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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