A Book Talk by Ron Hansen: She Loves Me Not

Celebrate National Library Week at Central Park Library on Monday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Redwood Room! Join acclaimed local author Ron Hansen, as he discusses writing and his new book, She Loves Me Not: New and Selected Stories. This collection of 12 new stories and 7 from his first collection, Nebraska, has been called “Extraordinary...the work of an accomplished craftsman and a superb storyteller” (New York Times). These rich stories cover a diverse range of topics, both past and present, exemplifying the human experience; they “are written with precision and depth” (Booklist).


Hansen, author of a number of popular books, currently is the Gerard Manley Hopkins Professor in the Arts and Humanities at Santa Clara University, where he teaches writing and literature.

For more information about this free National Library Week author event, stop by the Reference Desk or call 1-408-615-2900.

posted by jb

Retool, Reinvent, & Reinvigorate Your Career in 2013!

Celebrate the start of National Library Week at Central Park Library! Spring into action with Dee McCrorey, author of Innovation in a Reinvented World: 10 Essential Elements to Succeed in the New World of Business (Wiley, 2011), as she highlights best practices and skills shared by the innovative leaders profiled in her book—from micropreneur to multinational executive. On Sunday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the  Redwood Room, Dee will discuss these topics for succeeding in the new world of business:
• 5 things your career strategy must include in 2013
• Why “letting go” has become a powerful career game change
• What 40+ professionals can do in 7 days to stand out in a crowded field.
Dee will answer your questions following her talk.

For more information about this free National Library Week program, stop by the Reference Desk or call 1-408-615-2900.

posted by jb

A Poem for you! April is National Poetry Month ee cummings

may my heart always be open to little


birds who are the secrets of living

whatever they sing is better than to know

and if [we] should not hear them [we] are old



may my mind stroll about hungry

and fearless and thirsty and supple

and even if it's sunday may i be wrong

for whenever [we] are right [we] are not young



and may myself do nothing usefully

and love yourself so more than truly

there's never been quite such a fool who could fail

pulling all the sky over him with one smile

ee cummings

posted by mb

Silicon Valley Reads: Monday Movies in March - Poster Girl & Iraq Paper Scissors

Silicon Valley Reads 2013 focuses on the “invisible wounds of war.” The Monday Movies in March series has been featuring short documentary films about veterans. On Monday, March 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cedar Room, the final two films will be shown. Light refreshments will be served.

Poster Girl is a documentary (38 minutes) about Robynn Murray, an all-American high school cheerleader who became the poster girl for women in combat. Since returning from Iraq, however, she has fought an insidious foe: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This Academy Award-nominated film follows Robynn over the course of two years as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption through art and poetry. The film also received two Emmy nominations.

Iraq Paper Scissors is a film (46 minutes) in which director Sara Nesson takes us into the lives of five Iraq War veterans who struggle with PTSD as they discover they have dreams and talents beyond machine guns and combat. This documentary intimately captures the young men and women deconstructing their uniforms, while sharing memories as soldiers and uncertain futures as civilians. Through following their creative and emotionally difficult—yet healing—journey, the dark space war that occupies their minds gives way to light, allowing us to see more clearly that those who have served refuse to be forgotten, and more importantly, ask to be understood.

For more information about these free Silicon Valley Reads film screenings, stop by the Reference Desk or call 1-408-615-2900.

posted by jb

Meet Mark Twain!

Mark Twain will be at the library on Monday, March 18 at 6:30 PM! "What?" you say, "Isn't he dead?"  Well, yes, he is dead, but his spirit lives on in storyteller Charles Kiernan. The program is called
Mark Twain Reflects, and will include a little bit about Twain's life- his childhood, life on the Mississippi, the Civil War, and his adventures in California. Join us for an hour of humorous reflection by one of America's most beloved literary icons.

Central Park Library Redwood Room. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive early. Recommended for 5th Grade to Adults.

For information, call Reference at 1-408-615-2900 or Youth Services at 1-408-615-2916.

Silicon Valley Reads: Supporting Women Warriors, Health Care

Come and hear how the Veterans Affairs Dept. has responded to the needs of women veterans, how the Veterans Affairs - Palo Alto women's program was developed, and what is planned to meet the needs in the future.  Linda Kleinsasser, Women Veterans Program Manager, VA Palo Alto Health Care System will present from 6:30 - 7:30 on Monday, March 25, 2013 in the Cedar Room at Santa Clara City Library.  All are welcome and this program is free.  Learn more about Silicon Valley Reads 2013 "Invisible Wounds of War," by following this link.
posted by mb

Silicon Valley Reads: Supporting Women Warriors, Then and Now

Learn about opportunities and challenges during active military service and the legacy created by women warriors.  Charlotte Bear, who served as a U.S. Army broadcast journalist and TV Director for the U.S. Army & Air Force Secretaries of Public Affairs during the Panama-Grenada-Lebanon era conflicts, will present an authentic account.  She will also tell us about veteran-centered care and military family support long after military service is complete.


6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2013, Redwood Room
Santa Clara City Library, 2635 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95051
1 (408) 615-2900, for more information

Learn about other free Silicon Valley Reads programs focusing on the "Invisible Wounds of War" by following this link.

posted by mb