By Sue Hotz
Our new managing librarian, David Ege, has had the opportunity to meet many of our San Carlos Branch patrons. He is awesome! If you haven’t yet met Ege, please stop by and share with him your ideas for programs you would like to see offered at our branch.
Friday SCFOL Members-Only Pre-Book Sales from 2 — 4 p.m. and our First Saturday Used Book Sales from 9:30 a.m. — 3 p.m. are good times to catch Ege or youth services librarian Erin Moore. The next book sales are March 4 and 5.
Black History Month
February is a busy month. We welcome in the Chinese New Year –– the Year of the Monkey; celebrate Heart Month and Valentine’s Day; and enjoy a four-day Presidents Day weekend. Now we invite you to join us in honoring Black History Month with a special event that the whole family can enjoy: the music of Slap Jazz Danny on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 1 — 2 p.m. Danny Barber is a master representative of traditional Hambone, an African-American rhythm technique that uses the whole body as a “drum set.” See how this ancient art form is being preserved for today’s audiences and learn about Hambone’s historical origins. Barber will also play the jaw-harp and box-drum. Feel the rhythm!
New youth programs
Please note: Starting on March 2, our Wednesday after-school special events for ages 5-9 (K-4) will run from 2:30 — 3:30 p.m. instead of starting at 2 p.m. Odd-week Wednesdays focus on stories and creative arts while the even weeks focus on stories and science (STEAM). Starting on March 9, from 4 — 5 p.m., we have a new science program for ages 8 and up presented by Challenge Island. This group encourages kids to take on exciting challenges that promote creativity, critical thinking and social skills while instilling a love of science and engineering. March’s topic is “Roller Coaster Ridge.” Kids will design a roller coaster using household items, learn about the physics of roller coasters, and send marbles down the roller coasters to fly as far as they can. Space is limited. Call or come in to sign up. All storytimes, kids’ yoga, learn to play chess, and process art programs continue at their regularly scheduled times. Go to sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org for more information.
Artists
Meet Del Cerro artist Tina Fries-Miller at her reception in the Winer Family Community Room & Art Gallery on Saturday, Feb. 20 from noon — 2 p.m. Freis-Miller has a background in illustration, graphic arts and web development. In 2008, she decided to try her hand at painting with acrylics, oils and pastels. Her works bring to mind peaceful scenes that recall fond memories.
Starting March 8, we will be displaying the art work of K-5 ArtReach students from Gage and Foster Elementary schools. ArtReach is a nonprofit organization that started following the school budget cuts that removed visual arts from school curriculums. The ArtReach mission “believes that all youngsters, regardless of socioeconomic status, benefit from the opportunity to practice creative thinking and creative doing.” All of the teachers for this program make their living creating art, and believe that “art is an exploration and that there is no one ‘right’ way to approach a project.” They work to nurture originality and confidence in every student. The ArtReach artist reception will be held on March 19 from noon — 2 p.m. As you enjoy the students’ art, ArtReach artist/teachers will be available to explain the program and how you can start this K-6 after school program at your school.
OASIS
On March 18 from 1 — 3 p.m., master storyteller Marilyn McPhie will entertain us with “Celtic Tales: Love, War and Much More.” This is a free event. Please sign up at the library.
Authors/speakers
Kim Fahlen and Karen Scanlon will speak on Friday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. They have co-authored the book, “Lighthouse of San Diego.” These identical twin sisters volunteer at the Cabrillo National Monument tending its lighthouse lenses. Yes, these ladies “do windows.” They will be giving us a look at some of the behind the scenes activities and not-so-well-known tales about the history of San Diego lighthouses, the men and their families who maintained them, and what it took to keep the beacons shining. They also have some great pictures to share of the Point Loma and other lighthouses. These ladies are great speakers and should not be missed.
For March 10 from 12:30 — 2 p.m., our book club will be reading “Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mocking Bird.” Copies are available at the library.
Adult fun
Our adult exercise lineup includes Monday Tai Chi at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday Chair Yoga at 2:30 p.m. and Saturday Meditation at 9:30 a.m. Craft Circle continues on Mondays from 1 — 5 p.m.; Spanish Conversation Café on Wednesdays from noon — 2 p.m.; eReader Clinics on Thursdays from 10 — 11 a.m.; and English Conversation Café on Thursdays from 2 — 4 p.m.
In memoriam
On Jan. 9, I lost a great friend and the San Carlos community lost a great lady, teacher and volunteer with the passing of Sally Kotnik. Since 1965, Sally and her husband Dave made their home and raised their four children in San Carlos. Multi-talented, Kotnik was a Life Member of San Carlos Friends of the Library; taught college-level calculus for 41 years at PHHS; was a trial guide at Mission Trails Regional Park; a Girl and Boy Scout leader; PTA and sport team volunteer; chairwoman of the American Association of University Women-UCSD Tech Trek science camp for eighth-grade girls; and a member of Bell Choir at San Carlos United Methodist Church. Kotnik’s love of learning and enthusiasm for life will be missed by all who knew her.
––Sue Hotz is board member and publicity chair for the San Carlos Friends of the Library. Write to her at publicity@sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org.
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