South San Francisco, CA May 9, 2017 Submitted by Jon 
May is a busy month at the library, we are celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, as well as Historic Preservation Month. South San Francisco hosts a number of historic locations, including the Colonial Revival Plymire-Schwarz House on Grand Avenue, which has the distinction of being known as the first hospital to serve residents in the area between San Francisco and San Mateo.
We will also be celebrating other historic sites in the city during May. If you have old photos of the area or would like to view the library’s collection, come in and join us in reviewing the various neighborhoods.
We will also be marking the official “Choose Privacy” week from May 1st to May 7th. All are welcome to come to the library and learn more about keeping their digital items private. The staff will demonstrate how to keep your computers, phones, laptops, and tablets free of intrusion.
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Tuesday, May 2, 6:00 p.m.
Cookbook Club : May is Celebrity Chefs month.
We meet on the first Tuesday of every other month to share advice about cookbooks, recipes, and new tips and techniques we’ve learned along the way. We’ll provide the drinks and the dinnerware, you provide one completed recipe and contributions to our discussion. Each meeting has a theme, and you are welcome to choose any cookbook you’d like from our collection. Make a dish related to that meeting’s theme and bring both your dish and cookbook to the meeting to share with the group. Cookbook Club is your chance to check out that new book you’ve had your eye on or share an old favorite with new friends. Need some inspiration? You can find a list of suggested books here.
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Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 6th 10:30-12:30 p.m.
The 16th Annual Free Comic Book Day is Saturday May 6th, 2017. Over 2,300 comic book shops across North America and around the world will give out over 6 million comic books, free of charge. This annual event is one of the most anticipated comic book celebrations of the year as retailers prepare to welcome curious, first-time comic readers and devout comic book fans into their stores for fun events and free comics.
The SSF Library will be handing out comics to children and adults of all ages. We will be featuring live comic arts demo, and provide supplies for you to make you own comic books!
Connect with Free Comic Book Day
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Saturday, May 13th, 10:00 AM-2:00 p.m.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
Support the Friends of the Library by purchasing some fabulous used books at your Spring Book Sale! You can acquire those novels you never got around to reading, pick up some of your old favorites to reread, or buy a full set of the Harry Potter series to send to your favorite young reader. Join us on Saturday, May 13th, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium, 840 West Orange Ave. Spend $30 dollars, get a free book bag!
The South San Francisco Friends of the Library funds youth, adult, and literacy programs and contributes to the library’s ongoing collection.
Email ssfpladm@plsinfo.org or call (650) 829-3860 for information.
Connect with the Friends of the Library
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Thursday, May 4, 6:00 p.m.
Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District Informational Presentation
Our peninsula is filled with beautiful parks, vistas and trails. Many of these public places are available to us thanks to the organizations dedicated to preserving local land. Created in 1972, Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District is an independent agency that has preserved over 63,000 acres of public land and manages 26 open space preserves. Midpen’s boundary extends from San Carlos to Los Gatos and to the Pacific Ocean from south of Pacifica to the Santa Cruz county line. This informational presentation and discussion will provide an introduction to Midpen’s mission and goals, they will describe what you might find at a preserve, lists the local preserves around San Francisco, along with the recreational activities offered, and the different ways to get involved.
Connect with Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District
Website|Facebook|Twitter|Insta
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Friday, May 5, 12:00 p.m.
Tech Time: Online Privacy
The library staff will demonstrate the best way to keep your phone, tablet, laptop and computer safe from hackers and identify thieves. They will explain why it is so importance to protect your identity on your digital devices.
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Saturday, May 6, 2:00 p.m.
Author Talk: Joy Lily, Carefree Quilts
Have you always wanted to create a quilt but found the process overwhelming? Join us for a discussion on quick and accessible quilt-making techniques by Joy Lily, author of the easy guide to creating your own design, Carefree Quilts. Ms. Lily will show you how to side-step the math and just sew and flip, or slice and swap your way to 12 blocks and endless quilt combinations. Quilters of all skill levels will love making these traditionally-inspired, free-form blocks with a variety of fresh results. She will demonstrate carefree methods, tips, and basics that make quilting quick, easy and fun. With a few simple techniques and a free-style approach, you’ll be on your way to making beautiful, heirloom quilts!
Connect with Joy Lily
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Sunday, May 7, 3:00 p.m.
Walgreens: How to Combat Allergies
Spring is here and so is allergic rhinitis, aka allergies. A representative from Walgreens will give an informational presentation about allergies, what they are, how they effect us and what we can do to survive during allergy season.
Connect with Walgreens
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Tuesday, May 16th and 30th at 1:00 p.m.
Textile Tuesday: Farmers Market Tote Bag
Textile Tuesday is held twice a month. At the first meeting, you will start a project chosen by the staff. The next workshop is an open sew lab where participants can finish up past Textile Tuesday projects or bring in their individual sewing projects. Make new friends, learn some new shortcuts and tricks, or just share your knowledge and experience with the group!
This month we celebrate the opening of the South San Francisco Farmers Market, by creating an easy to sew fruit and veggie tote bag.
Materials List
- 1-2 Yard of fabric
- Matching thread
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Tuesday, May 9, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 18, 6:00 p.m.
Senior Caregiving
Tuesday, May 9th: Senior Care Options and its Financing
Thursday, May 18th: Moving On and Senior Living Choices
Connect with Alway Best Care
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Wednesday, May 10, 2:00 p.m.
SamTrans Mobility Ambassador Program
Join us for an informational presentation on the SamTrans Mobility Ambassadors program. Mobility Ambassadors are volunteers who help older adults and people with disabilities with many transportation-related issues, including planning a trip using public transit, finding a driver safety class, and learning about alternatives to driving, such as community shuttles. Ambassadors can also give educational presentations, conduct group and one-on-one rider training, and organize group trips on transit to interesting destinations.
The Mobility Ambassador program was created to help older adults and people with disabilities stay safe and connected to their communities, thereby reducing isolation and depression which can be caused by limited mobility. This program can benefit older adults and people with disabilities at all levels of varying mobility.
Connect with SamTrans Mobility Ambassador Program
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Thursday, May 11, 6:00 p.m.
Prohibi
In the 1930s, mobster Sam Termini called San Mateo County the most corrupt county in the state. With rumrunners landing Canadian whiskey on isolated beaches, moonshiners operating in homes and a multitude of speakeasies, the county earned a reputation as one of the “wettest” in the state during Prohibition. Carmen Blair, Deputy Director of the San Mateo County Historical Association, will share Prohibition stories during an illustrated presentation.
Bio: Carmen Blair is the Deputy Director of the San Mateo County Historical Association. Her responsibilities include: being involved with school programs, public programs for adults and children, as well as overseeing exhibits and publications. She received her B.A. in History from Gustavus Adolphus College and her M.A. in Museum Studies from San Francisco State University.
This event is co-sponsored by the Armstrong Brewing Company.
Connect with the San Mateo Historical Society
Connect with Armstrong Brewing Co.
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Tuesday, May 16, 6:00 p.m.
Connect with Ann Patchett
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This 1905 Colonial Revival originally sat at the northwest corner of Grand and Spruce Avenues. It was built by Dr. Harry (aka Henry) Garriston Plymire, one of the City’s first physicians as well as the area’s coroner. It became the first hospital located between San Francisco and San Mateo. This was a big deal back in 1905 and they boasted: “sparing residents of San Bruno, Daly City and Colma the cost and inconvenience of having to go to San Francisco or San Mateo for treatment.” The practice lasted until 1915 when Dr. Harry succumbed to pneumonia at the age of 38. His practice and house were sold to Dr. Frank Dolley who moved the structure to its current location so the new “South San Francisco General Hospital” could be built in its place. Come and learn more about our area’s first local hospital.
Connect with the Plymire-Schwarz House
Connect with the South San Francisco Historical Society
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Saturday, May 20, 2:00 p.m.
Join Julie Scott, Executive Director of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose, in exploring how the ancient Egyptians interacted with the animals in their lives. From the magical cat, Bastet, to the protector crocodile, Sobek, animals played an important role in the every day and mystical aspects of ancient Egyptian life. We’ll also discuss Anubis, the guardian of the underworld, animal pets, and the sacred Apis bull. You’ll have a chance to meet an actual ancient cat mummy, a sacred offering to the cat goddess, Bastet.
Connect with the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
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Sunday, May 21, 3:00 p.m.
Nicknamed “Mr. BART” by his colleagues, Michael C. Healy was responsible for BART’s media affairs and marketing activities from 1971—about ten months before trains started running—until his retirement in 2004. He wrote for radio and film and was the editor of the Sausalito News before taking a public relations job at the nascent transit agency. He is an alumnus of the University of Southern California.
Connect with Michael C. Healy
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Saturday May 27, 2:30 p.m.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Film Screening : The American Dream by Dr. Z
In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we will be screening independent Asian American film, The American Dream, set and made in the South San Francisco Bay Area. This is a story about the struggles of undocumented Chinese immigrant in the United States played, produced, and directed by Dr. Z. Q & A will follow the screening.
Dr. Z is a master of Jeet Kune Do art, actor, filmmaker, and doctor.
In Cantonese Chinese with English Subtitles
Recommended for age 13+
JUV
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Monday, May 1 at 4:00 p.m.
Monday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m.
Drawing Circle
Do you enjoy drawing? Or do you find it terrifying, but would like a safe place to give it a try? Either way, you should make a line straight to the Drawing Circle, where we will provide blank paper, pencils of many colors, and fancy erasers. (There will be oh so many hoity-toity erasers.) You’re welcome to freehand it, and we’ll also dig out the library’s many how-to-draw books for inspiration and guidance. Open to all ages and skill levels.
Wednesday, May 3rd 4 p.m.
Poetry Workshop: Rorschach (inkblots) Interpreted
Inspired by historic Rorschach inkblot tests, Rorschach Interpreted is a melding of craft and poetry.
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Friday, May 5, 3:30 PM
Miniature Game
Learn and play with miniature game toys with game historian, Nick Stern. The history of the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862 will be retold and recreated with interactive exhibit of toys and short lecture. Learn about the origin of Cinco de Mayo and play with miniature game toys to possibly change the course of history. Recommended age of 10+ or with adult supervision.
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Monday, May 8 at 4:00 PM
TV Club: My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, “Green Isn’t Your Color”
We all want our friends to succeed, but fashion designer Rarity finds herself overwhelmed with jealousy when the chronically bashful Fluttershy unexpectedly becomes Equestria’s next top model, much to Fluttershy’s own chagrin. Can Rarity keep her darker feelings at bay? It’s only her career AND her relationship with one of her best friends that hangs in the balance in “Green Isn’t Your Color.” Haven’t seen it? No problem! We’ll watch and discuss the episode together, followed by a light craft. For fillies and colts of all ages.
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Connect with Sophie
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Thursday, May 18, Book Munchers Book Club
4:00 p.m. Amber Brown is Green with Envy by Paula Danziger
6:00 p.m. Coral Reefs by Jason Chin
Stop by the library to register for the book club and to pick up your free copy of the book (while supplies last). Read the book throughout the month, then we’ll meet at the end of the month for discussion and activities!
Book Munchers (for kids ages 5-8) will meet on Thursdays from May through August at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Main Library, 840 West Orange Avenue, SSF. For more information, please call (650) 829-3860.
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Friday, May 19th, 4PM
Teen Advisory Board
Make your voice heard at our Teen Advisory Board (TAB). TAB is a teen-driven community group focused on advising library staff in library atmosphere, program development, book and DVD selections, and youth engagement. This is an opportunity for teenagers to be involved in the decision making process of the library and to develop essential skills for the future. All teens are invited to participate. Volunteer credit will be given to all who attend TAB meetings.
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Saturday, May 20, 10:30 a.m.
4Cs Speaker Series: Learning Styles
The second of a series of discussions will be on the topic, Learning Styles. A creative and fun learning environment is great for all children. When learning is difficult, we find another route that the child can take in order to learn. Learning styles are different, so you will learn what strategies are meant to be used in all learning environments. This training will equip you with hands on methods to engage children with various learning styles, so they stay engaged and learn.
4Cs will provide a certificate for all attendees. This workshop will count towards continuing education units. Light refreshments will be provided.
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Saturday MAY 20 12:00 p.m.
Citizen Scientist: Cloud Teller
Cloud Teller is a workshop on how to be a cloud scientist using smartphones. Participants will be guided on how to upload Cloud Teller application and record cloud observations.
Clouds are an important part of our atmosphere. Clouds affect the overall temperature of the Earth. Contribute to scientific information about our clouds by becoming a citizen scientist. Your cloud observations reported on the ground will complement the satellite observations.
GLOBE Observer is compatible with iOS 8.0 or later on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and Android 4.0 and up. For participants who wish to join the community of citizen scientists, please bring compatible devices to begin cloud telling.
This program is recommended for family activities, including vocabulary building and learning to identify different types of clouds. It is ideal for anyone who is interested in the atmosphere and wishes to learn about or become a citizen scientist.
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Monday, May 22nd at 6:00 p.m.
Pirates Storytime
Ahoy mateys! Pirates in the library! Join us fer an evenin’ band ‘o pirates family storytime. We’ll be sin’in’ ‘n shoutin’ like band ‘o pirates. Dress up like a scurvy pirate! Followed by a scurvy pirate craft. Brin’s family ‘n buckos fer a festive storytime.
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Thursday, March 25th at 6:00 p.m.
Page Turners Book Club
Stop by the library to register for the book club and pick up your free copy of this month’s book (while supplies last). Read the book throughout the month, then we’ll meet at the end of the month for discussion and activities!
Page Turners (for kids ages 9-12) will meet on Thursday from May through August at 6:00 p.m. at the Main Library, 840 West Orange Avenue, South San Francisco. For more information, please call (650) 829-3860.
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Friday, May 26 at 4:00 p.m.
Final Fridays Family Dance Party!
Has it been a long month? Week? Day? Or do you and your kids just have some energy you need to get out of your system? Then come shake your tail to the best in family-friendly jams at our Final Fridays Family Dance Party! There will be sick (is this the right word?) beats, glowy balloons, and roof-raising.
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Saturday, May 27th 1:00 p.m.
Family Trivia
What better way to spend your Saturday afternoon than with family and Trivia! Friends and families will compete in groups to test their skills of all things trivial; from sports to films, cartoons to science, these rounds are filled with general knowledge and completely random facts that are sure to keep you entertained. Questions will be balanced to make sure everyone has a great time. Snacks will be provided.
Grand Programs
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Wednesday, May 3, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Wednesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m.
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Thursday, May 11, 12:00 p.m.
Listen & Lunch: Storytime for Adults
Join us at the Grand Avenue Library for a lunch time short story and brief discussion. Monthly story selections will span all genres and may include essays, memoirs or non-fiction materials.
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Saturday, May 13, 2:00 p.m.
Sábado, Mayo 13, 2:00 p.m.
Dia de Las Madres: Rosas de Papel de Seda
En conmemoración por el Día Internacional de las Madres, La Biblioteca de Grand Avenue se complace en presentar una tarde para preparar artesanías: Rosas de Papel de Seda. Acompáñenos con su familia para agasajar a nuestras madres y prepararles un hermoso detalle. Todas las edades son bienvenidas. Los materiales serán proveídos.
The Grand Avenue Library plans to commemorate the International Mother’s Day. Join us to create crafts such as : “Rosa de Papel de Seda” and to enjoy a cozy evening together.
All ages are welcome and we will provide the supplies.
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Connect with Reyna Grande
Website|Facebook|Twitter|Insta
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Por favor, únase a nosotros en la Gran Biblioteca para nuestro Taller de Información sobre Inmigración. Este taller de dos horas será una visión general de los recursos que ofrecen diferentes organizaciones y sitios web, lo que hace ICE y sus derechos como inmigrante, una visión general de la última Orden Ejecutiva, DACA, ciudades santuario: qué hacen y dónde están, y cómo usar su Tarjeta Roja. Este programa nos permitirá llegar a nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes que buscan información pero no tienen los recursos.
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Cada Lunes, 10:30 a.m.
Every Monday, 10:30 a.m.
Leer y aprender: Storytime in Spanish
Stories in Spanish for children age 3-5 and parents or caregivers, followed by a simple craft. Cuentos en español para niños de 3-5 de edad y padres o cuidadores, despues sigue una actividad de arte.
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Thursdays 10:30 a.m.
English Conversation
Join Kevin McAllister on his fun filled solo adventures as his family forgot him not one, but twice for a family holiday vacation. Beverages and popcorn will be served while supplies last.
Saturday, May 6th at 11 AM
Monday, May 15th at at 4 PM
English the Easy Way
Are you learning or improving your spoken English? Come and practice with us! This workshop will feature casual conversation and friendly company. English the easy way is designed for non-native speakers who speak little to no English. Participants will discuss daily activities, while improving their knowledge of the English language. Everyone is welcome. No registration required.
Está aprendiendo a hablar ingles? Venga y practique con nosotros. Contaremos con conversaciones y agradable compañía. Si usted no sabe hablar inglés, reunase en la Librería de South San Francisco para charlar de temas cotidianos. Así al mismo tiempo, usted podrá incrementar sus conocimientos en inglés.
PROJECT READ
Tutor an Adult
Tutor an adult to improve his/her reading and change a life forever! Project Read North San Mateo County is recruiting new tutors for our free training on May 10th at 6 pm; and May 13th and 20th from 9 am to 2 pm at the Grand Avenue Library, 306 Walnut, South San Francisco. No Experience is necessary! We will match you with an adult learner that fits your schedule to tutor regularly twice a week for one hour at a public site, such as a library. Please call Project Read at (650) 829-3871 or email cordova@plsinfo.org to register for this rewarding opportunity!
TLC Programs
Free Computer Classes at the Library
Technology can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! This summer, learn the skills you need to use a computer safely and effectively, with free computer classes from the library. As you gain new skills, you will earn digital badges, or online certifications, that you can add to your resume.
Laptops and/or iPads will be available. Classes taught at the Grand Avenue Branch Library will be presented in English and Spanish. All classes are free.
Computer Basics: Getting Started with Windows
Does the thought of using a computer seem a little scary? Don’t sweat it! This class will help you get started with computers by building basic skills. Laptops will be available.
- Monday, May 1, 10am – Main
- Monday, May 1, 2pm – Grand
- Tuesday, May 2, 10am – Main
- Wednesday, May 3, 10am – Main
Computer Basics: Protect Your Privacy, Control Your Personal Information and Avoid Online Scams
Learn how to keep your phone, tablet, laptop and computer safe from hackers, identity thieves and online scammers. Get hands-on help adjusting privacy settings of your online accounts and take control of your personal information. Laptops and iPads will be available.
- Monday, May 8, 10am – Main
- Monday, May 8, 2pm – Grand
- Tuesday, May 9, 10am – Main
- Wednesday, May 10, 10am – Main
- Friday, May 12, 2pm – Grand
Computer Basics: How to Use the Internet
Learn how to use the Internet in this free library workshop. This workshop will cover how to use search engines, navigate websites and download files safely. Laptops and iPads will be available.
- Monday, May 15, 10am – Main
- Monday, May 15, 2pm – Grand
- Tuesday, May 16, 10am – Main
- Wednesday, May 17, 10am – Main
- Friday, May 19, 2pm – Grand
Computer Basics: Email and Cloud Storage
Learn the basics of creating online accounts to store and send files, including how to secure them with effective passwords. Laptops and iPads will be available.
- Monday, May 22, 10am – Main
- Monday, May 22, 2pm – Grand
- Tuesday, May 23, 10am – Main
- Wednesday, May 24, 10am – Main
- Friday, May 26, 2pm – Grand