatives that have joined us know that this is the best place to be.”

“I have a cookie, when’s the magic show?”

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Happy Birthday Betsy Byars!

Award winning children’s book author Betsy Byars turned 85 on August 7. While some of her more notable works are her Newbery Award winning Summer of the Swans and National Book Award winning The Night Swimmers, she also has some really popular series like Bingo Brown, The Golly Sisters, and Herculeah Jones. She is collaborating with her children on new books even now, and she alone has written more than 50 books! Come into your local library and check some out!

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SOCIAL SECURITY AND RETIREMENT INCOME

Investment Solutions for a Small Planet

A program presented to you at the Fremont Main Library
Monday, August 26, 2013, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

You are invited to attend a series of investment seminars by Gary Bladen, Financial Advisor, and Toby Cooper, Vice President and Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch. This second seminar will be on social security and retirement income, presented by Pax World Funds, a recognized leader in sustainable investing.

In their own words: our series of investment seminars are inspired by the 1971 book, Diet For A Small Planet, by Francis Moore Lappe, in which she advances the thesis that our everyday choices have lasting impacts on Planet Earth. We could not agree more. In fact, our investment decisions can have an even more widespread and lasting impact on environmental and social quality. In this series, we will explore investment strategies that help in the achievement of both financial goals and benefits for the planet.

This free Seminar is sponsored by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and the Alameda County Library.

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Fado Music at Fremont Main August 31

Ramana Vieira
http://www.ramanavieira.net/

Portuguese fado is a melancholy and often-mournful music similar to the American blues as it tells stories of heartache and disappointment.  Ramana Vieira is often referred to as the “New Voice of Portuguese World Music.”  Ramana Vieira and her ensemble bring this 15th century style into modern times.  At the Fremont Main Library, 2-3 p.m. Saturday, August 31.  Call 510-745-1401 for more information.

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