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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