Veterans Day 2012

The Library will be closed Monday, November 12, 2012, in honor of  Veteran's Day.  Stop in around the holiday and find a book about veterans from the display on the first floor.  Did you know that there are 21.5 million veterans in the U.S?    There are 1.6 million women veterans and 2.3 million black veterans.  Read more interesting statistics about Veterans here. 

Try these:

A Rumor of War by  Philip Caputo

written by a marine corps veteran of the Vietnam War

Goodbye, darkness: a memoir of the Pacific War by William Manchester

posted by mb

Last Minute Voting Help!

Use nonpartisan resources to help you make an informed vote. Here are some tips:

Get your entire ballot and find your polling place on your computer or your mobile device using www.SmartVoter.org
Read about the ballot measures
Watch these NEW ballot measure videos from the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and the California Channel

Ready to go to the polls? Review answers to FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

- Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm
- You can make a mistake on your ballot twice and ask for a fresh ballot
- You can take notes and your child into the polling place
- If your name is not on the voter rolls, ask to vote by Provisional Ballot
- You may drop off your vote by mail ballot at any polling place in your county
For problems voting, contact the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE
- You can not wear campaign gear to the polls
Please vote on November 6, 2012!
posted by mb

Small Business Administration Workshop

The Library is offering a U.S. Small Business Administration Workshop on Wednesday, November 14, 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Central Park Library Redwood Room. Small business owners and prospective small business entrepreneurs will learn how the programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can help them start, manage, and grow their companies.  Experts from SBA and its resource partners will provide practical information on SBA’s three main program areas:

·        management training and counseling

·        access to financing

·        access to federal government contracting opportunities.

Program benefits, eligibility requirements, and application procedures also will be covered.

If you are thinking of starting a small business, or simply want to expand your existing business, the two-hour SBA Workshop is for you! To reserve a space at this free program, stop by the Reference Desk or call 1-408-615-2900.

posted by jb

California Propositions - League of Women Voters Nonpartisan Review

If you haven't already done your research and voted on the eleven California Propositions on this fall's ballot, visit YouTube to see League of Women Voters Susan Hough's informative, accurate presentation explaining the proposals, how they came about and what would change if they pass.  Information on who is backing a measure is included and the amount of money spent.

posted by mb

FTC Videos Remind Consumers to Check AnnualCreditReport.com

"As consumers turn back their clocks, it’s a good time to check their free annual credit report.

Consumers shopping for a car, looking for a job or just getting their financial house in order should check their free annual credit reports. The FTC is offering new videos, in English and Spanish, explaining why, and advising them what to do if a report contains inaccurate information.

During the fall, when people turn back their clocks at the end of daylight savings time, it’s a good time to order a free credit report from one of the three national consumer reporting companies at AnnualCreditReport.com or 1-877-322-8228..."

If you need help using the computer to get your free credit report, ask for help at the 2nd floor Reference desk or come to one of the Library's Drop In Help Labs offered twice monthly.  The next one is Thursday, November 8, 2012, from 10:15-11:15 in the Technology Center.

posted by mb

An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe

Students and adults are welcome to come see Broadway and film veteran Duffy Hudson, who brings his talent and fascination for Edgar Allan Poe to life in this unique one-man play on Tuesday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Central Park Library Redwood Room. Using a combination of biographical information and the dramatic interpretation of Poe’s literature, Annabel Lee, The Raven and The Tell Tale Heart, Hudson provides a unique, in-depth theatrical experience of the life and works of one of America’s best-known and enigmatic personalities. Poe is famous for his tales of mystery and the macabre.


Get into the Halloween spirit by joining us for this free Edgar Allan Poe presentation! To reserve a space, stop by the Reference Desk or call (408) 615-2900.

posted by jb

Estate Planning and Advance Health Care Directive

Join us on Monday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Central Park Library Cedar Room to hear local estate planning attorney Eric B. Norris update us on the current status of the estate tax exemption (due to expire at the end of this year). He will tell us why every Californian needs an Advance Health Care Directive, and explain how you can get your Advance Health Care Directive done without an attorney. Eric will answer questions about estate planning—who needs it, and why.


Sign up for this free estate planning seminar at the Reference Desk, or call (408) 615-2900.

posted by jb