Calendario

Preschool Films and Videos

Programs at 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Children ages 5 and younger

Toddler Tales

Books, rhymes, music, movement and more for toddlers 18 to 36 months and their caregivers

Classes for beginners introducing them to the very basics of computers.

Instruction in Cantonese/Mandarin.

Play and Grow: Toddler Fun with Reading, Rhyming and Recreation is an early literacy play group that promotes parents child interaction and kindergarten readiness. The group is intended for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and children birth-age five.

This program is a collaboration effort between Edgewood Center, Parent University, APA Family Support Services, and San Francisco Public Library.

Come to our drop-in computer help class!

This class is geared towards individuals with intermediate-level computer and internet questions!

Rolicking rhymes, songs & books for infants to 18 months and their caregivers.

Rollicking rhymes, songs & books for infants and toddlers to 18months. Meet and greet playtime follows the program. Limited to first 42 participants, in line, day of storytime. Tickets for this storytime are handed out at the Children's Room Entrance (entering from playground) only!

Los padres y sus niños toman un gran paso académico y social cuando entran al kindergarten. Parents for Public Schools les compartirán consejos padre-a-padre para que esta transición sea lo más fácil posible.

The Insect Discovery Lab

The Center for Ecosystem Survival presents The Insect Discovery Lab.  Real live insects for you to learn about and maybe even hold!

Love LEGOs? We do too! Join us to build fabulous LEGO projects. Ages 5 and older.

After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments.

Animated Feature
Voices by: Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short
Walt Disney Pictures; Directed by Tim Burton
Rated PG; 87 minutes; 2012.

Make your own bag out of a t-shirt.  You will learn how to cut up a t-shirt and make a very stylish fringe bag perfect for toting groceries or your libary books!  Bring your own t-shirt or use one we provide.

Ages 9 and up.  For more information contact Maricela Leon-Barrera at mleonbarrera@afpl.org.

This spellbinding special event introduces children to the principles of air and pressure. The Mad Scientist will make a hot air balloon, and a vortex generator to create giant smoke rings. The children will get to see an incredible exothermic reaction take place.
For ages 4 and older.

Learn the basics of  knitting, or bring along a project you need help with. Each knitter receives personal help in a nurturing and relaxing environment.  Beginners, rusty, and social knitters welcome!

Yarn provided; bring your own needles (if starting a new project, size 7 or 8).

Class size limited - register with Ocean View librarian.

Glenn R. Stewart of the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group and Nick Dunlop, photographer, will discuss falcons in a changing world.  Their presentation will be accompanied by Dunlop's extraordinary photographs and video of wild peregrine falcons in the Bay Area, and a tame falcon on stage. 

Falcons that once nested in remote cliffs are now nesting in cities on man-made structures such as buildings and bridges.  In 1970 there were only two known nesting pairs of peregrines in California; today the population has recovered to over 250 known nesting pairs, including several in the Bay Area.

Sponsored by the the Wallace Stegner Environmental Center and The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Nick Dunlop photo of young peregrines.  Visit his website at: http://www.nickdunlop.com/

Falcons that once nested in remote cliffs are now nesting in cities on man-made structures such as buildings and bridges.  In 1970 there were only two known nesting pairs of peregrines in California; today the population has recovered to over 250 known nesting pairs, including several in the Bay Area.

Sponsored by the the Wallace Stegner Environmental Center and The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Gentle chair yoga, good for all ages! Simple movements designed to wake up both the small and large joints of the body! Breath and easy mind-calming exercises...

Come join us at the Portola Branch for a chair yoga class led by Mark Cormier, featuring a combination of chair and standing poses.

Cat Shimizu, the "breaducator" from Sour Flour —a Mission District bakery dedicated to neighborly bread gifting and bread education— will talk about the art and science of making bread using a sourdough starter.

This includes how to feed and take care of your own starter, and how different factors such as time, temperature, and starter hydration affect the fermentation process. Samples and suggested reading will help get you started on a fun and healthy new adventure in baking.

Aprenda habilidades básicas para usar Computadoras, Internet, y Correo Electrónico.

• Primer miercoles: Computación básica
• Segundo miercoles: Internet
• Tercer miercoles: Correo electronico
• Cuarto miercoles: Ayuda general

Se brindará la ayuda necesaria a los participantes con sus preguntas; estas clases no requiren inscripción por adelantado.

Join us on 3rd Wednesday of each month for a fun and creative craft project!  Each month we select high interest project for participants to learn and create a variety of crafts ranging from origami to jewelry.

To register call (415)355-2886 or email: wpomgr@sfpl.org

Stuart Bronstein, estate planning and probate lawyer in San Francisco for more than 30 years, helps participants create fully functional wills. Bring a blue ink non erasable pen. Class size limited. Sign up begins June 5. See a librarian or call 415-355-5600. All programs at the library are free. 

Did you have an eReader? Did you know that you can check out electronic editions of library books for free? Learn how to enjoy San Francisco Public Library’s collection of more than 40,000 ebooks, eAudiobooks and eVideos at this workshop. Bring your Kindle, Nook, iPad or other eReader device with you and we will show you how to use it to download books and other materials from the Library website.

Monthly book group meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Newcomers welcome.

This month's selection is "The Marriage Plot" by Jeffrey Eugenides.

Join us to discuss and share information about the history of the neighborhood.

The Potrero Hill Book Club meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

The June book is  Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.

Meet at the International Center on the Third Floor.  Info:  (415) 557-4430.

Preschool Films and Videos

Programs at 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Children ages 5 and younger

Songs, stories and rhymes for children from birth to 36 months and their caregivers.

Music and books and more for children

Rollicking rhymes, songs, and books for infants to 18 months and their caregivers.

Books, rhymes, music, movement and more for toddlers 18 to 36 months and their caregivers.

Preschool Videos

We provide the room and the toys.  All you do is show up! Meet other parents while your children enjoy playing with each other.

Stories, songs, fingerplays and more for children ages 3-5.

For 0 - 2

Local storyteller extraordinaire presents an enchanting storytime for little ones with fingerplays, rhymes, and puppets! Ages 2 to 5 year.

Rollicking rhymes, songs and books for infants to 18 months and their caregivers.

De Lovely  (2004, 125 minutes)

Starring  Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce, and Allan Corduner, De-Lovely is an original musical portrait of American composer Cole Porter, filled with his unforgettable songs. In the film, Porter is looking back on his life as if it was one of his spectacular stage shows, with the people and events of his life becoming the actors and action onstage. Through elaborate production numbers and popular hits like "Anything Goes," "It's De-Lovely," and "Night and Day," Porter's elegant, excessive past comes to light - including his deeply complicated relationship with his wife and muse, Linda Lee Porter.

We will be discussing Season of the Witch: Enchantment, Terror,  and Deliverance in the City of Love, by David Talbot.

The West Portal Book Club meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 2:00 pm.  Our reading choices alternate between fiction and nonfiction.   New members are always welcome.

Using an array of chemicals, the Mad Scientist will make color change and melt a head, all before our very eyes. 

 For Ages 5 and up.

Space limited to 30 Participants. Reservation are required by calling (415) 355-2818.

FREE book!  Just swap us a review.

Here's how it works: Every Thursday, the Teen Librarian will bring out several books (new titles, old titles, and titles that have not been published yet) and allow teens the chance to browse through them for one that you'd like to keep.  You will, in turn, swap us a review of the book by the end of the month.

For ages 12-18

For more information, contact: Dorcas at dwong@sfpl.org

Join Jonathan Silverman of Feel the Earth in this two-day workshop for Teens.  Learn about Victory Gardens, how to start and care for a garden in our neighborhood and learn about an exciting volunteer opportunity that would allow you to work with the Mission Branch Library Garden through the summer and fall.  (Partaking in the workshop does not mean you have to commit long term.)

Questions?  Contact Teen Librarian, Maricela Leon-Barrera at mleonbarrera@sfpl.org

Baby Rhyme Time

Rollicking rhymes, songs and books for infants to 18 months and their caregivers.

Free book! Just swap us a review. Here’s how it works: the teen librarian will bring out several books (new titles, old titles, and titles that have not been published yet) and allow teens the chance to browse through them for one that they'd like to keep. Teens will, in turn, swap us a review of the book by the next swap. For ages 12-18.  For more information, contact Marla at mbergman@sfpl.org or 415-355-2858.

The audience will be amazed when the Mad Scientist uses an array of chemicals to make color changes and melt a head. They will watch as the Mad Scientist creates an extra hand, to help with some of the more complicated experiments, including making a science genie come out of his bottle. An explosion of foam will help to end this event and leave the audience cheering for more!

Magician Gerald Joseph will WOW you with amazing sleights of hand and magic! For ages 4 and up.

Ethan longs to escape his small Southern town. He meets a mysterious new girl, Lena. Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town.

Starring Alice Englert, Viola Davis & Emma Thompson. Based on best-selling series by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl.

Free movies for teens every month! Ages 13 - 18. Snacks provided. Rated PG-13. Approximately 124 minutes. For more info, contact Ileana at ipulu@sfpl.org or (415) 355-5757.

Interested in learning about the ukulele? Be a part of Ukulele for tweens and jam at the library. No music knowledge or experience required, just an open mind and willingness to learn.

This is a free program for ages 10 - 15. Drop-ins welcome but registration is encouraged to secure your own ukulele. For more information or to register call (415) 355-5660.

Do you have questions on how to use computers and the internet, how to download eBooks to your device, or how to use the library's databases? Have a reference question that requires more time to answer?

Now you can schedule a one-on-one appointment for 30 minutes with a Visitacion Valley Branch librarian to answer your questions. This special library service will be offered on the third Thursday of the month starting at 5:00 p.m.

Please call (415) 355-2848 to book your appointment!

Come and join other visually impaired and blind people for a yoga session developed by instructor Nancy Yates with you in mind. The class is every Thursday from 6 to 7:30 pm in the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. Perfect for Seniors or beginners who want to move in a quiet, safe and purposeful way. We will infuse positive energy as we ease into stretching, balancing, flexibility and strengthening postures that open our lungs, neck, shoulders arms, hips and especially our Hearts.

Join us for a reading and booksigning with Alysia Abbott, author of Fairyland,  a  vibrant memoir about growing up motherless in 1970s and ’80s San Francisco with an openly gay father.

In Alysia’s teens, Steve’s friends—several of whom she has befriended—fall ill as AIDS starts its rampage through their community. While Alysia is studying in New York and then in France, her father tells her it’s time to come home; he’s sick with AIDS. Alysia must choose whether to take on the responsibility of caring for her father or continue the independent life she has worked so hard to create.

Reconstructing their life together from a remarkable cache of her father’s journals, letters, and writings, Alysia Abbott gives us an unforgettable portrait of a tumultuous, historic time in San Francisco as well as an exquisitely moving account of a father’s legacy and a daughter’s love.

This event is co-sponsored by the Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center and the San Francisco History Center.

Magician Gerald Joseph will WOW you with amazing sleights of hand and magic! For ages 4 and up.

The Lizard Lady brings tortoises, snakes and lizards from rainforest, desert and forest. Informative and fun! Space is limited. Please contact Alice at 415-355-2848 or alicechan@sfpl.org for more information or to register.

Learn how to configure “Language and Regional” setting on your PC, add handwriting input method to your computer and practice composing words and sentences in Chinese characters simply by using your mouse.

We will also learn how to use the handwriting input method to search information on the internet.

First come first served.  No pre-registration required.

Come join us and have fun learning!

Do you or someone you love or care for have:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Chronic health problems

Learn how to:

• Manage pain, stress, and fatigue
• Be more fit and eat healthier
• Work more effectively with your doctor and healthcare professionals
• Set goals and problem solve to make positive changes in your life
• Feel better and reduce your healthcare costs

This workshop takes place from June 7 to July 19 (no class on July 5).

Everyone is welcome though space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Sign up in person or call (415) 355-2868 register.

Workshop will be in English. FREE gifts and awards will be given to participants completing the workshop!

Developed by Stanford University School of Medicine

Cosponsored by San Francisco Dept. of Aging & Adult Services and 30th Street Senior Center

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a perfect introduction to the joys of gardening. In this hands-on workshop, Jonathan Silverman, Founder and Managing Director of Feel the Earth, will offer LEARN the ART of SEEDING for children and their families. You will learn how seeds work, best ways to plant seeds, how to care for your seedlings, and begin to cultivate fresh produce or blossoms. Research shows that gardening improves children’s learning, self-confidence, health & feeling of community spirit. For ages 2 and older.

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger games. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister's place and must rely upon her sharp instincts when she's pitted against highly trained Tributes who have prepared their entire lives. She must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Rated PG-13, 142 minutes.  2012.  Ages 13-18.  Snacks provided.

¿Tiene una pregunta acerca de cómo usar las computadoras y la internet, como usar eBooks o las bases de datos de la biblioteca? ¿Tiene alguna pregunta de referencia que requiere una ayuda más extensa?

Ahora puede obtener ayuda en español con sus preguntas reservando una cita por 30 minutos con un bibliotecario de la biblioteca Misión. Este servicio especial de la biblioteca comenzara todos los viernes a las 3:00 p.m. a partir del 15 de marzo.

Por favor llame al (415) 355-5735 para reservar su cita y obtener respuestas a sus preguntas. Este servicio estará limitado a una cita por mes por persona.

Drawing a portrait is a great skill to have. You will learn the measurements of the face, how to shade, and create likeness. Bring a photograph of yourself, friends, family or celebrity. We will use pencil and charcoal. This protrait will tell a story. Materials included. For teens, age 12 and older. Limit to 15 participants. Instructor: Cara Goldstein. For information, please contact Jewel at Chinatown Library, Tel: (415)355-2888 or jewelchen@sfpl.org

FREE book! Just swap us a review.

Here's how it works: Every Friday, the Teen Librarian will bring out several books (new titles, old titles, and titles that have not been published yet) and allow teens the chance to browse through them for one that you'd like to keep.  You will, in turn, swap us a review of the book by the end of the month.

For ages 12-18

For more information, contact: Dorcas at dwong@sfpl.org

Volunteer helps elementary school-aged children who want to improve their reading.

talk and demo of Chinese & English E-books

If you have never used a computer keyboard or a mouse, volunteers are available to help acquaint you with these basic skills.

Stories and songs for children and their families.

Preschool Films and Videos

Children ages 5 and younger

This is a pragmatic workshop packed with useful information.   Charles demonstrates easily leaned techniques for improving memory. The methods are great for students, midlife adults, and seniors who want to recalibrate their skills. Many of the techniques can be mastered instantly. 

Everyone who attends improves his or her ability to recall names, facts, numbers, daily schedules, shopping lists, where they left the cell phone, where they parked the car, and other details that seem to zip by in these busy days.
                                                                                                           
A complimentary tip sheet and bibliography are provided to each participant.

Rhymes, songs, and fingerplays for the very young and their caregivers.  For children under age 5.

Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes and fun!
In English and Spanish, geared for children 5 and under.
Cuentos, juegos de dedos, rimas y más!
En inglés y español, para niños de 5 años y menores.

After storytime join us for a craft activity!
Despues del programa invitamos a los niños a hacer una manualidad.

talk and demo of Chinee & English E-books

Cuentos para la Familia en Español e Inglés

Families, come join us for songs, rhymes and more in Spanish and English!

Age 6 and up

Tomboy by Celine Sciamma

Laure is 10 years old and a tomboy. On arrival in a new neighborhood, she lets Lisa and her crowd believe that she is a boy. Summer becomes a big playground and Laure pretends to be Mikael, a boy like the others, different enough to get the attention of Lisa, who falls in love with him. Laure takes advantage of her new identity as if the end of the summer would never reveal her unsettling secret. Audience Award, Best Feature, SF International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (2012, 84 min. French with English subtitles)

Interested in learning about the ukulele? Be a part of Ukulele for tweens and jam at the library. No music knowledge or experience required, just an open mind and willingness to learn.

This is a free program for ages 10 - 18. Drop-ins welcome but registration is encouraged to secure your own ukulele. For more information or to register contact (415) 355-2848.

The Tales of Hoffman, by Jacques Offenbach

'A Tale of Three Women'

E.T.A. Hoffman (author of 'The Nutcracker') recalls his three tragic loves: Olympia the mechanical doll; Guilietta the greedy courtesan; and the genuinely good Antonia, who dies despite being treated by 'Dr. Miracle'.  When the drunk Hoffman's current flame Stella appears, he sees her as the embodiment of 'The Three'.  And he rejects her! 

SF Opera is performing The Tales of Hoffmann from June 5 through July 6.  Go see the opera with your newfound knowledge!

"Opera for the People" is a lecture series run by Larry Oppenheim.  He is President of the Kensington Symphony Orchestra in the East Bay, where he is co-principal oboe and solo English horn.  He also writes the program notes.  Larry's goal is to make classical music more enjoyable and accessible to "all the people".

Learn to crochet a small animal. This 4-day workshop series is led by local teen crocheter. All materials provided. Previous experience with crochet or knitting is helpful, but not necessary. Space limited. For ages 12-18. To register, contact Marla at 415-355-2868 or mbergman@sfpl.org.

Poets, films, Black LGBT book sell, community oral history.

Learn to crochet a small animal. This 4-day workshop series is led by local teen crocheter. All materials provided. Previous experience with crochet or knitting is helpful, but not necessary. Space limited. For ages 12-18. To register, contact Marla at 415-355-2868 or mbergman@sfpl.org.

Toddler Tales

Book, rhymes, music, movement and more for toddlers 18 to 36 months and their caregivers.

San Francisco firefighters will come to talk simply about fire safety and show off their marvelous fire truck. For ages 5 and under.

Computers with Internet connection are available for independent work creating or updating your resume, preparing job applications and/or searching online for jobs.

Handouts, books and some staff assistance are available during drop in hours. Bring a flash drive to store your work. Be considerate and share computer space with others.

Rollicking rhymes, songs, and books for infants to 18 months and their caregivers.

Where have you been? Where are you now? Where are you going?

This class is a chance to:

• Sharpen your memories;
• Learn more about the meaning of your life;
• Share your story with others.

As one ages, life review becomes a key element in finding the meaning of life by looking back and examining events, accomplishments, significant relationships, and other important aspects of ones life journey. We will use enlightening and engaging approaches to reminiscing and life review. There will be many opportunities to be creative and to learn about yourself and others, in a supportive environment. Through discussion, novel exercises and readings this course provides a unique, structured opportunity to examine themes that run through your life, seek answers to some of life’s big questions, affirm what’s good about your life, and explore your future self.  

• Where: Main Library - Latino Hispanic A&B
• When: Mondays, June 3 -- July 22, 2013

The instructor, Hope Levy has more than twenty years teaching experience, and is formerly the Acting Chairperson of the Older Adults Department at City College of San Francisco.  She holds an MA in Gerontology and an MA in Special Education from San Francisco State University. Through her work, Hope promotes positive aging through her passion for lifelong learning.

San Francisco Public Library and the City College Older Adults Program have partnered bring free, high-quality educational opportunities to older adults.

Books, rhymes, music, movement and more for toddlers 18 to 36 months and their caregivers. 

Drop-in computer and electronic gadget help for seniors and adults.

When filmy spores fall from space and take root in San Francisco, the city is beautifully transformed by spectacular and exotic flowers. But these lovely extraterrestrial blossoms have gruesome plans for their earthly admirers. These blossoms are going to slowly clone human bodies and then dispose of the originals.  From 1978.  117 minutes.

San Francisco Public Library's theme for the summer is our own great City!

Don't forget to check out our June 5th presentation,  "The Golden Gate Bridge on the Silver Screen".  Jim Van Buskirk, author of Celluloid San Francisco, (and former SFPL librarian) offers a clip-filled program of hilariously horrifying depictions of San Francisco’s beloved bridge.  6-7:30pm.

La Biblioteca Pública de San Francisco ofrece grupos de conversación gratis.

El grupo de conversación en inglés es para adultos que desean mejorar su nivel de conversación en inglés y se hace hincapié en temas de la vida diaria. Es ideal para las personas que tienen el inglés como segundo idioma y quieren mejorarlo.

El grupo de conversación en inglés se reúne los jueves de 3 a 4:30 de la tarde. Del 31 de enero al 4 de abril.

Makers Monday!

Crafts program for children & teens

Poetry Group>  A WiseUp program.

Celebrate summer with some soap!  Learn how to make your own colorful and fragrant soap.  Materials provided for teens and tweens so bring a friend!  Registration is encouraged.  For questions or to register, contact Ileana at ipulu@sfpl.org or 415-355-5757. 

Volunteer helps elementary school-aged children who want to improve their reading.

Bring your imagination and make art! Various projects will be offered as well the chance to create whatever you can imagine! Work on one thing all summer or make something new every week. Ages 8-12

In collaboration with Visitacion Valley Boys & Girls Club

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length animated feature and one of the top ten all-time money makers. It is still considered by many critics one of the 40 greatest American films, animated or not.  Come watch Doc, Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Grumpy, and Dopey sing "Whistle While You Work" and vanquish the evil queen on our big screen!

June Meeting of the Mission Branch Book Club

Current Title: Persuasion

Call us or visit our 2nd floor Information desk for more information; and to pick up a copy of the book.

Preschool Storytime for 3 to 5 years old. Groups of 5 or more must call ahead to confirm space.  

Computers with Internet access to update, prepare, and search for jobs

Music books and more for children ages 18 to 36 months. Storytime lasts 30 minutes followed by playtime.

Books, rhymes, music, movement and more for toddlers 18 to 36 months and their caregivers.

Stories, songs, fingerplays and more for children 0-5 yrs. Limited to first 42 participants, in line, day of storytime. Tickets for this storytime are handed out at the Children's Room Entrance (entering from playground) only!

Family Storytime

Join us as we read, sing and play together. Fun for the entire family from infants to grandparents.

Stories, songs, fingerplays and more for ages 3 to 5.

Books, rhymes, music, movement, and more for toddlers 18 months to 36 months, and their caregiver. Playgroup to follow storytime. Groups of 5 or more should call ahead to confirm space.

Stories, songs, fingerplays and more. For children up to 5 years

Stories, songs, fingerplays and more.  For ages 3-5.

Ocean View Branch will be serving lunch at 12 noon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

eLearning Lab with Ed2Go  is your opportunity to take a choice of hundreds of courses offered through SFPL online!  Ed2Go offers a wide range of highly interactive courses that you can take entirely over the Internet.  All of the courses are led by expert instructors, many of whom are nationally known authors. The online courses are fun, fast, convenient, and best of all free with your San Francisco Public Library card. Each course runs for 6 weeks  and our meeting room space will be available for two hours each week (Tuesdays from 1-3pm) to work on the course using our laptops. The courses available include art, technology, creative writing, business and management, and college preparation.  You can find a full listing here http://www.ed2go.com/l-sfpl/

 We do not provide headphones, so please bring your own.   Space is limited!  Please sign up in advance at the library or by calling 355-2810

Rollicking rhymes, songs and books for infants to 18 months and their caregivers.

If you have never used a computer keyboard or a mouse, volunteers are available to help acquaint you with these basic skills.

Did you know you can grow fruits and vegetables at home in a potting container?  Come learn how.  Take home your very own container and seeds to get started! 
For ages 5 and up.

Brave San Francisco firefighters will come to talk simply about fire safety and show off their marvelous firetruck. A must for all firetruck fans! Firefighters are on duty, so there is a chance they will get called away to fight a fire.  For ages 5 and under.

Simple Machines

Recommended ages: 8+

Simple Machine & Powered Machines were designed for ages 8-up.  The kits enable children to be young engineers, designers & scientists.  Through use of the materials children are encouraged to think creatively about how things work and establish links between cause and effect.  The materials provided enable children make machines such as windmills, power cars, dogbots, clock mechanisms, fishing rods, letter balances & various vehicles. Limit 10 children. Please call for a reservation. 355-2822

Learn to make single crochet stitiches to make adorable stuffed crochet projects. Limit to 6 participants, with limited supplies. For teens, age 12 and older. For information or to register, contact: Jewel Chen at North Beach Library (415)335-5626 or jewelchen@sfpl.org

Come learn the ancient art of jewelry making!!!

Jeweler Extraordinaire Chelsee Robinson will guide you in learning the latest techniques & applications. Work with real stones, crystals, beads and more to create a beautiful necklace, bracelet or earrings!!! All materials provided. Space is limited. To reserve a spot please contact Eric Hannan at 415-557-4426 or ehannan@sfpl.org

LinkedIn is the biggest professional network on the Internet—and whether you’re currently looking for a job, or are looking to grow in one you already have, having an active account on LinkedIn can be a big help. In this workshop, business and social media experts will take you step by step through the process of creating a LinkedIn account and filling in your profile. We’ll also give you special tips for how to connect with people on LinkedIn and use it for your professional development.

The presenters are all employees of VolunteerMatch. VolunteerMatch has been using technology to connect good people and good causes since 1998.

Toddler Tales

Books, rhymes, music, movement and more for toddlers 18 to 36 months and their caregivers

Play and Grow: Toddler Fun with Reading, Rhyming and Recreation is an early literacy play group that promotes parents child interaction and kindergarten readiness. The group is intended for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and children birth-age five.

This program is a collaboration effort between Edgewood Center, Parent University, APA Family Support Services, and San Francisco Public Library.

Come to our drop-in computer help class!

This class is geared towards individuals with intermediate-level computer and internet questions!

Rolicking rhymes, songs & books for infants to 18 months and their caregivers.

Rollicking rhymes, songs & books for infants and toddlers to 18months. Meet and greet playtime follows the program. Limited to first 42 participants, in line, day of storytime. Tickets for this storytime are handed out at the Children's Room Entrance (entering from playground) only!

New York- based duo Barbara Siesel and Keith Torgan will introduce children to the magic of classical music through a lighthearted, comical embellishment of the traditional Rapunzel. For ages 5 and up. Space is limited, please call for a reservation.

Simple Machines

Recommended ages: 8+

Simple Machine & Powered Machines were designed for ages 8-up.  The kits enable children to be young engineers, designers & scientists.  Through use of the materials children are encouraged to think creatively about how things work and establish links between cause and effect.  The materials provided enable children make machines such as windmills, power cars, dogbots, clock mechanisms, fishing rods, letter balances & various vehicles. Limit 10 children. Please call for a reservation. 355-2822

Join us to assemble and program a lego robot using Lego Mindstrom kits.  All materials provided.

Space is limited.

Ages 9 and up.  For more information contact: Maricela Leon-Barrera at mleonbarrera@sfpl.org.

Join Sopie for a fun craft project for children and their caregivers.
A parent or caregiver must be available to assist children eight years old and younger.

For children ages 3 and older.

Space is limited. Reservations for groups required by calling Sunset Children's Department at (415) 355-2818

Welcome to Dracula's lavish resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free from the human world. But Drac's world could come crashing down when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to his teenage daughter.

Animated Feature
Voices by: Adam Sandler, Andy Samburg, Selena Gomez
Columbia Pictures; Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky
Rated PG; 91 minutes; 2012

Learn the basics of  knitting, or bring along a project you need help with. Each knitter receives personal help in a nurturing and relaxing environment.  Beginners, rusty, and social knitters welcome!

Yarn provided; bring your own needles (if starting a new project, size 7 or 8).

Class size limited - register with Ocean View librarian.

El título de este mes es El Manuscrito de Nieve de Luis García Jambrina.

Club de lectores en español

Club de lectores en español moderado por Chelis López, periodista y locutora de KPOO en el programa Pájaro Latinoamericano.
El ultimo miércoles de cada mes, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Sala Paley, 3ª planta, Biblioteca Central.

Aprenda habilidades básicas para usar Computadoras, Internet, y Correo Electrónico.

• Primer miercoles: Computación básica
• Segundo miercoles: Internet
• Tercer miercoles: Correo electronico
• Cuarto miercoles: Ayuda general

Se brindará la ayuda necesaria a los participantes con sus preguntas; estas clases no requiren inscripción por adelantado.

If you like great ideas, great, writing, and stimulating discussions, come and participage in the Great Books Discussion Group.

Read.  Think.  Discuss.  Grow.

Starting kindergarten is a big academic and social step, for both parents and their children. Parents for Public Schools – San Francisco will share parent-to-parent advice and tips to ease families with this transition.

Did you have an eReader? Did you know that you can check out electronic editions of library books for free? Learn how to enjoy San Francisco Public Library’s collection of more than 40,000 ebooks, eAudiobooks and eVideos at this workshop. Bring your Kindle, Nook, iPad or other eReader device with you and we will show you how to use it to download books and other materials from the Library website.

California Dreaming: poems from California poets selected by Library staff.    
Join us for an exhibition of poems by California poets, lining the atrium on the third floor of the Main Library.  The 15 poems were selected by Library staff and represent some of our favorite poetry.  The exhibit will be up from April 1 (National Poetry Month) to December 1, 2013.  The poets are both well-known (Alejandro Murguia and Al Young) and new to the scene (Stewart Shaw and Monica Xu).  We're sure you will find something to love in this exhibit. 

Make your next trip to the Library a literary one with these wonderful poets.

Andy Diaz Hope and Laurel Roth are San Francisco artists who often collaborate in addition to their solo careers. Their most recent work together is a triptych of tapestries inspired by the Unicorn Tapestries and structured on the three fundamental conflicts in literature - Human vs Nature, Human vs Him/Herself, and Human vs Human. The first tapestry, Allegory of the Monoceros, illustrates the end of Darwinian natural selection and the growth of human-centric evolution. The second, Allegory of the Infinite Mortal, portrays a garden for contemplation of the scientific and philosophical structures humans have used throughout history to explore the concepts of infinity and immortality and our place therein. The third tapestry was created during their fellowship at the de Young Museum and explores how cooperation and conflict have shaped human evolution. Each tapestry began with extensive research at the San Francisco Public Library.

Born in Berkeley, California, artist and photographer Ronald Hirano, a Deaf Nisei, was "adopted" by Miss Delight Rice, who founded the Philippine School for the Deaf in 1907, when his entire family was interned to relocation camps with 120,00 Japanese-Americans during the World War II.

This exhibition of his works includes photography, linoleum-engraved and designed covers of the California News (the newspaper from the California School for the Deaf), linoleum-engraved cards and pen and ink cards.

From the first obscure titles published by a feminist publishing cooperative in the 1970s through to titles published in last year, Randall Tarpey-Schwed brings to the San Francisco Public Library his unique collection of books that portray gay or lesbian parents. Here is the opportunity to view over seventy books which illustrate how this unique genre evolved despite political controversy. The exhibition also shows how society’s view of the LGBT community has changed.

Related Event: Book talk and discussion with Randall Tarpey-Schwed

Tuesday, May 14
6 PM
Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level

Afro-Futurism:  Envisioning the Year 2070 and Beyond uses art to create a future for us to aspire to.  It comes from an African American perspective.  Runaway slave and heroine Harriet Tubman once said, "I freed a thousand slaves; I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves."  

Over 100 years later, writer James Baldwin praised Black revolutionaries for daring to break down barriers.  He wrote in a 1970 letter to activist Angela Davis:  "The enormous revolution in black consciousness which has occurred in your generation, my dear sister, means the beginning or the end of America. Some of us, white and Black, know how great a price has been paid to bring into existence a new consciousness, a new people, an unprecedented nation." 

What will be the Black consciousness in the year 2070, one hundred years after James Baldwin's letter?  

Curated by  Kheven LaGrone

Contributing Artist:

James Phillip Anderson

Nyame O. Brown

James M. Kennedy

Ajuan Mance

Karen Oyekanmi

Sara Marie Prada

Michael Ross

Malik Senefru

Safety First ©

Tomyé

Related Event: In commemoration of Juneteenth, an artists reception/talk will take place on Sunday, June 16, 2013

Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium, 2 PM

An exhibit of photographs that explore the history of the “north shore” of San Francisco.

Exhibit opening: Friday, May 24, 1 PM

Marina Branch Library

In this Year of the Bay, San Francisco is all about what happens in and on its eponymous  waters.  From the 150th anniversary of the Port to the arrival of the America's Cup races this summer, this exhibit celebrates all things aquatic in San Francisco history: its vibrant shipping and fishing industries, its recreational swimming and boating clubs, and other aspects of San Franciscan life as defined by the City's relationship to its watery location.

Sponsored by the San Francisco History Center

As part of Pride Month 2013, the Main Library Fisher Chidren's Center will feature an exhibit on the groundbreaking children's book:  10,000 Dresses, by local author Marcus Ewert and local illustrator Rex Ray, the first transgender book ever written for children.

A modern fairy tale about becoming the person you feel you are inside, this beautiful book from Seven Stories Press was a 2008 Lambda Literary Awards finalist, a 2009 Rainbow List Book, and a 2010 Stonewall Children's and Young Adult Literature Award Honor Book.

An exhibition exploring the history of Eureka Valley through the display of found objects from one person’s life. Discovered on the stairs outside of the Eureka Valley apartment that she occupied before passing away in 1999, Noelie Jensen’s papers, photo albums and photographs bear witness to a woman who lived her entire life in Eureka Valley. 

Her life spanned the change in the neighborhood from the working class, Irish and Swedish immigrant community of Eureka Valley of the early 20^th century to the present Gay enclave of The Castro.

Augmenting her personal photos are photos taken from the collection of the San Francisco Public library documenting the physical change of the neighborhood as it transformed during the last half of the twentieth century.  The transformation of Eureka Valley to The Castro is told through the photographs of a resident that witnessed the transformation of not only a neighborhood but a city.

This exhibit showcases artwork by various students enrolled in the SF Sheriff's Department Five Keys Charter School. These schools are high schools for adults inside county jails, at post-release sites, and at community programs throughout San Francisco. The goal is to show that the artists are more than students, more than incarcerated persons, and more than just disenfranchised people.  The Five Keys Art exhibit illustrates how this program provides a path to embracing students as whole people with dreams and aspirations, as well as re-introduces the students to the community, and the community to the students.

Despite the harsh life inside prison, art allows some of the inmates to develop skills and ideas that help them learn, grow and ultimately change. The featured work in this exhibition includes paintings, prints, and dioramas. Paintings range from landscapes to renaissance-style portraits in oils, to beautiful detailed renderings of boats and architectural images of the inside of the prison. 3D artworks include a zen garden, an imaginary city, and a San Quentin cell to scale created from posterboard, cardboard and homemade ‘clay.’

Related exhibit: Book Arts from the Arts-in-Corrections Program.
Handmade books and prints from the former statewide Arts-in-Corrections Program will be on display in the Skylight Gallery, Main Library, June 15 - September 1, 2013.
Supported by the William James Association.

The Hand Bookbinders of California celebrate their 41st anniversary with an exhibition of members’ hand-bound books in the Skylight Gallery, on the sixth floor of the San Francisco Public Library, Civic Center. The exhibition is presented by the Marjorie G. and Carl W. Stern Book Arts & Special Collections Center, and is on view June 18 through September 6, 2013.

Gallery talks by members of the Hand Bookbinders of California will take place on Thursdays at 2:00pm: June 27, July 18, August 1 and 15.

Don't miss these wonderful jewels of bookbinding design that inspire appreciation of the art and craft of hand bookbinding.

Image: Das Handwerk des Buchbindens in Vergangenheit und Gegenwart by Hanna Egger (1980); decorated paper from Japanese Paper “Wagami Inden” by Seikichiro-Goto (1957) . Grabhorn Collection on the History of Printing & the Development of the Book, San Francisco Public Library.