Happy Holidays!

The holidays may have come a little too quickly for some of us, but it's nice to know that you can always take a moment to relax at the library. We have plenty of holiday books and programs to help get the whole family in the holiday spirit. Click here for our holiday hours.

Festival of Lights Storytime

Saturday, December 4 @ 1 p.m.

Crafts & Cocoa

Tuesdays, during Teen Hangout @ 4 p.m.

Teens are invited to make a holiday craft & drink hot cocoa.

Santa's Coming!

Saturday, December 11 @ 1 p.m.

Santa Claus will be here! Don't forget your camera & wish list!

Pajama Storytime

Thursday, December 16 @ 6 p.m.

Children can come in their comfy PJ's to hear stories.

Movie Matinee

Saturday, December 18 @ 3 p.m.

(Call 875-0700 for movie title)

Holiday Movie

Thursday, December 23 @ 3 p.m.

(Call 875-0700 for movie title)

Chalk the Walk

MCAD's third annual event, Chalk the Block is taking place this weekend! To celebrate this event, teens got to make homemade sidewalk chalk last Tuesday during Teen Hangout. Not everyone will be able to make it out to Chalk the Block, so we held our own "Chalk the Walk" event this past Tuesday. Everyone was invited to chalk up the courtyard area near the family room and enjoy popcorn. We have plenty of chalk left, so we are definitely going to do this again!

More info:

• Chalk the Block is this weekend, click here to visit their site for the schedule.
• Teen Hangout (ages 13-19) is on Tuesdays here @ DVD from 4-6 p.m.
• The next Chalk the Walk @ DVD will be announced soon.
  

Pictures from Chalk the Walk:

Happy Banned Books Week!

We're celebrating Banned Books Week from September 25 thru October 2! Libraries across the country are celebrating intellectual freedom—the freedom to access information and express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopular.

Did you know that books are still banned and challenged in the United States? Many books that are now considered classics, were banned in either the U.S. or abroad at one time. Today, people still attempt to have books removed from libraries and school curriculum for various reasons. The most popular reason has been "unsuited to age group."

Come on in and check out our display and a book that has been banned/challenged!

For more information about Banned Books Week and complete lists, visit: http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm

The Top 10 Most Frequently Banned Books of 2009 were...

1. ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle
Reasons: drugs, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group
2. And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Reasons: homosexuality
3. The Perks of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: anti-family, drugs, homosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, suicide, unsuited to age group
4. To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
Reasons: offensive language, racism, unsuited to age group
5. Twilight (series) by Stephenie Meyer
Reasons: religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group
6. Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
Reasons: offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group
7. My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult
Reasons: homosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexism, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, violence
8. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler
Reasons: offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group
9. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
Reasons: offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group
10. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
Reasons: nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group

Get Healthy @ Your Library!

We will be hosting a free workshop next Tuesday evening that features health information. Our very own government documents librarian will show you how to find the best information on health, aging, family care, and much more!

Tuesday, September 21 @ 6 p.m.

National Library Card Sign-Up Month

The El Paso Public Library System wants to make sure that everyone in our community has the smartest card of all- a library card! Libraries enrich everyone's lives through programs, books, movies music, technology, and so much more!

This year, you can get a special limited edition card at any public library or Good Time Store while supplies last. The card features UTEP's new head basketball coach, Tim Floyd. Bring the card to your nearest branch to get it activated and start utilizing your library's resources now.

Summer Reading Club Success!

This year we had over 600 children and teens sign up for the summer reading club with a total of 4,917 books read!

Congratulations to Khai Ho and Lawrence Lane who completed the program and won a gift card in the teen reading raffle!

For those that missed the wrap up parties, don't forget to pick up your certificate and goody bag. Children can also look for their name on the bulletin board in the children's section of the library. We hope you'll join us again next summer!

We would like to thank our partners and sponsors who made our programs and prizes possible. The Friends of the Westside Libraries and the Lone Star Grant generously provided funding for programs and materials. Sponsors included, Adventure Zone, Carl's Jr., Cici's Pizza, Hot Topic, McDonald's, Peter Piper Pizza, Walmart Supercenter, and Whataburger.

We would also like to thank you for participating and attending our programs!

Summer Concert!

We have a special classical concert this Saturday, featuring The Lorien String Quartet. The quartet consists of Paul Pompa (1st violin), Sandra Herrera (2nd violin), Chris Pinon (viola), and Zoei Hantzopulos (cello). They will be playing Haydn's String Quartet No. 25 and Mozart's Ein Kleine Nachtmusik.

Saturday, August 7 @ 3 p.m.

The Da Vinci Experience @ the Library!

Have you been to the El Paso Museum of History to see the Da Vinci Experience yet? I was fortunate to take advantage of the half price admission this past weekend. I had been excited to see this exhibit, but was a little wary of paying the $14 admission price. I'm so glad that I went, because it was definitely worth it! Also, please note that the museum does not usually charge , but needed to do so in order to cover the expense. Other areas of the museum are free to visit during the exhibit as well.

The exhibit contains over 60 machines that Da Vinci designed, as well as replicas of his paintings. The machines are divided into several rooms by military, mechanical devices, transportation, and art. Wooden models of his machines are on display and some are even hands-on. It was truly fascinating to see the beginnings of machines that we rely upon today. I was really surprised to learn that Da Vinci had worked as a military engineer for the Duke of Milan designing war crafts and weaponry. It was also nice to see children interacting with the exhibits and trying to figure out how they work.

If you haven't been to the exhibit or you now have Da Vinci fever, then I hope you will join us this Saturday for a special program. It is part of our children's summer reading club, but all ages are welcome. Curator, Susan Taylor will teach everyone about Da Vinci, followed by some hands-on activities.

Saturday, June 19 @ 1 p.m.

Visit these websites for more info:
http://www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/history/davinci.asp
http://www.davinciexperience.info/
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Jam-Packed Saturday!

There is a lot going on this Saturday, June 5, 2010 at the Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch! Most of the programs are for all ages, and all of them are free.

• Summer Reading Club Registration for children & teens All day
• Yarn Addicts (Knitting & Crocheting Group) @ 10 a.m.
• Magician Randy Collins @ 1 p.m.
• Violin Concert w/Melissa Condie @ 2:30 p.m.
• Movie Matinee @ 3 p.m.

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Yarn Camp!

Alison Westermann has graciously agreed to teach knitting/crocheting classes at the library! The classes are free and for various ages. All you need to purchase is the materials. Both classes are limited to 15 students, so hurry on in and register at the information desk!

Yarn for Youth
for 10-12 year olds, June 15-18 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
In this four day long class, participants will explore the history of needlework as well as practice knitting and crocheting. No previous experience necessary-this class is for beginners!

Yarn it Up!
for teens and adults, June 15, 22, & 29 from 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Stop wishing and jump into the beautiful world of knitting and crocheting! Learn about the history of fibers and needlework, tools of the trade, and take a look at different fibers. A couple of patterns will be used to teach the basic skills of knitting and crochet. No previous experience necessary-this class is for beginners!

Materials needed for both classes:

• 1 skein (ball) of worsted weight cotton yarn, any color/fiber (solid colors preferred)
• 1 pair of knitting needles, size 10 1/2 (American size), any color/material
• 1 crochet hook, size G-6 (American size), any color/material

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Violin & Piano Concert

Pianist and violinist Wesley Yu will perform classic and original works this Saturday at our branch! He will be accompanied by his father Hanson Yu on second violin and mother Amelia Leung on piano. They will perform works by Bach, Bartok, and an original piece called Mayflies. Mayflies chronicles the life of a few courageous mayflies who set off on a journey that extends their typically short life to an entire summer.

Saturday, May 15 @ 4 p.m.

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Free Workshop: Starting a Small Business

Are you interested in growing or starting a small business? Get some tips at this free workshop presented by Terri Reed.

Thursday, May 6 @ 6 p.m.

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All Libraries Closed on Friday, April 30

All El Paso Public Libraries will be closed this Friday, April 30 for our annual Staff Development Day. Every year, the library staff gathers at the Main Library for an entire day of workshops to help us improve our services to you!

We apologize for this inconvenience. The UTEP and El Paso Community College Libraries will be open that day. You can get a TexShare card at the circulation desk to be able to check out items from these libraries. Most of the EPCC libraries have public computers as well.

Libraries will reopen on Saturday, May 1 @ 10 a.m.

Don't forget to check out our May movie lineup!
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Money Smart Week

During the month of April, the Empowerment Zone of the City of El Paso will provide a series of free programs at all of the El Paso Public Libraries. Two sessions are being held at this library this week. Click here for the complete listing of programs.

Getting Ready For College
Tuesday, April 20 from 6:30-7:30 pm
Learn how to prepare for a successful college experience. Presentation by Kim Tovar.

Six Easy Steps to an Effective Estate Plan
Thursday, April 22 from 6:30-7;30 p.m.
Understand the basics of estate planning by asking the experts. Presentation by Theresa Winter.

A Month of Poetry

April is National Poetry Month and we're inviting everyone to submit a poem to be displayed in the library!

Submit your poem in person or send us an email at dorrisvandoren@elpasotexas.gov. Be sure to include your name and grade (if applicable). All ages are welcome. We will place your poem in the display case in the Young Adults area.

Don't forget to check out our poetry books, as well as biographies about poets and how to guides. You can also visit The Academy of American Poets website to find more information about National Poetry Month.

Nominate a Teen!

The Mayor's 100 Teens Program is in its fifth year of recognizing youth within the El Paso community who have overcome adversity, provided a service to others, achieved something significant, and who lead by example. The program intends to inspire more teens to reach higher levels of service and accomplishment through this recognition program. Selected teens will be recognized and participate in various community activities.

Teens completing 9th, 10th, or 11th grades may be nominated by teachers, counselors, friends, clergy, or family (but not their parents). More information, along with nomination forms can be found online and at any public library. Click here for info and applications.

The deadline is Friday, April 16, 2010.

2010 Youth Poetry Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2010 Youth Poetry Contest! We are so proud of all of you! Below are the winning poems that were submitted here at the Dorris van Doren Regional Branch. You can also check out the complete listing of all the winning poems here.

See What I See
1st Place, 8th Grade St. Patrick's Elementary

When one falls, others rise,
The light drains from the sky,
Slowly white dots do appear,
And you have a feeling that something is near.

It is dark now but still light,
You may look out and see the city's night,
And look up and see the flashing stars,
As they wave to you and see who you are.

The gently breeze brushes by,
She's so cold and so sly,
She wills the trees to sing their song,
And they dance there all night long.

The brushes rattle as they tell their stories,
About brave fights and wonderful glories,
The curious animals gather round,
They listen hard their tongues bound.

The moon talks with its glow,
He tells you not to feel so low,
He says the love will always find,
A place in your heart and mind.

When I see this I wish you were here,
To tell me you love me in my ear,
And hold me like there's no tomorrow
As we watch in tears and in sorrow.

I see this miracle every night,
And not crying is definitely a fight,
For the beauty of it all humbles me,
If only you could see what I see.

Honorable Mentions:

Untitled
4th Grade Herrera Elementary

It has flowers, fruit, and leaves
Can you guess what it is?
A tree.
Good now. What about this?
It's yellow,
Has stripes,
Gets pollen from a flower on a tree.
It's a beebeebee
That goes buzz, buzz, buzz all day long.

Untitled
8th grade Guillen Middle

Across the road of a dark night,
things are going around my head.
I stare at the stars shining
of bright lights and sounds.
I can hear my dreams calling to me
North, West, East, and South.
I'll give the first step to that road
to follow my dreams,
to achieve my goals.

Saturday Movies

Our Saturday Movie Matinee continues this month with some more family friendly movies. Give us a call or stop in the library to find out which movies we're showing this month. Here's a hint: most of them are new releases and based on books. As always, free popcorn is provided!

Saturdays @ 3 p.m.

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Free Tax Preparation Sites

Every year, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. VITA offers help to low- to moderate-income (generally $49,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. TCE provides free tax help to people aged 60 and older.

Below is the link to the Coalition for Family Economic Progress's site. They have been part of the VITA program since 2006. You'll find a list of the tax preparation sites by location, as well as a downloadable PDF with more detailed information. Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions. While we cannot assist you with your taxes, we are happy to print out any tax forms you may need, free of charge.

http://www.freetaxeselpaso.org/freetaxsites.html

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Resolutions You Can Accomplish

The year has just begun and there's already so much going on at the library! We think your first New Year's resolution should be to visit the library more!

Here's a list of resolutions that you can actually accomplish this month:
1. Do something for the community.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Canned Food Drive January 7-18
All of the public libraries will be accepting non-perishable canned or dried food. The food will be distributed to the Salvation Army, Opportunity Center, EP Rescue Mission, Center Against Family Violence, and more.

2. Catch up on the movies you missed in 2009 (or watch them again).
We'll be showing movies and serving popcorn on Saturdays @ 3 p.m. This month's lineup features some new family favorites. Next month's movies will feature a little romance.
January 16 Up
January 23 G-Force
January 30 Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

3. Enter a contest or encourage someone to enter.
The deadline to enter our annual Youth Poetry Contest is Saturday, January 30. Youth in grades 1st-12th can enter original poetry in English or Spanish. Entry forms can be picked up and returned at any public library. Details

4. Start on your taxes.
We have received the following forms and instruction booklets at our branch:
1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ. All other forms can be found at www.irs.gov. We can help you find the form you're looking for and print it out for free!

5. Follow us on Twitter. www.twitter.com/elpasolibrary
The El Paso Public Library System launched its Twitter account this past month! We tweet about citywide library events, updates, fun facts, and more. Check it out, even if you're not on Twitter. You can also friend us on Facebook or MySpace (teens only).