99 Cent Storewide Sale in the Volunteer Guild Bookstore

Beginning Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 the Volunteer Guild Bookstore, located on the 2nd floor of the Buena Park Library, will have a 99 cent STOREWIDE SALE. Everything in the bookstore will be 99 cents or less. You can apply the discount to their large selection of books, audio books, music CDs and much more! This sale lasts through Saturday, November 7th, but don't wait until the last minute to get the best bargains ever! Come early for the best selection! Cash will be the only accepted method of payment. All Volunteer Guild Bookstore procees are used to generously fund and support Library programs and collections.

Knott’s Berry Farm Book Author Talk at the Buena Park Library

The Buena Park Library District will be hosting a book talk featuring author Jay Jennings at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2009 in the Downstairs Community Room of the Library.

Mr. Jennings will be speaking about his newly published book: Knott’s Berry Farm: the Early Years, which covers Walter Knott and the history of Knott’s from its humble beginnings as a roadside berry stand in the 1920s, to the 1970s, by which time it had grown into a world-class amusement park. Copies of the book will be available for sale at $21.99, and for signing by the author following his presentation.

Jay Jennings is a Los Angeles native who has spent many years visiting Knott’s Berry Farm and researching its history. He is also the owner of one of the largest collections of Knott’s souvenirs and memorabilia in the country. In addition, he is a writer, director, producer and music composer in the motion picture business.

Writer's Workshop: The Bumpy Road to Getting Published

The Buena Park Library is presenting a writer's workshop by local author and writing teacher, Maralys Wills. In this workshop called "The Bumpy Road to Getting Published" Wills will offer real-world suggestions for writing novels or non-fiction and turning them into salable works. This workshop is designed for readers who aspire to be published writers. She will suggest concrete writing tips, such as saving your strongest word for the end of the sentence and upgrading dialogue so even dull characters sound interesting. Maralys Wills, a college creative writing teacher for more than 20 years and author of 12 books shares the dos and don'ts of getting published.

The workshop will be on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 6:30 pm. It will be held in the Downstairs Community Room of the Library.

Marayls Wills, an award-winning author, brings her varied and exciting lifestyle to the podium. An author of twelve books in a variety of genres, she was never content to contemplate life in the abstract: she was too buy living it. Even as her six children (five boys and a girl), were growing up, Wills began teacher novel-writing to adults, bestowing on them her energy, her enthusiasm and her passion for good writing.

Her most recent book is Damn the Rejections Full Speed Ahead and copies of this will be available for sale and signing at the workshop

Buena Park Library Offers Free Beginning Computer Classes

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The Buena Park Library District will be offering a beginning computer class on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 9 am to 10:30 am in the Library's Boardroom. The class is designed for those who have little or no experience with computers. Attendees will learn basic mouse and keyboard skills.

The class will be repeated on November 7th and 21st. If you would like to register for one of the classes, please call the Information/Reference Desk at 714-826-4100 x125 to sign up. Space is limited.

Bestselling Author Gustavo Arellano (and the Los Hermanos Taco Truck) to Visit the Buena Park Library

Orange County native Gustavo Arellano is a nationally bestselling author, syndicated columnist, and the spiciest voice of the Mexican-American community. He is a staff writer with the OC Weekly in Orange County and a contributing editor to the Los Angeles Times Op/Ed pages.

During this program Arellano will be talking about his book, Ask A Mexican!. Books will be available for sale, and Arellano will be signing them after the discussion. Gustavo Arellano will be at the Library on Thursday October 8, 2009 at 6:00 pm in the Downstairs Community Room.

From 4-6PM (in front of the Library) the local Los Hermanos Taco Truck will be on hand selling some of their famous tacos and more! Part of the proceeds will go the the Library. Please come and enjoy a taco with Gustavo and help benefit the Library as well!!

Buena Park Library Celebrates National Piano Month

The Buena Park Library is offering an evening of music by local pianist, Paul Kosmala to celebrate National Piano Month. The program will be on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the Downstairs Community Room at the Library. Kosmala will "tickle the ivories" of his keyboard and perform a variety of his most requested tunes. These will range from ragtime, blues, Gershwin, show tunes, classical, movie themes, etc.

Mr. Kosmala grew up in Buffalo, New York where he studied classical and popular music with several private teachers. He began performing professionally at age 16. Since moving to Southern California in 1979, he has performed with many local orchestras and bands, at many hotels, restaurants, countless private parties, and as a solo pianist on Sitmar Cruises. He is also an experienced piano teacher and has been inspiring students for over thirty years.

Mariachi 101 at the Library

The Buena Park Library will be hosting an author talk on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 6:00 pm. Gil Sperry, author of Mariachi for Gringos: Unlocking the Secrets of Mexico's Macho Music will be presenting his most entertaining talk called "Mariachi 101."

Have you ever wondered what the top 50 mariachi songs are? Or have you asked yourself last time you were at a Mexican restaurant -- do we stop eating and drinking when the mariachi arrive at our table? Sperry will entertain you with answers to these questions plus much more. He'll talk about the history of mariachi music, women and mariachi, the musicians and their instruments, and famous mariachi songs and their composers.

Gil Sperry is a modern-day renaissance man who delights in entertaining and informing audiences through both the spoken and the written word. His first book, Mariachi for Gringos, was originally released in 2006. His second book Soccer's Story & A Futbol Fable was released in 2009 and is currently being adapted into a screenplay by two veteran Hollywood screenwriters. His third book, The Hispanic Heritage of the Food We Eat, is now under construction.

Sperry lives with his wife in Baja where he enjoys the Mexican lifestyle, food, and music. He makes time to teach elementary school in Chula Vista, California and is an avid sports enthusiast, fisherman, and jazz aficionado. He is a graduate of Ohio's Kenyon College and also holds an M.A. in History from Stanford University.

This program is appropriate for the whole family and should be a very entertaining evening of all things mariachi. Refreshments will be provided and autographed copies of his book will be available for purchase.

Text Your Questions

Get answers to questions fast through a new Buena Park Library District service by texting My Info Quest at 309-222-7740, entering the code “bpl” and then your question. The service is available Monday through Thursday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday from 6 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. A librarian will text back with an answer within 10 minutes.

The service is a new option for patrons to get information on the go. This service is ideal for questions that must be answered immediately and allows more access to library information from remote locations.

Questions are answered by librarians from across the country who take turns fielding incoming texts. Patrons can simply enter the phone number into their directory and have an immediate way to get answers.

The Buena Park Library District Says Farewell to Summer with a Seashell Display

"She sells seashells by the seashore" ... so goes the tongue twister. At the Buena Park Library District, Margaret Cooney presents an exhibit of shells collected by her late mother, Elizabeth M. Schofield, over the past 40 years. Friends, family and neighbors brought Mrs. Schofield shells from their travels. Currently on display in the library lobby, the exhibit will run through September 30, 2009.

Shells are the external skeleton of a soft-bodied animal known as a mollusk. Clams, snails, abalones are all mollusks. Mollusks live in the oceans and in fresh water, as well as on land. The shell is composed of calcium carbonate and other substances which are secreted by the mantle of the mollusk. The mantle is also responsible for the formation of pearls in oysters and mussels. Mollusks have been used as a source of food for thousands of years. Shells have been prized from ancient times. Shells have decorated Mesoamerican temples and Greek and Roman vases. They have also been used as a form of currency by Native Americans.

The Buena Park Library will Host a Writer's Workshop

The Buena Park Library is presenting a writer's workshop by local author and writing teacher, Barbara French. The workshop topic is "Seven Ways to Hook Your Reader." French says, "Whether you want to hook an agent, publisher, or book buyer, you need to know how." The workshop will be on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 6:30 pm in the 2nd Floor Board Room.

Barbara has taught creative writing for 17 years in Anaheim and Cypress for the North Orange County Community College District. Her novelized memoir, Someday Street, is an inspiring story of a family surmounting dire circumstances in the Great Depression with economizing, humor and life-affirming philosophies. Besides publishing a book, she has also published 28 articles, a newspaper column and has won short story and poetry prizes.

Buena Park Library to be Closed on Mondays Effective August 24th

At their meeting on August 11, 2009 the Buena Park Library District Board of Trustees made budget revisions based on the recent State budget which allows the transfer of 8% of library property tax revenue to the State. In order to save the amount needed, the Board voted to close the Library on Mondays beginning August 24th and to pass on additional retirement costs to the employees. These reductions will be in addition to the reductions made in January 2009 and July 2009, including a 50% reduction in the materials budget and a reduction in hours of part time employees.

"While the earlier decisions were made in order to not reduce hours or services, that is no longer possible. The Library Board deeply regrets the impact of these decisions on the community," commented Board President Bob Niccum. "The Library continues to be used more than ever during these bad economic times, but like everyone else, the Library has to live within its means."

Please contact the Library Director at 714-826-4100 x121 with any questions.

The Buena Park Library Presents a Talk on Backpack Safety

It is time to start thinking about back to school supplies and backpacks to carry all those supplies. Did you know that using a backpack improperly can cause long-term back problems? Do you have more questions about backpack safety and correct posture for kids? Dr. Stephen Smith will be giving a short talk at the Library on just this. It will also include correct posture for computer use, cell phone use and video gaming posture. His presentation at the Library will be on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 7:00 pm and is appropriate for both kids and adults.

Dr. Smith has run a successful chiropractic practice in Buena Park since 1981. He has been active in his profession having served on the Board of Directors of the California Chiropractic IPA and on the board of Regents of The Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. Locally, Dr. Smith has twice served as president of the Buena Park Chamber of Commerce and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park. Before becoming a chiropractor, Dr. Smith was a professional musician and stand-up comedian, which comes through in his presentations.

Library Closure -- Labor Day -- Monday, Sept 7, 2009

The Buena Park Library District will be closed on Monday, September 7th, 2009, in recognition of the Labor Day holiday. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.

Change in Meeting Date for August 2009 Library Board of Trustees Meeting

The August meeting of the Buena Park Library District Board of Trustees has been rescheduled to ensure all members are present to discuss changes to the 2009/2010 budget due to the recent passage of the State budget allowing the State to borrow 8% of the District's property tax revenue. This will require additional cuts to the Library's budget in addition to the 10% reduction already in the budget. This Board meeting will take place at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2009, in the Board Room located on the second floor of the Library. All Board meetings are open to the public.

American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Library

The Buena Park Library District is having an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Thursday, August 6, 2009 in the downstairs community room.

Appointments are appreciated, and potential donors are requested to go to www.givelife.org and put in our sponsor code: BPL to make your appointment. It is really very simple -- save a life and donate a pint.

The Library is located at 7150 La Palma Ave., between Knott and Western Avenues.

Cracking the Case Using Handwriting Analysis

On Saturday, August 8th, 2009 graphologist Paula Sassi will present a program on handwriting analysis at the Buena Park Library District. This program will appeal to teens and adults. Please join us in the Downstairs Meeting Room at 2:00 pm for an afternoon of mystery solving through handwriting.

Uncover the secrets revealed in the strokes of handwriting to help solve real and fictional mysteries. Handwriting analysis can be a useful tool in discovering the honesty or dishonesty of the wrtier. Hundreds of indicators found in the strokes of writing can reveal whether the writer has a tendency to lie, cheat, steal or worse. Learn some basic dishonesty indicators and help solve interesting cases using handwriting analysis.

Paper Flower Making Class at the Buena Park Library

A paper flower making class will be held at the Buena Park Library on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 3:00 pm in the Downstairs Community Room.

Handmade crepe paper flowers are elegant, delicate and easy to make. Join instructor Rosa Armendariz to learn the basics of paper flower making from start to finish. Instruction will be given on making five different styles of flowers so that you will leave with a completed bouquet.

This program will be of interest for teens through adults. All adult attendees will receive an entry drawing slip for a chance to win one of several gift baskets being given as prizes at the end of the Adult Summer Reading Program.

Summer Sales Event

The Volunteer Guild of the Buena Park Library
will be having a special sale for one week only:

Sale Dates: July 20-25th
Where: Volunteer Guild Bookstore (2nd floor of the Library)
What: ALL DVDs and Videos are 99 cents!!

There is a large selection of children's animated movies, TV series of yesteryear, feature films, exercise DVDs/videos and much more! Everyone in the whole family will have something from which to choose. The sale begins Monday, July 20th and lasts until Saturday, July 25th, but don't wait until the last minute to get the best selection! Cash will be the only accepted method of payment. All Guild proceeds are used to generously fund and support Library programs and collections.

The bookstore hours are Monday thru Wednesday from noon to 6 PM, Thursdays from noon to 7:30 PM, Fridays from noon to 3 PM, and Saturdays from noon to 4:30 PM. For further information, please contact Luann O'Hara, Bookstore Manager and President of the Volunteer Guild at 714-826-4100 x123.

Harp & Flute Music Program at the Buena Park Library

The Buena Park Library District will present a Harp & Flute Music Program on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 2:00 pm in the Downstairs Community Room.

The program features Peggy Skomal playing Concert and Celtic Harp, and Susan Craig Winsberg playing a variety of flutes, recorders and pennywhistles. Together they perform Celtic, Classical and Folk music with contrasting moods and melodies. Explanations and stories about the instruments and music are presented in an educational and entertaining manner for all age groups.

One lucky adult attendee will receive a deli restaurant coupon, and all adult attendees will receive an entry drawing slip for a chance to win one of several gift baskets being given as prizes at the end of the Buena Park Library's Adult Summer Reading Program.

In Stitches: A Knitting and Crocheting Group

The next meeting of In Stitches will be on Thursday, July 9, 2009 from 2-4 pm in the 2nd floor Board Room at the Buena Park Library District.

Please join us as we knit or crochet items for charity. The group has already made afghans and lap robes to give to some of the residents of the Knott Avenue Care Center in Buena Park. They have also been knitting and crocheting blankets and baby items for Project Linus and Newborns in Need.

New attendees are always welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles or crochet hooks. If you have any questions about this event, please call the Library at 714-826-4100 x 125 and ask for Chris or Phyllis.