Friday, June 11, 2010

Staff recommended reading: Market Day

Beautifully and simply told, this wonderfully illustrated graphic novel tells the story of Mendleman, a Jewish rug maker, who goes into town on "market day" in an attempt to sell his rugs. But when he finds out that the owner of the store where he usually sells his rugs is no longer there, and that the new owner doesn't care to buy his rugs, Mendleman's world is thrown into chaos as he begins to question his profession, his life, and all of existence. James Sturm, author of the great graphic novel collection James Sturm's America: God, Gold and Golems, elegantly brings to life through words and pictures the hustle and bustle of an early 1900s Eastern European village marketplace. Additionally, Sturm effectively incorporates Jewish beliefs and spirituality into the tale. For instance, Mendleman talks about how, after a debate over the exact time of the setting sun signaling the beginning of the Sabbath, he made a rug with the colors purple and black so that when dawn comes and the light of day fades, you can no longer tell the difference between the colors, and you know then that Sabbath has begun and prayers can be made. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who have never read a graphic novel before. This is a great one to begin with.

Check to see if the Mission Branch's copy is available, or, if not, reserve a copy from another branch...

Market Day by James Sturm

Brian

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Summer Reading at the Library!

Here at the Mission Branch (and at many other San Francisco Public Library branches) there will be three summer reading programs happening, covering all age groups. You'll notice the common theme this summer is water!

Adult Summer Reading
The summer reading program isn't just for kids this year. The Adult Summer Reading Program is a competition between the two sides of the city -- Oceanside branches and Bayside branches -- to see which side of town reads the most this summer! Adults can sign up for the Adult Summer Reading Program here at the Mission Branch beginning Friday, June 4th. As participants read books or listen to audiobooks, they can check off the number of books read in the sign-up binder at their library. Watch the water gauge at your local library rise for each book read. More info here.

Teen Summer Read 2010: Go with the Flow!
Register at your local library starting June 5th (you must be 13 years of age or older). You will receive a Go With the Flow gameboard. Complete 6 tasks on the gameboard. Activities include reading, visiting environmental places in San Francisco, getting friends to sign up, or going to library events! When you complete your 6 activities, come back to the library by July 31, 2010, to claim your prize: a flash drive and raffle ticket, the latter of which makes you eligible to win a MacBook, iPod Nano, Nintendo Wii or MP3 players! You must be present to win grand prizes on August 4, 2010, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Main Library. Get your game board signed off by the librarian (anywhere on the form) and keep it - this is your party invitation to the Teen Summer Read Party and the Grand Prize Raffle! More info here.

Water Your Imagination: Children's Summer Reading Club
Beginning June 4, children through age 13 can up in the children's room to keep track of the books they read and win prizes. The more you read, the more prizes you can win! When you complete your eight-hour summer reading log you will earn a grand prize. AND while your are earning your grand prize check out our awesome free summer programs happening at our branches. The program ends July 31. More info here.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Annual Mission Branch Open House/Cinco de Mayo

If you missed out on our annual open house/Cinco de Mayo event on May 1, you're in luck, because we took some pictures.

Diana Gameros with Cajon accompaniment...
























Maria Luna prepares for her presentation of traditional dance and music of Mexico...



ABADA Capoeira performs...