Join us for the opening celebration of the

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1 February 2009 Vol. 40 No. 2 Abraham Lincoln, June 3, 1860 by Alexander Hesler. The Gilder Lehrman Collection The Library by the Numbers: Barack Obama book titles in SFPL collection: Abraham Lincoln book titles in SFPL collection: Books about Obama scheduled for publication January-July 2009: Books about Lincoln scheduled for publication January-July 2009: Lincoln s Life and Legacy More books have been written about Abraham Lincoln than any other American, yet public knowledge about our most famous president is dominated by a series of iconic images: the son of an illiterate frontier farmer who taught himself to read; the savior of the Union; the Great Emancipator; the martyred leader. Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times is on display Feb. 5-March 5, in the Skylight Gallery at the Main Library. The exhibition invites visitors to look beyond the myth and presents Lincoln s own words in speeches, letters and proclamations that provide a deeper understanding of the 16th president s life, accomplishments and legacy. The exhibition features six sections or panels on Lincoln that include: Young Mr. Lincoln, Paths to the Presidency, Civil War President, The Union Preserved/The President Assassinated and Lincoln s Legacy. This national traveling exhibition traces Lincoln s path from a self-educated, rough-hewn lawyer with virtually no administrative experience, to the president who guided a divided nation through the crises of (See what books President Obama read recently, p. 4) Recognizing Those Who Serve Us Well Dishing It Out: Career Waitresses Across the U.S.A. documents the women who race to our tables, quarrel with the cooks and bring humor to the American roadside dining experience. This exhibition focuses on a subculture of women who have been thriving in restaurants and dishing out everything from eggs to insults for decades the most veteran of them has been waitressing for 60 years! The exhibition will be on view Feb. 14-Apr. 26 in the Jewett Gallery at the Main Library. Despite the traditional view of the overworked, weary waitress, most career waitresses love what they do. In fact, many say that slinging hash has provided them with a good life. They own their own homes, drive new cars and have college-educated children. Any way you slice it, waitressing is hard work, but these women say it makes them feel young, keeps their minds sharp and fulfills their desire to make meaningful, human connections with their regular customers. Visual artist and photographer Candacy Taylor began researching career waitresses in the U.S. in 2001, and traveled more than 8,000 miles to find these inspiring women and document their stories through interviews and photographs. The results shown in this exhibition are the portraits and oral histories of women whose roles we take for granted who have always been there to serve and serve us well. Taylor s fascinating journey presents the subtle nuances and rewards of everyday honest work, highlighting the importance of community, and proves that life is what we make it. Celebrate Black History Month at the Library slavery, secession and Civil War. The exhibition also demonstrates how Lincoln transcended his era and left a constitutional legacy for all Americans. To accompany this exhibition, the Library is displaying a selection of materials from its own collections on Lincoln as well as other significant persons and events of the Civil War era. The diverse range of materials includes an 1852 edition of Uncle Tom s Cabin; Carleton Watkins photographs of Lincoln memorial services in San Francisco; and a lithograph commemorating California s ratification of the 13th Amendment. The impact of the Civil War on California and, specifically, San Francisco is also spotlighted in the exhibition, with archival material detailing the activities of Thomas Starr King, a Unitarian minister in San Francisco whom Lincoln credited with keeping California in the Union. More contemporary items focus on the visible reminders in San Francisco of our 16th President. Lincoln believed that America s greatest strength lay in guaranteeing its citizens their natural rights and opportunities to suc- (continued on p. 3) Portola Library Opens Feb. 28 Join us for the opening celebration of the Portola Branch Library at 380 Bacon St. at Goettingen on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, City Librarian Luis Herrera and a team of Lion Dancers will herald the opening of the new Portola Library building. Portola is the second library branch to move from a leased site to its own brand new building a priority of the November 2000 bond measure that funds the Branch Library Improvement Program. Dishing It Out: Career Waitresses Across the U.S.A. is organized by SUBJECT MATTERS Traveling Exhibitions in cooperation with photographer Candacy Taylor. Meet the Photographer and Career Waitresses Photographer Candacy Taylor offers a multimedia presentation and discusses key elements of the exhibition including labor issues, diner culture, the waitress stigma and other topics. A panel discussion with career waitresses follows the presentation. Sunday, Feb. 22, 1 2 p.m., Latino/ Hispanic Community Meeting Room, Main Library, Lower Level. Thursday at Noon Film Series Watch for the Thursday at Noon Film Series in March at the Main Library, which will feature films about waitresses. Glass panels at Portola Library created by artist Dana Zed Parkside Party The Parkside Branch Library will host a closing party 2 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7. The branch will be closed for renovation until 2010 as part of the Branch Library Improvement Program. Please see the Bookmobile schedule on Page 2 for service during the closure. To get involved in the Parkside Branch Library Capital Campaign with Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, please contact Tamara González Scheulov at , ext. 101 or tscheulov@friendssfpl.org. Photo: Candacy Taylor Coming Up: March 7 The Louis Braille Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit Exhibition on the history of Braille and its importance today Main, Second Floor, Larkin Street Bridge Through April 20 March 18 Evolve: Language and Digital Technology Dr. Geoffrey Nunberg discusses language s evolution Main, Koret Auditorium 6 p.m. March Annual Puppet Festival Puppet shows performed at 21 libraries sfpl.org At the Library February

2 Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) Inside and outside the new Portola Library Building Community for a Community Building The new Portola Branch Library will open Saturday, Feb. 28 with a community celebration to mark the creation of the completely new building at 380 Bacon St. at Goettingen. Among the priorities of the November 2000 bond measure to fund the Branch Library Improvement Program was to replace four branches housed in leased facilities, including Portola, which was located in a leased site on San Bruno Avenue. One of the most exciting aspects of the new library is that it has become a community project that everyone seems to have a stake in. A library is something everyone can get behind and it has united us with a common cause, said Ruth Wallace, co-chair of the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library s Portola Library Campaign Committee. Portola is an underserved neighborhood in San Francisco. Our storefront library reached its capacity some time ago. When we were granted a brand-spanking-new branch library building, we seemed to be more of a part of San Francisco than ever before. Along with the beautification project on San Bruno Avenue and the greening of Mansell Street, the library sparked an element of community pride that I hadn t seen before. The Portola Committee set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to furnish and equip the new branch expenses not covered by the bond measure and is nearing achievement of that goal. Wallace said: I thought of the $100,000 as a dream more than a reality. In our working class neighborhood without boutique shops and coffee houses, we rallied to the cause. It delights me more than I expected. The investment in our new Portola library is one that will reap dividends for generations to come, said San Francisco Supervisor Sophie Maxwell. The construction of a new library and one that will be of service to everyone in this community strengthens the stability and security of this neighborhood. In these tough times, the opening of a new public library gives people hope The construction of a new library and one that will be of service to everyone in this community strengthens the stability and security of this neighborhood. and shows that we care. The branch s new building, designed by architects S. Meek/Noll & Tam is on a site acquired from the San Francisco Unified School District on a portion of Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Middle School. Thanks to its proximity to the middle school as well as to Edward R. Taylor Elementary School, Phillip and Sala Burton High School, St. Elizabeth s Elementary School, and The San Francisco School, the Portola branch will provide tremendous access to neighborhood children and teens. The new branch includes an expanded children s area, a designated teen area, and the space to be able to accommodate school visits. The children s collection has always been an important part of Portola s collection and as the children in the neighborhood grow, the branch is expanding and improving its teen collection, and now has a teen librarian who splits her time between the Portola and Visitacion Valley branches. By moving to the residential part of the Portola neighborhood, this new location hopefully will bring in more families as well as seniors and adults who live nearby, said Portola Branch Librarian Rosalind Chang. We hope to draw in more seniors and will work on expanding the large-print collection as well as purchasing books and other materials related to older adults. And we are endeavoring to assist those who have English as a second language, by providing materials in their native language as well as English language learning materials and U.S. citizenship resources and test information. A new program room is included in the 6,300-square-foot building that can be used for programs such as children s storytimes and afterschool homework help, plus offers access for community meetings even when the Library is closed. The new branch also will allow Portola to expand its collection of books, CDs, DVDs and other materials, plus add more computers and wireless Internet access. Temporary Services Schedule The Library provides the following services during branch renovations. Bookmobile Locations: Bernal Heights (625 Holly Park Circle, in front of Junipero Serra Elementary School) Monday: 2 5 p.m. Thursday: 2 5 p.m. Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial (16th St., between Pond & Prosper, in front of the branch) Tuesday: 3:30 7 p.m. Saturday: 1 5 p.m. Parkside (1281 Santiago, at 24th Avenue, Northwest corner of McCoppin Square.) Monday: 1 5 p.m. Wednesday: 1 5 p.m. Potrero (1502 Mariposa St., north side, adjacent to the Jackson Recreation Center building) Tuesday: 2:30 5 p.m. Thursday: 10 12:30 p.m. Richmond/Sen. Milton Marks (Sixth Avenue at Geary Boulevard) Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Wednesday: 3 7 p.m. Saturday: 10:30 a.m. 5 p.m. Bookmobile hours subject to change; call (415) or visit sfpl.org for updated information. Additional Services: International Languages Collection 3150 Sacramento St., (415) Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11 a.m. 9 p.m. Wednesday: 1 9 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. 9 p.m. Friday: 1 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed BLIP Update Branches under construction and projected opening dates: Portola Feb. 28 Richmond spring 2009 Ingleside summer 2009 Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial fall 2009 Bernal Heights early 2010 Potrero 2010 Next branch slated for renovation: Parkside The largest building campaign in San Francisco Public Library history is in full swing. We are now seeing the fruits of the $106 million bond measure passed in November The Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) calls for the renovation of 16 branch libraries and the construction of eight new library buildings. The new buildings are: Bayview, Glen Park, Ingleside, Mission Bay, North Beach, Ortega, Portola and Visitacion Valley. B u i l d i n g b e t t e r l i b r a r i e s f o r s t r o n g e r c o m m u n i t i e s. 2 February 2009 At the Library

3 Exhibitions February 2009 Jewett Gallery *Dishing It Out: Career Waitresses Across the U. S. A. Through inspiring interviews and photographs this exhibition documents a subculture of women who have contributed to the American roadside dining experience. Exhibition organized by SUBJECT MATTERS traveling exhibitions in cooperation with photographer Candacy Taylor. Feb. 14 through April 26. Main, Lower Level, Jewett Gallery. Related Program: see Adults, Sunday, Feb. 22. Skylight Gallery Opening Hours: same as Main Closing Hours: Mon.-Sat., 6 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. *Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man For All Times Abraham Lincoln s life, accomplishments and legacy are represented through speeches, letters and proclamations in a traveling panel exhibition. To accompany the exhibition, a selection of materials drawn from the Library s own collections highlighting Lincoln and other Civil War era significant persons and events such as noted abolitionist Thomas Starr King. Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times is a national traveling exhibition organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The traveling exhibition has been made possible in part through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to expanding American understanding of human experience and cultural heritage. Feb. 5 through March 5. Main, 6th Floor, Skylight Gallery. Related Programs, see Adults: Sunday, Feb. 8; Tuesday, Feb. 10; Tuesday, Feb. 24; Thursday, Feb. 26; and Thursdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 & 26 Film Series. Other Exhibition Areas in the Library Digging Deep: Underneath San Francisco Public Library The current Main Library rests on a Gold Rush-era cemetery and the ruins of the old City Hall destroyed in the 1906 earthquake & fire. The archeological remains pulled from the site tell the story of the early development of the Civic Center area. Ongoing. Main, 1st Floor, Grove Street entrance exhibit cases Scraps and Imagination: Elisa Kleven s Mixed Media Picture Book Art Through Feb. 27. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center Regarding Here, by Artist Claire Bain Based on site-specific mural, Regarding Here, in San Francisco s Mission District; it reflects the relationships between indigenous & non-indigenous plant & animal species, using imagery of the surrounding urban built space as a visual foundation. Materials include acrylic mural paint, mica flakes & reflective glass beads. Through Feb. 28. Main, Lower Level, Library Café Glass Case Visual Aid Presents Hedgehog Boy: A Graphic Novel Exhibition of pen & ink illustrations by S.F. artist Rene Capone for his first graphic novel The Legend of Hedgehog Boy that humorously references traditional Japanese comics. Through March 5. Main, 3rd Floor, James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center The San Francisco Black Panther Party Exhibition of photos, newspapers & memorabilia that explore the personal & historical significance of the Black Panther Party, founded in 1968 in San Francisco s Fillmore District. Through March 12. Main, 3rd Floor, African American Center. Related Program: see Adults, Monday, Feb. 2. Colour Amour: A Tribute to the Palette Exhibition celebrating the history, science and art of color; features highlights from the library s collection, as well as objets d art and other visual treats. Through March 26. Main, 4th Floor (floor-wide exhibition). Celebrating Our Urban Wildness: Coyotes to Quail Photographer Janet Kessler s images of thriving wildlife in the midst of San Francisco. Through May 28. Main, 5th Floor, Wallace Stegner Environmental Center. The African American Concert Singer Exhibition pays homage to the careers of many well known and forgotten singers through the media of advertising, concert programs, posters and historic recordings. Highlights include rare memorabilia of pioneering singers Roland Hayes, Marian Anderson, Dorothy Maynor, Paul Robeson, William Warfield, Leontyne Price & more. Feb. 9 through April 9. Main, 3rd Floor, General Collections & Humanities Center Exhibitions at the Branches Bayview s Historical Footprints Photographic exhibition celebrating the diverse history of Bayview Hunters Point, featuring multimedia oral histories from elders in the community. In collaboration with Bayview Hunters Point Neighborhood History Preservation Project. Permanent. Bayview On View: The Art of Hedgehog Boy Rene Capone Lincoln s Life and Legacy Focus on the Collections Rosetta Stone Library-Based Language Learning San Francisco artist Rene Capone creates a world where boys become avatars taking on the characteristics of animals and transforming their identities both physically and spiritually. In this exhibition of pen and ink illustrations for his first graphic novel, The Legend of Hedgehog Boy, Capone appropriates and humorously references traditional Japanese comics. Dynamically integrating image and text, Capone tells a story of an abused child who rejects the role of victim and enters an alternate reality where he sets off on a dangerous adventure of revenge, self discovery, and, ultimately, love and redemption. According to Capone, I wanted to create an unapologetic queer graphic novel, one that goes right for the jugular At heart, it is a love story but beyond that it is a love story that is not afraid to look at the world around it with question marks. The exhibition, Visual Aid Presents Hedgehog Boy: A Graphic Novel, runs through March 5 in the Main Library, Third Floor, James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center. Visual Aid is an organization that encourages artists with life threatening illnesses to continue their creative work. Meet the Artist: Book Signing Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m. Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, Main Library, Lower Level ceed. Like Jefferson, Lincoln held that all men are created equal, and he carried these democratic ideals to their logical conclusion further than any president had done before. Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times is a national traveling exhibition organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The traveling exhibition has been made possible in part through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to expanding American understanding of human experience and cultural heritage. Related Programs: Thursdays 5, 12, 19 and 26 Thursdays at Noon Main, Koret Auditorium. 12 p.m. 8 Sunday Lincoln and San Francisco Historian John William Templeton. Main, Koret Auditorium. 2 p.m. 10 Tuesday Mary: A Novel Author Janis Cooke Newman. Main, Koret Auditorium. 6:30 p.m. 14 Saturday Make Your Own Silhouette Crafts for children. Space limited to 20, call for reservations (415) Ortega. 3 p.m. 17 Tuesday (continued from p. 1) Harriet Tubman Renowned storyteller, J.P Myrick presents in character, famed African-American humanitarian and abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Fisher Children s Center, Main, Second Floor. 10:30 a.m. 24 Tuesday Lincoln, Thomas Starr King, San Francisco and the Civil War Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room. 6 p.m. The Slaves War Author and historian Andrew Ward. Main, Koret Auditorium. 6 p.m. Looking to learn a second language, or a third, or a fourth? With a San Francisco Public Library card, you can get a head start on that goal to become multilingual. San Francisco library patrons have free access to a number of online foreign language programs on Rosetta Stone, a leading commercial provider of language-learning software. Available through the Articles & Databases section of the Library Web site at sfpl.org, users simply need to register with their library card and submit a user name, password and address to begin accessing the online language courses. Through the Library s partnership with Rosetta Stone, users can delve into short language learning courses aimed at basic conversational skills in French, German, Greek, Italian, Russian or Spanish (Latin America or Spain) or longer courses in Chinese (Mandarin), French, Japanese or Spanish (Latin America). In addition, short and long courses are offered in English (both United States and United Kingdom versions) for Library patrons seeking to learn English as a second language. The online program currently has more than 1,500 registered users through the Library. The Library s traditional language learning materials (CDs and booklets) are very popular. Rosetta Stone allows patrons to access popular languages from their home computers anytime and for any length of time. This allows participants to build their language skills at their own pace. In addition, Rosetta Stone has an interactive learning element in which participants use their computers to make selections based on what they see and hear on the screen. *Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library At the Library February

4 February 2009 Pick for January and February: Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson Once you finish Per Petterson s Out Stealing Horses, you ll no doubt be looking for additional well-written, highly evocative books. Add a little mystery to the tale and head off to some exotic settings that reveal themselves in ways not mentioned in the travel brochures: Bamboo and Blood: An Inspector O Novel by James Church Winters in North Korea can be tough to endure. Throw in collapsing infrastructure, famine, and the suspicious death of the wife of a North Korean diplomat in Pakistan and the outlook is bleak, indeed. The mystery trail spans from North Korea to New York and onto the shores of Lake Geneva. Author James Church provides an insider s look at the workings of the most secretive country in the world. Bamboo and Blood is the third in the Inspector O series. The Likeness: A Novel by Tana French This is a follow-up to French s debut novel In the Woods (2007). Set in Dublin, Ireland, a young female murder victim is found with an ID whose name matches that used years earlier by Detective Cassie Maddox while doing undercover work. Lacking suspects or leads, Cassie goes undercover to coax the killer out of hiding. This is a taut psychological mystery with memorable characters and descriptive writing that will make you feel as if you are a Dubliner. Istanbul Noir edited by Mustafa Ziyalan & Amy Spangler Istanbul Noir is a collection of 16 stories that show off this mysterious city while giving the reader a sense of the religious and political tensions that permeate everyday life. Most of the collection s authors are natives of Istanbul or longtime residents who infuse their stories with an air of authenticity. There is darkness, to be sure (it is, after all, noir), but also some humorous pieces, such as Hikmet Hukumenoglu s story, The Smell of Fish, about a woman s efforts to discourage suitors. What s on President Obama s Reading List? With plenty of recently and soon-to-be published books about President Obama and a few books already written by the man himself, interest is high in his literary life. Inquiring minds have been keeping track of what Obama read on the path to the presidency. According to The New York Times, Obama referred to two books about FDR in his November 60 Minutes interview. One of the books, The Defining Moment: FDR s Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope, was written by Newsweek s Jonathan Alter and covers Franklin Delano Roosevelt s first 100 days in office. The second, FDR by Jean Edward Smith, addresses Roosevelt s entire presidency, including the Great Depression. President Obama has been photographed carrying at least two books. One, The Post-American World by Fareed Zakaria, describes a world in which the U.S. will no longer dominate the global economy. The other book spotted in his hands was Derek Walcott s Collected Poems And on a lighter note, US Weekly reported that the President Obama and his daughter Malia often bond over addictive book series, including the Harry Potter books and the Twilight series. Author Yiyun Li Appearing at the Library Award-winning author Yiyun Li will read from her new novel The Vagrants in two library appearances this month. Set in China in the late 1970s, The Vagrants tells the harrowing story of a small town in the aftermath of an execution, during the dramatic era that was a forerunner to the Tiananmen Square uprising. Yiyun Li will be appearing Feb. 7 at the Chinatown Branch Library, 2:30 4:30 p.m. This program will be in both English and Mandarin. She also will speak at the Main Library on Feb. 12, 6:30 7:30 p.m., in the Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room. A book sale and signing will follow both events. The author of A Thousand Years of Good Prayers, Yiyun Li is the winner of the Frank O Connor International Short Story Award, the Hemingway Foundation /PEN Award and the Guardian First Book Award. She grew up in Beijing and attended Peking University. African American themed events are being held in celebration of Black History Month. Adults 2 Monday *First Monday Movies at Excelsior: Adam s Rib (1949, 101 mins.) Excelsior, 6:30 8:30 p.m. The History of the Black Panther Party of San Francisco Talk & short film, with Bill Jennings. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 6 7:30 p.m. Related Exhibition: see Exhibitions. 3 Tuesday The Life of the Skies: Birding at the End of Nature Author talk: Jonathan Rosen. Book sale & signing. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 7:30 p.m. Developing Minds: Mastering the Challenge of Reading Video exploring practical strategies for parents and teachers. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 4:30 6:30 p.m. Buhay Pinoy Documentary film on poor Philippine community. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 8 p.m. 5 Thursday The Architecture of San Francisco s Chinatown Author talk: Philip Choy. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 6 7:45 p.m. 7 Saturday *Censored 2009 Book talk; book sale. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m. Home Preparedness in Earthquake County With Matt Springer: talk & slideshow. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 1 2 p.m. *Writing Workshop: Writing What Writes You; The Poem/ Story Lives Inside You With Opal Palmer Adisa. Bayview, 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Western Addition, 3 5 p.m. The Vagrants Author talk: Yiyun Li. In English & Mandarin. Book sales by Book Bay. Chinatown, 2:30 4 p.m. *Craft: Creating a Valentine s Day Card Ingleside, 2:30 3:30 p.m. Armchair Walk of Mission Bay With Rob Spoor. Mission Bay, 4 5:30 p.m. 8 Sunday Lincoln & San Francisco With John William Templeton. Main, Koret Auditorium, 2 4 p.m. Related Exhibition: see Exhibitions. *Reachout for the Rainbow Afterschool and Museum of African American Technology (MAAT) Science Festival Bayview, 1 4 p.m. 10 Tuesday Mary: A Novel Author talk on Mary Lincoln: Janis Cooke Newman. Book sale & signing. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6:30 7:30 p.m. Related Exhibition: see Exhibitions. *Without a Valentine: Poets Barbara Bennett & Mark Schwartz North Beach, 7 p.m. *2nd Tuesday Poetry Open Mic All welcome. Park, 7 9 p.m. 11 Wednesday *Radar Reading Features Bana Witt, Hilary Goldbery, Lauren Logiudice & Elan Margolis; hosted by Michelle Tea. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 6 7:30 p.m. *Richie Unterberger s Rare Rock & Roll Film Clips Park, 7 9 p.m. 12 Thursday Open Books: Basketball Jones Author reading & discussion: E. Lynn Harris. Book sale & signing. Book sales by Book Bay. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6:30 7:30 p.m. Open Books: The Vagrants Author Reading: Yiyun Li. Book sale & signing. Book sales by Book Bay. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 6:30 7:30 p.m. 15 Sunday San Francisco Black Independent Film Festival Main, Koret Auditorium, 1 4:30 p.m. 17 Tuesday ITVS: Arusi Persian Wedding Panel discussion follows film. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 7:30 p.m. 18 Wednesday San Francisco Ballet at Seventy-Five: Rethinking the Ballerina Lecture by Janice Ross; book signing. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6:30 8 p.m. 19 Thursday *I AM POTUS: A Star-Studded Black Gay Inaugural Read Features writers Brian Freeman, Alan Miller, Jay Frazier, Marvin K. White & Terry Tapplehead. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 6 7:45 p.m. Distinctive Taste: Meet with 10 Chinese Culinary Authors Chinese tea ceremony demonstration. In Mandarin. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 2 4:30 p.m. *Peach Blossom Pavilion Author talk & musical performance: Mingmei Yip. In English & Cantonese. Chinatown, 2:30 4 p.m. *Writing Workshop: Writing What Writes You; The Poem/Story Lives Inside You With Opal Palmer Adisa. Ocean View, 2 4 p.m. *Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging Demonstration With Chizuko Nakamura. Ortega, 2 3 p.m. *Woody Guthrie & the Great American Folksong With Tim Holt. Ingleside, 3 4 p.m. 22 Sunday Dishing It Out: Career Waitresses Across the U.S.A.: Exhibition Opening Multimedia presentation by photographer Candacy Taylor + panel discussion with career waitresses. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 1 2:30 p.m. Related Exhibition: see Exhibitions. 24 Tuesday Lincoln, Thomas Starr King, San Francisco, & the Civil War Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 6 7:30 p.m. Related Exhibition: see Exhibitions. *Woody Guthrie & the Great American Folksong With Tim Holt. Noe Valley, 7 8:30 p.m. 25 Wednesday *Woody Guthrie & the Great American Folksong With Tim Holt. Excelsior, 7 8:30 p.m. The Slaves War Author Reading: Andrew Ward. Main, Koret Auditorium, 6 7 p.m. Related Exhibition: see Exhibitions. 28 Saturday *How to Bury a Goldfish: and Other Ceremonies & Celebrations for Everyday Life: Creating family rituals Author talk: Louise Nayer. Glen Park, 3 4 p.m. *The Sit-Down Readers Theatre Presents Two Farces In French, by Georges Feydeau But Don t Parade Around in the Nude and Madam s Late Mother. Read a part if you like. North Beach, 2 p.m. MaryLee Sunseri Presents Workshop For Early Childhood Educators: Music & Play for Babies & Toddlers Registration required; reserve space with Bonnie Estrella at bestrella@sfpl.org or (415) Main, Fisher Children s Center, 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. *Woody Guthrie & the Great American Folksong With Tim Holt. Mission, 1:30 3 p.m. Business Counseling Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25 Service Corps of Retired Executives Free Business Counseling Appointments: (415) Main, 4th Floor, Business, Science & Technology Department, 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Book Groups Selection: Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. Sunset, 7 p.m. 19 Thursday West Portal, 2:30 p.m. 25 Wednesday Selection: Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama. Merced, 6:30 7:30 p.m. Rincon Literario In Spanish. Info: Main, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 6 7:30 p.m. Selection: The World Without Us by Alan Weisman. (Bernal Heights Group). Coleridge Park Homes, 190 Coleridge Street (at Virginia), 4 p.m. 28 Saturday Bibliophiles Club In Russian. Main, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, 2 4 p.m. Computer Classes Classes Held at the Main: 5th Floor Training Center. Most classes at the Main require proficiency in basic keyboard skills. All classes are first come, first served. Tuesdays 3 & 10 Internet 101 Mouse & keyboard skills required. 2 4 p.m. Tuesdays 3, 10, 17 & 24 Basic Mouse & Typing Skills Volunteers available to introduce basic skills. 1:15 2 p.m. 6 Friday Training for the Internet & Library Catalog (In Spanish) Meet at 3rd Floor International Center. Info: (415) p.m. 4 February 2009 At the Library *Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library

5 Events and Happenings Love and Basketball A star NBA player, a secret male lover and a marriage of convenience come together in E. Lynn Harris latest novel, Basketball Jones. Set in New Orleans, Basketball Jones features Dray Jones, a star player in the NBA and his longtime (male) companion AJ, whose love has sustained both men but has remained a secret for years. When Dray s teammates begin to ask prying questions about AJ, he decides to put their doubts to rest by marrying Judy, a beautiful and ambitious woman. Judy knows nothing about Dray s other Writing What Writes You with Opal Palmer Adisa Author, poet, storyteller and teacher Opal Palmer Adisa will be offering three free writing workshops for adults at the Bayview, Ocean View and Western Addition branches during February. Anyone with an idea or story they have always wanted to write or a belief that their story can help and move others is encouraged to join these writing workshops. Through a series of exercises that help release writing fears, Dr. Adisa will lead participants to discover the ideas they have been incubating and life or does she? E. Lynn Harris fans will again be engrossed from the first page to the last as this racy, wickedly plotted story unfolds. Harris is the author of 10 previous novels and the memoir, What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted. His recent novel, Just Too Good To Be True, hit the bestseller lists of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly. Harris will make an appearance Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m., at the Koret Auditorium, Main Library. A book sale by Book Bay follows the event. how to retrieve, translate and write them. Dr. Adisa, Jamaican-born, is a sought-after speaker and an award-winning poet and prose writer who has published 11 books, including It Begins With Tears. Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, has described her work as solid, visceral, important stories written with integrity and love. A professor of creative writing and literature at California College of the Arts, Dr. Adisa has taught at several universities, including Stanford University and UC Berkeley. See Feb. 7 and 21calendar for the times of her writing workshops. Teen Books: Love is in the Air How d you like a vampire to gaze into your eyes and ask, Do I dazzle you? That s the kind of romance that teen and adult readers are devouring lately in the wildly popular Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. But if vampire love isn t to your liking, the Library has hundreds of teen fiction titles about romance: comic, tragic, and everything in between. Here is a sampling of books that can be found in the Library s teen collection. Warning: these stories could cause laughing, crying or both! Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson High school basketball star Jason falls for the brainy Kyra. Will Jason s ex-girlfriend, Lisa, spoil everything? Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman Can a boy with mob connections date a girl whose father works for the FBI? Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan Just as Noah and Paul are becoming an item, Paul s old boyfriend decides he wants him back. Love* Com by Aya Nakahara In this graphic novel series, the tallest girl and the shortest boy in the class stumble into something that might be more than just friendship. The Heartbreakers by Pamela Wells Three breakups on the same night lead three best friends to write the Breakup Code. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb Helen, a 130-year-old spirit, falls for high school student James. Love and Lies: Marisol s Story by Ellen Wittlinger To 18-year-old Marisol, a new romance with her writing instructor Olivia seems perfect, but her friends disagree. Computer Classes, cont. 7 Saturday Word Processing Fundamentals Mouse & keyboard skills required. Info: (415) a.m. 1 p.m. Saturdays 7, 21 & 28 Basic Mouse & Typing Skills Volunteers available to introduce basic skills. 10:15 11 a.m. 11 Wednesday Jobs & Career Resources on the Internet Ability to navigate Web required. 2 4 p.m. 13 Friday Training for the Internet & Library Catalog (In Cantonese) Meet at 3rd Floor International Center. Info: (415) p.m. 17 Tuesday Library Catalog Mouse & keyboard skills required. 2 4 p.m. Training for the Internet & Library Catalog (In Spanish) Meet at 3rd Floor International Center. Info: (415) :30 7:30 p.m. 18 Wednesday Magazine, Newspaper & Information Databases Ability to navigate Web required (or observe). 2 4 p.m. 20 Friday Training for the Internet & Library Catalog (In Mandarin) Meet at 3rd Floor International Center. Info: (415) p.m. Internet 101 Mouse & keyboard skills required. 11 a.m. 1 p.m. 23 Monday The ABCs of Digital Scanning Main, Fifth Floor, Magazines & Newspapers Center, Microfilm Room, 12 1 p.m. The San Francisco Community Services Directory: A Guide to City Government and Local Organizations Mouse & keyboard skills required. 3 4 p.m. 24 Tuesday Internet 102 Ability to navigate Web required (or observe). 2 4 p.m. Training for the Internet & Library Catalog (In Russian) Meet at 9 a.m. at 3rd Floor International Center. Info: (415) :15 11:15 a.m. 28 Saturday Internet 102 Ability to navigate Web required (or observe). 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Classes Held at the Branches: 2 Monday *Basic Computer & Internet Skills (In Spanish) Mission, 6:30 8 p.m. Computer Class: Introduction to Word Processing Ocean View, 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m. 7 Saturday Beginning Computer Classes: Learning Sign up at reference desk or (415) Drop-ins welcome, if space available. Excelsior, 3:30 5 p.m. 9 Monday * Fundamentals (In Spanish) Mission, 6:30 8 p.m. 10 Tuesday Fundamentals Basic mouse & keyboard skills required. Sign up at Information Desk. Glen Park, 2 3 p.m. 11 Wednesday Fundamentals Ocean View, 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m. 14 Saturday Beginning Computer Classes: Searching the Internet Sign up at reference desk or (415) Drop-ins welcome, if space available. Excelsior, 3:30 5 p.m. 18 Wednesday Computer Class: Articles & Databases Ocean View, 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m. Beginning Computer Classes: Library Catalog & Databases; Focus on Books & Reading Sign up at reference desk or call (415) Drop-ins welcome if space available. Excelsior, 3:30 5 p.m. Library Catalog (In Chinese) 20-participant limit. Info: (415) Chinatown, a.m. Library Catalog (In English) 20-participant limit. Info: (415) Chinatown, 11 a.m. 12 p.m. Teens *Teen Art Contest: Cool It! Green Teen Summer Read 2009 Ages Deadline: Feb. 10. Design poster and win $100, plus art displayed all over the city. Pick up registration form at any branch. Details at sfpl.org/sfplonline/teen/teens. Questions: (415) or jennifercollins@sfpl.org. SAT Intensive For students who have not previously taken the SAT; pre-registration required. Pick up test at branch prior to start of course or download from SFPL/. For dates, see below. 1 Sunday *The Great Teen Book Swap Registration: Dorcas Wong at (415) or dwong@sfpl. org. Ortega, 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays 3 & 24 *3D Origami Club Ages Paper provided; may bring recycled paper. In Mandarin & English. Space limited; registration: Jewell Chen at (415) or jewelchen@sfpl. org. North Beach, 3:30 5 p.m. *Speak Up! Monthly Activities Planning Meeting Ages Registration: Tony Luini at (415) or aluini@sfpl. org. Bayview, 5:30 6:30 p.m. Vote for a Movie Ages Info: (415) or mbergman@sfpl.org. Excelsior, 4 6 p.m. Wednesdays 4, 11 & 25 *iwrite Ages week writing workshop. Registration: Marla Bergman at (415) or mbergman@sfpl.org. Excelsior, 4 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25 SAT Intensive West Portal, 5:30 8 p.m. 5 Thursday *Scrapbooking Ages Materials provided, but o.k. to bring pictures/photos. Registration: Abby Harwood at (415) or aharwood@sfpl.org. Visitacion Valley, 4 5:30 p.m. Fridays 6, 20 & 27 *Beyond Journal Writing Ages (10-week class.) Registration: Betsy Levine at (415) or blevine@sfpl. org. Main, 3rd Floor, Paley Conf. Room, 4 5:30 p.m. 8 Sunday *Craft: Fuzzy Beads Ages Space limited: register with Dorcas Wong at (415) or dwong@sfpl.org. Ortega, 2:30 4 p.m. 13 Friday *Valentine s Day Movie Program Ages Registration: Rachel Aronowitz at (415) or raronowitz@sfpl. org. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center, 3:30 6 p.m. Tuesdays 17 & 24 SAT Intensive Info: Jewel Chen at (415) or jewelchen@sfpl.org. North Beach, 5:30 8 p.m. 18 Wednesdsay *Henna Workshop Ages With Darcy. 20-teen limit; under 18, return signed parent/ guardian permission form prior to workshop. Reservations &/or form: Marla Bergman at (415) or mbergman@ sfpl.org. Excelsior, 4 6 p.m. Wednesdays 18 & 25 SAT Intensive Main, 2nd Floor, Children s Creative Center, 5 7:30 p.m. 20 Friday *Anime & Manga Club Registration: Rachel Aronowitz at (415) or raronowitz@sfpl.org. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center, 4 5:30 p.m. *Knit Happens! Knitting & Crochet Club Ages Bring yarn & needles for project. Registration: Betsy Levine at (415) or blevine@sfpl. org. Main, 2nd Floor, Children s Creative Center, 2 4 p.m. *AWESOMEngineering and Construction Program Ages student limit; register with Jewel Chen at (415) or jewelchen@ sfpl.org. Info: North Beach, 4 5:30 p.m. 27 Friday & 28 Saturday *Teen Zine Ages Bilingual online teen magazine workshop. Registration: Jewel Chen at (415) or jewelchen@sfpl.org. Chinatown, Friday: 3:30 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 1 3 p.m. Videos on the Large Screen (When possible, films are shown with captions to assist our deaf and hard of hearing patrons.) In the Koret Auditorium at the Main, Thursdays at Noon Abraham Lincoln Thursdays 5, 12 & 19 *The American Experience: Abraham and Mary Lincoln; A House Divided (2001, 120 min.) PBS Documentary. Feb. 5, parts 1 & 2. Feb. 12, parts 3 & 4. Feb. 19, parts 5 & 6 *Young Mr. Lincoln (1939, 100 min.) All programs and events are free and open to the public. At the Library February

6 Children s Calendar February 2009 All programs and events are free and open to the public. Programs are for children of all ages, except where noted. Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. Groups need to reserve space. Where branch is closed for renovation, alternate location is listed. Golden Gate Valley Branch programming room is not accessible by elevator. For film titles, call branch library or go to sfpl.org/news/events. htm and click on Children s & Videos. African American themed events are being held in celebration of Black History Month. Exhibition Scraps and Imagination: Elisa Kleven s Mixed Media Picture Book Art Through Feb. 27. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center 2 Monday *Destiny ((Harpist from the Hood) Glen Park, 4 p.m. Mondays 2, 9 & 23 Homework Help Ages 5 & older. Grades K-7. Excelsior, 4 6 p.m. Mission, 4 6 p.m. 3 Tuesday *Crafts with Sophie Caregivers to accompany children under eight. Anza, 3:30 p.m. Ages 3-5. Parkside, 10 & 11 a.m. *Storyteller Yolanda Rhodes Ages 3-6. African folk tales, music & movement. Space limited; reserve at (415) Western Addition, 10:30 11 a.m. Hip Hop All Ages of Children Will Enjoy Bayview, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays 3, 10, 17 & 24 Homework Help Ages 5 & older. Grades K-7. Excelsior, 4 6 p.m. Mission, 4 6 p.m. *Family Night, Featuring Destiny Muhammad, Harpist from the Hood Parkside, 7 p.m. *Craft Program: African American Quilt-making Ages 6 & older. + slideshow. Western Addition, 4 p.m. Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25 Homework Help Ages 5 & older. Grades K-7. Excelsior, 4 6 p.m. Mission, 4 6 p.m. 5 Thursday *Valentine s Craft Program Ocean View, 4 p.m. *Author Lynn Hazen Ages 7 and older. Reading from Mermaid Mary Margaret + mermaid craft. Space limited; reserve at (415) Sunset, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays 5, 12, 19 & 26 Homework Help Ages 5 & older. Grades K-7. Mission, 4 6 p.m. Fridays 6, 13, 20 & 27 Chess Club Ages 6 & older. All levels. Excelsior, 3:30 5:30 p.m. 7 Saturday *Storyteller Yolanda Rhodes African folk tales, music & movement. Excelsior, 11:30 a.m. 8 Sunday Storyteller Mary J. Kelly: Interactive Stories & Tales from the African-American Experience Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center, 2 p.m. Mondays 9 & 23 Videos Ages 5 & younger. Bayview, 10:30 a.m. 10 Tuesday Ages 3-5. Chinatown, 10, 10:30 & 11:05 a.m.; 2 p.m. Ages 5-7. Chinatown, 4 p.m. Children s Events Celebrate Black History Month Dance, music, culture and art will be the focus of children s events in honor of Black History Month at branches around the city. Storyteller Yolanda Rhodes will be weaving music and movement into her folktale stories at the Excelsior, Golden Gate Valley, North Beach and Western Addition branches. Harpist from the Hood Destiny Muhammad will be performing at the Parkside Branch and Potrero neighborhood. Drummer and folklorist S. Kwaku Daddy will bring traditional culture, music and stories from Ghana to the Marina Branch. The Museum of Craft and Folk Art will host arts and crafts programs at Ocean View and Western Addition. At the Main Library, storyteller J.P. Myrick will present Harriet Tubman and storyteller Marijo will tell Stories from the Drinking Gourd. Please check the Calendar for program dates and times. *Marijo, Storyteller African stories from The Drinking Gourd. Class reservations: Tim Troy at (415) Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center, 10:30 11:30 a.m. *Safe Dog Interaction With Kathy Brody and Roofus, from S. F. SPCA Ages 3 & older. Ingleside, 4:30 p.m. *Drummer S. Kwaku Daddy African music, dance & stories. Marina, 3:30 p.m. *African American Visionary Arts Program, presented by Museum of Craft and Folk Arts Attendees create chalk pastel masterpieces. Ocean View, 4:30 p.m. 11 Wednesday Ages Chinatown, 4 p.m. *Yoga for Toddlers, with Rebecca Blake Ages 1½ to 3, with caregiver. Mission, 2:30 p.m. *Yoga for School-Age Children, with Rebecca Blake Ages Mission, 4 p.m. 12 Thursday Ages 3-5. Chinatown, 10 a.m. Ages 3-6. Golden Gate Valley, 10:15 a.m. Ages Chinatown, 4 p.m. 14 Saturday *Abraham Lincoln Birthday Make Your Own Silhouette Craft Program Ages 5 & older. Space limited; reserve at (415) Ortega, 3 p.m. Related Exhibition: see Exhibitions. *Dono the Clown West Portal, 11 a.m. 15 Sunday Crafts Ages 5 & younger. Ingleside, 3:30 4:15 p.m. 17 Tuesday *J. P. Myrick, Storyteller Profiles Harriet Tubman, African American abolitionist. Class reservations: Tim Troy at (415) Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center, 10:30 11:30 a.m. Related Exhibition: see Exhibitions. Ages 3-5. Groups confirm space at (415) Western Addition, 10 10:30 a.m. & 10:45 11:15 a.m. *Storyteller Yolanda Rhodes Ages 3-5. African folk tales, music & movement. North Beach, 11 a.m. 18 Wednesday /Videos Ages 3-5. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center, 10 & 10:45 a.m. *San Francisco Shakespeare Festival presents Romeo and Juliet Ages 6 & older. Q & A after program. Space limited; reserve at (415) Chinatown, 4 p.m. 19 Thursday *Ventriloquist Valerie Thomlinson s Dancing Puppets Ages 5 & younger. Group reservations: Pam Ow at (415) (Eureka Valley program.) Eureka Valley Recreation Center, 100 Collingwood St. (between 18th and 19th Sts.), 10:45 a.m. Baby Rhyme Time Rollicking rhymes, songs and books for infants to 18 months and their caregivers.* Chinatown Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 11 a.m. Excelsior Tue, 3, 10, 17, 24 at 11 a.m. Eureka Valley Wed, 4, 11, 18, 25 at 3 p.m. (Held at Eureka Valley Recreation Center, 100 Collingwood St. between 18th & 19th Sts.) Glen Park Golden Gate Valley Tue, 3, 10, 17 at 10:15 a.m. Toddler Tales n Books, rhymes, music, movement and more for toddlers 18 to 36 months and their caregivers.* Anza Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. Bernal Heights Thur, 12, 19 at 10 a.m. (Held at Red Hill Books, 401 Cortland Ave.) Excelsior Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime n Stories, songs, fingerplays and more for ages 3 to 5.* Anza Excelsior Wed, 4, 11, 18, 25 at 11 a.m. (Chinese/English) Thur, 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 11 a.m. Marina Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 3:30 p.m. Family Storytime n Family Storytimes are for children of all ages unless noted.* Bayview Ages 5 & younger Bernal Heights Tue, 3, 10, 17, 24 at 10 a.m. Ages 5 & younger (Held at Red Hill Books, 401 Cortland Ave.) Chinatown Sat, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10:30 a.m. Eureka Valley Wed, 4, 11, 18, 25 at 3:30 p.m. Ages 2 to 5 (Held at Eureka Valley Recreation Center, 100 Collingwood St. between 18th & 19th Sts.) *Destiny (Harpist from the Hood) (Potrero program.) St. Teresa s Church, 390 Missouri Street (at Connecticut), 10:30 a.m. /Videos Ages 3-5. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center, 10 & 10:45 a.m. Ages 3-5. Sunset, 10:30 a.m. *San Francisco Shakespeare Festival presents Romeo and Juliet Golden Gate Valley, 2 p.m. /Videos Ages 3-5. Main, 2nd Floor, Fisher Children s Center, 11 a.m. *Destiny (Harpist from the Hood) Ages 5 & older. Merced, 1 p.m. Main Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 3:30 p.m. Marina Mon, 2, 9, 23 at 11 a.m. Merced Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. Mission Mon, 2, 9, 23 at 1:10 p.m. (Spanish/English) Mission Bay Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:15 a.m. North Beach Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:15 a.m. Ortega Park Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:30 a.m. Ingleside Tue, 3, 10, 17, 24 at 11 a.m. Wed, 4, 11, 18, 25 at 4:30 p.m. Main Mon. 2, 9, 23 at 10:30 a.m. Wed, 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10:30 a.m. Marina Mon, 2, 9, 23 at 10:15 a.m. Mission Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:10 & 11 a.m. (Spanish/English) Mission Bay Fri, 6, 13, 20, 27 at 4 p.m. (musical) Mission Wed, 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10:10 a.m. Mission Bay Thur, 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 11 a.m. North Beach Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 11 a.m. Ocean View Tue, 3, 10, 17 & 24 at 11 a.m. Parkside Tue, 10, 17, 24 at 10 & 11 a.m. Excelsior Sat, 14, 21 at 11:30 a.m. Glen Park Wed, 18 at 7 p.m. Ages 5 & younger Main Tue, 3,10, 17, 24 at 10:30 a.m. Sat, 7, 14, 28 at 11 a.m. Marina Sat, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 3 p.m. Merced Sat. 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11:15 a.m. Noe Valley Tue 3, 10, 17 at 11 a.m. Ages 5 & younger *Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. Groups need to reserve space. 24 Tuesday *Storyteller Yolanda Rhodes Ages 5 & younger. African folk tales, music & movement. Golden Gate Valley, 10:15 a.m. Ages 3-5. Marina, 10:15 a.m. Ages 3-5. Noe Valley, 10:15 & 11 a.m. Videos Ages 3-5. North Beach, 10:30 & 11 a.m.; 3 p.m. 25 Wednesday *Yoga With Tatjana Rmus Ages 3-5 & caregivers; bring mat or towel. Space limited, reserve at (415) Mission Bay, 6:30 p.m. 27 Friday Craft with Valerie Grades 2-7. Mission, 3 p.m. Portola Thur, 12 at 11:15 a.m. (Held at Family Connections 2565 San Bruno Ave. at Felton). Presidio Sat, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 10:15 a.m. Richmond Sat, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11-11:30 a.m. (Held at Richmond Police Station Meeting Room, 461-6th Ave. between Geary & Anza.) Sunset Sat, 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11 a.m. Western Addition Thur, 5, 19 at 10:15 a.m. West Portal + craft Noe Valley Tue, 3, 10, 17 at 10:15 a.m. Ortega Tue, 3, 10, 17, 24 at 11:30 a.m. Park Tue, 3, 10, 17, 24 at 11:30 a.m. Presidio Tue, 3, 10, 17, 24 at 10:15 a.m. Thur, 5, 12, 19, 26 at 10:15 a.m. Western Addition Thur, 12, 26 at 10:15 a.m. (Groups of five or more, reserve at (415) ) Portola Tue, 3 & 10 at 10:30 a.m. (Held at Family Connections, 2565 San Bruno Ave.) Richmond Tue, 3 & 24 at 11-11:40 a.m. (Held at Richmond Police Station Community Room, 461-6th Ave. between Geary & Anza.) Sunset Thur, 12, 26 at 10:30 a.m. Western Addition Tue, 10, 24 at 10:40 a.m. (Groups of five or more, reserve at (415) ) Park Tue, 3, 10, 17 & 24 at 3:30 p.m. Portola Thur, 12 at 4 p.m. Ages 5 & older (Held at Family Connections, 2565 San Bruno Ave.) Potrero Thur, 5, 12, 26 at 10:30 a.m. Ages birth-5 (Held at St. Teresa s Church, 390 Missouri St. at Connecticut.) West Portal Wed, 4, 11, 18, 25 at 7 p.m. Ages 2 to 5 (In Russian) + craft 28 Saturday MaryLee Sunseri Presents Workshop For Early Childhood Educators: Music & Play for Babies & Toddlers Registration required; reserve space with Bonnie Estrella at bestrella@sfpl.org or (415) Main, Fisher Children s Center, 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. *African American Folklore & Fun Create your own masterpieces. Ocean View, 2 p.m. Videos Ages 5 & younger. West Portal, 10:30 a.m. Family. Excelsior, 11:30 a.m. 6 February 2009 At the Library *Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library

7 Friends Focus February Featured Sections Book Bay Main African-American History Evolve Book Bay Fort Mason African-American History Evolve February Events Feb. 5 Iranian Literary Arts Festival Round Table discussion and reading with Jack Hirschman. Book Bay Fort Mason, 6:30 p.m. 13th Annual Library Laureates Dinner Celebrates Evolve 2009 Mark your calendars for April 17 and join us as we celebrate the theory of evolution and honor local writers at the 13th Annual Library Laureates event. Evolve we have over the many years of this remarkable event, from which all proceeds benefit the San Francisco Public Library. Here is a look back on the evolution of this much loved celebration, from themes such as the 1906 Earthquake to the Summer of Love to last year s Noir in the City. Images of past Laureates Dinners Feb. 6 Iranian Literary Arts Festival Evening of Poetry and Film. Friends Office, 391 Grove St., 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 Richmond Wine Tasting Event Presidio Clubhouse (300 Finley Arguello Gate), 2 5 p.m. $50 (includes food). Feb. 23 Porchlight: Evolve The Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero Avenue. Doors at 7 p.m./show at 8 p.m. February Events at the Jewish Community Center Jewish Community Center SF, 3200 California St., San Francisco, CA (415) Friends members receive the JCC member price at select events. Check out for a full list. Summer of Love, 2007 Noir in the City, 2008 above: 1906 Earthquake, 2006 left: Noir in the City, 2008 Book Bay Locations & Hours BOOK BAY FORT MASON Fort Mason Center, Building C Open daily 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Telephone (415) BOOK BAY MAIN Main Library Grove Street Entrance Open all Library hours Telephone (415) The mission of Friends of the San Francisco Public Library is to create, steward and support a superior, free public library system in San Francisco. We are committed to raising the standard of excellence of our libraries by funding programs and services beyond what is allocated in the city s budget. We believe in free and equal access to information for all. 10 Tips for Dressing Evolve at this Year s Dinner Summer of Love, Come as your favorite animal! Dress fit for survival in full creature garb! 2. Come as a species that natural selection has deemed unfit to exist, such as the dodo or a t-rex. 3. Adorn your eveningwear with finch feathers or add them into your updo or hat. 4. Dress as a pirate commemorating those that named the Galapagos Islands. 5. In tribute to Charles Darwin s famous facial hair, grow out that beard. 6. Don your favorite explorer outfit and don t forget your compass! 7. Dress as a classy dame or gent from Darwin s time the mid-1800s. 8. In tribute to our ancestry, dust off your Halloween monkey costume. 9. Pay tribute to the Stone Age with a Fred and Wilma Flintstones get-up. 10. Be creative, have fun and most importantly Evolve! For more information about 2009 Laureates visit and for a complete listing of all Evolve 2009 events visit Treat Avenue Donation Center Update Good News! Our new Treat Avenue Donation Center is just about up and running which means more books in our book stores, more books in your hands and more funds raised for library services and programs. Volunteers are critical to the success of our new location. Please, join us. For more information on the new donation center and how to volunteer, visit org/?volunteer_opportunities or call our Volunteer Manager Andrea Blum at x 112. Books at 10% off! Friends Bonus Bookstore Program! Friends members ($50+ level) receive a 10% discount at the following bookstores: A Different Light Bookstore Academy Store, California Academy of Science A. Cavalli Italian Bookstore Adobe Bookstore Alan Wofsy Fine Arts LLC Alexander Book Co., Inc. Amazing Fantasy The Beat Museum Bibliohead Bookstore Bibliomania Bird & Beckett Books & Records Black Oak Books Holding Corp. Bolerium Books Book Bay Fort Mason Book Bay Main Books, Inc. Booksmith Borderlands Books Browser Books Christopher s Books Chronicle Books Compass Books, Inc. Cover to Cover Booksellers Dog Eared Books Eastwind Books Globus Slavic Bookstore Great Overland Book Company Green Apple Books & Music Kayo Books Louie Brothers Book Store, Inc. Manning s Books & Prints Marcus Book Stores McDonald s Book Shop Phoenix Books Red Hill Books San Francisco Botanical Gardens, Garden Bookstore Stacey s Bookstore Thidwick Books At the Library February

8 At the Library SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 Larkin StREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA February 2009 In this Issue: Page 1 - Portola Branch Opens Soon Parkside Party Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times Dishing it Out Library by the Numbers Page 2 - Portola Branch Page 3 - Hedgehog Boy Rosetta Stone Exhibitions Calendar Page 4 - International Mysteries Books Obama is Reading Yiyun Li Adult Calendar Page 5 - E. Lynn Harris Opal Palmer Adisa Writing Workshops Books for Teens Page 6 - Children s Calendar Black History Month Page 7 - Library Laureates Dinner Treat Avenue Donation Center Opens Portola Branch Library The San Francisco Public Library system is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community. At the Library is published monthly on recycled paper by the San Francisco Public Library with support and funding from Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. Circulation: 12,000 Online version: Main Library phone number: (415) How to reach us Public Affairs, Main Library, 100 Larkin St. San Francisco, CA (415) ; publicaffairs@sfpl.org Web site: Every effort has been made to produce a monthly calendar that is both accurate and complete. Please contact Public Affairs if you have any questions or comments regarding the listings. Tours of Main Tours are conducted on the first Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. Meet at the Information Desk in the First Floor atrium. Tours are limited to 15 people on a first come, first served basis. Groups can schedule a private tour by calling (415) SFPL Commission Meetings are generally held on the first and third Thursday of each month. This month s meetings: 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 and 19 in the Koret Auditorium of the Main Library. The public is welcome to attend. Closure Times The San Francisco Main Library and all branch libraries will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16 (Presidents Day). LIBRARY LOCATIONS AND HOURS S M T W T F S ANZA th Ave BAYVIEW/WADEN 5075 Third St BERNAL HEIGHTS Closed for renovation See temporary services schedule on page 2. CHINATOWN 1135 Powell St Children s Room EUREKA VALLEY/MILK Closed for renovation See temporary services schedule on page 2. EXCELSIOR 4400 Mission St GLEN PARK 2825 Diamond St x GOLDEN GATE VALLEY 1801 Green St x INGLESIDE 1649 Ocean Ave x MAIN LIBRARY 100 Larkin St MARINA 1890 Chestnut St MERCED 155 Winston Dr MISSION 300 Bartlett St Children s Room MISSION BAY 960 Fourth St x NOE VALLEY/BRUNN 451 Jersey St x NORTH BEACH 2000 Mason St x OCEAN VIEW 345 Randolph St x ORTEGA 3223 Ortega St PARK 1833 Page St x PARKSIDE Closes Feb Taraval St x PORTOLA 2450 San Bruno Ave x POTRERO Closed for renovation See temporary services schedule on page 2. PRESIDIO 3150 Sacramento St x ILC (International Languages Collection) x x RICHMOND/MARKS Closed for renovation See temporary services schedule on page 2. SUNSET th Ave Children s Room VISITACION VALLEY 45 Leland Ave x WEST PORTAL 190 Lenox Way WESTERN ADDITION 1550 Scott St Treasure Island Bookmobile Community Center, 497 Ave. I Thursdays, 10:30 12:30 and 1 4:30 x means CLOSED. For more information: (All phone numbers are in the 415 area code.) 8 February 2009 At the Library