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Valley Of the Sun
Museum and Library News

News for Libraries and Museums in Glendale  Arizona and the Westside Valley of the Sun. We will also publish Press releases submitted to us from other parts of the valley that would be interesting for our viewers to read or about places to visit. This section will also serve as an archive of  news articles related to Libraries and museums - although events, when not current, will be periodically deleted.

Evelyn Lisitzky Is August Employee of the 
Month for Glendale Public Library System

Glendale, Ariz. – Evelyn Lisitzky, Reference Department Supervisor at Foothills Branch Library, has been selected as the August Employee of the Month for the Glendale Public Library System. A Surprise resident, Lisitzky has been with the library for almost 18 years.

            She was nominated for the honor by Foothills Branch Manager Cathy Johnson.

            Lisitzky is also head of adult collection development for the entire library system.

            “Evelyn has done a fantastic job of maintaining the great collection we are known for,” says Johnson, “in spite of a diminished budget.”

            Lisitzky is especially appreciated for her special “number-crunching” abilities by her co-workers.

            Johnson goes on to explain, “Evelyn has the unique ability to completely understand the project at hand, collect, analyze and interpret often complex data. She then produces a clear and concise explanatory document. This ability has been put to use throughout the years, but has been especially helpful in providing needed documentation that has assisted library managers and our library director in making many important budgetary decisions in the last year.”

            Lisitzky meets every deadline. To be sure she does, this exceptional librarian comes in early, stays late or will work on a day off just to be sure the project is completed as needed.

            Johnson smiles as she says, “Evelyn is my go-to person. She truly deserves to be Employee of the Month for all the many jobs that she excellently performs!”

Free Basic Computer Classes at the Library

By Valerie Rupp Volunteer Liaison in Adult Services

Glendale, Ariz. – Glendale Main Library is offering free basic computer classes in Email, Word and Internet beginning in August, and continuing through October.

            The classes focus on introductory computer skills and are geared toward adults who have little or no computer skills.

“A wide range of people can benefit from these classes,” says Valerie Rupp, Volunteer Liaison in Adult Services. “From grandparents wanting to keep in touch with their grandchildren by email, or job-seekers looking for a more polished resume, these classes are valuable in helping people develop necessary computer skills.”

All classes are held on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and are taught by volunteer computer instructor Kate Sylvester. Course offerings include:

Email - Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 4. Create a personal email account and learn how to use and manage email.

            Word - Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18.  Learn the basics of Microsoft Word and pick up key points for composing resumes in this widely used software program.

Internet - Aug. 23, Sept. 27, Oct. 25. Discover how to use the Internet and get the answers to your Internet questions.

            All classes are offered at the Main Library, 5959 W. Brown Street in Glendale, Arizona. For more information and to register for classes, call 623-930-3530 and press 5.

Glendale, Ariz. – Janet Loyd, a Library Assistant I and the Volunteer Liaison for the Circulation Department at Glendale Main Library, has been selected as the April Employee of the Month for the Glendale Public Library System. A Peoria resident, Loyd has been with the library for seven years.

She was nominated for the honor by co-worker Sheryl Hurni.

In remarking what a pleasure it is to work with Loyd, Hurni said, “Janet always has a smile and a kind word for everyone. When she was promoted to supervisor last summer, she jumped in with both feet. The job was made for her. The volunteer staff for the Circulation Department has mushroomed under her direction. She has found friendly and qualified volunteers to help us.”

Hurni goes on to mention Loyd’s great sense of humor. “Sometimes our patrons are cranky, but they leave with smiles after Janet has solved their problems,” Hurni adds.

Casey Van Haren, Loyd’s supervisor, also worked with her in the library of a neighboring city. She cites Loyd’s teamwork, leadership, innovation and excellent performance as reasons why Janet Loyd is the perfect Employee of the Month.

One tidbit about Loyd that many library customers may not know is that she has an outstanding voice. We are lucky she decided to choose the library over the stage!

Eleven Retire from Glendale Library
 and Arts Department

The retirees, from left to right, are: Bette Sharpe, Cherrilynn Moore, Julie Havir, Marianna Hancin, Rex Gulbranson, Anne Caltabiano, Susan Bannon, Carol Jenkins, Anne Owens, Alice Saling and Lenore Tancke.
Photo by Ed Sharpe  Glendale Daily Planet

Glendale, Ariz. – Wednesday, May 27 was a red letter day in the history of Glendale Public Library. Eleven valued staff members were feted at a retirement party at Foothills Branch Library honoring their collective 200 plus years of service.

Lenore Tancke, a library operations supervisor, held the longest service; she began working at the library in 1982. Also retiring were Library Managers Anne Caltabiano and Cherrilynn Moore; Velma Teague Branch librarians Bette Sharpe and Julie Havir; Anne Owens, Main’s adult programming librarian; Marianna Hancin, Bibliographic Services Administrator; Susan Bannon, Library Technology Coordinator; Carol Jenkins, a Library Assistant III at the Main Library; and Alice Saling, a PC Support Specialist II, also at the Main Library. Rex Gulbranson, Arts and Culture Administrator, is the 11th retiree.

When asked what they were going to be doing, a familiar refrain was heard for this summertime plans – travel and spending time with family.

The retirees were involved with every facet of library service.

“They will be greatly missed,” said Library Director Sue Komernicky.

GPL - GLENDALE, Ariz. – For several years, Maggie the Reading Therapy Dog, has been coming to Glendale Main Library to read with youngsters. Now she is branching out to Glendale’s downtown library.

Maggie will make her appearance at Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Dr., at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13. She will read with children until 5:30 p.m., giving each child 15 minutes of her special attention. After that, Maggie will return on the second Wednesday of the month, from 3-5:30 p.m. through May. Call 623-930-3437 to set up a free reading session with Maggie.

This very special Black Labrador will return to her post at the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30. She will spend three hours in the Youth Room, patiently listening to youngsters read to her. She will return on the last Saturday of each month. Sign up for the free 15-minute sessions by calling 623-930-3537. A family of two or more children can sign up for a 30-minute session.

Studies have shown that dogs are ideal reading companions because they listen attentively; do not judge, laugh or criticize. They allow children to proceed at their own pace and are less intimidating than peers.

Children who participate can build their reading and communication skills, as well as increase self-esteem, confidence and social skills.

Her owners, Liz and John Young, acknowledge that at 45 lbs., Maggie is undersized for her breed, but her good temperament knows no bounds. “She will let children do anything to her,” laughs Maggie’s “mom.”

This four-year-old canine is also a therapy dog at Banner Estrella Medical Center. No slouch on the “academics,” Maggie was the only dog in her therapy class to pass the test necessary to do her hospital work.

Who can resist spending quality time with man’s best friend?

Kim Huff Is the August Employee of the 
Month for Glendale Public Library

GPL - GLENDALE, Ariz. – The August Employee of the Month for Glendale Public Library System is Kim Huff, a children’s librarian at Foothills Branch Library. Fellow librarian Emily Linkey nominated her.

“Kim is a fantastic children’s librarian,” says Linkey, “and a great example of all of the qualities for Employee of the Month.”

Linkey points to Huff’s organizational strengths, helping to keep everyone on track. Huff is also known for her innovative and fun children’s programming. Some of those programs include Playful Art, which features the work of well-known children’s illustrators; Book Cooks, which combined stories with food and crafts for 6-8 year-olds; and Mini-Movers, an aerobic/dance program for 3-5 year-olds.

A Glendale resident, Huff spearheaded the idea of a baby reading incentive program. She is actively planning it with other Glendale youth librarians, plus librarians in other library systems.

Huff was picked to represent Arizona at the Mountain Plains Library Association Leadership Institute in 2007.

Linkey concludes, “Kim is a wonderful part of the Foothills team, and we all appreciate her hard work.”

Buckshot, the PBR rodeo bull, visits children at Glendale Main Library

July 31, 2008 - Glendale Daily Planet

Yu-Gi-Oh Sundays Starting Soon ARCHIVED

Thanks to the persistence of 10-year-old Skyler Carlson, a Sunday afternoon Yu-Gi-Oh! collectible trading card game will be played at the Glendale Main Library, beginning on Aug. 17. You can see by Skyler Carlson is very enthusiastic about the game and wants to teach others to play, too. 

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GPL- GLENDALE, Ariz. – Yu-Gi-Oh!, a collectible trading card game, took the U.S. by storm a few years ago and is still popular today. A free Sunday afternoon game session will be held in the Storytime Room at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., starting Aug. 17, thanks to the efforts of 10-year-old Skyler Carlson. The Yu-Gi-Oh! program will take place from 1:30-4 p.m. every third Sunday through November.

The soon-to-be fifth grader at Foothills Elementary School started playing Yu-Gi-Oh! about three years ago. He loves the game because of the math and reading that is involved. (Math is Skyler’s favorite subject.) He also loves to draw, and, of course, he especially enjoys drawing fantasy creatures—similar to ones that are found on the cards.

Skyler says that all youths are invited to play. He has many extra cards, so having one’s own stack of playing cards is not necessary. Novice players are welcome and will be shown just how the game works.

“It helps to watch other players and see their strategies when you’re learning to play,” adds this very enthusiastic gamer. Skyler will offer a short lesson at the beginning of each session for those new to Yu-Gi-Oh! Experienced players can pair off and begin playing immediately.

No reservations are necessary. For more information, call 623-930-3537.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Everybody knows how a battle of the bands works, right? Wrong! The teen librarians at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., have added a new angle to the regular clash of musical groups.

The library’s auditorium will be the “combat zone” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 when three terrific bands square off. Chaos Theory, Chandler Heights and Tanicus will be bringing their best sets to the stage.

Chaos Theory is composed of two guitarists/vocalists, a bassist/vocalist, a keyboardist, and drummer. Look for an interesting sound because they have been influenced by rock, heavy metal, jazz and classical music. Playing together since 2007, Chaos Theory performs mostly classic and alternative rock, along with some heavy metal.

Chandler Heights is a recently-formed band whose members came together because of a common love of music. The group describes their sound as “rock/progressive/acoustic.” They cite all music as influencing their style. The trio has two guitarists/vocalists and a drummer.

Tanicus also has three band members—a bassist/lead vocalist, lead guitar/backup vocalist and a drummer. This group plays both covers and originals. According to the band’s spokesperson, they play rock ‘n’ roll and focus on performing a thrilling show, as well as play “what is in their hearts.”

Now, for the “what is different” about this battle of the bands. Each band gets 30 minutes to set up, perform and take down. In between sets, the library will be offering prizes for teen audience members who bring in their MP3 players and iPods and play DJ for three songs each. Teens in the audience will also get opportunities to “Beat the Librarian” at “Guitar Hero.”

All ages are welcome, but the contests are for teens only. Teen music fans will get priority in seating in case the auditorium becomes too crowded.

Judges include Anne Owens, adult programming librarian who books the Glendale Coffeehouse and the Live at the Library; Brianna Shuttleworth, a teen member of the Library Advisory Board and also a member of the Main Library’s Teen Advisory Board; and a to-be-confirmed musician.

For more information, call 623-930-3537. No reservations are required.

Tune Up That Guitar—the Teen Battle of the Bands Is Looking for Musical Groups to Compete Saturday, August 9

Archived info- reference only!

(GPL) GLENDALE, Ariz. – It’s been more than a decade since the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., has had its auditorium stage filled with teenage rock bands. That is about to change with the Teen Battle of the Bands, which will be held on Saturday, August 9. Musical groups do not have to be just rock bands. The style of music can include alternative, blues, country, dance/techno, folk, hip-hop/rap, jam, jazz, funk…or any other type of music.

Prizes will be awarded to the first place band and to the runner up.

The rules and regulations for the Teen Battle of the Bands include:

Bands must consist of at least two members, one of which plays an instrument for the majority of the performance.

The band must be unsigned.

The entire performance must be live – no prerecorded music is allowed. Music can be cover or original.

Band members must be between the ages of 12-21; at least half of the band members must be no older than 18 years of age as of August 9, 2008.

Bands must submit a registration form and a demo CD of at least four songs to the Glendale Main Library Youth Desk by 5 p.m. on July 19, 2008. Photos and bios are welcomed but not required.

All bands will receive 30 minutes onstage. This includes all set up, playing and take-down time.

Time slots between 5-8:30 p.m. will be assigned randomly on August 9, the day of the contest.

In the event that more than six bands submit applications, some bands may not be able to participate. Bands will be notified of their acceptance by August 2, 2008.

On performance day, band members must be dressed in clothing suitable for a family audience.

Band name and performance lyrics must not contain any obscenities. The entire performance must be violence free and suitable for a teen audience.

All performing bands must be present at Glendale Main Library by 4:30 p.m. on August 9 and must remain for the entirety of the event. The concert will be over at approximately 9:15 p.m.

A panel of judges will score bands using a point system. Criteria to be considered include: Presentation, Synchronization, Song Quality and Originality, Band Enthusiasm and Audience Response. If a tie occurs, Song Quality and Originality and Audience Response will determine the winner.

Band members must provide all musical instruments and equipment necessary for their performance. Band members are responsible for the security of their equipment. Fires, pyrotechnics, fog machines, etc., are not allowed.

All band members must sign the registration form acknowledging they have read and understood the rules as outlined. All band members under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian sign the document as well. Failure to comply with any contest rule as outlined in the rules and regulations may result in a band being disqualified.

The Glendale Public Library reserves the right to make changes to the rules and regulations of the contest as well as be the final word in any dispute that should arise concerning the contest.

Entry forms, along with rules and regulations, can be picked up at the Youth Desk at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.

For clarification of the rules, or for more information, call 623-930-3537 or e-mail YouthLibrarian@glendaleaz.com.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The staff at all three locations of Glendale Public Library have had a treat getting to know their short-term intern from Chile. Francisca Navarro, 31, who has been in Glendale since early January, has been getting to know the inner-workings of the local library since mid-May. Her public library stint will end June 13 at the Foothills Branch Library.

Navarro came to Glendale with her husband, Javier Sepulveda, who will finish an accelerated MBA program at Thunderbird School of Global Management in August. He is an exchange student and will also be getting a double degree from Universidad de Chile.

Not one to sit around, soon after arrival Navarro took English classes at Glendale Community College to supplement the English classes she had in college in Chile. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature and Spanish Linguistics. She also has a Certificate in Cultural Management, which focused on creating projects in different cultural areas, like art, music and literature.

This Santiago resident works for the Dirección de Bibliotecas, Archivos y Museos in the Subdirección de Bibliotecas Públicas. Her department oversees the country’s public libraries.

Navarro works with public library director, organizing events and planning training for librarians. She is part of a committee of management, plus she is in charge of the contents of the department’s website. She also collaborates in some of the reading programs.

Her impressions of Glendale have been very favorable. She loves the fact that Glendale is quiet. Living in Chile’s capital, a city of more than six million, Navarro was used to a lot of noise, people and traffic. She likes hot weather, so the upcoming summer does not bother her at all.

She has noticed the prevalence of fast food restaurants on just about every corner.

“Yes, we do have McDonald’s and Burger King in Chile,” laughs Navarro, “but not nearly so many.”

When asked to compare the libraries in Glendale and in Santiago, she pointed out the there are both large and small libraries there, too. She loves the automation in the U.S. libraries and says the Chile is moving in that direction.

“You have many good readers in the U.S.,” adds Navarro. She has seen children leaving the library with bags of books after they have signed up for the annual summer reading program.

“That’s great,” continues Navarro, “because people don’t always know how important it is to read.”

One thing that really surprised her is the popularity of books on tape and CD. Chilean libraries only have small collections of audio books. Navarro hopes to change that when she goes home.

When asked about her favorite authors, she expressed her preference for Latin American authors. She especially likes José Donoso and the Nobel Prize winner Gabriela Mistral, both Chilean writers. Last year she became a fan of French author Michel Houellebecq. While in Glendale she discovered Paul Auster, an American author who is known for blending absurdity and crime fiction.

Homecoming will have to wait a while. After her husband finishes his program at Thunderbird, they will be traveling to Australia, China and India on business before taking a vacation in Thailand. Navarro and her husband will return to Chile in October.

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Foothills Librarians Cut Hair for Good Causes

 

GPL Photo:  from left, Kristin Fletcher-Spear, Kim Huff and Emily Linkey.

(GPL) GLENDALE, Ariz. – Foothills Branch youth services librarians Kim Huff, Kristin Fletcher-Spear and Emily Linkey are cutting their hair later this month. Not only will they be sporting a new hairdo for the summer reading program (which kicks off on May 27), but their long locks are going to people who really need them.

Fletcher-Spear is donating eight inches of her hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. This organization was created to bring people together to share their strength and donate their healthy hair to create free wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Many women actually refuse cancer treatment due to the fear of hair loss. It takes six pony tales to make one wig.

Huff and Linkey will each be donating ten inches of their hair to Locks of Love, an organization that is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children, under the age of 18, who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure.

The librarians invite the public to stop by and see the results of their haircuts and to enjoy the many exciting activities and programs going on at the Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave.

Michael Moorehead Youngest Author to Receive  ABPA Glyph  Award  Shares Writing Techniques With Other Young Writers

By - Glendale Daily Planet Book Topics Writer Lesa Holstine

Author Michael Moorehead has a promising future ahead of him. Although he’s only twelve, the Tempe author has already written a successful picture book, “The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster.” In fact, it’s so successful that it won the 2008 Reader Views Annual Literary Award for Best Children’s Book for Ages 7 and Older.

“The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster,” was written when Michael was only seven. It has an important message about spreading rumors, since it tells the story of the rumors that flew around a school about the terrible monster that was coming. Bust 'em Up Bill hasn’t even started school yet, but his name alone is enough to strike terror in the hearts of the other students.

Moorehead’s book just won a 2008 Glyph award from the Arizona Book Publishing Association, recognizing the book with the best cover, making him the youngest recipient of an ABPA Award. The cover was a joint effort between the illustrator, Kathy Parks, who drew the picture; the graphics designer, Tanja Bauerle who put it together and laid it out; Linda Radke of Five Star Publications, who coordinated it all; and Michael Moorehead, the author.

Michael Moorehead is already living the busy life of an author. He’ll be appearing at Brilliant Sky Toys and books at 4929 E. Chandler Blvd. in Ahwatukee on Friday, June 6 at 5:30 p.m., where he will discuss and read his book, conduct a brief writing exercise with children, and autograph copies of “The Student From Zombie Island.” Then, he’ll be attended Book Expo America in Los Angeles, from May 29 through June 1, where he will sign books and meet people in his publisher’s booth.

Congratulations, and good luck to one of the Valley’s new successful authors.

Michael’s website is www.ZombieIslandBooks.com. The book is published by Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications, Inc. ISBN: 1-58985-072-6, ISBN: 978-1-58985-072-9, Published 2007.

Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet May 11. 2008

Lesa Holstine,  manager of the Velma Teauge Downtown Branch of the Glendale Library and David Goulet, 
Councilmenber Glendale Arizona Ocotillo District, show off the new flat screen TV's that the libraries 
received from Councilmember Goullet's gift from council district funds. Photo - City of Glendale

(Glendale Daily Planet)  Glendale, Arizona – Ocotillo District Councilmember David Goulet recently purchased large-screen televisions for the city’s three libraries to enable library patrons to have greater access to their local government via Glendale 11, the city’s cable station.

“These televisions will provide residents and visitors an opportunity to see and hear what goes on at City Hall, and provide another opportunity to make city government available to more people who might otherwise not get to attend a government meeting or do not have cable in their homes," said Goulet.

“Glendale libraries provide information to the public through many different media, and Glendale 11 seems like a natural fit.” Goulet stated.

The televisions, purchased with council district funds, are  installed in reading or lounge areas of the libraries for all to enjoy.

The funding for these televisions came from Council District Funds which are given to each councilperson to spend on uses as landscaping, playground equipment and other enhancing uses for their district.

Normally  funds of this nature are spent within the councilperson's district, but they can, if they so choose, spend them in other districts as well. 

When asked about endowing all the library branches not just the one in his district Goulet replied "People from our district use the other library branches and there was no reason for one branch to receive a television and the others to do without." He added "...and besides, not everyone stays in one district their whole life anyway!"   

Lesa Holstine,  manager of the Velma Teauge Downtown Branch of the Glendale Library, tells us: "We are so pleased with the number of library patrons who have been enjoying the new television sets and Glendale 11's Television programming" She emphasized: "

The city’s award-winning television station broadcasts all City Council meetings and study sessions live. The station also airs a news show and other programming that brings residents the latest city news, information, activities and events 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

But Wait There is More!  -    Check it out, Take It Home!

 People come to the library to pick up DVDs that contain a whole season of television shows, including “Lost,” “The Sopranos,” “Six Feet Under,” “Sex and the City,” “The West Wing,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “Gilmore Girls.” Now Glendale residents can learn more about their city the same way – dropping into the library and checking out Glendale 11 TV programs for home viewership.

The following shows are available for check out at Glendale’s three libraries:

“Glendale’s Best Arts & Culture”: Viewers tour Glendale’s large collection of public art and one-of-a-kind museums.

“Glendale’s Best: Our Neighborhoods”: A magazine-style show featuring Glendale’s distinctive homes and gardens, plus the unique people and city parks that make the city’s neighborhoods so special.

“Glendale’s Best: The Bead Museum”: Highlights of this cultural museum in historic downtown Glendale that attracts visitors from around the world.

“Glendale’s Got Game – A Fiesta Bowl Celebration”: An in-depth look at the inaugural Tostitos Fiesta Bowl held in Glendale.

“The Making of a Stadium”: A 30-minute documentary that captures the story behind the creation, construction and opening of Arizona’s first NFL stadium, located in Glendale.

“Glendale Glitters 2006”: Viewers experience the charm of one of Glendale’s best-loved holiday traditions, with more than a million twinkling lights, illuminating the downtown to ring in the holiday season.

“Glendale Jazz & Blues 2007”: This show features Glendale’s premier concert event that attracts tens of thousands of music lovers every year to historic downtown Glendale.

“This Is Glendale”: A short feature film that provides a creative and energetic look at the past, present and future of Glendale.

Dine Downtown”: TV viewers tour the global tastes of restaurants in historic downtown Glendale.

“Check It Out @ the Library”: Episodes One and Two give a behind the scenes look at the Glendale Public Library System, plus showcase services, staff and library customers.

These 'check-out' programs are ideal for the person that wises to view special program content on their own schedule.

To locate your closest Glendale library:

Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., 623-930-3530

Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave., 623-930-3830

Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave, 623-930-3430

For more information on Glendale 11, visit www.glendaleaz.com/Glendale11.

World Traveler Richard Maack Is Back with Astounding Photos from 
the Galapagos Islands   - -  Gave a Talk on July 10

 

Renowned photographer Richard Maack is back from an extraordinary expedition to one of the earth’s most beautiful places with Lindblad/National Geographic. He presented  “The Galapagos Islands: A Photographic Exploration” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 in the Roadrunner Room at Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave.

We saw the landscape and wildlife of what Charles Darwin called the “Enchanted Isles.” The islands are famed for their large number of unique species not found anywhere else. Darwin’s studies during the voyage of the “Beagle” contributed to his theory of evolution by natural selection.

Maack, the former photography editor of “Arizona Highways” and a long-time travel and editorial photographer, presented a spectacular slide show and discussed his experiences on this recent trip. He also provided tips for making everyone’s travel photographs the best they can be.

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Jason Cazares Is the May Employee of the Month for Glendale Public Library

　

(GPL) GLENDALE, Ariz. – Jason Cazares, a Library Assistant I at Glendale Main Library, has been chosen as the May Employee of the Month for the Glendale Public Library System. Catalogers Carole Peary and Christie O’Hara nominated him.

“Jason has shown teamwork above and beyond the call of duty,” says Peary, his supervisor. “Whenever muscle is needed to move heavy objects, he is there to help. And he is always willing to fill in when our back door receiving officer needs to go to lunch.”

When in high school, this Glendale resident started working for the library as a page. Now, more than a decade later, he not only delights his co-workers with his own baked goods, but he jumps in to help unload boxes of new books that arrive regularly.

“Jason is the definition of teamwork,” adds co-worker O’Hara. “He helps all departments in the library with the same high degree of cheerfulness and good humor.”

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Winners Announced for the 11th Glendale
 Youth Art and Poetry Contests

　

(GPL) GLENDALE, Ariz. – A reception was held on April 29 at the Glendale Main Library for the winners and honorable mention holders of the library’s 11th Annual Art and Poetry Contests for youths ages 8-19. Over 700 young people participated in this year’s event.

Judging was done on two age levels: Level 1, ages 8-13; Level 2, ages 14-19. Each age level had first and second prize winners. First place winners received $50 gift certificates, while second place took home certificates for $25.

In the Art Contest, for ages 8-13, Hannah L. Leber, an 11-year-old student at Arrowhead Elementary School, took first place with “Home ‘Tweet’ Home. The second place winner was Nick Voshall, a 13-year-old home school student, for “Marooned.”

In the Art category for older youths, 16-year-old Apollo High School student Zainab Thoyleb won for “Perspective.” Second place was taken by Jordan Worthy, a 17-year-old student at Sunrise Mountain High School, for his untitled photograph.

The younger poetry winners included first place victor Kelsey Ayotte, a 12-year-old student at Hillcrest Middle School, for “A Monkey’s Guide to Good Manners.” Second place was awarded to 12-year-old Kathryn Lee Harding, Trinity Classical Co-op student, for “The Peach Tree.”

The Level 2 poetry winners include two 17-year-old Sunnyslope High School students. Bethany Fisher took first place for “Fading;” Jennifer Aronson was awarded second place for “Always Roses.”

Thirty-eight students were name honorable mention in their categories.

All winning entries will be published in “Wordprints,” the library’s art and poetry magazine.

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ONE-STOP INFORMATION ON GLENDALE  

GLENDALE , Ariz. – Looking for the best parks to visit, helpful neighborhood programs or cool family events in Glendale ?  Look no further than the 2008/2009 Official Residents Guide, which gives residents the answers they want one page at a time.

 

More than 45,000 guides were printed in partnership with Republic Custom Publishing. Copies of the 22-page residents guide are available at the Glendale Visitor Center and all three Glendale libraries. In addition, 25,000 guides will be inserted in The Arizona Republic in Glendale zip codes.

 

The Official Residents Guide features information on neighborhood amenities and important community services; locations for Glendale ’s parks and libraries; and a comprehensive phone directory. The guide will also help families plan fun events through 2009 with dates and family activities listed, including the city’s signature festivals, such as the immensely popular Glendale Glitters and the Chocolate Affaire.

 

“The guide is designed to serve as a roadmap to all the city amenities and services, but it also is an important piece to people who are relocating to Glendale or are visiting the city to learn more about what Glendale has to offer,” says Lorraine Pino, tourism manager.

 

For complete information on the city of Glendale , visit www.glendaleaz.com. To request a copy of the Official Residents Guide, call 623.930.4500.

 

 

Authors at the Teague Series Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m 

Local authors Shelley Mosley, John Charles, Joanne Hamilton-Selway and Sandra Van Winkle will discuss their book The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Ultimate Reading List.

Are you looking for books for summer reading?  Have you run out of books by your favorite author?  The Velma Teague Library is presenting the perfect program for you on Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m.  As part of the Authors at the Teague series, the authors of The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Ultimate Reading List, will be appearing at the library.  Local authors Shelley Mosley, John Charles, Joanne Hamilton-Selway and Sandra Van Winkle will discuss their book, which will be available for purchase.  This is the busy person's guide to what to read.  Included are suggestions in romance, biography, humor, mystery and true crime categories. The authors, who have extensive writing backgrounds, might even share some writing tips.

Join us at the Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., Glendale at 2 p.m. on June 7.  Call 623-390-3431 for further details.

Authors @ the Teague Spotlights Former Branch Manger

Former Velma Teague Branch 
manager - Shelley Mosley

GLENDALE, Ariz. – “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Ultimate Reading List” sounds like a necessity in everybody’s home. Meet the local authors who penned this literary list of “great reads for busy people.”

Former Velma Teague Branch manager, Shelley Mosley, will be returning to the downtown library at 7010 N. 58th Ave., to discuss her book at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. She did not write this labor of love alone. City of Glendale employee Sandra Van Winkle and Scottsdale Public Library staffers John Charles and Joanne Hamilton-Selway also participated.

The book is a guide to help on-the-go people find great fiction and non-fiction reads. It is filled with recommendations for books that will entertain the reader, including mysteries, westerns, suspense, romance, women’s fiction and chick lit, and science fiction. Non-fiction topics cover animals, art, biography, memoirs, business, true crime and more. Each entry has a summary of the book, its significance and a comment.

Mosley and Charles are editors/contributors for “Romance Today: An A-Z Guide to Contemporary American Romance Writers.” They co-authored “The Suffragists in Literature for Youth” and write reviews for a variety of publications.

Hamilton-Selway has been a librarian for 25 years. Named Romance Writers of America’s 2005 Librarian of the Year, she has reviewed books and interviewed authors for more than 10 years.

Van Winkle began writing seriously 20 years ago as a bibliographer in a variety of subject area.

The book will be available for purchase and signing at the program. No reservations are necessary. For more information, call 623-930-3431.Archived info- reference only!

Authors at the Teague Features: Shamus award-winning author Louise Ure Monday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m

Vacation Fun Is Back – Summer Reading 
Programs Return May 27

Archived info- reference only!

GLENDALE, Ariz. – It is not officially summer yet, but the outdoor temperatures have already started heating up. The school year is ending, and it will not be long before parents hear “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do!” Parents just need to look to the library for ideas of summer fun for their youngsters and themselves.

Glendale Public Library is offering a reading program for every member of the family, from babes in arms to seniors. Beginning Tuesday, May 27, materials for the free programs can be picked up at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.; Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57^{th Ave., and Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave. The reading-incentive programs end on July 26 for children and teens, and on July 27 for adults.}

The Arizona Diamondbacks and “The Arizona Republic” are sponsoring “Extra! Extra! Read Your Way to the Ballpark! 2008 Summer Reading Program.” Designed for infants through age 18 in Maricopa County, the program is open to any child who knows how to read or has someone read to him/her. Youths just pick up a reading game folder and start reading. Every 20 minutes, 50 pages or one book of reading or listening advances the reader one space on the game board. Fun prizes are given out for each seven spaces advanced. At the finish line, children receive a free ticket to a Diamondbacks game, plus a chance to attend an Arizona Republic Baseball Kids’ Clinic. In addition to the baseball ticket, youths receive an interactive sticker, rubber ducky, horse puzzle and a barrel of monkeys.

Glendale teens will enjoy the Teen Summer Reading 2008 program.” This year’s theme is music, with artwork and prizes that reflect that topic. Sonic, Chipotle and Harkins Theatres are providing the motivation prizes.

Incentives are tied to reading by hours or number of pages. Teenagers receive a packet of prizes for the first six hours or the first 600 pages read. At each 6 hour or 600 page mark, another set of prizes is awarded. They will reach the end of the program after 24 hours or 2,400 pages read. When the reading record is completed, teens are entered into the grand prize drawing for an iPod and an iTunes gift card

Teens can also enter bonus drawings by writing brief reviews of the books they read. Each review enters them into a genre prize pack drawing for a mystery/horror, science fiction/fantasy, romance, realistic fiction, comics/manga or good reads prize pack. There are no limits to how many reviews a teen can write.

The theme of this year’s adult summer reading program is “Reading Alfresco.” The adult program offers reading and picnic-related prizes, which will be given away in drawings. Participants enter weekly drawings for each book read; after finishing six books, readers are entered into a grand prize drawing, which will take place at each Glendale library. This year’s grand prize is a picnic basket and gift card to Trader Joe’s. Everyone who completes the program receives a small lunch cooler.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays will be filled with special programming for youngsters. Besides the regular storytimes, children will enjoy a variety of programs for all interests. A calendar is available with specific dates and times, but look for an assortment of entertainment: The Great Arizona Puppet Theater, yo-yo magician Michael Steele, puppeteer and storyteller Glenda Bonin, Gary Sprague and his horse Dusty, Dana Smith and his dog Lacey, Folklorico Lindo y Querido, Reptile Adventures, Ronald MacDonald, master ventriloquist Jerry Layne and Company, Juggles James Reid, Japanese Taiko Drumming with Eileen Morgan, Mother Goose (Jan Sandwich), plus other equally enjoyable performers and programs .

Teens will have a wide variety of choices: volunteering at the library, summer shape up classes (including jiu-jitsu, yoga and capoeria), Battle of the Bands: Digital DJ, video game tournaments, book groups, crafts (decorated flip flops, silkscreen printed t-shirts, felt animal mascots, Japanese silk braiding bracelets), journal writing, mastering smoothies and other fun and challenging activities.

For adults, Foothills Branch Library will bring back season three of its immensely popular film discussion series, screening award-winning movies from across the decades. Always a crowd-pleaser, “The Unexplained” series will be held at the Main Library from June-August. Book discussion groups, business programs, assorted musical programs and lectures will also be offered for adults over the summer months.

To find out the dates and times for all the free programs, pick up the summer reading and program schedules at any Glendale library or go to www.glendaleaz.com/library and click on “Library Programs and Events.”

For more information, call your closest library:

Glendale Main Library, 623-930-3537

Foothills Branch Library, 623-930-3837

Velma Teague Branch Library, 623-930-3437