Happy Holidays!

~from the staff @ DVD

Don't forget that we're open Monday-Wednesday, December 21-23 from 9am-6pm and Christmas Eve from 9am-5pm. We will be closed Friday-Sunday, and reopen on Monday, December 28 from 9am-6pm. Click here for complete holiday hours information.

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Santa on Saturday!

Listen to stories, make a craft, visit with Santa, and get a free book! Don't forget your wish list and camera!

Saturday, December 19 @ 1 p.m.
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Sale @ the Bookmark

Our Friends of the Library bookstore is having a holiday sale beginning tomorrow!
Everything in the store will be 50% off from December 9-19.

Gift Certificates are also available.
The store will be closed December 23, and will reopen on January 6.

The Bookmark
7348 Remcon
(915) 833-2342
Wed 3-6 p.m.
Thurs 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fri 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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Science Project Demonstration

Gear up for your current or upcoming science fair project with librarian, Judith Davidson-Garcia. Get tips and ideas on how to perform and report a science experiment. This free presentation is open to all elementary and middle school students and their parents.

Saturday, December 5 @ 3 p.m.
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We're open!

We will open at our normally scheduled time of 11 am. We will keep you updated if there are any early closures. Drive safe and stay warm!

Thanksgiving Hours

The library staff wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

We'll be closed on Thursday and Friday (November 26 & 27), but we will be open on Saturday.

Wednesday, November 25
9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Closed Thursday and Friday

Saturday, November 28
10 a.m.-6 p.m.

NBA Winners Announced

No, not basketball! The 2009 National Book Award winners were announced this week. Catch coverage of the ceremony and dinner on C-SPAN2, BookTV on Saturday (11/21) @ 8 p.m. EST and Sunday (11/22) @ 10 a.m. EST.

Young People's Literature
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice
by Phillip Hoose
(available @ the Main library)

Poetry
Transcendental Studies: A Trilogy
by Keith Waldrop

Nonfiction
The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt
by T.J. Stiles

Fiction
Let the Great World Spin
by Colum McCann

Distinguished Contribution to American Letters
Gore Vidal

The Literarian Award
Dave Eggers (as in the author of The Wild Things, available @ Dorris Van Doren)

The Best of the National Book Awards Fiction
The Complete Stories
by Flannery O'Connor
(available @ Dorris Van Doren)
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Chanson du Soir

Join us this Saturday for an hour of emotionally engaging Renaissance to 21st century music by a premier guitar and vocal duo from California. Chanson du Soir consists of soprano Chelsea Camille and guitarist David Isaacs. More information can be found on Chanson du Soir's MySpace and Facebook pages. They will also be performing at 2 p.m. on the same day at the Westside Branch (125 Belvidere).

Saturday, November 14 @ 4 p.m.

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Piano Concert

Jack Stewart returns to the library to play Saturday, November 7 @ 1:30 p.m.

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Essay Contest for Ft. Bliss Students

MCAD (Museums & Cultural Affairs Dept.) is pleased to announce the Celebrate Our Heritage Essay Competition for Ft. Bliss students. This project has been made possible by a grant from Teaching Tolerance.

Ft. Bliss students in grades 6 – 12 are encouraged to enter the competition to share the story of their culture. The term culture can be used at the student’s discretion (i.e. traditions, color, religion, military culture, etc.) Essays must be accompanied with a piece of artwork or a photo. Applications MUST be submitted with essays. Complete information and applications can be picked up at the Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch Library.

DEADLINE: November 20, 2009.

Fifteen essays will be exhibited at the El Paso Museum of History throughout December. MCAD will work with surrounding school districts to schedule tours with special presentations for the exhibit. The intent of the project is to educate students about the diversity of our area and to engage students in conversation about culture.

Children's Halloween Party Tomorrow!

Join us for stories, Spook Alley, and more! Children can come dressed up to compete in a costume contest.

Wednesday, October 28 from 4-6 p.m.

Saturday Events

Ballet Folklorico Infantil Omawari
The children's ensemble from Ciudad Juarez will perform regional dances of Mexico this Saturday! Once again, we will have free copies of Sun, Stone, and Shadows to give away.
Saturday, October 24 @ 3 p.m.

Teen Masquerade
Teens can come dressed up to compete in a costume contest in this after hours library event. Join us for food, games, and Anime!
Saturday, October 24 from 7-11 p.m.

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My Life with the Wave

The Big Read Mexico continues this Saturday, October 17 @ 11 a.m.!
This program features Manos Arriba performing a puppet show and workshop based on Octavio Paz's short story, My Life with the Wave. The story can be found in Big Read book, Sun, Stone, and Shadows. Free copies will be given away at the event!

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Tuesday Events

The Scrabble Club will be meeting on Tuesday, October 13 from 5-7:45 p.m.

Our first Big Read Mexico event is also on Tuesday, October 13 @ 6 p.m.
The Ramon Alvarado Trio will perform original music based on the book Sun, Stone, and Shadows. Free copies of the book in English and Spanish will be raffled! Visit any of the El Paso Public Libraries for more information about the Big Read Mexico or to check out a copy of Sun, Stone, and Shadows. Event information at other libraries is available here.













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Special Storytimes

We have some special storytimes coming up in honor of some much anticipated movies! The first will feature local KFOX News meteorologist Sandra Diaz. She'll be reading Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, along with some other stories. Next Wednesday will feature Where the Wild Things Are.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Storytime with Sandra Diaz
Saturday, October 3 @ 1 p.m.

Where the Wild Things Are Wild Rumpus
Wednesday, October 7 @ 11 a.m.

What's the smartest card in your wallet?

A library card! September is National Library Card Sign-up month, and a time to remember how important a library card can be to everyone. There is no age limit to obtain a library card and it's free! If you have lost your card, you can replace it for $2.25 ($1.15 if you're uner the age of 13).

Your library card gives you access to:
Books, including the hottest new Bestsellers
Audiobooks on CD and Cassette
Music CDs
Graphic Novels and Manga
Magazines
Government Documents
Language Kits
Free Computer and Internet Access
(Wi-Fi available @ Main and Memorial Park)
Online Test Preparation
Electronic Databases
Request library materials online
TexShare Cards
And More!

Already have a library card?

Tell your friends and family to get one, too!

You can also tell us how you use your library card by adding a comment here.

Scrabble Today, Book Sale Tomorrow

Don't forget to come to our new Scrabble Group today @ 6 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome. We'll be meeting in the craft area. Also, check out this feature in today's El Paso Times. We weren't included, but there's some other groups you can join if you need more practice.

The Bookmark is having a GREAT sale beginning tomorrow, August 26. Everything in the store will be 50% off! The sale ends Saturday, August 29.

They are located at 7348 Remcon Circle.
833-2432
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday 3-6 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday 3-8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Attention Scrabblers!

A new Scrabble group is forming here at the library. The group will meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month to play this classic board game. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Brush up on the rules and get pointers at www.scrabble.com

Tuesday, August 11 @ 6 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25 @ 6 p.m.

Special Perfomrance Tomorrow (July 22)!

The Outrageous Fortune Theatre Company will be here tomorrow performing Tis Shakespearish by Dr. Joel Murray.

...comedy where you least expect it...
Treat your family to interactive theater, for FREE!

Wednesday, July 22 @ 6 p.m.
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Summer Reading Logs Due This Week

Can you believe it? Summer reading logs are due this Saturday, July 18. Children and teens, make sure you've read at least 8 books or for 8 hours so that you can claim your certificate and goodie bag on Saturday, July 25! Don't worry if you can't make it to the wrap up parties, you can pick up certificates any time after the 25th.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, July 18
Last day to turn in reading logs
Randy the Magician @ 1 p.m.
Teen Advisory Board Meeting @ 2 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21
Teen Event: Paper Cuts (crafts) @ 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 23
Crafty Hour: Origami @ 4 p.m. Class is full

Saturday, July 25
End of Children's Summer Reading Club Party
Come to our rodeo cow poke!
Certificates to be handed out @ 12:30 p.m. and will continue after the program.
Teen "Lock-In"/Award Ceremony
Bring your favorite ethnic dish to this International Potluck. Ask a librarian for help finding a recipe if you don't have one! Crafts and games. Goody bags for those that completed the summer reading program. 7-11 p.m.
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Happy 4th of July!

In observance of Independence Day, all libraries will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. The Main Library (downtown) will reopen on Sunday, July 5. All other libraries, including DVD will reopen on Tuesday, July 6.

Join us on Wednesday, July 15 @ 3 p.m. for a special concert featuring the 62nd Army Band Brass Quintet.

Don't forget to sign up for the summer reading club by July 11 and turn in reading logs by July 18.

Have a safe and happy fourth of July!
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Saturday, June 27 Events!

There's something to do all day long at the library this Saturday!

Art Garage 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
Pablo returns for another inspiring workshop. Learn tips and techniques, tackle your drawing problems, and experiment with a digital drawing tablet. All ages, all skill levels, all day. Lunch is on your own from 1-2 p.m. All day attendance is not required.

Storyteller Nancy Green 1-2 p.m.
Entertainment with stories and songs. Part of the summer reading program events.

The schedule blood drive has been canceled.
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Summer Reading Club Begins June 6!

The Summer Reading Club is here once again! Children and teens can sign up from June 6-July 11. Read 8 books or more by July 18 and get a prize! Get all the details and register at the information desk.

June 6 Teen Fest @ Cohen Stadium from 12–6 p.m.
Bands, dancers, games, crafts, car show, info booths, giveaways, and more! All ages.

Children’s Programs are on Saturdays @ 1 p.m.
June 6 Up, Up and Away Kickoff Party with Mad Science
June 13 Bats presented by the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park
June 20 Prehistoric Southwest presented by the Museum of Archaeology
June 27 Stories and Songs with Nancy Green

Teen Programs are on Tuesdays @ 4 p.m.
June 9 School’s Out BBQ (hotdogs and veggie dogs) Bring a bag of chips or drinks.
June 16 Tee Party Deconstruct old t-shirts. Shirts provided for first 15. Bring your own tees to make cool new ones.
June 23 Sushi Social Make and eat your own sushi. We provide the basics. You’re welcome to bring your own ingredients and utensils.
June 30 Lolita Tea Party Celebrate the Japanese pop subculture by dressing up, drinking tea, and playing human chess. Turn in a reading log to be entered to win a pair of tickets to the EP Anime Convention.

More programs in July!
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Scrapbooking Class

Are your photos still in boxes?

Then, jumpstart your scrapbooking by joining us for a basic, hands-on demo hosted by local shop Pizazz. Materials and refreshments will be provided, but the class is limited to 15 participants. Call or register at the information desk.

Saturday, May 30 from 3-5 p.m.

Join us for a weekly meet up to share tips and ideas for scrapbooking, card making, and other paper crafts. All ages are welcome! Saturdays from 3-5 p.m.
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Pajama Storytime

Don't forget to come to this month's Pajama Storytime! Children can bring their favorite blanket or pillow and wear pajamas to snuggle in and listen to some bedtime stories in the quiet room. Register at the information desk.

Thursday, May 28 @ 6 p.m.
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Art Garage Saturday!

Last summer, Pablo Tovar, Jr. hosted a terrific drawing workshop for teens. He returns this year for a series of two Art Garage Saturdays that will encompass a variety of topics, as well as encourage open discussion and collaboration. The workshop will be open to all ages and all skill levels. Participants will get a chance to experiment with a digital drawing tablet. Participants can join the workshop at any time and are not required to stay the whole day.

Saturday, May 23 from 10am-5:45pm
Lunch on your own from 1-2pm
(All day attendance is NOT required)

The next Art Garage Saturday is June 27th!
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May Blood Drive

If you didn't get to donate blood last time, now's your chance!
Donors get a really cool t-shirt.

Saturday, May 16 from 2-5 pm
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Sale @ the Bookmark

The Bookmark, our Friends of the Library store, is overstocked with hardback mysteries. They will be on sale for 50 cents each this week, from Wednesday April 29 to Saturday May 2. Mysteries are located in the last row (Bestsellers located near the window are excluded). So, be sure to stop by and support the Westside Libraries!

The Bookmark
7348 Remcon Circle
(915) 833-2342
Wed. 3-6pm
Thurs. 9am-3pm
Fri. 3-8pm
Sat. 9am-3pm
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Dia del los Ninos/Dia de los Libros

This April 25, families in El Paso and the surrounding area are invited to celebrate Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros – a day when we are reminded that the most important resource of all is children. This year will be the 13th anniversary of the annual community wide celebration, which began as a joint partnership between the El Paso Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department. Festivities will be held at Washington Park from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. There will be thousands of free books to give away as well as free goodies, entertainment, sports, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch, along with Main (Downtown), Richard Burges, Judge Marquez, and Esperanza Moreno will remain open. The rest of the branches will be closed to allow staff to assist at the event.

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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 El Paso public libraries will be closed on Friday, April 17th. The UTEP and El Paso Community College libraries will be open. Get a TexShare card at the circulation desk to gain access to these libraries. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We will reopen on Saturday, April 18th at 10 a.m. for a whole day of activities!

• Our weekly Family Storytime begins @ 1 p.m.
• Be a hero and donate blood! United Blood Services Blood Drive from 2-5 p.m.
• Celebrate national poetry month with a free author reading and writing workshop @ 4 p.m. Local performance poet and author Panjah of Jesus will lead this program. Her first novel, Set on Edge was recently published. This program is for teens and up.

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The Easter Bunny!

Come meet the Easter Bunny this Saturday and take an Easter craft home. Don't forget your camera!

Saturday, April 11 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

All El Paso Public Library facilities will be
closed on Sunday, April 12th in celebration of Easter.

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Reprise of Crafty Hour: Crocheting

Last month's crocheting activity was cancelled, and has been rescheduled for next week.

Youth in grades 4th-8th are invited to learn basic crocheting skills in our monthly craft program. Students will get to make their first crocheted item, but will need to bring a size "I" hook and one skein of medium-weight light colored yarn. Pre-registration is required at the information desk. Kids can bring a parent as a learning partner!

Thursday, April 9th from 4-6 p.m.
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April Concert

It's no joke, join us this April Fool's day for a special music performance! Enjoy easy listening music on piano and guitar courtesy of Tay Kwok. Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, April 1st from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
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Media Sale @ the Bookmark!

Our Friends of the Westside Libraries bookstore is having a sale on their media. VHS tapes, DVDs, vinyl records, and cassette tapes will be marked at 50% off during the week of March 25-28.

Come out and support your library!

To learn more about the Bookmark, click here.

The Bookmark
7348 Remcon Circle
El Paso, Texas 79912
(915) 833-2342
Hours: Wed 3-6pm; Thur & Sat 9-3pm; Fri 3-8pm

Crafty Hour: Crocheting

There's still room and time to sign up for this month's crafty activity!

Youth in grades 4th-8th are invited to learn basic crocheting skills in our monthly craft program. Students will get to make their first crocheted item, but will need to bring their own size I crochet hook and a skein of worsted weight light color yarn. Pre-registration is required. Call or sign up at the information desk. This month’s class is limited to 10 students

Thursday, March 19th from 4-6 p.m.

Book Signing: A Chance For Every Child

St. Margaret’s Center was El Paso’s first orphanage, established in 1919 and founded by the grandparents of City Representative Ann Morgan Lily. In 1928, a second orphanage, Southwestern Children’s Home was established by parishioners from Trinity Methodist Church and built by the McKee family. The orphanages later merged to form what is now the El Paso Center for Children.

The center celebrates 90 years of caring for El Paso’s orphaned, homeless, runaway, abused, and neglected children with a moving narrative of the children’s lives. Local authors Donna Munch, Shirley Fouts, and Sandy Rioux have come together to write A Chance for Every Child: A History of the El Paso Center for Children. The book chronicles El Paso history, and how laws and costs for the care and treatment of children have changed in the U.S.
Join us for this special book signing.

Saturday, March 14 @ 4 p.m.

Teen Tech Week begins March 10 with ArTech Fun

Every year, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) encourages libraries across the country to celebrate Teen Tech Week. Its purpose is to connect teens with technology through the library. YALSA teams up with Verizon to offer small cash grants to assist libraries with their celebrations. This year, we applied and won one of those mini grants! Encourage teens to participate in a fun and interactive program.

ArTech Fun combines art and technology through the use of Wacom’s Bamboo Fun Tablet. Two digital drawing tablets and a small collection of digital art books have been purchased to help teens take their art to the next level. Guest speakers will be invited to show teens how to use a digital drawing tablet and talk about their careers. Teens will then be able to reserve time slots to work on two projects. The first project is to create promotional art for the summer reading club and perhaps create an animated short. The second project is to create their own artwork to be showcased in an art show that they plan. Reserve your spot! For more info contact Lisa @ 875-0700 ext. 8518 or visit myspace.com/dvdteens

Tuesday, March 10 @ 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 @ 4 p.m.
Projects continue throughout March and April

Amnesty Week Feb. 23-Mar. 7, 2009

The El Paso Public Library is offering its patrons a period of amnesty beginning February 23 through March 7, 2009. During this time, anyone with overdue library materials may return them to the library without penalty. No fines will be charged during that week, provided that the library books and materials are returned in good condition.

The primary goals of the amnesty period are to encourage library patrons to return their materials AND to return to the library. “Some people amass so much in fines that they forfeit their borrowing privileges until they can afford to pay them,” says Library Director Carol Brey-Casiano. “What we are saying with this period of amnesty is we want our books and our customers back.” Those wishing to take advantage of the program should go to any public library branch, return their materials, and let the staff know that they would like amnesty.

The Library would like to encourage everyone to visit or call their nearest library branch to check on the status of their materials.

Saturday Movie Matinee

Join us this Saturday for a showing of The Secret Life of Bees. The movie is based on Sue Monk Kidd's best selling novel. It is rated PG-13 and is free to the public.

Saturday, February 21 @ 2 p.m.

February's Crafty Hour

It's not too late to sign up for this month's craft hour! Youth in grades 4th-8th are invited to learn all about quilling next Thursday. Quilling is the art of creating designs out of rolled narrow strips of paper. Pre-registration is required at the information desk. Sign up in person or give us a call.

Thursday, February 19th from 4-6 p.m.

Check out these quilling sites:

• Origami Resource Center
• Handmade Craft Ideas
• Martha Stewart
• Quilling Patch
• Whimsiquills site and blog

Music From the Heart

Whether you have a Valentine or not, stop by the library to listen to some sweet Baroque music for guitar. Internationally renowned classical guitarist, Peter Fletcher will be performing at both libraries on the Westside. The concert will feature selections from Fletcher's 2008 CD release on Tower Hill Records, Music of the Baroque.

Free and open to everyone!

Saturday, February 14th @ the Westside Branch
on 125 Belvidere @ 2 p.m.

Saturday, February 14th @ the Dorris Van Doren Branch
on 551 Redd Rd. @ 4 p.m.

Free E-Resources!

Did you know that the El Paso Public Library provides free access to electronic resources?

E-books are now available through the library's catalog courtesy of NetLibrary. Databases such as EBSCO, Heritage Quest, and Health and Wellness Resource Center can help you with homework, research, and more! Databases are directories of information from magazines, newspapers, and encyclopedias. They include articles, maps, pictures, and charts. You can search for current and historical information for all grade levels on all subjects that is safe and reliable.

To access them, go to elpasolibrary.org and click on the Texshare Databases icon, located on the lower left-hand corner. You can log in to the databases by using your library card number and four digit pin number. If you don't have a pin or have forgotten it, ask a staff member or give us a call.

Stop in the library to find out how you can access Consumer Reports and learn other great tips!