Holiday Hours

Stop by the library to take a breather from all that holiday stress!
Here are our holiday hours:

Tuesday, December 23..............9 am-6 pm
Wednesday, December 24.........9 am-5 pm
Thursday, December 25.............Closed
Friday, December 26..................Closed
Saturday, December 27...............9 am-6 pm
Sunday, December 28..................1 pm-5 pm
Monday, December 29.................Closed
Tuesday, December 30................9 am-6 pm
Wednesday, December 31...........9 am-5 pm
Thursday, January 1....................Closed
Friday, January 2........................Closed

All libraries resume normal hours on Saturday, January 3.

Santa's Coming to the Library!

Listen to Christmas stories, and then tell Santa your Christmas wish and get a treat! Don't forget to bring your camera!

Saturday, December 20
Storytime @ 1 p.m.
Santa @ 2 p.m.

Turtles and Snow Globes

Nancy Green Presents: La Tortuga de la Concha
Saturday, December 13 @ 1 p.m.
La Concha is a newly-released CD based on a creation myth featuring Mother Turtle. The CD is a collaboration of artists relating the story of emergence, migration, and return with original music by Nancy Green. For all ages.

Crafty Hour Presents: Snow Globes
Thursday, December 18 from 4-6 p.m.
Make a snow globe just in time for the holidays! If it doesn't snow in El Paso, at least it will snow in your very own snow globe. For youth, in grades 4th-8th. Sign up at the information desk.

Stories and Celebrations

This Saturday, the Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch Library will have its weekly family storytime at 1:00 p.m. featuring stories about Las Posadas. Stick around or come back at 3:00 p.m. to hear part one of The Tale of Despereaux. We'll be reading the book aloud for two Saturdays in celebration of the movie release. We'll also be raffling away a free copy of the book. What can be better than listening to a story by the fireplace while sipping on hot cocoa?

You can also swing by the Westside Branch Library to celebrate their 20th anniversary! The branch was able to open its doors to the public in 1988 due to citizen involvement, money raised from private donations, and grant funds. Dorris Van Doren spearheaded the fundraising for construction and was able to get the land donated for the branch. Our branch is proud to be named after this amazing woman!

See you at these events on Saturday, December 6!

Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch

551 Redd Rd.

>Family Storytime @ 1 p.m.
>The Tale of Despereaux
Reading, Raffle, and Cocoa @ 3 p.m.

Westside Branch

125 Belvidere St.
>20th Anniversary Celebration
Live music and refreshments

from 2-4 p.m.

Thanksgiving Hours

Here are our holiday hours:

Wednesday, November 26 from 9:00-5:30 pm
Thursday and Friday, November 27-28 Closed
Saturday, November 29 from 10:00-6:00 pm

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Don't Forget to Sign Up!

There's still space left for youth in grades 4th-8th to sign up for the papier mache class. On Thursday, November 20 from 4-6 p.m., youth will learn the basics of papier mache by creating a beehive and other fun projects. You can sign up at the information desk.

There's also still time to sign up for the blood drive that will take place on Saturday, November 22 from 2-5 p.m. You can sign up at the information desk or online by clicking on the picture to the left, or you can just show up the day of the drive if you'd rather not sign up in advance.

Mini Carnival Tomorrow!

Our children's Mini Halloween Carnival is tomorrow (October 29) at 4 pm! There'll be carnival games, a costume contest, and candy of course! Take a walk down Spook Alley if you dare. Join us for an afternoon of family fun!

Art Discussion & T-Shirt/Book Giveaway

This Saturday marks the end of the Big Read Mexico, and we've got a great program to close this exciting pilot project! Ben Fyffe of MCAD (Museums and Cultural Affairs Department) joins us once again for another engaging discussion on art. His discussion will focus on Mexican and Chicano art. After the program, we will raffle away Art & Sol t-shirts from the El Paso Museum of Art and copies of Sun, Stone, & Shadows (in both English & Spanish).

Saturday, October 25 @ 2 p.m.

A Mystery Sale & a Slew of Best Sellers (finally!)

You still have time to take advantage of the Bookmark’s half off Mystery books sale. All hard and soft cover Mystery books are 50% off with the exception of Best Sellers. Hurry, the sale ends this Saturday, October 25th. Best of all, proceeds benefit the Westside Libraries! The Bookmark is located @ 7348 Remcon. For more information about the Bookmark, check out this previous blog.

Speaking of Best Sellers, we have finally received our shipment of new Best Sellers! We apologize for any inconvenience this caused, but we had to wait until our new budget was approved. They can be found in the display area, but if you don’t find the one you want, you can always place a request. We’ve gotten a bunch of the usual Best Seller listers, such as J.A. Jance, Philip Roth, Elizabeth Peters, Alexander McCall Smith, and more! We will also be getting a couple more copies of Oprah’s latest pick, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. So, keep asking us if you don’t see the Best Seller you’re looking for.

Teen Read Week is here!

Teen Read Week is an initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association that celebrates teen reading during the third week of October every year. This is a time to encourage teens to spend time reading for pleasure. Research shows that teens who read for fun have better test scores and are more likely to succeed in the workforce. During this week, teens can also vote for their favorite books to be included in the annual Teens' Top Ten list.

You can encourage your teens to read by being an example, and showing them that you love to read, too. Get caught reading! You can also suggest that they read books from the Teens' Top Ten list. These lists feature books that were nominated and chosen by teens.

Pick up a bookmark listing the nominees and check out/request the books here at the library!


The winner's have been announced!

Saturday Movie Matinee

The Big Read Mexico Presents:

Under the Same Moon/

Las Misma Luna

October 4 @ 2 p.m.

A boy living in Mexico crosses the Mexican/American Border to reunite with his mother. Rated PG-13.

Free Popcorn & refreshments.

New Storytime Schedule

Tuesday and Wednesday storytimes will now begin at 11:00 a.m. The new schedule begins in October. Here are this month's dates and themes:

Bilingual Storytime on Tuesdays @ 11 a.m.
Themes:
October 7 Smile Day- Bring your smile :-)
Ocotber 14 Teddy Bear Stories (teddy bears may tag along)
October 21 Fall Stories
October 28 Stories About Mexico

Preschool Storytime on Wednesdays @ 11 a.m.
Themes:
October 1 Sun Becomes Shine
October 8 Fall is in the Air
October 15 Shadows
October 22 An Apple a Day
October 29 Bats

Family Storytime on Saturdays @ 1 p.m.
Themes:
October 4 Giant Veggies
October 11 Fall Fest
October 18 Moonstruck
October 25 Halloween

Wonderful Waves

Saturday, September 27 @ 1 p.m.

Come hear a reading of My Life with the Wave by Catherine Cowan. The book is based on Octavio Paz's short story by the same title. Children will also listen to stories about the ocean and make a sand art craft.

Have you heard of Percy Jackson?

Guest blogger and librarian, Derek is here to tell you all about this exciting series of books that will appeal to fiction readers of all ages.

The Battle of the Labyrinth

(Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series, Book 4)
By Rick Riordan
Call #: J Fic RIO

Having recently read the fourth book of Mr. Riordan’s debut fantasy series for kids and young adults, or those just young at heart, I am still very impressed with his ability to tell a story and leave you wanting more. If you enjoyed reading the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, you may definitely love reading the four books that have been published so far in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series. If you’ve never heard of it, here’s a quick background:

Imagine that the ancient Greek gods were actually real and still alive today, only as a human mortal you can’t see clearly through what is called “the mist,” a sort of screen that prevents us from seeing the ancient monsters and delightful creatures that still wander the Earth while every now and then the gods themselves come down and interfere with daily life when they’re not on Mount Olympus (now above the Empire State Building in New York City) or other far-flung reaches of the world. What’s more is that the gods still have children with mortals, half-bloods, and there’s even a magical camp out on Long Island where they train to use their special abilities granted at birth. Nowadays, however, a full-fledged, nasty war is threatening to break out between the Olympians and the Titans, the older generation that was overthrown by Zeus. Percy Jackson, who seems like your average young teen, is probably the only one who can save the world from total doom and destruction.

If this sounds like exciting reading to you, I recommend you start with the first three books in the series, The Lightning Thief, Sea of Monsters and the Titan’s Curse. Each one is thrilling, page-turning and hard to put down because they are written very much like mystery books, which is Mr. Riordan’s specialty. He has written many adult mystery books, and he was inspired to try writing for a younger audience when his son responded well to a story he made up for bedtime. It has grown into popular and successful novels because not only do they provide entertainment but make you feel like one of the characters because you can easily identify with Percy and his friends, who are just like you and I but face way difficult circumstances. They have their flaws, and Percy himself struggles with dyslexia just like any other young person. Ms. Rowling also created real, believable characters in the Harry Potter books.

This fourth book won’t be the last, but for me, it was the best one so far. I was completely wrong about a lot of my guesses as I tried to put many of the clues together. The book, like the others, cleverly adapts many of the Greek myths and legends into modern times, and it’s also funny at times. Mr. Riordan is also a great expert at blending the serious with the humorous, intense with the everyday stuff and really describes battle scenes with a lot of imagery and imagination. Check these books out!

Wildlife Rescue

Lorraine Snelling of Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue will give a presentation about what to do with injured animals.
Saturday, August 23 @ 2p.m.

Don't forget to stop by and donate blood! United Blood Services will be here from 12-4 p.m. You can also log on to their website to make an appointment at http://www.bloodhero.com/ (enter sponsor code DVD Library).

"Greek Olympic Games"

The YWCA Racial Justice Center will teach the significance of racial justice through activities and fun interaction. This is a community awareness program for children of all ages.

Thursday, August 14 @ 4p.m.

Musical Treat!

The Stringcheese Trio will be performing classical, traditional, and popular music for the whole family! The trio consists of Melissa Condie, Nicole Condie, and Krista Allen on violin, cello, and recorder. Join us this Saturday, August 9 @ 2 p.m.

Breaking Dawn Release Party/Vampire Prom

The wait is almost over! We'll be celebrating the release of Breaking Dawn (the fourth book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series) by throwing a Vampire Prom on Friday, August 1 from 10 p.m. until Midnight!

Wear your best vampire prom outfit or Twilight-related costume for a chance to win a gift card to purchase the book. Bring your camera to take a prom picture. There will also be giveaways and activities throughout the night. Wedding cake and refreshments will be served. All ages are welcome.

**Update: Copies of Breaking Dawn will be here! Copies will be raffled off to be checked out**

SRC Party this Saturday!

Don't forget to come to the Summer Reading Club wrap up party! Everyone read up a storm this summer, and definitely deserves a cool clown party! Over 5,000 books were read.

We'll begin awarding certificates and goody bags at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. At 1 p.m., Patches the Clown will have us laughing, singing, and wowed by her magic tricks. After the show, we will resume awarding certificates.

Teens! Your SRC party will be at the Main Library on 501 Oregon (downtown) from 5-10 p.m. There'll be live music by The Kirk and Axis, video games, board games, crafts, and pizza! 4 prizes will be awarded to the top readers. They include a Fender acoustic guitar, an IPod ready boombox, an IPod shuffle, and a skateboard.

Zuill Bailey Performance

Cellist, Zuill Bailey returns to Dorris Van Doren this Thursday for another special performance featuring the Bach Suites.

Thursday, July 24 beginning @ 10:30 a.m.
Free
(Note: Performance is about 2 hours rather than the 5 hour time frame that was printed in the newsletter)

Updates and Events

I don't know if you've noticed as much as we have, but the library has been very busy this summer. We've had a lot of exciting programming this summer and there's still more to come! Unfortunately, some of the upcoming programs have been canceled due to some unforeseen circumstances. The good news is that most have agreed to reschedule. We'll let you know as soon as they contact us with the new info.

This Saturday's events include:

Special presentation on Work and Culture by Mike Grunsten from 10-11 a.m.
Grunsten will discuss working with cultural differences based on research and his experience working with multinational operations in the U.S. and Mexico. Free and open to the public.

Cock-a-Doodle-Doo Puppet Show for all ages @ 2 p.m.

The Vocal Performance scheduled for 2 p.m. is canceled.

The Humane Society program for last Saturday was canceled, but has rescheduled for this Saturday @ 3 p.m.

Manga Drawing Workshop for all levels (ages teen & up) from 3-5 p.m.
Character creation and the art of storytelling are some of the topics that will be covered.

Don't forget that this Saturday is also the LAST day to turn in all reading logs!
Get them in, get a prize, and show up on the 26th for the wrap-up party!

Pets 101 & Sushi 101

This Saturday's Summer Reading Club events include some primers for children and teens.

The El Paso Humane Society will be here to help children learn about animal health, pet care, and pet adoption.
Saturday, July 12 @ 1 p.m.

Later on in the day, we'll be holding a Sushi Social for teens as part of the Anime and Summer Reading Club. Teens will get to learn how to make a simple vegetarian roll and eat it, too! Materials will be provided.
Saturday, July 12 @ 3 p.m.

Patriotic Belly Dancing?

Not quite, but there will be belly dancing and patriotic music occurring on the same day.


Discover the history of an ancient dance form and move to the music with Zakia the belly dancer! It's part of the Summer Reading Club events, and it begins at 1 p.m on Saturday, June 28.

After you shake your hips, stick around to celebrate the Fourth of July early with us! Listen to the 62nd Army Brass Band Quintet perform patriotic and standard selections. Saturday, June 28 @ 2 p.m.

Reading, Teens, & Bears! Oh, my!

This week's SRC events include a chance to learn about bears, and a day long festival dedicated to teens.







On Saturday, June 21 @ 1 p.m. @ Dorris Van Doren, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park will help us learn about the bears that live in our area.

After the presentation, head on over to Cohen Stadium for Teenfest! Tons of cool stuff will be going on over there. Some of that stuff includes live bands, dancers, rock climbing wall, crafts, games, info booths, a car show, and more!

Teenfest, from 1-7 p.m. @ Cohen Stadium...Free!

More info...

This week's SRC Event

Come listen to stories by gypsy storyteller, Terry Alvarez.

Saturday, June 14 @ 1 p.m.

Don't forget, there's still time to sign up for the summer reading club (SRC)!

Summer Reading Club begins this week!

Summertime is here and it's the perfect time to go to your library, cool off, and... join the Texas Reading Club of course! Read 8 books or more to receive a certificate and goodie bag. Participants don't have to attend any SRC events, but they're just too good to miss out on!

Who can join?
All children from infants to age 12, and all teens ages 13-19 (or those entering the 7th grade). Even if you're too mature to join, be an example by reading with or alongside children and teens. Get caught reading!

Registration begins all day Saturday, June 7 and ends July 12.
SRC Kickoff with Adrian the Magician
Saturday, June 7 @ 1 pm

Teen SRC 80s Style Lock-in
Saturday, June 7 from 7-11 pm
Sign up at the information desk.

The rest of the SRC events will be listed here weekly. Teens can also check out our myspace page for updates.

Book Discussion and Author Signing!

Area author, Florence Weinberg will be here at DVD on Friday to discuss and sign copies of her newest book Seven Cities of Mud. It is a historical novel about the second expedition up the Rio Grande into New Mexico in 1581-82. Coronado's expedition, seeking the Seven Cities of Gold (Cibola), had explored the region in 1540, had burned a pueblo and killed its inhabitants, leaving much distress and hatred in its wake.

You won't want to miss this event! She will also be visiting other libraries from May 30-June 1. Call for details.

>Hear Weinberg talk about her latest book on

Friday, May 30 @ 1:30 p.m.

>Visit the author's website

>Read an excerpt from her latest book and

an article about the expedition

Franklin Flute Trio

Come hear Franklin High School seniors Ana Lisa Acosta, Janella Saad, and Maria Shin play this Saturday, May 24th @ 2 p.m.

Heart and Soul Beats

What happens when five area women who are passionate about writing come together at the library? You get a dynamic open mic performance called Heart and Soul Beats!

Come hear Marti Brito, Janel Garrison, Roseanne Lara, Vita Montano, and Ardith Peterson read poetry and other writings from their personal journals.

Tuesday, May 13 @ 6 p.m.

Origami Bash!

Youth in grades 4th-8th, are invited to learn the Japanese art of paperfolding. Learn how to make a box, frog, cube, and whale!

Thursday, May 8 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Blood Drive Canceled

The Blood Drive that was scheduled for Saturday, April 26th has been postponed until Saturday, May 3rd. Please sign up at www.bloodhero.com and enter sponsor code "DVD Library" to reserve your time slot in advance.

We apologize and thank you for your generosity.

Libraries Closed on April 11

Each year, the staff of the El Paso Public Library System convenes for staff development day. It provides an opportunity for staff to gain knowledge and improve services to the public. As a result, all public libraries will be closed on Friday, April 11th. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The World of Don Quixote

A unique collection of items with icons and images related to Don Quixote will be on display at the Main Branch and here at Dorris Van Doren from April 1st to May 31st. The collection consists of over 700 items of figurines, art works, unique collector’s items, and books in various editions and languages. You won’t want to miss this wondrous exhibit or any of the related programs that celebrate Cervantes' treasured classic, Don Quixote de la Mancha. You can also visit Albert Askanazi’s website for more information and pictures of his collection at www.museumdonquixote.com.

Children’s Program: Don Quixote for the Young
Saturday, April 12 @ 2 p.m.
Children, ages 6 and older are invited to see a cartoon based on the story of Don Quixote. Mr. Askenazi will also provide a presentation and tour of his collection. Then, they’ll make a helmet and pretend to be Don Quixote!

Adult Program: The World of Don Quixote
Saturday, April 19 @ 2 p.m.
Come and hear Mr. Askenazi discuss Don Quixote and receive a tour of his collection. Refreshments will be provided.

The Big Read!

Join the City of El Paso in a month-long read of the book, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Pick up a copy at any public library and participate in free contests and events for all ages! You can also check out other links of interest from last week's post.

Fire! Thursday, March 6 @ 10 a.m.
Children’s storytime featuring firefighters. Children will get to tour an actual fire engine!

Imaginate That! Thursday, March 13 @ 4 p.m.
Youth in grades 4th-8th are invited to engage in an interactive book discussion, with an opportunity to make a craft and win a door prize.

Movie Matinee Saturday, March 15 @ 2 p.m.
The classic 1966 version of Fahrenheit 451, directed by Francois Truffaut. Free popcorn and refreshments will be served.

Censorship in Art Saturday, March 22 @ 2 p.m.
Themes of censorship resonate in this book. Ben Fyffe of the El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, will lecture on the history of art. “Aquila o Sol,” the controversial work by artist Francisco Delgado of the MCAD’s Art and Sol Project will also be discussed. Seven Art and Sol T-shirts will be raffled.

Kristallnacht Science Fact and Fiction Wednesday, March 26 @ 6 p.m.
A discussion about Fahrenheit 451 and the events that may have influenced the writer will be led by notable Jewish scholar, Dr. Ezra Cappell, Ph.D. Dr. Cappell is Assistant Professor of English Literature and Jewish Studies at UTEP.

Read Out! Saturday, March 29 @ 2 p.m.
Entries from the “Book People” contest will be read and winners will be announced. Winners of the YouTube Video Contest will also be announced and viewed.

M&M March Selection

The March book selection for the Mothers and More book club is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. They will meet on Thursday, March 20 at 10 a.m. Copies are available to check out at the circulation desk.

The Big Read is coming in March!

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. The Big Read aims to bring the power of reading into the lives of Americans by encouraging communities to read and discuss a single book. Last year, Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird was chosen. The highlight of last year's events was when the C-SPAN Book TV bus stopped by and we had a jazz band performance. Did anybody tour the bus? I couldn't even tell that I was inside of a bus!

This year's book choice is Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. The theme of censorship resonates in this book, and coincidentally, is a theme that our own library system has faced this past year. The El Paso Public Library System has faced censorship issues that have dealt with Internet use and the display of controversial materials and artwork. One of our programs will feature a speaker from the El Paso Museum of Art that will discuss censorship, as well as Francisco Delgado's "Aquilo o Sol." This is only one of the many events that will be featured during the month of March. There will be children's events, too!

Be sure to pick up a copy of Fahrenheit 451, and be ready to have fun discussing this important work at your library! A complete list of programs will be available on this blog and at the library in March.

Can't wait till March for the Big Read?
>Learn more about the Big Read initiative
>Reserve your copy of Fahrenheit 451
>Check out the full listing of Big Read events
>Visit the MCAD website

Harp For The Heart

Come celebrate Valentine's Day at the library with a program that will pull at your harp-strings! We will be having another harp performance with a different harpist. Bring the whole family, Danielle Robinson will be performing songs that will appeal to all ages.

Saturday, February 9 @ 2 p.m.

Year of the Rat

This year, the Chinese New Year begins on February 7 and it is the year of the rat. Bring the whole family to learn how to celebrate this event. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Children’s Chinese New Year Program
Saturday, February 2 @ 1 p.m.

New book club for moms!

A new book club, called Mothers and More is starting up in February for moms who want to discuss books, but can't attend because their children would have to come, too. Moms are welcome to bring their thoughts and their children to the book discussion! The group plans to meet the third Thursday of every month at 10 am in the Quiet Room.



February's Book Selection:
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
Discussion Date: Thursday, February 21 @ 10 am

Currently, there are no copies available to check out at any of the public libraries. UTEP has a copy available (you can check out books if you obtain a TexShare card from us). You might be able to find a copy at The Book Mark and support our Friends group at the same time (check this blog out).

If you are interested in forming a book club that is more tailored to your reading interests and lifestyle (especially school aged children and teens!), please feel free to contact me at 875-0700 ext. 8518.

Cappuccino and Ketchup Fries?

In case you haven't noticed, we have a vending machine! It is stocked with munching staples such as chips and soda, but it seems that our vendors like to rotate some different items in there. One such item is ketchup fries. The bag claims that they are "totally cool," so I had to give them a try. I don't know if they're totally cool, but they are totally different and weirdly addicting. You'll just have to try them, but if you hate them do not come to the reference desk and demand that I refund you your money.

If ketchup fries aren't your cup of tea, then maybe an actual cup of tea, coffee, or cappuccino is your cup of--um okay, I'll stop the corny humor. But seriously, we now have a coffee machine in the craft area (middle of library)! It's only 50 cents and the hazelnut cappuccino is really good!

Yes, you are welcome to enjoy your snacks in the library, but we ask that you please clean up after yourself. There are trash cans throughout the library. If you accidentally spill, don't be embarrassed, let us know and we be happy to help clean it up.

Need something to go with that cap and coffee cake?

How about...

Celebrate Equality and Dance this week!

Wednesday, January 16 from 5:30-6:30 pm
The YWCA Racial Justice Center presents a children's program and activity about equality. Professor Barbara Yancy-Tooks will speak afterwards in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Saturday, January 19 at 2 pm
Linda Gallegos will present the power, finesse, and passion of the flamenco dance.

Bring the whole family for both events!

Be a hero! Donate Blood.

United Blood Services will be hosting a blood drive in the auditorium. For more information on donating blood or to reserve a time slot, visit the information desk.

Saturday, January 12 from noon to 4 p.m.

United Blood Services mascot Ubie will be here!

Happy New Year! New Hours and Storytime!

This past Wednesday marked the beginning of our new storytime. Wednesday storytime is usually at 1 p.m., but now it will be at 11 a.m. and will feature bilingual stories.

Join us on Wednesdays @ 11 a.m. for stories in English and Spanish followed by a craft. This month's dates and themes include:

Jan. 9 Animales/Animals
Jan. 16 Exploring El Mercado
Jan. 23 Quiriquiri-Moo/Cockadoodle-Moo
Jan. 30 Hats Around the World


The Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch Library will now be open on Sundays and open longer on Thursdays!

Sundays 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Mondays Closed
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Thursdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fridays 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.