AARP Income Tax Assistance at the Buena Park Senior Center

AARP INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE appointments are being taken January 28th for every Tuesday morning starting February 5th at the Buena Park Senior Center, 8150 Knott Avenue in Buena Park (phone number 714-236-3870).

AARP and IRS-trained volunteers will be providing FREE income tax assistance so you can file your 2007 income tax return before the deadline of April 15th, 2008. The income tax counselors will be at the Buena Park Senior Center every Tuesday till April 8th from 9am to noon. Reservations can be made by phone (714-236-3870) or in person at the Senior Center's Front Desk.

A Free Practice SAT to be held at the Library -- Saturday, February 2nd, 2008

The Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., will be hosting a free practice SAT test on Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 from 8:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. sponsored by The Princeton Review. Students will take a full-length test under realistic testing conditions. This practice session will give students an opportunity to see how they will score on the real SAT without affecting their college record. Students in the 7th-12th grade are welcome to participate. Registration is required for this event. Students can register in person at the Information and Reference desk at the Library, by calling 714-826-4100 ext. 125, or emailing Phyllis, the Youth Services Librarian, at pnisle@buenapark.lib.ca.us. Participating students need to bring a calculator and two #2 pencils to the practice test.

For all participating students and their parents, there will be a SAT Scoreback & Parent Information Night on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. During this information meeting, students will receive a score report showing their strengths and weaknesses, as well as, free information about college admissions and test taking strategies to improve their score. This meeting is intended for students and their parents.

Any questions call the Library at 714-826-4100 ext. 125 and ask for Phyllis.

Buena Park Library District Features Writer's Club of Whittier

Are you harboring a secret desire to write? Come by the Buena Park Library District on Saturday, January 19, from 2-4:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor Board Room and experience true lives, adventure, poetry and drama as members of the Writer’s Club of Whittier read excerpts from their works. The Library co-sponsors this informative session with the Writer’s Club and we will be welcoming authors David Thompson, Carol Amato, Fran Syverson, Naomi Voorhees, Rosalee Thompson, Maureen O’Brien, and Mary Terzian for an afternoon of sharing. Bring your interest and your questions! Light refreshments will be served.

The Writer’s Club of Whittier has been helping writers achieve their publishing goals since 1953, and helps serious writers unlock the door to publication through active participation in workshops using the club’s proven workshop methods. Join the Buena Park Library District and Writer’s Club of Whittier for the afternoon to learn more. The Buena Park Library District is located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues. This information is also on its web page at http://www.buenaparklibrary.org/. 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.

Board of Trustees Meeting Change for January 2008

The regularly scheduled January 2008 meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buena Park Library District will be held at 5:30 p.m. on January 8th, 2008 due to the Library being closed for the January 1st Holiday on the first Tuesday of the month.

The Board of Trustee meeting returns to its regular “first Tuesday” schedule with the February 2008 meeting on February 5th, at 5:30 in the second floor Board Room. The Library is located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues.

For more information about this and other programs offered by the Library, please call 714-826-4100, x125 or visit our web page at buenaparklibrary.org.

"Mysterious California" Book Discussion Planned at the Buena Park Library District

Mysterious California is a compelling and innovative book discussion program provided free to libraries by the California Center for the Book. The Buena Park Library District will be hosting two simultaneous sessions of this program in January and February. The Library is located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues.

One session will be offered on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on January 3rd, 10th and 24th and February 7th and 21st; the other on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:45 p.m. on January 3rd, 10th and 24th; and February 7th and 21st. The afternoon group meets in the meeting room in the downstairs auditorium and the evening group meets in the board room on the second floor.

In Week One (January 3rd), participants view and discuss the short film, Mysterious California: Four Authors, in which the writers talk about the influence of California’s places on their work. For each of the following meeting dates, one of the four mysteries chosen to represent a cross-section of crime fiction written by California authors will be discussed. The writers and novels to be discussed include Southland by Nina Revoyr (January 10th), The Art of Detection by Laurie R. King (January 24th), Shell Games by Kirk Russell (February 7th) and Sharpshooter by Nadia Gordon (February 21st). Copies of each of these books are available for check-out at the Library.

For more information on the books to be discussed, go to the Library’s web site at www.buenaparklibrary.org and select Buena Park Library District Book Blog. Any questions, call the Library at 714-826-4100 ext. 125 and ask for Phyllis.

Christmas and New Year's Holiday Closure Dates

The Buena Park Library District will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 24th and 25th, in recognition of Christmas, and will be resuming normal hours on Wednesday, December 26th, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. The library will also be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 31st and January 1st, for New Year's , reopening on Wednesday, January 2nd for normal hours.

Consumer Alert: Did you know your analog TV is going to be a thing of the past?

The future of analog television is "over" on February 17, 2009, as the new national broadcasting standard will transition to digital television (DTV). A television receiver that has only an analog broadcast tuner will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. For more information, call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit the Commission’s digital television website at: www.dtv.gov.

At the Consumer Corner on the above web site, the switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition. In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel. Later, Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog. Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital. After February 17, 2009, full-power television stations will broadcast in digital only.” The www.dtv.gov website also provides a DTV shopper’s guide, frequently asked questions (FAQs) section, news and regulatory developments regarding DTV, a quiz to test yourself on DTV information so that you can teach others (optional), the converter box coupon program and its details, plus publications both in English and Spanish to help answer your DTV questions. At the head of all this information is a “countdown” clock that shows you the days, hour, minutes and seconds from now until the DTV transition date of February 19, 2009.

This consumer information is brought to you by the Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues. This information is also on its web page at www.buenaparklibrary.org. 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.

Follow the "Yellow Brick Road" to the Buena Park Library District

"The Wizard of Oz" was originally published in 1900. It premiered as a movie in 1939 starring Judy Garland. This timeless story still captures the imagination of people throughout the world. Ruben Ramirez began collecting "Wizard of Oz" memorabilia four years ago. You can see part of Ramirez's extensive collection on display at the Buena Park Library District in the Library’s lobby and is here now through the end of December 2007. The Library is located at 7150 La Palma Avenue in Buena Park, between Knott and Western Avenues.

Ramirez kicked off his display on November 6, 2007 by displaying some of his larger pieces on the Library's Main Floor. There were posters signed by some of the original Munchkins, costumes, trading cards and headshots of Judy Garland. Currently on display in the Library are Christmas ornaments, books, stamps, lunchboxes, sculptures and dolls. Many of the items are gifts that friends and family have given Ruben over the years. In his spare time, Ramirez likes to do crafts and his workmanship shines with a pair of handcrafted ruby-slippers.

The Library also has a large selection of "Oz" books written by L. Frank Baum on display and ready to check out. So drop in on the Library (no twister needed) and admire a perennial favorite. Don't make us get the flying monkeys!

The Buena Park Library is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For information, please call the Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, ext. 125.

Volunteer Guild Bookstore -- Members Only Double Discount Sale, Saturday, Dec. 15

The Volunteer Guild Bookstore, located on the 2nd floor of 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 15, 2007 from 11 a.m. to 3 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 2008 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, but call ahead and be sure that you can purchase one for that certain someone who has everything!

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

Thanksgiving Closure Hours for the Library and the Bookstore

The Buena Park Library District will be closed on Thursday and Friday, (November 22 and 23) in recognition of Thanksgiving, and will be resuming normal hours on Saturday, November 24, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m.

The Volunteer Guild's Bookstore will be closed from Monday through Saturday (November 19-24) and reopen for normal hours on Monday, November 26th.

Apply for your U.S. Passport at the Buena Park Library

Planning to travel soon? Apply for your passport now! Take advantage of the Buena Park Library District’s convenient Passport Application Services, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues in Buena Park. Passport Application Acceptance Hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Fall is traditionally the “low season” for passport applications making it the best time to apply. Currently, processing routine applications is taking four to six weeks and expedited applications are being processed within three weeks. The new International travel rules have increased the need for United States Passports. All persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are now required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

When applying for your passport you will need to bring proof of U.S. citizenship such as a certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate or previous U.S. Passport and proof of identity, such as a state issued driver’s license or Identification card. You will also need two identical passport photos. Passport Photos are available at the Library for $10.00. Passport application forms are also available at the Library. The cost of a passport is $97.00 for adults (16 & older) and $82.00 for children under 16. This cost includes a $30.00 execution fee set by the U.S. Congress that is paid to the Acceptance Agency which becomes an additional revenue source for the Library.

For more information and details, call the Library at (714) 826-4100 or visit the passports page on our website . You may also refer to the U.S. Department of State website for application forms, information on documentation required, fees and a wealth of other passport and international information.

Reading for the Youngest Sets now until December 1st

The Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues, presents two special reading programs for our youngest readers, "Read to Your Baby" and "Read to Me, A to Z." Both started October 20th, and will continue through December 1st for newborns through 3 years old and those as-yet-to-read “non-readers” ages 3 to 6 years old. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in both programs! All you have to do is come into the Children’s Area, pick up a reading log for the program you and your child would like to participate in, and off you go! The “Read to Your Baby” program suggests reading 20 titles from the library. The “Read to Me, A to Z” is set up for parent and child to read 26 picture books from the library corresponding to the author’s last name. Incentives for both reading programs are available in a decorative treasure chest for program finishers that are age appropriate.

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. Please call the Children’s Area for more details at 714.826.4100 x126 or visit our web page for a calendar of more children’s events at www.buenaparklibrary.org.

Huge Thanks to our Community and its Supporting Businesses !

The Buena Park Library District would like to thank its generous Summer Read Program sponsors and its wonderfully supportive community for another successful year of summer fun for readers of all ages.


Our sponsors included: The Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library, Build a Bear, Children’s Museum of La Habra, Claim Jumper, Cold Stone Creamery, Costco, The Dennis Salts Family, Hof’s Hut, In-N-Out Burgers, Katella Deli Restaurant, Knott’s Berry Farm, Krikorian Premiere Theatres, LA Zoo, Legoland, PoFolks Restaurant, Nick’s Subway, Regal Entertainment Group, See’s Candies, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Universal Studios Hollywood.


We had a total of 1596 children, 224 teens and 146 adults participate in our 7 week reading programs, and all these totals are up from last year. We had over 25 special events throughout that busy time. An Irish band, some radical science, animal magic, juggling, a Dance Dance Revolution tournament, lots of game tournaments, a visit from the local Buena Park Police Department’s own “CSI” unit all helped compliment the summer’s “Get a Clue” and “You Never Know” youth themes for the Summer Reading Program. The adults were encouraged to “Find It at the Library,” and were inspired to read over by novelty baskets full of chocolates, tools, art supplies, gardening stuff and spa items.


And a special thank you to all our teen volunteers who did a great job! We really could NOT have done it without them as they put in a large commitment of energy and time into keeping the program and events running smoothly! Shortly after the wrap up of the programs, we saluted the teens at a special teen recognition program where we shared our sincere praise of their help and efforts. Both the teens and their proud parents attended the evening. Thank you again, Buena Park! Good for you, and good for us!

Special Treats at the Buena Park Library for Halloween!

The Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues, will be having a special visit by award-winning author, Ms. Merrily Kutner, author of Zombie Nite Café, Z is for Zombie and Down on the Farm for our 2nd Annual Halloween Extravaganza, on Wednesday, October 31st, starting at 6:00 p.m. in our basement auditorium. Merrily will read her newest book, Zombie Nite Café, and if everyone won’t get too scared, she will also read Z is for Zombie! Merrily will be selling and signing Zombie Nite Café for $16.95 cash only. Interested parents, caregivers and grandparents might want to be ready to buy this delightful tale to read over and over again to your eager audience!

This is usually our family storytime event, too, so we are encouraging all the young participants to come in costume. As part of our festivities planned after Merrily’s presentation, we will have some fun games, and we will also have a costume parade around the Library. Merrily will also be in costume for our event. Parents, caregivers, and grandparents can dress up if they want. Watch out … some of the Library’s staff may be in costume as well!

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. Please call the Children’s Area for more details at 714.826.4100 x126, or visit our web page for a calendar of more children’s events at http://www.buenapark.lib.ca.us/.

Library Closure -- Veterans' Day

The Buena Park Library District will be closed on Monday, November 12, 2007, in recognition of the Veterans' Day holiday, and will be resuming normal hours on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.

Model cars "parked" at the Buena Park Library through the end of October

Old time cars and pump
Originally uploaded by bpld

Zeta (Jimmy) Dhanapanth's 1:18th scale model car collection would rival those full-size cars found in Jay Leno's garage. You can see part of Dhanapanth's collection on display at the Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue in Buena Park, between Knott and Western Avenues. The exhibit is located in the Library lobby and runs now through the end of October 2007.

Dhanapanth began collecting model cars and motorcycles six to seven years ago with a model car from the TV show "The Munsters." Many companies manufacture die cast cars, but most of his collection is from Maisto, Hotwheel, and Yat-Ming. He now “has more models than space to store them!” On display in the Library are early Model T Ford's, 1950's classics like the Thunderbird, muscle cars from the seventies, choppers and Vespas, and even the Batmobile. The models are very detailed, with doors and hoods opening to reveal the engines and interiors that have been meticulously crafted.

Dhanapanth runs a non-profit tutoring service in Stanton whose aim is to provide affordable tutoring, especially to low income students. Stop by the Buena Park Library, take a cruise down memory lane with the variety of vehicles on display - you may see a car you fell in love with “back in the day.”

The Buena Park Library is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For information, please call the Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, ext. 125.

Southern California Science Book Author to Give an Author Talk Program at Buena Park Library District

The Buena Park Library District will present Southern California science book author Cy Timony in an author talk program on Tuesday evening, October 16, 2007 from 6:00 – 7:45 p.m. The program will take place in the Buena Park Library's lower level auditorium, located at 7150 La Palma Avenue, Buena Park, California.

Cy Timony is the author of several ingenious science books, including: Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things, and Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things. He has been creating useful high-and-low-tech inventions all his life. By reading comic books as a kid and studying scientific techniques, he bridged science and fiction to amaze his friends. His latest book, Sneakiest Uses for Everyday Things, will be published in October. Those attending the event will learn about energy fundamentals, conservation tips, and sneaky reuses of everyday things. Demonstrations will also be given on how ordinary objects can be used in extraordinary ways. Books will be available for purchase and autographing at $10.00 cash each during the program.

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.

Dave Boatman’s Cartooning Class -- Saturday, October 13th

The Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues, will be having a cartooning class for 5th through 12th graders on October 13th, 2007 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Dave will teach participants about cartooning and will present a step-by-step follow the instructor drawing period. All the supplies needed for the workshop will be available at the Library. All participants need to bring is their imagination. For more information, call the Library at 714-826-4100 ext. 125.

Orange County Sisters in Crime -- Forensics and Fiction Workshop -- Tuesday, Oct 2, 2007

The Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues, will host an Orange County Sisters in Crime workshop, Forensics and Fiction, on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 from 6:00-7:45 p.m. in the Library’s auditorium.

Dr. D.P. Lyle will be sharing clever, ingenious, and downright odd questions he has received as a story and technical consultant from crime writers. Books will be available for purchase and can be signed by the author. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call the Library at 714-826-4100 ext. 125.

Manga Drawing Class for Teens -- Saturday, Sept 15th!

The Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues, will be having a Manga Drawing Class on Saturday, September 15, 2007 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Library’s auditorium. Teens will learn manga drawing fundamentals in the class. The Library will provide all of the drawing supplies needed for the class.

For more information, call the Library at 714-826-4100 ext. 125.