September 2009 

MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR

 

We are so excited!  The Library, and Community Services as a whole, is welcoming the continued use of technology in how we provide information to our community.  We are thrilled to be presenting our first e-newsletter.  Not only are we diligently dedicating ourselves to saving money and working more effectively, but we are also pleased to have lightened our carbon footprint on the Earth.

The e-newsletter isn't the only thing that is new.  As many of you may know, there have been some major changes to how the City is operating.   One of the big changes is that the Library is now part of the Community Services Department, along with Recreation, Community and Cultural Services, and the Sports and Arts Commissions. 

This change made absolute sense.  Now, as one department, Community Services is better equipped to deliver well-rounded services to the people of our city and county that include all things that are fun, educational, recreational, and more.

The idea of Community Services including Library Services has already had a positive impact which was visible to the public at the Mayor's Teen Fest earlier this year.  At one table and in one cohesive presentation, the public was able to learn about the many community services available to children and adults.  Community Services offers healthy, educational, fun programs from soccer and swimming to crafts and reading programs.  We are one team that is working diligently to offer the community ways to live, learn, work, and play in Stockton. 

The positive changes are still coming!  We invite everyone to join us on our adventure as the NEW Community Services continues to develop and offer more activities, resources, and programs to our community.  If you are interested in knowing more, visit any of the City of Stockton community centers, City of Stockton library branches, or any of the library branches throughout San Joaquin County.  Together, we are here to serve you.  In fact, it is our goal to serve as a model for change and innovation, particularly as they relate to this new collaborative partnership between reading and recreation. It's a natural pairing!

Pamela Sloan, Community Services Director

THIS MONTH'S ARTICLES

Article by Friends of the Stockton Public Library President

2009 Summer Reading Program a Success!

Books for Sale at Family Day in the Park

Back to School - The Library is Your Partner

Finding Jobs:  The Library Can Help

32nd Annual Art Awards Celebration - It's All About the Music!

Community Service Highlights

 

BIG TIME AUTHORS IN STOCKTON:
AN ESSAY ON AN ENIGMA
By Vince Perrin, President , Friends of the Stockton Public Library

Imagine our surprise to read that the writer Friends of the Stockton Public Library had wanted to bring to town, despite his hefty fee and doubtful availability, was already enroute.

The Record reported that the scholarly and popular historian and anthropologist Jared Diamond, award-winning author of “Guns, Germs and Steel” and its recent sequel, “Collapse,” would speak the next day.

Lucky we could cancel other plans. Lucky that University of the Pacific had provided the venue and picked up the tab. And lucky that a good many readers, outside the campus, saw the item and showed up.

Thus the fate in recent years of those ― like Pacific, your Stockton Library Friends, Maxwell’s Bookmark, and the Marian Jacobs Literary Forum of the Stockton Arts Commission ― who seek to bring the nation’s best literary lights to enlighten Stockton.

Bill Maxwell sits on the Friends board and the Arts Commission, for which he is vice-chair and chair of the Literary Forum, created to honor SAC’s founder.

Jacobs herself organized a series of Literary Lunches at Alder Market for the Women’s Center of San Joaquin County. Among the speakers: Amy Tan, before “The Joy Luck Club” became a best-seller and the author joined a rock band.

Maxwell was alone in the wilderness, pre-Borders and Barnes & Noble, coaxing to his former Miracle Mile bookstore such authors as Anne Rice (in her shy pre-Gothic persona) and the idiosyncratic William T. Vollmann, who never writes a book under a thousand pages.

Jacobs, Maxwell and the Arts Commission worked their connections.

Jacobs flew in her Pacific pal Janet Leigh to talk about the books the actress had written about her life and “Psycho.” Years later Leigh’s daughter, the author/actress Jamie Lee Curtis, came to sign copies of her children’s books.

You are a reader, a retailer or an organization able to afford and book a name author, or you are not. You learn of an author’s appearance through non-media sources, or you don’t. Maybe you’re interested. Most likely you’re not.

Your Library Friends had contemplated remarks and a book-signing by the eminent Jared Diamond as the centerpiece of a week of “green” programs and promotions preceding Earth Day in Stockton.

It seemed a feasible idea, and we had pulled off something similar the previous year with “The Audubon Experience.”

We restored and exhibited, in rotation at the Chavez library, our collection of American bird prints by John James Audubon. In addition, we produced a collector’s catalogue and exhibition poster, which are still available.

Our ace in the hole was Audubon’s most recent biographer, Richard Rhodes, the distinguished Pulitzer Prize-winning author acclaimed for his “Making of” accounts of the atomic and hydrogen bombs.

His remarks about Audubon delighted a near capacity crowd in the Stewart-Hazelton Room, after which he took questions and signed copies of his latest book, “Arsenals of Folly: The Making of the Nuclear Arms Race.”

“Near capacity crowd” ― there was a time when it was SRO in larger venues for authors of such prominence as Diamond and Rhodes.

Remember the charged receptions given to Jane Fonda, Jessica Mitford and the late William F. Buckley Jr. when Pacific brought them to campus. I do, reporting their appearances for The Record.

Fonda had an unreleased film in the can about which “by contract” she could not discuss (“The China Syndrome,” about an accident at a nuclear power plant). She, even then, and the late Mitford were political lightening rods.

A student asked Buckley, “What do you think of the mayor of New York handing  the key to the city to Cesar Chavez?” Buckley replied: “What do you think of Cesar Chavez for accepting it?” Those were heady days indeed.

In recent years, starting with “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the Friends and the Library & Literacy Foundation have met the matches to secure National Endowment for the Arts grants to fund The Big Read in San Joaquin County.

Our funding brought to Stockton T.C. Boyle (“The Tortilla Curtain”) and Kent Haruf (“Plainsong”). Haruf appeared in conversation with The New York Times editorialist Verlyn Klinkenborg, whose father lives in Ripon and who had reviewed Haruf’s 1999 novel having never met the author.

Although the author of our last Big Read book is alive, Ray Bradbury of “Fahrenheit 451,” he is ailing, unable to travel. No matter. Bradbury was a big draw among the Literary Forum authors that SAC lured to Stockton in tandem with Pacific and other individual and corporate donors.

Pacific provided the venues for Larry McMurtry, just before his “Lonesome Dove” aired on TV; Bay Area authors Isabel Allende and Michael Chabon; and thriller writers Tony Hillerman, Martin Cruz Smith and Richard North Patterson.

Ken Kesey arrived in a replica of his fabled bus, driven by his son and with two incognitos, Hunter J. Thompson and William S. Burroughs. While he spoke, they drove away with the bus. More than a few flew over the cuckoo’s nest that night.

SAC’s series also hosted cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell (whose companion was the daughter of comedian Buddy Hackett) and the U.S. poets laureate Robert Pinsky and Billy Collilns. Collins’ arrival after 9/11 and his comments here on the tragedy ― “America has lost its virginity” ― made the national press.

Adrienne Rich was Jacobs’ choice to open the series. Other poets would follow ― Philip Levine, Gerald Stern, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and the tempestuous Maya Angelou, whose mother had lived in Stockton and after whom a new city library branch was named.

Together with Pacific’s student association during Black History Months, the series offered filmmaker Spike Lee, author Alice Walker and Nobel Peace Laureate Desmond Tutu. For Dr. Tutu and the film documentarian Michael Moore, it took the Spanos Center to accommodate the crowds.

Would Stockton support speakers of this caliber again? It’s hard to say, given the various social, educational and financial conundrums troubling this city. With Chabon, Cruz Smith and Patterson, audiences grew smaller.

At the moment, we are looking at the Yale scholar who has a new career as a novelist of the black middle class, Stephen J. Carter; and at the cinema scholar and historian David Thompson, who lives near San Francisco.

It would be useful to know if you and your friends would be in the audience, as many of you used to be, if I and my Friends again spent the time and money to bring world class authors to Stockton. Let us know. Okay?

Authors listed in banner above this article from left to right:  Jared Diamond, Ken Kesey, Michael Chabon, Kent Haruf, William F. Buckley, Ray Bradbury, Richard Rhodes, Stephen J. Carter

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2009 SUMMER READING PROGRAM WAS A SUCCESS!
By Suzy Daveluy, Librarian, Literacy, Programming, and Outreach

The Summer Reading Program (SRP) has been a successful annual program for the Library for over 50 years!  The Library’s goal in presenting Summer Reading programs is to get children and teens to keep reading during their school vacation. Studies have shown a disappointing drop in the reading abilities of youth during summer months.

To encourage reading, the Library offered its annual Summer Reading program from June 1 through July 31, and the numbers show this year’s program was quite a success. Programs were held for a variety of age groups, each with a different theme.

Children ages 0-5 joined the "Read to Me" club in which they could share books with older siblings, parents or caregivers. Reading was logged online, and children received a prize for every 5 books read up to a maximum of three prizes.

• 786 young children throughout the Library signed up for this program
• 5,928 books were logged as being read

Children ages 6-12 were part of the "Be Creative @ Your Library" program. Highlights of this program included performances by PT Puppets, Francie Dillon (musician), Brian Scott (magician), and groups from P.L.A.Y. Multicultural Arts Network (cultural dance programs). In addition, Library branches hosted special programs at which children made sock puppets, played board games, and enjoyed activities based on children’s books.  Children reading 15 books were entered into a raffle to win a four-pack of tickets to a Stockton Ports game. 

• 1,961 children registered for this program
• 11,494 books were logged as being read

Teens ages 13-18 were also big readers this summer as part of the "Express Yourself @ Your Library" program.  They expressed themselves at several Library programs by Sharpie tie-dying clothing, sewing little plushy animals, and making bubble stationary.

• 353 teens registered for this program
• 9,870 books were logged as being read

That's a whopping 3,100 kids that registered and well over 27,000 books that were read!  Celebration was in order!  During the first week of August most branches held parties that featured ice cream sundaes, Luther the Balloon Guy, special stortyimes, and many other activities that honored the parents and children who committed themselves to Summer Reading.  Already we have dedicated Library staff that are planning next year's program.  Stay tuned for the announcement of next year's Summer Reading theme in May 2010!

The Summer Reading program was made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Stockton, Escalon, Linden, Manteca, Ripon, and Tracy Libraries.

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BOOKS FOR SALE AT FAMILY DAY IN THE PARK

Tables laden with soft and hardcover books at two low prices are a big attraction at The Record’s annual Family Day at the Park on Saturday, September 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., near downtown Stockton.

 

This popular book sale is sponsored by Friends of the Stockton Public Library at University Park, the Stanislaus State University campus in the heart of the Historic Magnolia District at California and Magnolia streets.

Hundreds of selected books, with an emphasis on those for children, will be sold on a first come, first served basis at bargain prices.  All softcovers or paperbacks sell for 25 cents each, hardcovers for $1.

Normally these books are sold at higher prices at the Friends bookstore on Hammer Lane at Parkwoods Center. But once a year they are "priced to go" at this event to help The Record promote literacy and reading in Stockton.

Bookstore Manager Jann Bueno, store volunteers, Friends board members, and students from the Kiwanis Club at University of the Pacific will staff the book sale under the big tent along the site’s main artery.

Next to it is King Authors’ Court, a pavilion for storytelling for children, and its adjacent booth of a half-dozen noted children’s authors who will be chatting with visitors and signing copies of their books.

Friends of the Stockton Public Library sponsor this book sale and underwrite the children’s authors as part of its outreach into the community according to Friends President Vince Perrin.

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BACK TO SCHOOL - THE LIBRARY IS YOUR PARTNER

By Ruthanne Bassett, Library Assistant, Manteca Branch Library

New clothes, school supplies, backpacks…yes, school is back in session, and now is a good time to consider how you can help your child succeed throughout the upcoming year. Establishing a new routine could be the first major key to scholastic success.

A few important things to consider include establishing better sleeping habits, providing a nutritious breakfast in the morning, and examining your family’s schedule to make sure that there is enough time for homework, school-based extra-curricular activities, and a little bit of fun.

 

Make sure to set up a place in your home for assignments that is free from distractions and equipped with study tools like a dictionary, calculator, paper, and pens. Encourage your child to talk about his school days, and share your personal experiences with him. 

The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library has many resources to assist students of all ages including a resource-rich website that can be found at www.stockton.lib.ca.us.

Just click on the Library Catalog link to view what items are available throughout the system as well as to request and renew materials. In addition, the Library has many databases that offer access to biographies, newspapers, magazines, and journal articles, plus other sources of information including images, maps and statistical reports. 

For younger children, check out the Kids’ Page to find educational games, homework helpers, and links to many other child-friendly Internet sites. 

No matter what time of the year, it is important to remember that you are the most important teacher in your youngster’s life.  By reading, listening, and talking to your children, you will help them to develop both the social and academic skills that will prove to be invaluable assets throughout their lives and careers.

So when you are making that “to do” list tomorrow, don’t forget to visit your community library and borrow some books for yourself and your children. While you’re there, continue to inspire curiosity and love of learning by picking up a few videos, magazines, and CDs. Maybe even attend some of the free programming that is offered throughout the week.

 

All of these opportunities can provide a sturdy springboard to lively conversations, field trip adventures, and even memorable vacations that will enrich the family experience while expanding knowledge and developing study habits that will improve your child’s esteem and academic performance.

 

Let your child know that the Library is a cool place to hang out, and you will have imparted the most powerful lesson of all: learning is fun as well as a bridge to success. 

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FINDING JOBS: THE LIBRARY CAN HELP
By Bill Walker, Branch Librarian, Escalon Branch Library

Unfortunately, in these harsh economic times, many people are out of work and looking for jobs.   Fortunately, the Library provides a lot of useful tools that can help in the search.

Traditionally, the Library has had a range of newspapers and career resources in book form to assist both first-time jobseekers and people considering career changes.  Practical advice books such as What Color is Your Parachute? (to help people determine their strengths and interests) and Sweaty Palms (to increase the chances of success in job interviews) have always been available in sufficient numbers. 

Nowadays, many people are more comfortable online and using computers; the Library has kept pace with that as well.  There are two areas on the Library website that are particularly useful.

 

The first is a database called Learning Express Library which offers practice tests and tutorials for academic and licensing tests. These include ASVAB, GED, TOEFL, U.S. Citizenship, math skills, real estate, civil service tests, and more.

 

The second area worth exploring is the Career & Employment Resource Center which is a collection of free websites evaluated and endorsed by librarians.  This is broken into two areas: Quick Jumps for San Joaquin County Job-Seekers and a second section with more wide-ranging information connecting to major online job databases, salary information, resume writing, ways to explore potential careers, and so on.

 

Another fine service is provided periodically at some of our libraries.  John Carvana, director of the University of the Pacific's Career Resource Center, presents a free two-part career skills workshop.  Topics covered include job search skills, resume writing, and effective interview skills.  Each session of the career skills workshop lasts approximately one hour.

 

So you can see that there are truly a lot of ways the Library is helping people prepare for, seek, and find employment.  Come to any Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library branch and let us assist you!

 

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32ND ARTS AWARDS CELEBRATION - IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC
A Stockton Arts Commission and City of Stockton Community Services Event

Come to the Stockton Civic Auditorium and enjoy good company, the finest entertainement, and the excitement as this years award recipients take the stage to accept public recognition and glistening gold trophies.

This year’s award recipients include: Nick Elliott, STAR Award; David and Tasha Stadtner, Patron Award; Val Acoba and Beverly Dierking, Outstanding Achievement in Arts Education; Frank Wiens and Max Simoncic, Outstanding Achievement in Music; Coraleta Rogers, Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts; and Steve Pereira, Outstanding Achievement in Visual Arts. The Mayor’s Award will be presented to the Friends of the Fox/Bob Hope Theatre and the Career Achievement Award will honor the Dave Brubeck family.

DATE:
Friday, September 11, 2009
6:30 p.m. Reception
8:00 p.m. Awards Presentation and Entertainment
AFTER PARTY at the Alder Market in Stockton Featuring Little Square Box

LOCATION:
Stockton Civic Auditorium
525 North Center Street
Stockton, CA

Tickets for the event are $35 per person and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by credit card at the City of Stockton Community Services Department (formerly, Parks and Recreation), 6 E. Lindsay St.

Wine tasting, food catered by local restaurants and entertainment by some of the community’s finest artists will also highlight the evening. Mark your calendars and get ready for some fun!

For additional information contact the Stockton Arts Commission by calling (209) 937-8958 or email gina.delucchi@ci.stockton.ca.us, or visit online!

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COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS

The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library would like to thank the Friends of the Stockton Public Library for their continued support of this newsletter, programming, and more.