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.

Show Us Your Library Card, Buena Park!

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Buena Park Library District wants to make sure that you and your child are among the two-thirds of Americans that carry the most valuable card of all – a library card.

In honor of National Library Card Sign-Up Month, some local businesses are offering discounts and other perks if you flash your library card during the month of September.

“It’s a great way to promote library card sign-up month and give local businesses an opportunity to partner with us and support reading,” said Library Director Louise Mazerov.

Visit the Buena Park Library and its website for a list of participating businesses.

Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

The Buena Park Library has books, magazines, DVD’s, Videos, CD’s, Audiobooks, computers, and a variety of helpful, informative databases that can be accessed (using the BPLD library card) from our website. The Library also offers several free programs for all ages to stimulate the joy of reading. Librarians are on hand to help recommend material suitable for various ages and interests.

For more information on how you can sign up for your library card, visit the Buena Park Library at 7150 La Palma Avenue, call 714-826-4100 or see the library’s Web site at http://www.buenapark.lib.ca.us/. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sign-up for your free Buena Park Library Card today and then Show us Your Library Card, Buena Park!

Library Closure -- Labor Day -- Monday, Sept 3, 2007

The Buena Park Library District will be closed on Monday, September 3rd, 2007, in recognition of the Labor Day holiday. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, September 4th, 2007, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.

Hurry! Check out the Buena Park Library's Blood Drive!

The Buena Park Library District is having its third American Red Cross Blood Drive from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2007 in the downstairs auditorium. Appointments are appreciated, and potential donors are requested to call 714.826.4100 x125 or go to www.givelife.org and put in our sponsor code: BPL to make your appointments. Either way is really simple. The Library is located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues.

The American Red Cross has provided a couple of incentives to help donors get here: all participants will receive an online coupon for a FREE small 1-topping Pizza from Papa John’s! (that must be redeemed online), and everyone has an opportunity to enter a regional drawing for "free gas for a year" in a $500 gas gift card.

Please call or log on to make appointments now. There is no time like the present to donate, and the need is urgent. This is a special blood drive to assist the St. Jude Medical Center, so c’mon down!

For more information about the Blood Drive and to make an appointment, call the Library at 714-826-4100 ext. 125. You can also visit our web site at www.buenapark.lib.ca.us to link to the web site for the American Red Cross Blood Drive (www.givelife.org) to sign up online.

Free Financial Planning Seminar -- Wednesday, August 22, at 6:30pm

The Buena Park Library District is sponsoring a free financial awareness seminar presented by Buena Park Chamber of Commerce members Peter Chow and Sylvia Woodside, who represent a large dealer/broker in financial planning. The seminar, entitled, Active Money Management for an Active World, will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 from 6:30 – 7:30 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:

• Good Defense vs. Good Offense
• Defensive Strategy – Pros and Cons
• Offensive Strategy – Pros and Cons
• Can You Have Both Defense and Offense?
• Active Third Party Money Management

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.

Summer Reading Club Weekly Events -- August 6th through August 11th

The Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues, has a number of events for children and teens this week.

On Monday, August 6th, the evening’s entertainment is Blues musician Brother Yusef. Through dancing, singing, and audience participation, children and adults will discover the many expressions of the Blues. The show begins at 7:00 p.m., so come by early for a choice spot!

On Tuesday, August 7th, there will be a Mystery movie for teens, ages 13-18, from 6:00-7:45 p.m. Call the Library for the title.

On Wednesday, August 8th, the Library's 4th annual talent show will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The talent show gives the children a chance to showcase their talent.

On Saturday, August 11th from 1:00-2:00 p.m., the Summer Reading Club will finish up with a Summer Reading Club Celebration. Readers and their families can join in the fun, games, food, and prizes as we finish the summer with a bang. Don’t forget the weekly clubs, movie times and storytimes for children.

For more information on any of these events, call the Library at 714-826-4100 ext. 125.

Colorful and Unique Button Display now through the end of August!

Buttons1
Originally uploaded by bpld

Button, button, who has the button? The Buena Park Library District has buttons galore! Currently on display are sports and geographical buttons. Appropriately themed for summer, these pins are just a small part of the over 7,000 buttons collected by Buena Park resident Dennis Doran. The exhibit is on display in the Library lobby and runs now through the end of August 2007. The Library is located at 7150 La Palma Avenue in Buena Park, between Knott and Western Avenues.

Mr. Doran began collecting pin-back buttons during the 1970’s at an anti-Vietnam war rally. He has displayed his button collection at college and public libraries throughout Orange County for the past 20 years. His collection has grown to over 7,000 buttons which allows him to create themes for his displays. As a long-time Cypress College employee, most of the buttons have been given to him by colleagues and friends. He has even received buttons from people who have seen his exhibits! Stop by the Buena Park Library this summer and take a trip to faraway places through this amazing button collection.

The 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.

Summer Reading Club Weekly Events -- July 30th through August 4th

The Buena Park Library District, located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues, has a number of events for children and teens this week.

On Monday, July 30th, the evening’s entertainment is juggler, David Cousins. His comedy juggling show consists of audience involvement, interaction and music. The show begins at 7:00 p.m., so come by early for a choice spot!

On Tuesday, July 31st, teens can team up to play Guesture, a game of split-second charades. The team to score the most points by acting-out words will win a prize. On Saturday, August 4th, from 12:30-4:30 p.m. there will be Monopoly® Tournament. Prizes will be awarded to winners.

Don’t forget the weekly clubs, movie times and storytimes for children.

For more information on any of these events, call the Library at 714-826-4100 ext. 125.