Circus Story Times Featuring a Real Clown

Kids love clowns! See the proof above in a video clip featuring a couple hundred pre-schoolers enjoying a little juggling action from a Ringling Brothers clown. He's visiting our libraries to juggle, dance, joke, and read If I Ran the Circus by Dr. Seuss.

If you missed today's special circus story time, it's okay. You have four more chances to see some clowning at our branch libraries:

• North Avenue Library - Friday, January 20th - 10:30 am
• West End Library - Friday, January 20th - 3:00 pm
• Hull Street Library - Saturday, January 21st - 10:30 am
• Belmont Library - Saturday, January 21st - 3:00 pm

All ages are welcome to these events. Kids that attend will receive free clown noses and circus coupons, courtesy of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. If you have a group that would like to attend, please call your branch for a reservation.

Green Eggs and Ham Week

Next week is Green Eggs and Ham Week at Richmond Public Library! The Richmond Symphony and RPL are teaming up to bring kids a super fun introduction to orchestra.


Join Richmond Symphony Associate Conductor Erin R. Freeman on Wednesday, February 16 or Thursday, February 17th for a special Green Eggs and Ham story time. Ms. Freeman will be reading the beloved children's book on Wednesday at North Avenue Library starting at 10 am, and then on Thursday at the East End Library starting at 10:30 am.

On Friday, Richmond Symphony guest artist Michael Boudewyns will be performing serveral classic children's stories at the Main Library, including Madeline, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Good Night Moon, and more! The performance starts at 10:30 and is free, so come join the fun.

And then on Saturday, the first Lollipop Concert will be held at Center Stage. The concert will feature Michael Boudewyns in a fully orchestrated adaptation of Green Eggs and Ham. See the Lollipops Concerts website to learn more about the show and how to get tickets.

Library closures and temporary locations

 Source

As part of an improvement of our service to the community, several Richmond Public Library branches are now operating in temporary locations while branches undergo major renovations.

The North Avenue library closed on April 8th for renovations, but has re-opened today. April 19th, in a temporary location at the former Norrell Elementary School. This new location is located at 2120 Fendall Avenue off of North Avenue, and is less than one mile from the North Ave branch.

This temporary branch will not offer full services, but will have computers available for public use, will host children's programs and will also have a small book collection. If you have further questions, feel free to call the library at 646-6675.

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EDIT - Westover Hills materials may show as "available" in the online catalog, but no materials are available from the branch as all materials are inaccessible until the branch re-opens this fall. We apologize for any confusion.

The Westover Hills branch has also closed temporarily for renovations, and the Belmont branch has expanded its hours on Mondays and Wednesdays to help accommodate this closure. Hours on Mondays and Wednesdays are now 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (previously, hours were 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on these days). All other hours will remain the same.

Renovations are expected to be complete by mid-November with great improvements to both libraries. If you have thoughts on the temporary arrangements or further questions, feel free to contact your local branch. We look forward to enjoying these future improvements!

New Year's Read-Along

The new decade is being celebrated for the month of January by the North Ave branch of the Richmond Public Library with a New Year's Read-Along!

The challenge is simple - how many books can you read for the month of January?

The event is open to all ages and runs from January 1st - 30th. To participate, all you need to do is receive an entry for each book you check out and read for the month of January. You will then be entered in the challenge for a chance to receive cool prizes.

Source - National Media Museum

This event can turn into a family affair, however, when coupled with the "Children's Classics for Adults" book discussion events that are also ongoing at the Richmond Public Library. This series is part of Year Round Reading for Adults that is facilitated by Dr. Leila Christenbury of Virginia Commonwealth University.

This month's feature reads include Dragonwings by Laurence Yep and Esperanza Rising
by Pam Munoz Ryan. Why not read this book together with your child, niece or young neighbor? They can earn an entry with the New Year's Read-Along while you experience children's classics once more.

The "Children's Classics for Adults" discussions are being held at three different locations over the next two months - be sure to register in advance to participate in the discussion and receive a copy of each book. North Avenue hosted this past Saturday, January 8th, but future discussions will be held at the Belmont Branch on Saturday, January 23rd at 2pm and at the Main library on Saturday, February 20th at 2pm. Call a participating branch to register or contact Kerry Phillips at 646-1236 for further information.

Catalog information for the current books of the "Children's Classics for Adults" series is as follows - happy reading!

Dragonwings
Laurence Yep

ISBN 0060267372

Quick Catalog Description: A Chinese immigrant and his son build a flying machine in "an unusual historical novel, unique in its perspective of the Chinese in America and its portrayal of early 20th century San Francisco, including the Earthquake, from an immigrant's viewpoint."--"School Library Journal."

The catalog currently shows 10 copies available at Main, Belmont, East End, Hull Street, West End,Westover Hills and Broad Rock.


Esperanza Rising
Pam Munoz Ryan

ISBN 0439120411

Quick Catalog Description: For the first 12 years of her life, Esperanza Ortega is pampered by servants and sheltered by her doting parents on their ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico. But a sudden tragedy shatters that world of wealth and privilege. Homeless and destitute, she and her mother emigrate to California to work in the fields and start a new life.

The catalog currently shows 7 copies available at Belmont, Hull Street, West End, Westover Hills and Broad Rock.

2010 Census job opportunities

The 2010 Census is fast approaching, and the U.S. Census Bureau is looking to hire census takers in local communities across the United States.



You can apply for jobs online, but we've made it even easier - the North Avenue Public Library will be hosting the U.S. Census Bureau on Mondays at 6pm and Wednesdays at 2pm, and the Broad Rock Branch will host on Fridays from 12-4pm for the month of January.

During this time, the U.S. Census Bureau will be holding testing for census jobs in the Richmond Area. Registration is requested, but not required. To register, call the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-866-861-2010.

You can also download application forms online at the Census employment website. All necessary application materials - in English and Spanish - can be found and downloaded here.
Bringing these materials with you to the test will help expedite the process, but will also be available at the North Ave and Broad Rock libraries.

Full and part-time jobs are available, and a practice test for field employees that will be administered at the North Avenue and Broad Rock libraries is here. More information on what exactly a census taker does can also be found on the website.

Have questions that you want to direct to local Richmond census offices? There are 2 in the greater Richmond area:

Richmond
Carlisle Avenue
Richmond, VA 23231
Phone: 804-916-5460
Census takers start at: $18.00/hour

Henrico County
Park Central Drive
Richmond, VA 23227
Phone: 804-916-6390
Census takers start at: $16.25/hour

(Yes - and the pay isn't too shabby either)

Stop by your local branch or the North Ave and Broad Rock branches this month and take advantage of this upcoming potential job opportunity!

Holiday Happenings

A slew of special events, creative crafts and festive holiday happenings are scheduled for the month of December through your Richmond Public Library!

We've created a consolidated list of events below, and have included a few suggested reads to go along with this holiday season and the activities at your local branch. We hope you will join us in celebrating the season.

Wednesday 12/2

Belmont: A Taste of the Holidays - Sample holiday foods and learn about customs from around the world. 4-6 p.m.

East End: Celebrate National Cookie Cutter Week - Come decorate a holiday cookie!
10:30 a.m.

Thursday 12/3

North Ave: Cookie Party - Decorate and enjoy your cookie creations.
4 p.m.

East End: Celebrate National Cookie Cutter Week - Come decorate a holiday cookie!
10:30 a.m.

Friday 12/4

East End: Celebrate National Cookie Cutter Week - Come decorate a holiday cookie!
10:30 a.m.

Saturday 12/5

Main: A Dramatic Reading of A Christmas Carol by Eric Douglass
2 p.m.

Hull St: Mini Flicks - Join us for a holiday special!
10:30 a.m.

Wednesday 12/16 - Friday 12/18

East End: Christmas Celebration - Step into Christmas past by making a gift for a family member or by making a special ornament for the family Christmas tree! 10:30 a.m.

Saturday 12/19

Hull St: Mini Flicks - Join us for a holiday special!
10:30 a.m.

North Ave: Holiday Crafts - Come join us for crafts, stories and snacks!
2 p.m.

West End: Gingerbread Day - Join us for the magical gingerbread man story time. We will listen to a story, make a craft, hunt for the gingerbread man, and snack on gingerbread cookies. Ages K-1st grade with an adult. Please sign up at the Circulation Desk or call 646-1877.
3 p.m.


A few selected reads to accompany these holiday activities:


A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens, (adapted for children by Lesley Sims)

ISBN: 0794505848

The Christmas classic. Read along at the Main branch dramatic reading on Saturday!




To every season : a family holiday cookbook
Jane Breskin Zalben
ISBN: 0689817975

Brief histories and recipes for the holidays, including Kwanzaa, Passover,and many others. A perfect way to learn different holiday traditions and discover new recipes as a family.



The great Christmas cookie swap cookbook : 60 large-batch recipes to bake and share

ISBN: 9781588167576

Looking for the perfect recipe to share with 40 of your closest friends? This book is perfect for you and your upcoming holiday baking bonanza.



Step-by-step crafts for winter
Kathy Ross
ISBN: 1590783581

Enjoy making homemade holiday crafts with these 20 projects. The range of crafts includes decorations for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, winter, Lincoln's Birthday, and Valentine's Day.

September at Your Library

The month of September is a busy one at your local library! September is packed with Richmond Public Library services and events. Have a look and see what you might like to participate in or attend:

1) Library Card Signup Month

Celebrate a new school year with the card that gives you the power - a Richmond Public Library card! Use the library in person or online, borrow books, CDs and DVDs, use databases from home or school, take free computer classes and seminars and more!

Here are a few useful things to know when you apply for your library card:

• Adults may register for library cards at any of the Richmond Public Library locations by presenting identification (a driver's license with a current address, or a photo ID and a document that shows your current address). Out-of-town students should also bring identification showing their Richmond address.
• Come at least 15 minutes before the library closes.
• On your first check out you may only take two items. Once they have been returned the total limit goes up to 20 items checked out at a time.
• Cards may be used at all Richmond Public Library locations. If you lose your card, a replacement will cost $1.
• Library cards must be renewed annually to verify that information is correct. If there are any fines or fees on the record, the account must be paid to a $0.00 balance before the card can be renewed.
• Metro area residents are not charged for a Richmond Public Library card.

2) Homework Help for School Year 2009-2010

Homework Help starts September 21 at Broad Rock Library and North Avenue Library. Richmond Public Schools teachers will be available Mondays through Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to provide assistance for homework assignments. Internet PC's will be reserved for teacher/student use. Reasonable printing for assignments is at no cost to student.

3) Library Book Drive - September 26th

Support the library and get a tax-deduction when you clear your shelves, basements and attics of used hardbacks, paperbacks, CDs and DVDs during the Friends of Richmond Public Library Book Drive! A few tips to keep in mind:

• All books in clean, dry condition (no mold or silverfish) are welcome.
• You'll receive a gift receipt for the materials you donate for your tax records.
• Drop off service will be available at the rear loading dock of the Main Library, 101 East Franklin Street, on Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Books are also accepted year-round at all RPL locations!

Of course there are plenty more events at all branches - check out our Google calendar of all library events on this blog, browse the RPL Events Calendar or head over to your local branch to inquire. If you attend homework help, or get your first library card, let us know about it! We'd love to hear your feedback.

(Image credit: wrightlairdcasting)

Home Ownership & Wealth Empowerment Seminars 11/12

FREE home ownership and wealth empowerment seminars at the North Avenue Library. Learn about the advantages of home ownership and the buying process presented by Yvette Gregory, realtor with Long and Foster. To reserve your seat, call (804) 550-4559.

North Avenue

Monday, Noember 12

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Crocheting for Adults

Crocheting for adults. Join us!

North Avenue Library

Fridays

10:00am - 11:00am

Homework Help @ North Avenue

Teachers, library staff, and computers are available for homework assistance - and it's free! For students K - 12th grade.

North Avenue Library
Mondays from 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm

24/7 DAD workshops

A comprehensive fatherhood program developed by a team of nationally recognized fathering and parenting experts and practitioners to help fathers be the best father that they can be.

North Avenue Library

Saturdays

10:00am - 12:00pm

24/7 DAD workshops

A responsible and nurturing fatherhood program developed by a team of nationally recognized practitioners to help fathers be the best father that they can be.

North Avenue Branch
Saturdays in September
10:00am - 12:00pm
call 646-6675 for more information

24/7 DAD Workshops

A responsible and nurturing fatherhood program developed by a team of nationally recognized practitioners to help fathers be the best father that they can be.

North Avenue Branch

Saturdays in August

10:00am - 12:00pm

call 646-6675 for more information

Black Parenting Workshops

Effective Black Parenting workshops continue through mid-July and then 24/7 Dad workshops begin. Call 646-6675 for more information.

North Avenue Branch

Saturdays in June

10:00am-12:00pm

Black Parenting Workshops

Dr. Ali, Director of Father Focus, A Family Empowerment Initiative conducts Effective Black Parenting workshops. Programs are free and open to the public. Call 646-6675 for more information.

North Avenue Branch
Saturdays in June
10:00am-12:00pm

Black Parenting Workshops

Dr. Ali, Director of Father Focus, A Family Empowerment Initiative conducts Effective Black Parenting and 24/7 Dad workshops. Programs are free and open to the public. Call 646-6675 for more information.

North Ave Branch

Saturdays

May 5, May 12, and May 19

10:00am-12:00pm

National Library Week

Belmont Branch

Check out 10 children's books on your library card at the Belmont Branch and choose a special gift children's book to keep for your very own.

Broad Rock Branch

Games and prizes all week - something for everyone.

North Avenue Branch

Come in an see a display of some of your all time favorite books.

West End Branch

Guess the number of "kisses" in the jar to win a giant KISS! And if you are age 3-12, choose a book to keep when you check out 5 on your library card.

Computer Classes

Learn what you want to learn, at your own pace! First come, first served.

Computer Classes for Seniors

Westover Hills Branch

Fridays

10:00am-12:00pm

North Avenue Branch

Wednesdays

10:00am-11:00am

Do not be challenged by technology. Accept the challenge!

Ginter Park Branch

Beginning Computer Classes for Adults

call 646-1236

Intro to PCs, Internet, Email, Word, Excel

call 646-2551 to register

Main Library

Wednesdays

9:30am-11:30am

Homework Help

Teachers, library staff, and computers are available for homework help and research assignments - and it's free! For students grade K-12. Offered at the following branch libraries:

Throughout the month of April:
Broad Rock ... Mondays & Wednesdays ... 4:00-7:00pm
Broad Rock ... Tuesdays & Thursdays ... 3:00-6:00pm
East End ... Mondays-Thursdays ... 3:00-6:00pm
Hull Street ... Mondays-Thursdays ... 3:00-6:00pm
North Ave. ... Mondays-Thursdays ... 3:00-6:00pm

Get assistance from a certified teacher to get your homework done!

Teen Book Club Meeting

Join us for a Teen Book Club Meeting for ages 11-17 years.

North Avenue Branch

Thursday, March 15

3:30pm