Friday, December 23, 2005

Holiday Closures

The Buena Park Library District will be closed on the following days in observation of the holidays:

Saturday, December 24 through Monday December 26, 2005
Open on Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Saturday, December 31 through Monday January 2, 2006
Open on Tuesday, January 3, 2006

Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 12, 2005

Hurry in for Bargains! Guild Bookstore Closed for Holidays

The Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library's second floor used book store will be closed from Monday, December 19, 2005 through Wednesday, January 4, 2006.

It will reopen on Thursday, January 5, 2006, at NOON and will have its regular hours the rest of the week.

Come on down for a nice variety of gift books, movies, magazines, and other media for those folk on your holiday list who are "hard-to-find gifts for."

The Guild Bookstore is located on the second floor of the Buena Park Library District, 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott Ave. and Western Ave. in Buena Park.

For more information or questions, please call 714-826-4100 x123.

Sunday, December 11, 2005

Ceramics Display at the Buena Park Library District

Ceramics created by local artist Yoojin Kim are now on display at the Buena Park Library District. Over a dozen of her fantastic creations are on display in the lobby now through the end of December 2005. The Buena Park Library District is located at 7150 La Palma Avenue in Buena Park, between Knott and Western Avenues.

Ms. Kim studied ceramics at California State University Sonoma and had a studio for several years. This is her first public exhibition. Ms. Kim stated that we live in a fast-paced world and we often don’t think about what we are doing. "It is important to stop and think. Art serves as a vehicle to do that." Ms. Kim stated that when she was younger, she felt she had no direction. "Art gave me a way to express my feelings." She hopes that other young people might be drawn to art as a means to find direction and expression in their lives.

Many of her pieces are humorous, but upon further reflection and study, an underlying pain is perceived. One piece, "Confussion I", was the result of a blind date set up by her mother. The artist thought her date was unattractive, yet had to deal with the pain and confusion of his rejection.

Stop by the Buena Park Library District and take some time to examine the works of thoughtful and sensitive artist. The Buena Park Library is open Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For information, please call the Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, ext. 125.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Volunteer Guild's "Members Only Double Discount Sale" -- Saturday, Dec 10th

The Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library, located at the Buena Park Library District, 7150 La Palma Avenue, is offering a few hours of unbridled joy for Volunteer Guild members at very reasonable prices. This annual special sales event will be held Saturday, December 10, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Guild’s second floor bookstore. Tables full of donations, including a large selection of audio books, music CDs and cassettes, music LPs, VHS movies, magazines, Christmas themed books of all kinds, and a ton of fiction and non-fiction titles will be on display for perusal and purchase. Come early for best selection!

Non-members can take this opportunity to purchase a membership for only $5.00 for a year’s worth of savings! If you remain a non-member, though, you will pay regular bookstore prices … which are still the best in town.

Also available at this sale is the 2006 Orange County edition of the Entertainment Books for $35.00, which is chock-full of discounts and coupons for a number of events and eateries all over Orange County. A limited number are still available, so stop by and purchase one for that certain someone who has everything!

For further information, please contact the Bookstore at (714) 826-4100, x123.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

After School Fun -- Krafts for Kids!

Children ages 6-12 yrs. are encouraged to join the City of Buena Park's Recreation Staff for a fun-filled hour of Krafts for Kids. This free drop-in program is sure to bring alive your creative side.

For more information, please call 714-236-3860.

Dates and Time:
Wednesdays, November 2 - December 14
No program on November 23
3:30 - 4:30 pm

Location:
Buena Park Library
7150 La Palma Avenue

Thursday, November 17, 2005

National Book Award Winners Announced

The National Book Award Winners for 2005 are listed below:

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Knitting Class for Teens -- Monday, November 28th

Just in time for Christmas gift giving, teens can attend a knitting class and knit a scarf for someone special. The class is Monday, November 28th from 6:00-7:45 and will meet in the downstairs auditorium at the Library. Teens need to bring size 19 U.S. needles (or larger) and two thick and fluffy yarns in two colors that go together.

For further information and fun facts on knitting, check out these links:

Hope to see you on November 28th!

Friday, November 04, 2005

Free Financial Planning Seminar -- Saturday, Nov 19th

The Buena Park Library District is co-sponsoring a free financial awareness seminar with the Society for Financial Awareness, a California non-profit organization that provides financial education through seminars and workshops. The seminar, entitled, Financial Blunders: Lessons We Never Learn, will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2005 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Buena Park Library’s 2nd floor Board Room, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park, California. The guest speaker will be Rayna Elmendorf, a member of SOFA.

Topics to be covered during the program include:

  • When and how to deal with stock and stock options
  • How to “preserve” and “protect” our assets against a plunging market
  • The bank, is it really the place to “save” money?
  • How truly naïve we are in understanding the market…great opportunities, great risks
  • How to avoid losing up to 40% of your retirement plan on the day you walk away
  • How to avoid strangers becoming guardians of your children in the event of an untimely death

This program is free of charge and the public is invited to attend. No reservations are necessary. For more information, please call the Buena Park Library District Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, extension 125.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Program of Supernatural Experiences -- Tuesday, Oct 25th

The Buena Park Library District will be presenting a talk program and slide show of supernatural experiences that have happened in Southern California and other parts of the United States and the world. The program, entitled, A Haunting We Will Go, will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the Buena Park Library’s basement-level auditorium, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park, California. The guest speaker will be Mr. Hal Fowler, a local area resident.

During the program Mr. Fowler will present a slide show and talk about some of the strange and unexplained sightings and experiences that he has had during his lifetime. Many of the areas he will discuss are familiar to Southern California residents: the Queen Mary steamship; the University of Southern California campus; Downtown Long Beach; the Dominguez area near Long Beach; Buellton, Culver City, Fallbrook, and the San Bernardino Mountains. Other areas he will discuss include: Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Kwajalein in the Central Pacific Ocean.

This program is free of charge and the public is invited to attend. It is appropriate for teens and adults. Due to the nature of the topic, it is not recommended for children and preteens. No reservations are necessary. For more information, please call the Buena Park Library District Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, extension 125.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Aviation Magazines on Display at the Buena Park Library District

Early aviation magazines are on display at the Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., in Buena Park, on La Palma between Knott and Western Avenues. The display is courtesy of Scott Ford, of Ford Electronics in Buena Park.

The earliest magazine on display is an issue of Aero-America’s Aviation Weekly dated October 14, 1911. The magazines chronicle the development of aviation in the United States from early days of flight through the 1940's. Also on display are photographs, including an aerial photograph of the "new" Los Angeles City Hall, dated January 9, 1928. Looking at the colorful magazine covers from the World War II years is like opening a time capsule and reliving the past.

The display will run through the end of October and can be viewed during library hours. The Buena Park Library is open Mondays through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more on this topic:
Titles on Aviation at the Buena Park Library

Monday, October 03, 2005

BPLD Helps Voters Make Sense of Special Election

Between now and Election Day, the Buena Park Library District is ready to be a key point of nonpartisan information for voters. Starting October 3, 2005 voters preparing for the November 8, 2005 Special Election can visit the Buena Park Library District and pick up a free Easy Voter Guide in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese or Korean.

"Voters are being asked to get up to speed quickly on many technical issues in this election. Record spending levels of competing partisan television advertising only adds to the confusion. We are pleased to be able to offer free Easy Voter Guides so our community can understand what will be on the ballot." explains Kathleen Wade, Public Services Manager.

The nonpartisan 8-page Easy Voter Guide provides a concise overview of each of the eight statewide propositions in layperson language. It also has voting tips and resources for more information. The guide’s straightforward language and user-friendly feel are the result of a community-driven design and editing process. The guide’s contents are also reviewed by an expert panel including the Legislative Analysts’ Office to ensure the distilled descriptions of the ballot measures are still accurate.

Downloadable versions of the Easy Voter Guide and a wide range of nonpartisan voter education tools are available here or at www.easyvoter.org in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. The Easy Voter Guides and www.easyvoter.org website are sponsored by the California State Library, in partnership with the California Secretary of State’s Office, the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund, with support from the James Irvine Foundation and the San Francisco Foundation.

Monday, September 26, 2005

Free Financial Planning Seminar -- Saturday, October 8th

The Buena Park Library District is co-sponsoring a free financial awareness seminar with the Society for Financial Awareness, a California non-profit organization that provides financial education through seminars and workshops. The seminar, entitled, Protecting You and Your Family, will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2005 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Buena Park Library’s 2nd floor Board Room, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park, California. The guest speaker will be Luke Tai, member of SOFA.

Topics to be covered during the program include:

  • Do you even need insurance?
  • Eliminating risk
  • Purchasing insurance on the Internet
  • Selecting the proper coverage
  • Special insurance needs for women

This program is free of charge and the public is invited to attend. No reservations are necessary. For more information, please call the Buena Park Library District Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, extension 125.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Community News -- OperationOC and Katrina Relief

Press Release from the Orange County Rescue Mission

Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Bill Campbell, Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona, County Superintendent of Schools William Habermehl, South Orange County Community College Chancellor Raghu P. Mathur, and Orange County Rescue Mission President Jim Palmer, have joined forces as the Co-Chairman of OperationOC. Co-Chairman Palmer believes that OperationOC is especially positioned to lead a campaign to challenge churches, faith-based organizations, shelters, and other service providers in Orange County to get involved in long-term care and strategies needed to help the first 100 families who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina arrive in Orange County.

As of September 6th, OperationOC is launching a $2.6 million campaign to rescue the victims of Hurricane Katrina, in partnership with dozens of Orange County public and private organizations, city government, churches, service clubs and private individuals.

Already, an Operation OC advance team is in Amarillo and Dallas, Texas, connecting with potential families who would be traveling to Orange County for assistance.

The critical challenge, beyond the immediate need for housing, food, and water, will be to reduce the further risk of disaster in these victim’s lives, by responding with long-term transitional housing and life needs, ongoing food, clothing, healthcare, job opportunities and mental health services.

To help expedite the availability of housing, the Orange County Rescue Mission will be accelerating the completion of the residential section of their nationally recognized, comprehensive Village of Hope project on Tustin Legacy, the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Base. The Village of Hope will still need to complete their vocational classrooms, medical clinic, dining facility, child development center, offices, warehouse and parking. Because of this need, OperationOC partner, Bob Kopecky, provost of Advanced Technology & Education Park of the South Orange County Community College District, has agreed that they will provide the use of their nearby dining facility and parking. Additionally, OperationOC is looking for sponsors to provide two and three bedroom apartments for displaced Hurricane Katrina families. The Orange County Rescue Mission, Second Harvest Food Bank, Infolink Orange County 2-1-1, County of Orange, Orange County Sheriffs Department, HomeAid Orange County, Calvary Church of Santa Ana, have all joined OperationOC as partners, and will be assisting in the provision of food and supplies.

OperationOC is prepared to immediately utilize the time-tested Strong Beginnings program, the Orange County Rescue Mission’s strategic, case-management based outreach program which provides long-term solutions to permanent housing for homeless families living in poverty motels.

Strong Beginnings, through the assistance of the Children and Families Commission of Orange County, has had great success in helping hundreds of Orange County families end homelessness and is prepared to apply the same three-tiered process of prevention/emergency assistance, stabilization and transition to bring hope to at least 100 families who have faced tragedy and loss because of Hurricane Katrina.

It is the intent of OperationOC to challenge Orange County public and private organizations, churches, service clubs and individuals to pool their resources and join them in the effort to respond to the needs of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Please contact OperationOC at 1-800-956-1613 (California Only)

http://www.operationoc.org/ and http://www.operationoc.com/

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Buena Park Library District wants to remind you that "The Smartest Card is @ your library" - it's your library card. "Your library card is your ticket to opportunity," says Kathleen Wade, Public Services Manager. "What other card in your wallet gives you free access to books and CDs, magazines and movies and all sorts of other resources that can change your life - or just make it a little more fun?"

"Smartest Card" activities at the Buena Park Library will begin as a new user signs up for a new library card: he or she will receive a bookmark, pencil, refrigerator magnet and a "Bookstore Buck" to be used towards purchases of used books in our Volunteer Guild Bookstore. New Library card holders will also get a chance to enter three opportunity drawings: a Children's backpack with a book; a Teen backpack with a book; and a Buena Park Library book bag for adults with a book.

For more information on how you can sign up for your library card, visit the Buena Park Library District at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues in Buena Park, call 714-826-4100 or see the library's Web site. The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Observed since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month is a time when the ALA and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. Remember, the best kept secret should not be a secret...tell a friend that September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month!

Monday, August 29, 2005

Free Financial Planning Seminar -- Saturday, September 10th

The Buena Park Library District is co-sponsoring a free financial awareness seminar with Citinet Mortgage. The seminar, entitled Maximize Your Credit Score, will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2005 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Buena Park Library’s 2nd floor Board Room, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park, California. The guest speaker will be Sylvia Woodside.

Topics to be covered during the program include:

  • What is a credit score?
  • The three credit bureaus.
  • How do I get my credit report?
  • Improving your credit score.

This program is free of charge and the public is invited to attend. No reservations are necessary. For more information, please call the Buena Park Library District Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, extension 125.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Book Authors to Sign Books on Monday, August 29th

Authors will reveal writing, publishing, career & web marketing secrets on Monday, August 29, 2005 at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the downstairs auditorium of the Buena Park Library District.

This event is presented by the Buena Park Library & Publishers Roundtable. The authors will have books for signing.

Please see our printable flier for more information.

Authors present will be:

  • Carol J. Amato
    Carol J. Amato is the author of 19 books and 125 articles. Her latest book, The Lost Treasure of the Golden Sun, is the first title in a new mystery series, The Phantom Hunters!™ for ages 10 and up. She'll speak on "Getting Your Book Published."

  • Jeanne Lazo
    Jeanne Lazo is the author of three new books: If Looks Could Kill, a mystery for ages ten and up, If Looks Could Kill Teacher's Guide, and How to Write Kids' Mysteries: A Guide for Teen and Adult Writers. In 2004, she co-authored Persistence is Power! A Real-World Guide for the Newly Disabled Employee with Carol J. Amato. Jeanne's topic will be: "Writing Kids' Mysteries: You Can Do It!"

  • Sue McCullough
    Author of Be Your Passion Guide to Life and Career Success, Sue McCullough of Irvine, is a life and career coach and seminar leader. In her "Find Your Passion" exercise, she'll help you visualize your life's passion and begin an action plan for making your passion part of your career and life experience.

  • Peggi Ridgway
    The author of Successful Website Marketing, Peggi is a web site coach and the author of many non-fiction magazine articles, books, newsletters and web pages. She'll share tips to help you "optimize your website" to attract search engines and make your site both user-friendly and search-engine ready.

Businesses are Super Heroes for Summer Reading Programs

The Buena Park Library District’s Annual Summer Reading Program ends Saturday, August 27th, 2005 and with it its two clubs will also close - "Super Readers = Super Heroes" for children ages 2-12 and the teen’s "Unleash Your Power / Read." The last day of reading program festivities will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Library and will include a variety of games and events to celebrate another successful summer reading program year (chalkdrawing, cakewalks, ring and beanbag tosses, faces painting, etc.) and children who participated in the reading program can earn other incentive prizes just by showing up. Children and teens will also be able to turn in a completed program opportunity ticket for next week’s selection of Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park passes. We will also be sharing a new friend with our community – the La Palma Intercommunity Hospital … so stop by their table to say hello and see what they can do for you.

Both summer reading clubs were generously sponsored by the Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library. The Volunteer Guild raised the monies needed to sponsor most of this summer’s special events, and funded all the printing and the incentive prizes for the children and teens through rapid book and membership sales. Many thanks to the hard working Guild volunteers!

In addition, the Buena Park Library thanks this year's other Summer Reading Program sponsors. First, a big thanks to the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System for developing and printing the decorative bags, book logs, bookmarks and posters used to celebrate both the children’s and teens programs.

Second, the Library also thanks the following over 30 local business “heroes” who not only bountifully supported the teens and children of Buena Park, but helped make this summer reading program one of the best ever:

Albertson’s (La Palma & Knott)
Angels’ Baseball
Aquarium of the Pacific
Baja Fresh
Boomers Fun Centers
Bowers Museum
Build-a-Bear Workshops
Care Ambulance Services, Inc.
Centennial Heritage Museum
Children’s Museum of La Habra
Claim Jumper Restaurant
Cold Stone Creamery
Dairy Queen of Cypress
Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo
Golf-N-Stuff
Golf-N-Stuff Family Fun Centers
Golfland Entertainment
Hof’s Hut Restaurant
HomeTown Buffet
In-&-Out Burger
Irvine Lanes
Katella Deli
Knott’s Berry Farm
Krikorian Premiere Theatres
Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts
Legoland
McDonald’s
Pat and Oscar’s
Power Toyota of Buena Park
Dennis Salts Family of Buena Park
See’s Candies
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Subway
Target Stores
Universal Studios
Vent-A-Hood (VAH Marketing) & Pacific
Sales Home Furnishing)
Yamaha Cares (Yamaha Corporation of
America)


And finally, a big thank you for the press coverage to: The Buena Park Independent, the Los Angeles Times, Orange County edition and the Orange County Register and its Special Section: Westside Weekly.

“We are very proud of our community’s corporate/library partnerships that have continually supported our summer reading programs since 1999, and our Summer Reading Program couldn't be done without the financial assistance of all our library supporters who contributed to this annual worthy cause,” says Ms. Kathleen Wade, Public Services Manager. “We don’t know what we would have done without you – once again, you all helped make this summer very special.”

For more information about sponsoring a library reading program, the fall storytime schedule or for more details of this most recent Summer Reading Program, contact Mary Ivelia or Phyllis Nisle in the Children’s Department at 714-826-4100 ext. 126. You can also visit our web site at www.buenapark.lib.ca.us.

Vendor Fair "On the Green" -- Saturday, Aug 27th

The Volunteer Guild Bookstore and SLS Creative Business Solutions are co-sponsoring another vendor fair at the Buena Park Library. This one will be outside on the grass at the Wrap Event for Summer Reading” on Saturday, August 27th, 2005 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Volunteer Guild in their fundraising efforts to benefit the Library’s public programming and service needs.

Sales representatives and independent consultants for vendors Avon™, Becky and Betty, Celebrations by Lillian Vernon™, Cookie Lee Jewelry(R), Luxe & Co., Mary Kay(R) Cosmetics, Pampered Chef, Smith Chiropractic, Tastefully Simple and Tupperware(R) and will be on hand to demonstrate their wares for early gift, graduation and holiday shopping. There will be free opportunity drawings available to those who attend, as well as gift certificates and take-away items. Bring a friend!

SLS Creative Business Solutions has organized this event in support of the Volunteer Guild.

For more information about this event and other Guild Bookstore activities, please call 714-826-4100 x123.

Friday, August 19, 2005

Smooth Jazz at the Library -- Wednesday, August 24th

Join the Buena Park Library District on Wednesday, August 24th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s downstairs auditorium, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., as it welcomes Brother Yusef as he “Sings the Blues” and plays some smooth guitar jazz to music lovers of all ages. This free program is sponsored by Yamaha Cares, a special organization within Buena Park’s Yamaha Corporation of America and is for the young and the forever young of Buena Park. It is another of the Library’s special summer program celebrating our local heroes, Super Heroes = Super Readers and Unleash Your Power/Read reading club themes for children aged 2-12 and teens aged 13-17 respectively. Seating is limited, so come early for the best seat in the house.

For more information, please contact the Children's Department at (714) 826-4100 x126 or visit the Children's Area or Teen Area for a complete schedule of summer events and list of program sponsors.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Bugs Galore with Dr. Sue -- Monday, August 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

Join the Buena Park Library District on Monday, August 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s downstairs auditorium, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., as it welcomes Sue Van Vorhis Key, Ph.D. -- entomologist and educator whose motto is "bugging students to learn" -- and her Dr. Sue’s Traveling Insect & Arthropod Zoo. Dr. Sue uses “live animals, accurate models, artifacts and puppets to create a lasting understanding and impression of the diversity and design of nature's many-legged creatures.”

This free program is sponsored by Power Toyota of Buena Park and is for the young and the forever young of Buena Park. It is another of the Library’s special summer program celebrating our local heroes, Super Heroes = Super Readers and Unleash Your Power/Read reading club themes for children aged 2-12 and teens aged 13-17 respectively. Seating is limited, so come early for the best seat in the house.

For more information, please contact the Children's Department at (714) 826-4100 x126 or visit the Children's Area or Teen Area for a complete schedule of summer events and list of program sponsors.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Puppets Galore! -- Monday, August 15th

The Buena Park Library District presents Richard Woloski’s Puppet Show on Monday, August 15th, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s downstairs auditorium, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park, California.

This is a free program supporting our Super Readers are Super Heroes theme for the Summer Reading Program, and is sponsored by the Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library. The public is invited to attend. No reservations necessary, however space is limited. For more information, please call Mary at the Children’s Desk at 714-826-4100, extension 126.

Friday, August 05, 2005

Community News -- Free Medical Testing at the BUENA PARK SENIOR CENTER

Super Senior Saturday, the greatest Senior Resource Fair in Orange County, will be held on August 20, 2005 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Buena Park Senior Center. Free medical opportunities will be available - Carotid Artery and Hemoglobin testing (no fasting required), and Dermascan Face Cancer screening.

Get your blood Pressure and hearing checked and the famous pharmacist, Dr. Bill Liu will talk about your medicines (bring all that you take) and Podiatrist, Dr. Vanessa will check your feet. WalMart will be talking to you about prescription glasses.

Super Senior Saturday "Western Roundup" will provide food, entertainment, and free opportunity drawings for all participants over 55 years of age. Exhibitors will be health professionals, housing providers, health maintenance organizations, financial planners, home health agencies, elder law attorneys, senior publications, hospice providers, and various other businesses and service organizations. There will provide free samples, discounts, and individual drawings for prizes.

The Buena Park Senior Center is located at the Ehlers Community Recreation Center on 8150 Knott Avenue. For additional information call (714) 236-3870.

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Magic Performance -- Monday, August 8th at 7:00 p.m.

Join the Buena Park Library District on Monday, August 8th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s downstairs auditorium, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., as it welcomes the multi-talented magician and comedic showman Abbit the Grea … er, Average. Magician Abbit recently starred at an invitation-only After Hours Harry Potter Birthday celebration at the Library, where he entertained 119 excited “Muggle-born” invitees, many who later raved about the party and the magic show.

This free program is for the young and the forever young of Buena Park. It is another of the Library’s special summer program celebrating our local heroes, Super Heroes = Super Readers and Unleash Your Power/Read reading club themes for children aged 2-12 and teens aged 13-17 respectively. Seating is limited, so come early for the best seat in the house.

For more information, please see our web page or contact the Children's Department at (714) 826-4100 x126 or visit the Children's Area or Teen Area for a complete schedule of summer events and list of program sponsors.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

FREE First Time Home Buyer / Refinancing Seminar -- August 13

The Buena Park Library District is co-sponsoring a free “fiscal fitness” seminar with the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA), a California non-profit that provides financial education through seminars and workshops. The seminar is entitled "First Time Home Buyers / Refinancing 2005", and will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2005, from 12 Noon until 1:00 p.m. in the Buena Park Library’s 2nd floor Board Room, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park, California.

Topics to be covered during the program include:

  • First time buyer’s money-saving secrets.
  • How to finance a home in today’s market.
  • Eight (8) tips every home buyer must know.
  • Nine (9) deadly sins to avoid when buying a home.
  • How to invest in today’s real estate market.
Your presenter is Sylvia Woodside, a member of the Buena Park Chamber of Commerce, SOFA and Mortgage Specialists.

This program is free of charge and the public is invited to attend. No reservations necessary. For more information, please call the Buena Park Library District Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, extension 125.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Visit the Wild Wonders on Monday, July 25th at 7:00 p.m.

Join the Buena Park Library District on Monday, July 25th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s downstairs auditorium, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., as it welcomes the various animals from Wild Wonders, Inc. It is a live interactive show where audiences “learn about the wildlife and planet we share,” according to Director Jackie Navarro and her friendly animal keeping and educator staff, April, Raquel, Kim and Katie. Wild Wonders, Inc., is a licensed and insured wildlife education organization that travels throughout the United States, providing exotic animals and animal trainers for shows, parties, rentals, programs, and exhibits.” This free program is sponsored by the Dennis Salts Family of Buena Park and is for the young and the forever young of Buena Park. It is another of the Library’s special summer program celebrating our local heroes, Super Heroes = Super Readers and Unleash Your Power/Read reading club themes for children aged 2-12 and teens aged 13-17 respectively. Seating is limited, so come early for the best seat in the house.

For more information, please see our web page or contact the Children's Department at (714) 826-4100 x126 or visit the Children's Area or Teen Area for a complete schedule of summer events and list of program sponsors.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Science, Shakespeare, and Origami at the Library

On Monday, July 18th, at 7:00 p.m., "Mr. Chemistry" Rudy Gonzales will bring his "Rudy’s Radical Science" show to the Library. The show, sponsored by Care Ambulance Services, is a favorite of our young people in Buena Park and Rudy shows that every day science is all around us.

For more information about this and other special summer programs – including the Philosopher’s Club, the Shakespeare Club and the Origami Club – please call the Children’s Department at 714-826-4100 x126.

Magazine Sale in July at the Guild Booskstore

The Volunteer Guild Bookstore, located on the 2nd floor of the Buena Park Library District, 7150 La Palma Ave., is having a Magazine Sale, starting July 11, 2005 and ending July 30th. Buy one magazine and get one magazine of equal or lesser value FREE! There are a lot of nice magazines to choose from so stop by Mondays and Thursdays from 12 Noon to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 Noon to 6:00 p.m.; Fridays, 12 Noon to 3:00 p.m.; and Saturdays from 12 Noon to 4:30 p.m.

Don’t forget to ask about our upcoming sales: The college textbook and computer manuals sale in August, October Backroom Blowout Sale and our December Members Only Double Discount Sale!

Membership in the Volunteer Guild is available for $5.00 per year. Your membership benefits include free books and other special discounts.

For more information, please call Luann O’Hara, Bookstore Manager and Volunteer Guild President at 714-826-4100 x123.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Flights of Fantasy "Take Off" at the Buena Park Library District

Join the Buena Park Library District on Monday, July 11th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s downstairs auditorium, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., as it welcomes the talented ladies of the Flights of Fantasy Story Theater for a special super hero program sponsored by the Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library. This program is for the young and the forever young of Buena Park, and is another special summer program celebrating our local heroes, Super Heroes = Super Readers and Unleash Your Power/Read reading club themes for children aged 2-12 and teens aged 13-17 respectively. Seating is limited, so come early for the best seat in the house. For more information, please see our web page at http://www.buenapark.lib.ca.us/ or contact the Children's Department at (714) 826-4100 x126 or visit the Children's Area or Teen Area for a complete schedule of summer events and list of program sponsors.

Friday, June 24, 2005

Life of the Party David Skale Performs at the Buena Park Library

Magician and comedian David Skale returns to the Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., on Monday, June 27, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. His program is a favorite of both children and staff, and it is a “not to miss” event for this summer’s series of special programs. David is a true crowd pleaser, and has adapted his show to fit this year’s theme of Super Heroes = Super Readers. Be here to enjoy his special blend of magic and humor. Tonight’s program is brought to you by the Library’s support group, the Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library. Seating is limited so come by early for a good spot.

The Library began its annual summer reading club with a “Kick-Off” event on June 18th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the grassy areas in front. Over 400 teens and children signed up and enjoyed the festivities that were happening all around them. Face-paintings, cake walks, chalk drawings and a variety of games were enjoyed by over 700 people who attended the event. A visit by the Buena Park Police Department was accompanied by sirens, but as our local community hero, the visit was brief as the officer was called away to perform his duties. We also had the American Red Cross canteen truck with its driver Mr. Pedro Palidano, a Disaster Action Team member, here to display the kinds of services the Red Cross offers to people in emergencies. This particular truck and driver responded to those in need at the recent landslide disaster in Laguna.

For more information, please see our web page at www.buenapark.lib.ca.us or contact the Children's Department at (714) 826-4100 x126 or visit the Children's Area or Teen Area for a complete schedule of summer events and list of program sponsors.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Meet Officer Frank at the Buena Park Library

Mr. Frank Caruso, Irvine police officer and author, will be at the Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue, to read his book Let's Meet Officer Frank on Monday, June 20, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. He will also speak to the children about safety and the role of a police officer in the community. If you are interested, Officer Frank will have signed copies of his book for purchase at a reduced price of $5.00.

Officer Frank is the Library’s first Summer Reading Club special program. The Library begins its annual summer reading club with a “Kick-Off” event on June 18th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the grassy areas in front of the building. Teens and children are encouraged to come by and sign up for their own reading clubs which will award incentives for the number of hours (children) or pages (teens) read over the summer.

The Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library is the major sponsor of the Library’s annual summer reading club for our community, and other local vendors contribute incentives and other items to encourage children to keep up their reading skills over the summer. For more information, please see our web page at http://www.buenapark.lib.ca.us/ or contact the Children's Department at (714) 826-4100 x126 or visit the Children's Area for a complete schedule of summer events and list of program sponsors.

Monday, June 06, 2005

Summer Reading is Happening at the Buena Park Library

Summer is going to be very busy for readers in Buena Park community with two programs that present a lot of options to their participants.

First, the Buena Park Library District will have its annual free Summer Reading Program, beginning June 18th and going through to August 27th for both children ages 2 to 12 and teens ages 13 to 17. The themes are Super Readers = Super Heroes (the children’s reading club) and Unleash Your Power / Read (the teen’s reading club) and everyone earns incentives for reading. The Library will be highlighting our community’s local heroes by having many representatives (a local fire fighter, a local police officer, an emergency medical technician, etc.) come and read to the children during specific weeks of the summer. We are planning special entertainment for the entire summer and the kickoff day is Saturday, June 18th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. We hope to see everyone here! Stop by the Library or take a peek at our website – www.buenapark.lib.ca.us. – and get a calendar of our events.

The 2nd program being offered here at the Buena Park Library is a first time offering of Accelerated Reader (AR) testing for those students who wish to take AR tests over the summer. The Library has agreed to be a test site and the program is being sponsored by Renaissance Learning. The program is being offered from June 20 through August 12, on Mondays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Shelli Sturgeon-Abbott, the Coordinator, will be here for all the sessions to assist with the student’s or parent’s needs or questions. Parents are urged to contact their child’s school to sign up and prepay the registration. The cost is $20.00 per student. For more information about scheduling or any other concerns you may have, please contact Ms. Abbott at 714-522-8389, at Corey Elementary School.

For more information regarding the Buena Park Library’s Super Hero Summer Reading program, please call Kathleen M. Wade, Public Services Manager, at 714-826-4100 x135.

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

California Carving Guild Display at the Buena Park Library District

Members of Orange County Chapter #2 of the California Carving Guild are displaying their wood carvings at the Buena Park Library District. Over 60 of their creations are on display in the lobby now through June 24, 2005. The Buena Park Library District is located at 7150 La Palma Avenue in Buena Park, between Knott and Western Avenues.

The items on display have been created from familiar woods like basswood, walnut and pine, to more exotic woods like jelutong, a hardwood found in Indonesia and Malaysia. The carvings display a wide range of styles from the humorous caricatures of Ann Anton, to the stylized sting rays of Bill Bahret, and the amazingly, life-like birds of Richard Otsubo. Another noteworthy set of carvings by John Fleisher show the steps that turn a block of wood into a pike fish decoy. There are also fascinating pieces created from a single piece of wood such as Joyce Wofford’s "Chain Attached to a Ball in a Cage."

The skill levels displayed by the creators of the pieces range from the Novice, to the more skilled Expert and several of the carvers have brought sculptures representing their progress from Novice to Advanced to Expert Carver.

The California Carvers Guild is a statewide organization of woodcarvers. There are over 51 chapters statewide with over 900 active members. The California Carvers Guild was founded in 1974 and its primary aim is to promote and teach the art of carving. For more information about the California Carvers Guild, please call 714-530-7128. In the meantime, stop by the Library to be amazed at their handiwork.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Vendor Fairs at the Buena Park Library

The Volunteer Guild Bookstore and SLS Creative Business Solutions are co-sponsoring two vendor “faires” at the Buena Park Library. The first one is being held in the Library’s second floor Guild bookstore on Wednesday, June 1st, 2005, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at 7150 La Palma Ave, on La Palma between Knott and Western. The second will be outside on the grass at the “Wrap Event for Summer Reading” on Saturday, August 27th, 2005 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Volunteer Guild in their fundraising efforts to benefit the Library’s public programming and service needs.

Sales representatives and independent consultants for vendors Avon™, Becky and Betty, Celebrations by Lillian Vernon™, Cookie Lee Jewelry(R), Luxe & Co., Mary Kay(R) Cosmetics, Pampered Chef, Smith Chiropractic, Tastefully Simple and Tupperware(R) and will be on hand to demonstrate their wares for early gift, graduation and holiday shopping. There will be free opportunity drawings available to those who attend, as well as gift certificates and take-away items.

SLS Creative Business Solutions has organized this event in support of the Volunteer Guild.

For more information about this event and other Guild Bookstore activities, please call 714-826-4100 x123.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Caregiver Conflict Resolution Workshop -- May 9th

Come join us to share new ideas and ways to help children (ages 0-5) effectively solve problems and get along with others.

KCET, the Buena Park Library District, and the Buena Park School District invite you to attend the A Place of Our Own: Caregiver Conflict Resolution Workshop to be held at the Buena Park Library on Monday, May 9th, 2005 at 5:00pm - 7:30pm. The admission is free and refreshments will be provided. (Please RSVP to Christie or Loretta 714-562-1621).

Conflict occurs naturally in a typical child's day. It helps children learn and grow. You will explore and learn ways to help children develop the skills they need to work through problems safely and effectively through simple activities and crafts.

You will receive an Activity Kit that includes:

  • A Place of Our Own video
  • Activity Cards
  • Children's storybook
  • Certificate and other resources

A Place of Our Own is a new daily talk show on KCET for parents, grandparents, neighbors and other adults who care for young children. The program is hosted by Debi Gutierrez, and provides you with valuable information and tips on how to raise smart, healthy and happy children.

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

Teen Poetry Coffeehouse on Tuesday, April 12th

In celebration of National Library Week from April 10th through 16th, the Buena Park Library District will be presenting its first Teen Poetry Coffeehouse on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s auditorium. Teens are invited to share poetry they’ve written, to read a favorite poem or to just come and listen.

For more information, please call Phyllis Nisle, Youth Services Librarian at 714-826-4100 x125.

Saturday, April 02, 2005

Author Event: A World War II Bombardier -- April 18th

On Monday, April 18, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. at the Buena Park Library District, World War II veteran Charles N. "Norm" Stevens will discuss his book, An Innocent at Polebrook: A Memoir of an Eighth Air Force Bombardier, and his experiences as part of the 351st Bomb Group based in Polebrook, England.

Author Charles N. Stevens

Stevens will be describing what it felt like as a 19-year-old from California to find himself in the Plexiglas nose of a B-17 flying bombing raids over Germany. A retired teacher who now lives in the Los Angeles area, Stevens researched his book with trips to the National Archives in Washington, D.C. to bolster his own recollections. This program is free and open to the public.

Copies of An Innocent at Polebrook will be available for purchase and signing at the conclusion of Stevens’ talk. His book is also available from the publisher, AuthorHouse (authorhouse.com) or from amazon.com.

Date: Monday, April 18, 2005
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Buena Park Library District
2nd Floor Board Room
7150 La Palma Avenue
Buena Park, CA 90620
714-826-4100, Ext. 125

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Deciphering the Da Vinci Code -- April 16th

The Buena Park Fine Arts Commission in conjunction with the Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library will host a reception and art lecture intended to decipher The Da Vinci Code and the Last Supper. Art professor and historian, Beth Rasmussen will present an objective interpretation of author Dan Brown’s provocative bestseller, The Da Vinci Code and offer a historical interpretation of Da Vinci’s most notable painting, the Last Supper.

The salon will be held on April 16th at 3:00 P.M. at the Buena Park Library, 7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park. Admission is $10, which includes the reception and presentation. Limited space, reservations required. Please call 714-236-3860 for reservations and more information.

Deciphering Da Vinci is the first of Buena Park’s newly created cultural arts series to celebrate the artistic and intellectual vision of the local community. The series will focus on literary, visual and performing arts with presentations by noted artists, writers, historians and performers.

Sunday, March 27, 2005

Meet Children's Author Sabina Rascol -- April 19th

Meet Sabina Rascol, author of the recently published children's book The Impudent Rooster, on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Downstairs Auditorium of the Buena Park Library District.

Children will have an opportunity to participate in a live staging of Sabina’s adaptation of this Romanian folktale. Aspiring authors of all ages will enjoy hearing Sabina’s informative presentation on the process involved in publishing a children’s book.


Author Sabina Rascol

This program is part of the Buena Park Library District’s National Library Week celebration and is sponsored by the Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library District.

Monday, March 21, 2005

Free Puppet-Making Workshop for Children (ages 7-12)

This free event will be held on Saturday, March 26, at the Buena Park Library District, downstairs auditorium from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Diana Big Mountain of the House of Puppets will be showing children how to make their own puppets. Spaces are limited to 30, so you must call ahead for reservations at 714-826-4100 x126. No drop-ins will be possible. Be sure to specify how many children from ages 7-12 will attend.

A special note to parents: The workshop is not designed for younger children because of the kinds of materials used to make the puppets.

This is an opportunity to find out how to make and play with your own puppet with the skills and talents of Diana Big Mountain, founder of the House of Puppets, also a trained puppeteer and a member of the Orange County Puppetry Guild.

Come to the Buena Park Library District , 7150 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park. Please call 714-826-4100 x126 for further information.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Change Your Luck at the March Media Madness Sale!

The Volunteer Guild’s Bookstore, located on the 2nd floor of the Buena Park Library at 7150 La Palma Avenue, is having its special St. Patrick’s Media Madness Sale starting Thursday, March 17, 2005 and ends at the close of business Saturday, April 2nd or while supplies last.

All music items are on sale – cassettes, CD’s, vinyl record albums, sheet music books, etc., plus VHS videos and audio books. The donations have been remarkable, so come by early for the best selection.

“Everything is priced at $1.25. As an added bonus, computer manuals will also be featured at the same price during this sale. No Blarney!” says Luann O’Hara, Guild President and Bookstore Manager.

Come share our good fortune during our regular store hours Monday and Thursday, Noon to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, Noon to 6:00 p.m., and Friday, Noon to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday, Noon to 4:30 p.m.

Special note: The Guild Bookstore will be closed Thursday, March 24 through Saturday, March 26 for the Easter Holiday.

All proceeds from the Bookstore aid the Library with special programs and projects – so with your help, we help the Library. Good luck!

Saturday, February 26, 2005

A New Look for our Adult Library Card

The Buena Park Library District is happy to debut a new design for our adult library card. When registering for the first time, you may choose between our new design and our old design. If you already hold an adult card, you may replace the old card with the new one for a $1.00 replacement fee.

Library Card design by Sonia Rojas

We are proud to say that this card is an original design by our own talented graphic artist, Sonia Rojas. Her contributions always help to keep the Buena Park Library's commitment to public service fresh and unique. Thanks, Sonia!

Sunday, February 20, 2005

When the Library is closed, do you...

...need some live help?

If so, you may AskNow via Internet Chat! This service lets you ask questions and get answers in real time from reference staff in libraries throughout California and the nation at any time of day or night. You may click the icon below to connect or look for the icon on the website for the Buena Park Library District.

Ask Now -- Live Reference Services

Here are some answers to questions you may have about the service:

1. What is AskNow?
AskNow is a service that combines the speed and convenience of the Internet with the information savvy of librarians. California residents were among the first in the nation to enjoy live online reference service. That means you can go to a library website, type your question, "talk" to a librarian and get an answer while you wait--virtually the same as if you were in a library.

2. How is AskNow different from search engines?
A search engine is a computer program that “crawls” the Web, looking for the words you typed into the search box. AskNow connects you with an information pro--a reference librarian who is also an Internet expert. Thanks to interactive technology, you can communicate with the librarian online and use all of the online resources available through your own libraries. These resources include full-text articles from magazines and journals, encyclopedias, almanacs, directories and other commercial data services. A transcript of the session, including URLs for Web sites and other resources used, can be sent by e-mail after you’ve finished.

3. How does it work?
Simply log on to AskNow from any computer with Internet access. The AskNow icon is available on the Buena Park Library District website. When you type your question, a librarian will respond by typing an answer.

4. What kinds of questions can AskNow answer?
AskNow is designed to answer brief, factual questions for school, business or home use. A few examples: "What does the "D" in D-Day stand for?" "How do I get a patent?" "Can I take my dog to the Philippines?" "When does Daylight Savings Time end?" "How do I get information about overseas adoption?" "What is an appropriate gift for a silver anniversary?" If your question requires in-depth research, the librarian may suggest Web sites and other sources of information to get you started. The librarian may also refer you to a subject expert. We also encourage you to call or visit the reference desk of your local library.

Please remember, this great service is always available, whether the library is closed or not. So whenever you find yourself needing to get a quick useful answer, try AskNow.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Presidents' Day Closure -- Monday, February 21st

The Buena Park Library District will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2005, in recognition of the Presidents' Day holiday, resuming normal hours Tuesday, February 22, 2005, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Library Closed on Monday, February 14th

This is just a reminder that the Buena Park Library District will be closed to the public on Monday, February 14th for Staff Development Day.

Saturday, February 05, 2005

Auto Repair Manuals are now online!

We are happy to announce the addition of the Auto Repair Reference Center to our website's collection of online databases. To use the database you only need to enter your Buena Park Library card number at the login prompt.

EBSCO Publishing describes the new service in the following paragraph:

"This database contains complete automotive repair information supplied by Nichols Publishing, publisher of Chilton's information. Auto Repair Reference Center contains information on most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles, with repair information for most vintage makes starting as far back as 1954. Database content includes approximately 23,000 vehicles covered from 1954 to present; over 100,000 factory drawings and step-by-step photographs; over 60,000 technical service bulletins & recalls issued by the original equipment vehicle manufacturer; wiring diagrams for easy viewing and printing; specifications & maintenance schedules; Labor Time Guide & Estimator; Quick Tips, a complete guide to vehicle ownership & maintenance and much more. New repair procedures and updates will also be added continuously."


Saturday, January 29, 2005

February Library Closures

On February 14, 2005, the Buena Park Library District will be closed to the public due to Staff Development Day activities.

Library materials (audio books, books, DVD’s, magazines, music CD’s and videos) can be returned through the Library’s BOOK DROP return located to the left of the main entrance. Most of these items can be renewed on the Library’s website at http://www.buenapark.lib.ca.us/ . Remote access to the library catalog, databases and our Library’s “web branch” – the ASK NOW homework and reference services are also available through the Library’s website.

The Library will resume regular hours, Tuesday, February 15, 2005, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.

The Library will also be closed on February 21, 2005, in recognition of the Presidents' Day holiday, resuming normal hours Tuesday, February 22, 2005, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Romance Paperback Sale Month in February

February is Romance Month and also time for the annual Romance Paperback Sale Month in the Library’s second floor Volunteer Guild Bookstore. All 50 cent romance paperbacks are selling for 25 cents each, and there is no limit to the number you can buy. In fact, buy 100 sale paperbacks at one time, and get 10 free! Membership is easy, too, for only $5.00 per year. Members receive discounts during sales, and have their own special annual double discount sale in December. Ask any Bookstore Volunteer for the benefits of membership.

Monday, January 24, 2005

New After-School Storytime added on Wednesdays

Starting Wednesday, February 2, 2005, the Buena Park Library District will be offering a free After-School Storytime starting at 3:30 p.m. for school aged children. There will be a story or two and a simple craft, and it will all be held in the downstairs auditorium. All the Winter/Spring Storytimes run from January 4 to May 28, 2005. January storytime calendars are available on the Library’s website at www.buenapark.lib.ca.us or at the Library. February storytime calendars will be available soon.

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Buena Park Woman's Club - Identity Theft Program!

The Buena Park Woman's Club has a special program on Identity Theft and Fraud, presented by Detective Jeff Fagin on January 20, 2005, at the Woman's Club clubhouse, located at 6711 Beach Blvd, across the street from Buena Park City Hall. All are welcome to this very relevant program, and a luncheon is provided, starting at noon. Detective Fagin's program starts shortly thereafter. If there are any questions about the program or about joining the Woman's Club, please call Club President, Donna Bagley at 714-521-8044.