Posted by: montclairlibrary | August 26, 2011

Back to school

Lincoln School in Oakland, 1910, courtesy of Hello Oakland

Students at Lincoln School in Oakland, 1910

As Oakland public school kids gear up for the start of a new school year on Monday, here are a few of our favorite books for kids about starting kindergarten or going back to school, available at the Montclair branch or by request from other Oakland branches:

Not at OPL, but worth looking up:

Have a safe and fun school year!

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | August 25, 2011

Upcoming holiday & budget closures

Closed sign by Ken Hawkins via Flickr

As kids head back to school and summer winds down, here are a bunch of upcoming library closures to mark on your calendar: All Oakland Public Library branches will be closed September 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th and 12th due to Labor Day, Admissions Day, and Mandatory Business Closure.

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | August 15, 2011

Library “outsourcing” bill in CA Senate

With all the state and local budget problems these days, there’s an interesting debate going on right now about the privatization of public libraries. While the Friends of Montclair Library don’t have an official stance on this subject, you might be interested to know about AB-438, a bill coming up for a vote soon in the California State Senate. The bill, which was passed in the California State Assembly in June, requires that a city or library district that intends to employ a private contractor to operate a library shall require 1) a fair cost analysis, 2) proven savings to the taxpayers, 3) competitive bidding, 4) proven qualifications of the contractor, 5) no displacement of current employees, and 6) performance and financial audits.

Assemblyman Das Williams, who wrote the bill, said: “All of the things that [a company] promises to the public for cost savings should have proof. And it should be proof that is presented to the public in a public meeting with adequate notice. That’s what I view as the core of this bill.”

You can read more about AB-438 from the California Library Association, CREDO Action or the State of California. Or Google it to find a range of opinions from various sides and parties.

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | August 8, 2011

This week at Montclair Library

Tissue paper flowers photo by Janet Dancer via Flickr

Our summer reading activities for kids wrap up this week with our final 2 programs:
Tuesday, August 9 at 7:00pm, explore the world with stories and crafts from Africa.
Wednesday, August 10, at 10:30am, travel to Mexico and make your own tissue paper flower. Ages 5 and up.

In addition, Lawyers in the Library returns for its monthly visit Tuesday, August 9 from 6:00-8:00pm, offering free legal information and referral presented with the Alameda County Bar Association. Sessions are popular and sometimes subject to change. Please call in advance to confirm on the day of the program. Meets second Tuesday of the month. Sign-up for lottery at 5:45 pm.

And, of course, the popular storytimes continue as usual on Thursday, August 11 – Toddler Storytime for ages 0-3 from 10:15-10:45am and Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 from 11:15-11:45am.

Lastly, on Saturday, August 13 the Montclair branch and all OPL branch libraries will be closed for the day, due to the citywide budget shortage. The Main Library will be open.

Remember, you can always find the latest and greatest library event info on the OPL website under Events.

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | August 5, 2011

Summer reading wrapup

One World, Many Stories

Did your child participate in the library’s summer reading program this year? You have until August 13 to turn in your log books and collect your prizes if you haven’t already.

Plus, OPL is holding its annual Summer Reading Celebration this Sunday, August 7 from noon-4pm at the Oakland Museum of California (1000 Oak Street). They’ll have Lego workshops with Play-Well, art workshops with MOCHA, and interactive drumming with Drummm in addition to storytimes, face-painting, and more. Sounds like fun!

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | August 3, 2011

Bubble mayhem

The Bubble Lady visits the Montclair Library, 7/12/11

The Bubble Lady came to visit July 12th as part of our summer programs, and magical mayhem ensued.

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | July 11, 2011

What’s on at the library this week

The Bubble Lady surprises an audience member

From legal advice to summer fun, there’s a full schedule at the Montclair branch this week:

Tuesday July 12 – 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Lawyers in the Library
Free legal information and referral presented with the Alameda County Bar Association. Sessions are popular and sometimes subject to change. Please call in advance to confirm on the day of the program. Meets second Tuesday of the month. Sign-up for lottery at 5:45 pm.

Tuesday July 12 – 7:00 PM
Bubble Lady
Come experience giant bubble animals and more! Ages 3–10.

Wednesday July 13 – 10:30 AM
Shake it up!
Shake it up! Make your own musical instruments from recycled materials. Ages 3 and up. Sign-up required.

Thursday July 14 – 10:15 AM-10:45 AM
Toddler Storytime
Stories, songs, fingerplays and fun for children under the age of three years old.

Thursday July 14 – 11:15 AM-11:45 AM
Preschool Storytime
Stories, songs, fingerplays and fun for children, ages 3 to 5 years old. Groups, please call in advance.

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | July 1, 2011

Holiday closures

Fireworks by Flickr user Nigel Howe

Don’t forget that the Montclair branch will be closed Monday, July 4 (as it is every Monday) plus Tuesday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.  Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Looking for some independence-themed books to fuel your summer reading program participation? Try these books (mostly) available at the Montclair library:

Children/Young Adult

Grown-ups

Do you have a favorite book about the Revolutionary War or American independence that we missed? Recommend it in the comments.

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | June 27, 2011

Adult summer reading program

Sure, the kids and teens have summer programs at the library, but did you know adults have a summer reading program at the Montclair branch, too?  Each book you read earns you an entry in a monthly drawing for a gift certificate from a local merchant (Noah’s. Peet’s and Grill One).  See the front desk staff for details.

Also on this week at the library for kids:

Tuesday, June 28 – 7:00 PM
Magician Timothy James performs astounding magic and a funny surprise in a garbage can. For all ages.

Wednesday, June 29 – 10:30 AM
Paper Creations: Pinwheels. Travel to Europe and make a pinwheel!

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Posted by: montclairlibrary | June 24, 2011

Article: Library supporters hold read-in

Article from Montclarion/Tribune 6/24/11:

Library supporters participate in read-in to voice concern, support
“On Monday, Oakland community members gathered outside City Hall for a read-in geared toward saving the city’s libraries.”

Read more at: http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_18318472

 

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