Westwood Branch Library Programs

January 2012

Senior and Adult Reference Librarian Joel Boucher:

We have some wonderful adult programs for January. A slide show of historic Route 66 promises to be great fun. Also, we have Joe Praml, who recently performed Dylan Thomas poetry, returning to read the works of Robert Burns, the pride of Scotland, in honor of his birthday. Then there will be a chess exhibition, where the master will take on several challengers simultaneously, and January marks the beginning of a new regular program, Uncle Ruthie's Poetry Workshop. She'll have lots of exercises to get people versifying.

  • January 7 - E-Media 101: Learn how to download e-books, e-audiobooks, music and video from the LAPL website. 12:00 p.m.
  • January 10 - Resume Workshop: Get tips on how to spruce up your resume to help you land that job. 6:30 p.m.
  • January 12 - Route 66 Slideshow: Enjoy the all the wonders of the historic highway. 6:00 p.m.
  • January 14 - Book Club: Come join us as we discuss "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. 11:00 a.m.
  • January 14 - Robert Burns: A Gateway to Romanticism: Joe Praml will read the poet's works, in honor of his birthday. 1:30 p.m.
  • January 17 - Social Media 101: Learn how to use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more. 6:00 p.m.
  • January 21 - Chess Exhibition: Chess expert Brian Glover will lecture on the fine points of the game, and then take on several players simultaneously. Come to observe or play! 11:00 a.m.
  • January 26-Poetry Workshop: Radio personality Uncle Ruthie will lead the class in fun exercises for writing poetry. 6:00 p.m.
  • January 28 - Mystery Book Club: Come join us as we discuss "Split Image" by Robert B. Parker. 11:00 a.m.
  • January 31 - French Conversation: Come and practice your French language skills in group conversation. All levels welcome! 6:00 p.m.

TeenScape with Young Adult Librarian Annie Cipolla:

More than anything else, I enjoy the clean slate that January brings as well as the chance to evaluate the past year and figure out how to improve things the year ahead. With that in mind, I'm anxious to provide teen programming that's more relevant to our Westwood Teens who are so focused on their schoolwork and forging their paths to college. Teens who need to earn community service hours are encouraged to do so at the library. We need help keeping our library organized and I'm always looking for potential partners in generating program ideas for our teen program. In addition, many of our bloggers will be graduating this year so I am actively recruiting teens who love to write as well as take photographs for our blog, West-71.

Food programs have always been popular with teens so we will celebrate Chinese New Year's (the year of the powerful dragon) by making and feasting on potstickers on Thursday, January 19 at 4:00 p.m. Parents are invited as well.

  • January 5 - Teen Volunteer Info Session: If you're 14 or older and would like to earn your community service hours at our library, please come to our Volunteer Orientation Meeting to learn more about volunteering at the Westwood Branch. We're looking for book lovers, event planners, organization freaks and overall library boosters. There are three ways to earn hours. Come to our meeting and learn how. 4:00 p.m.
  • January 9 - Homework Resource Center:Learn to use library databases and Web sites for school assignments. We'll also show you how to get in touch with Subject Specialist tutors, access ACT, SAT & PSAT tests and AP Study Guides in all of the sciences. Learn about the extensive library resources available to you 24/7. 4:00 p.m
  • January 19 - Chinese New Year's Dumplings: Chinese New Year is on January 23 and it's the Year of the Dragon (the most auspicious animal in the Chinese zodiac). Tradition requires symbolic foods at the table and we will make (& eat) Chinese dumplings (that are said to resemble bars of gold). Cook & taste yummy potstickers and be prepared to usher in a year of prosperity! Teens in middle and high school and their parents are welcome! 4:00 p.m.

Childrens Librarian Wendy Westgate:

Happy New Year and I hope that 2012 will be a great year for us all!

This month we will resume our storytimes: We'll begin the year with a Toddler Storytime on January 4th, followed by Baby Storytime on the 11th, and another Toddler Storytime on the 18th. I have a vacation planned for the end of January so there will not be a storytime on January 25th.

No matter what the age of your child is, you are welcome to attend either or both versions of Storytime. The Baby Storytime is geared slightly lower, with shorter stories and simpler fingerplays and songs. The Toddler Storytime has longer books, more fingerplays, and more complex songs. Your child will get something out of either one, so feel free to join in whichever dates are more convenient for you.

If you have any particular themes, holidays, or subjects you would be interested in having me cover in either storytime, please let me know. I like suggestions!

  • January 4 & 18 - Toddler Storytime: Join us for stories, songs, stretches and more. For children ages 18 months to three years and their parents or caregivers. 11:00 a.m.
  • January 11 - Baby Storytime: Stories, songs, stretches, and more for babies who are 0 to 18 months old, 11:00 a.m.
  • Monday-Saturday - GAB (Grown-ups and Books) Storytelling: Trained volunteers read to children of all ages in the Children's Reading Room. Call or visit the branch for specific times.