Burbank READs in the news!

A big thank you to BURBANKLIFE.net for a nice article about last week's Burbank READs kick-off event.  Click this link to read more.

Murderous Mayhem and Fun at Friday's Event!

Some 130 mystery fans would agree with the below review by Aunt Agatha of Friday's mystery event. Criminally fun and a real killer of a good time!

The kickoff event for the Burbank Public Library's "One Book, One City" promotion of Jan Burke's Goodnight, Irene was "An Invitation to Murder," an afterhours murder mystery. The evening was attended by nearly 120 amateur sleuths who followed the "detective" throughout the library searching for clues.

Between the appetizers and the dessert, another victim was discovered -- librarian David Peterson was discovered in one of the study rooms, stabbed to death! Mystery buffs studied the crime scene, discussed the clues and the line-up of suspects. After dessert was served, the murderer was revealed!

The next six weeks will be filled with guest speakers, film programs,

and other activities to promote the selected book, Goodnight, Irene.

We all hope to see you at an event real soon!

Nevermore - Program Recap!

NEVERMORE… We had an engaged crowd of 147 for "Nevermore," the Big Read kickoff starring Duffy Hudson as Edgar Allan Poe. Brittany Vaughn from The Boys and Girls Club of Burbank and East San Fernando Valley introduced the audience to the Big Read concept, and told them about the B&G Club-sponsored activities to follow in October, while I filled them in on the library-centered ones, including our Poe movie screenings and the Teen Writing Contest (ghost, horror or supernatural story, 1500 words or less, due Oct. 31). The first 100 attendees received a copy of Nevermore, the Poe text being used for the Big Read, and many of them followed along in it as Duffy performed The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, and Annabel Lee.

[Thanks Melissa E.!]

What a Day today!

What a busy day in the neighborhood today at our Sustainability Showcase!

We had a crowd of some 677 people stop on by to check out the various green groups offering information, handouts, food and fun. And another 87 children enjoyed watching our screenings of The Lorax while munching on organic popcorn.

Quite a day, and the library thanks the many people who stopped on by (we hope you enjoyed the Showcase), participated as representatives of various green groups and organizations and the many volunteers who helped us make the day possible.

When available we'll get some photos from the event posted for all to see.

Event Recap - "Inside the Book" and Trashed!

We did our Inside the Book program and showed the movie Trashed on Saturday. We were pleasantly surprised that while the crowd wasn't too big, those who attended Inside the Book had a lively discussion. People attending enjoyed the refreshments and the discussion was so lively that the movie was started late! People were very interested in talking about what they were doing or hoping to do to help make a difference in improving the environment.

Both Hope McCloon and Kreigh Hampel from the Recycling Center joined us and answered many questions after the movie.

[from Patrice]

Everyone has another chance at getting Inside the Book tomorrow night when Patrice and Triste return at 6:30 PM in the Central Library Auditorium for another lively discussion about what everyone is doing green. Stop by for refreshments and conversation. There will be a screening of the documentary The 11th Hour at 7:00 PM, so stop on by and join us!

Event Recap - The Organic String Quartet

The music was lovely last night, with The Organic String Quartet playing to an audience of 63 appreciative listeners! Sseveral people dropped in because they happened to be visiting the library, and saw the poster on the open door, and later, heard the sounds floating out into the hallway.

A good program – and a nice group. Several people approached them afterward to thank them, and get their cards for future events and weddings!

From Joan C.

Event Recap - Plug In America!

Last night we had a very "plugged in" audience for our speakers, Alexandra Paul and Paul Scott, from Plug In America who showed excerpts from the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car? and then spoke about the future of such cars and then fielded many thoughtful, excellent questions from the audience.

Certainly has me thinking about how such vehicles fit into my future.

Both the DVD of Who Killed the Electric Car? and the featured book, Plug-In Hybrids by Sherry Boschert are owned by your library so stop by, check them out and we hope to see you at an upcoming program!

Event Recap - Burbank Teens Consider Verdure

The Burbank Public Library High School Book Club selection for March tied into our “green” theme in a big way: We read The Family Tree, by Sheri S. Tepper. It’s a science fiction saga of present and future, incorporating many themes germane to a discussion about the impact of our actions on the earth and our legacy. (See previous post, “Teen Book Clubs Read Green,” from 3 March 2009 for a synopsis.) Although it was a difficult book for some to get through, due to the multiplicity of characters, times and places, we were all enthralled by the idea of trees and plants taking their survival into their own “hands” by deciding to limit how and where people are allowed to live, travel, and even add to the population! Likewise the transformation of thought about the potential of animals to occupy a niche in the world that goes beyond man’s companion, servant or dinner provoked some lively discussion.

The Middle School Book Club’s ecologically minded choice, The Secret Under My Skin, by Janet McNaughton, was a hit with three-quarters of the club and a miss with the rest, but received an overall rating higher than Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight, which is praise indeed coming from the Edward-and-Bella-obsessed! The book’s fans particularly liked its narrative style: The story is told without omniscience by its protagonist, so that the reader learns everything along with Blay Raytee instead of having foreknowledge about any of the people or events of her story. They enjoyed a picture of the future that wasn’t either technology-obsessed or technology-deprived, and several of them absorbed from this book that the future is up to them and it is their obligation to study how to be of use.

Stayed tuned for photographs!

From Melissa E.

Event Recap - Eco-magician Paul Cash!

Yes, you can combine magic and science! Eco-magician Paul Cash mesmerized an impressive audience of 230 people this past Saturday at our Buena Vista Library. He made shoes disappear, tables float, heads shrink… all while promoting the message that it is important to reduce, reuse and recycle. After the program, children were given “Going Green @ Your Library” coloring books to enjoy.

The next Burbank Reads children’s program will take place during our finale on Saturday, April 4th. We will be showing the animated musical version of “The Lorax” in the storytime room at 1, 2 and 3 pm. There will be popcorn, a drawing with fun prizes, and giveaways for all.

Also: throughout the time of Burbank Reads, children can write down their ideas and suggestions for helping the environment onto colorful leaves in the Children's Library at all three Burbank libraries. We are constructing "Truffula Trees” (like in "The Lorax") out of these leaves. Come see what great ideas our kids have!

From Jennifer!

Event Recap! Global Warming – Facts and Solutions with John Zavalney

Hello Burbank....

We had our first Burbank READS lecture program, Global Warming – Facts and Solutions with John Zavalney, last night and 33 people attended. It was such a wonderful presentation, we wished everyone had come by to see it. One member of the audience, Burbank's Recycling guru, Kreigh Hampel, was there and was very impressed. [if you attend our March 21 program you can "talk trash" with Kreigh Hamplel, so stay tuned for details!] Mr. Zavalney was a lively speaker and the slides were very impressive. Even the few youngsters who came with parents were attentive. He not only spoke about global warming, but talked about other green issues such as water conservation and alternative energy sources. His table of exhibits was fascinating. You will find some of Mr. Zevalney's handouts at our Sustainability Showcase finale [another plug!, so stayed tuned for more details].

Mr. Zavalney has worked closely with Jane Goodall and her “Roots & Shoots” campaign with youngsters (check out this website: http://www.rootsandshoots.org/aboutus/].

Photos and recap from Louise.

Recap - Ed Begley Jr. kickoff event on March 7.

(Pictured are the Library staff who worked the Kickoff event)

Saturday's author event for our Burbank READS Goes Green kickoff, was a wonderful success. 181 people attended, many books were autographed, photos taken and Ed Begley Jr.'s talk was informative and entertaining.

For a wonderful recap of the event [far better than I could ever dream of writing!] with some great photographs, visit Lisa Burks Online

Good Job Burbank!

THANK YOU BURBANK!

For Reading

Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam , Jr.

The Burbank Public Library also THANKS all of our Burbank READS sponsors:

Burbank Leader

The Friends of the Burbank Public Library

Burbank City Employees Association

Universal Pictures

Peter Renaday

Rocket Boys Grand Finale - Recap

Good afternoon,

Well, we brought Burbank READS 2008 to a conclusion on Saturday with the finale, a ‘50s concert featuring Ronny & the Classics at the Northwest Branch Library in the morning and a showing of In the Shadow of the Moon at Buena Vista Branch Library in the afternoon. Although the weather was a bit chilly and grey, those who attended our round of events [Hi Jan] were very appreciative of all our efforts...and you should have seen the selected members of the crowd doing the "Hand Jive" with the band...oh for a photo of that!

We thank everyone who participated in Burbank READS "Rocket Boys" through reading the book and attending the programs. We hope you had fun and we look forward to seeing you at the library and at the next edition of Burbank READS....hhmm, what book should we read next?

Please drop us a line and let us know....

A double shot of YA Rocket Boys event recaps.

The High School Book Club met on 4/10 at Buena Vista to discuss Rocket Boys by Homer J. Hickam as part of our Burbank Reads celebration. The teens enjoyed eating Moonpies and posing for this picture. Many of them also enjoyed watching October Sky (the film) on their own. We also read Project 17 by Laurie Faria Stolarz and The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

Our next meeting (last one for the school year) is on 5/15 at Buena Vista 6:30 pm. We will be reading Sabriel by Garth Nix and Alanna by Tamora Pierce.

And.....

TALES OF THE PARANORMAL with James Underdown from Center for Inquiry West, Hollywood – We had 95 attend our Burbank Reads YA show at Buena Vista on 4/16. Everyone had a lot of fun debating with Mr Underdown about aliens, crop circles, and UFOs. We had quite a lot of adults attend and the kids asked really interesting questions. A good time was had by all!

Thanks to Melissa and Katherine for the recaps and the photos!

Retired Astronaut Vance Brand - Recap.

Good Afternoon,

Well, it was quite a Saturday when the astronaut came to call! Buena Vista’s meeting room was filled to the brim with some 196 people for the fascinating visit with Vance Brand.

One highlight was finding out that a husband/wife pair of fans flew all the way down from San Francisco to attend the event and meet Vance Brand! Now that is impressive.

We’ve got some of the photos online at http://www.burbankreads08.shutterfly.com/action/ There was a long line of people waiting to get a picture taken with a real-live astronaut including this young astronaut-in-training!

Patrons were most appreciative of this wonderful program, and of course, Mr. Brand came across as the gentleman that he is. I think everyone felt like they had a moment with hero.

Recap on "The Final Frontier".

Monday, March 31 program brought in several new faces to the library to hear Matt Ventamiglia'a slide show presentation, The Final Frontier!

We had a nice mix of people who were informed and entertained by an excellent presentation of how space exploration came to be and where it might be headed.

Some were space enthusiasts, and one gentleman had even worked on some of the shuttles.

Our total was 36, with a few extras peeking in from the hallway. Everyone enjoyed the evening, and stopped by to thank us.

We hope to see you at an upcoming Burbank READS event real soon!

Program Recap - 5...4...3...2..1...Write On!

Write On!

On Tuesday, March 25th, we had 23 present for our unique journal writing program for students in grades 4-6. Each child received a free blank journal, a pen and some Burbank Reads surprises. After a fun group writing game during which we created some humorous nonsensical stories and broke the ice, we rotated between four enjoyable activity stations. Kids had the chance to decorate their journals, create a word collage, fill out interesting surveys about themselves, and work on writing prompts that they picked out from a “jar ‘o ideas”. The end result was a bunch of happy, creative kids and an impressive start to some personal journals…oh, and a whole lot of glitter everywhere! No one wanted to leave…in fact, many stayed for some time after the program in order to continue working on their journals. On their way out the door, each student took home a special packet of writing ideas, and some checked out writing books that were put on display. Nearly all participants filled out interest cards for another writing program to be held at the library. (There are also requests from parents to hold a similar program for younger students.) In the words of one participant, “Do it again! It was fantastic. Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!” Umm, I guess that means that we should start planning for another creative writing event!

Write on or Right on indeed!

Thanks to Jennifer for the recap.

Brown Bag Book Club Rocket Boys Recap!

BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB

On March 18th Naomi Aronoff, Margaret Cervantes, Peggy Wilcoxen, Evelyn Perales, Irene M. Lane, Patrice Samko, Laura Brownell, Irene Petithomme and Jody Hidey of the Brown Baggers had a lively discussion of Rocket Boys.

While everyone enjoyed the movie, October Sky, we all agreed that the book was better. We felt the characters had more depth in the book. We had a good debate about Homer, Sr. Half of us liked him and those who didn’t gave some good arguments. The book reminded us of our own growing-up-years – some of us in small towns like Coalwood and some of us in an urban environment. Many of the issues were the same nonetheless.

We all liked the book very much and we encourage everyone in Burbank to read it and talk about it.

Thanks to Jody for the recap!

Join the Brown Bag Book Club on April 15 [alway the 3rd Tuesday of the month] at 12 noon when they will discuss People of The Book by Geraldine Brooks

[I further checked with the Brown Baggers and was very disappointed to find that no swapping of lunch items occurred.]

"Bringing the Book to Life" Recap.

It was A “small, but mighty” turnout of 16 who attended on March 18th, the first of two "Bringing the Book to Life" programs.

Actor Peter Renaday [see photo] did a wonderful reading selections from Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, Jr., bringing many of us close to tears. We also had a brief discussion following the reading program.

I hope we have a better turn out for April 2nd. It’s a program worth seeing so please spread the word.

Thanks to Jody for the recap and if you, like I, want to attend the second "Bringing the Book to Life" program, join Peter Renaday and the rest of us on-

Wednesday, April 2
7:00 PM
Burbank Central Library
110 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
818-238-5600

Mercury Seven Program rockets to success!

Last Saturday 73 children and parents heard a short talk about the early space program and then 35 kids [see photo] built some very imaginative rocket mobiles at the library's Mercury Seven program which marked the 50th anniversary of NASA and the announcement of America’s first space program, Project Mercury.

It can be a challenge trying to explain what the Cold War was to a second grader when there isn’t any cold war anymore and there isn’t any Soviet Union anymore, and they never had to practice ducking under their desk for a nuclear bomb while hearing the siren drills. Just what was so important about when Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom and John Glenn made their rides into space? It is difficult to see why something with a funny name like Sputnik, a thing not much bigger than a basketball and not capable of doing anything but making meaningless radio beeps for a few months, was such a big deal when now you can get a zillion channels from space just like that. In this age of the space shuttle it is hard to believe that people actually sat on the tip of a rocket and got blasted into the sky and then got back by falling into the ocean and being plucked out like a bobbing rubber duck by a helicopter. How do you make children understand that a scenario so seemingly unsophisticated and improbable was a cause of great national pride and that so much hung on the outcome?.

Well that is, I suppose, what the idea of this whole Burbank Reads program is all about, putting everyone on the same page, looking at shared historic events and then placing ourselves again at the intersection between those and the line of our own lives and trying to explain the meaning we found there and has followed us, even to those most distant from both. Which is how a sense of community is built, and why the memoir Rocket Boys is such a well chosen vehicle.

Thanks to Hubert for the program and the recap!