Children's Programs for January 2014

Please join us for a month of fun children's programs.  Feel free to share this flyer with your friends and other caregivers.

Amazing Grace: The Movie

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 6:45 p.m.

Handsome Ioan Gruffudd portrays William Wilberforce, the man who led the campaign in Parliament against the slave trade in the British Empire. The title refers to the hymn, "Amazing Grace," written by former slave ship captain John Newton--played by Albert Finney--who repented of his former profession and urged Wilberforce to take up the cause of abolition. The lovely Romola Garai portrays William's wife, Barbara, and the versatile Benedict Cumberbatch plays his friend, Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. Talented Youssou N'Dour appears as African-British abolitionist Olaudah Equiano. The showing of the film observes Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Free popcorn will be served.

The Healing Power of Humor

Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

What if your doctor gave you a prescription that read, "Listen to two jokes and call me in the morning." Of course, that sounds far-fetched, but research shows that laughing at a good joke can help improve your health. It can also reduce your stress hormones, stimulate your immune system, and reduce your blood pressure. The author Norman Cousins even credited laughter with helping him recover from a painful disease. So come by the library, have a few laughs on us, and listen while writer and registered nurse Arlene Jech describes how putting a little laughter in your life can help you feel better.

Board Game Bonanza

Tuesday, January 7 at 4:00pm

The Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company

Saturday, January 11th at 2:00pm

Blue Suede Jews, Part 2

Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Merced Arts & Culture Salon

Leonard Cohen

San Franciscan Richie Unterberger, the author of numerous rock history books, presents this program that includes clips from the 1960s and 1970s of major Jewish rock performers such as Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Leonard Cohen, Peter Green of the original Fleetwood Mac, Manfred Mann, Randy Newman, and quite a few other surprises. This is entirely different than the first program of "Blue Suede Jews" he presented last year.

Holiday Music with Chris Molla

Saturday, December 7th at 2:00pm

T(w)een Knitting Circle

Wednesday, December 4th at 4:30pm

Covered California: The Affordable Care Act

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Confused by your new health insurance options? Unsure what the Affordable Care Act means for you?  Join us for a presentation by Covered CA community educators on what you need to know about the new healthcare exchange marketplace and how expanded healthcare coverage works in California – for you and your family.

 

Claude Monet: Painter of Light

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

A beautiful slide presentation by San Francisco artist Marlene Aron on the work of one of the most wonderful painters of the Impressionist Movement. From his early work on the Normandy Coast to his final years in Giverny, where he painted his gorgeous water lilies, we'll rejoice in the glow of Monet's water gardens, rose gardens, wisteria, the Japanese footbridge, and his luminous paintings of the river Seine. Come celebrate with us as we view over eighty slides of the delightful work of Claude Monet.

Book Club

Join us for a lively book discussion.  Newcomers are always welcome. 

Storytimes at the Merced Branch Library

Introducing our new Toddler Tales program, every Monday at 10:15am.  Baby Rhyme Time will continue at on it's usual day and time -- Thursdays at 10:15am.

Home Preparedness in Earthquake Country

Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.

Matt Springer, a professor in the UCSF Department of Medicine, will give a talk and slideshow about precautions that can be taken to lessen the damage from an earthquake at home and work. His presentation includes many photos of preparations in his own home and suggests measures ranging from simple to complex to prepare for the next temblor.

"Tricycle Music Fest" FAMILY CONCERT

Saturday, October 19th at 4:00pm

Join us for a rock 'n' roll good time at our 5th Annual Tricycle Music Fest.   The Pop Ups were named one of 2012’s "Best 15 Bands for Kids" by Time Out New York and earned a 2013 Grammy nomination.  For children of all ages and their families.

Russian Folk and Pop Songs / Русские народные и эстрадные песни

Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Jonnie Pekelny (Женя Пекельная), a talented singer and a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, and Toku Woo (Току Ву), an accomplished and versatile guitarist, have teamed up to present the sweet, fiery, humorous, irreverent, and honest songs of rural and working Russia.   Come enjoy melodies that celebrate the Russian cultural heritage.
 

Родившаяся в Ленинграде Женя Пекельная красиво и задушевно исполняет русские народные и советские эстрадные песни в сопровождении талантливого гитариста Току Ву. Приходите, мы ждём вас!

San Francisco Voting Information

Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Come learn about the upcoming November 5^th San Francisco Municipal Election. The deadline to register to vote is October 21st. A bilingual English/Russian language San Francisco Department of Elections staff member will provide information and materials to all adult library patrons. Stay to enjoy a concert at 7:00 p.m. of Russian songs presented by Jonnie Pekelny and Toku Woo for the Merced Arts & Culture Salon.

19th Avenue Transit Study

Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Help plan the NEW 19th Avenue!  The 19th Avenue Transit Study investigates the feasibility of a major upgrade to 19th Avenue and its connection to surrounding neighborhoods. The Study has developed and evaluated improvement concepts for a west-side, grade-separated alignment of the M-Ocean View prioritized by the community during prior planning processes. Concepts developed include a subway near Stonestown and San Francisco State University, a light rail undercrossing at 19th and Junipero Serra, or a light rail bridge over Junipero Serra near Font and Randolph. Learn more about improvement concepts under study, how they've been shaped by public input, and anticipated benefits including:

• Faster and more reliable M-Ocean View
• Shorter, safer pedestrian crossings
• More comfortable rail and bus stops
• Wider sidewalks
• New and upgraded cycling facilities
• Greened, landscaped, calmed, corridor
• More reliable vehicle travel

The meeting will include a one-hour presentation by project staff and 30 minutes for questions and feedback from attendees.

Imaginuity: Discover Your Inner Scientist

IMAGINUITY celebrates every child's inner scientist with free science programming at every SFPL library in the month of November.  Here's Merced's Imaginuity program:

Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month

San Francisco Public Library is celebrating Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15. Every branch will be offering children's programs, listed here http://sfpl.org/index.php?l=0&t=0&s=224&a=1&k&m1=9&d1=5&y1=2013&m2&d2&y2&m=all&orderby=name&pg=1100000001&action=calendar&lower-limit&lang=1.

 

 

Tricycle Music Fest



Don't miss the San Francisco Public Library's two-month-long rock 'n' roll music fest for kids !!! TOP NOTCH children's bands will perform at various library branches throughout the city. Please go to http://sfpl.org/tricycle for more information.

eLearning Lab with Learn4Life

Registration at Merced: Thursday, September 19, 2013, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Learning Labs at Merced: Saturdays, September 21 & 28 and October 5, 12, 19, & 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The eLearning Lab with Learn4Life is your opportunity to take a wide range of highly interactive courses entirely over the Internet. All of the courses are 6 weeks long and led by expert instructors. The online courses are fun, fast, convenient, and best of all free with your San Francisco Public Library card. There are over 300 courses available including art, technology, creative writing, business and management, and college preparation.

From September 18 through October 31 the Bayview, Chinatown, Merced, Sunset and Visitacion Valley Branches will have computers designated for Learn4Life coursework.

The space is limited, please register in advance.

The library does not provide headphones, please bring your own.

Elder Abuse Prevention

Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Retired nurse Arlene Jech, who writes on healthcare topics, discusses elder abuse prevention among community-dwelling seniors as well as in nursing homes. Before her retirement, she worked for the California Department of Public Health Licensing and Certification. As a nursing home inspector and supervisor, she inspected nursing homes for abuse as well as for compliance with state and federal regulations.

September is Healthy Aging Month.  Please join us for this presentation.

George Gershwin & the American Popular Song

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

After seeing the Gershwin musical, Nice Work If You Can Get It, on Broadway last fall, Tim was inspired to explore the lives and music of the Gershwin brothers, George and Ira. Holt will perform and play songs from the musical, including "'S Wonderful" and "Do Do Do," as well as selections from Porgy and Bess, and other works by the Gershwin team. He'll discuss their contribution to American popular music and give a behind-the-scenes look at how they weaved music and words seamlessly together. Tim will also discuss the work of other great composers from that era: Harold Arlen ("Somewhere Over The Rainbow"), Irving Berlin ("Cheek To Cheek") and Jerome Kern ("'Ol Man River"). As in his other programs, Tim will encourage audience members to celebrate our musical heritage by singing right along with him.

Across the Pacific Ocean with Paddle Steamship China

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Historian Hillary Don discusses his book, Across the Pacific Ocean with Paddle Steamship China. From 1867 to 1879, the wooden, sidewheel-paddle steamship boldly carried thousands of transpacific ocean passengers- including William Seward and Anson Burlingame—over 6,000 hazardous nautical miles from San Francisco, California, to Yokohama, Japan, and Hong Kong, China. It helped unite the East and West coasts of the United States and developed trade between the youngest and two of the oldest civilizations in the world. Now only the aft deckhouse of the ship survives as “China Cabin” in Belvedere.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

San Francisco Public Library Film Festival - Babies

Wednesday, July 31st at 7:00 p.m.

Babies - A visually stunning and joyful film that simultaneously chronicles the lives of four of the world’s newest human inhabitants - in Mongolia, Namibia, San Francisco and Tokyo, respectively -- from first breath to first steps, on a journey at once universal and amazingly original. Rated PG.

San Francisco's West of Twin Peaks

Wednesday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. Local historian Jacqueline Proctor presents a view of San Francisco's development from west of Twin Peaks, home to some of the city's most beautiful neighborhoods and influential citizens. The suburbs that spread from the city's highest point form a unique part of the San Francisco tapestry.

Elder Abuse Prevention

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, retired nurse Arlene Jech, who writes on healthcare topics, discusses elder abuse prevention among community-dwelling seniors as well as in nursing homes.  Before her retirement, she worked for the California Department of Public Health Licensing and Certification.  As a  nursing home supervisor and inspector, she inspected nursing homes for abuse as well as for compliance with state and federal regulations.

Harbor Porpoises Return to San Francisco Bay

Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Merced Branch Library Arts & Culture Salon and Adult Summer Reading Program

Join Bill Keener, co-founder of Golden Gate Cetacean Research, for a presentation on the return of the harbor porpoises. Harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) had been missing from San Francisco Bay since World War II, but they've returned in increasing numbers in recent years. Keener will discuss the disappearance of porpoises, the mystery of their unexpected return, and how you can help by reporting your porpoise sightings.

Merced Branch Library - Expansion and Modification of Hours 2013 Survey

Following a year-long assessment process, San Francisco Public Library is planning to increase its hours system wide.

We welcome your input about the proposed additions and modifications to current library operating hours.

At the Merced Branch Library, the proposed modifications would:

• Add morning hours on Wednesdays

• Add evening hours on Thursdays

• Provide standard and consistent evening hours at all SFPL locations and close by 8 p.m.

Current Hours:

Sunday 1-5
Monday 10-6
Tuesday 10-9
Wednesday 1-9
Thursday 10-6
Friday 1-6
Saturday 10-6

Proposed Hours:

Sunday 1-5
Monday 10-6
Tuesday 10-8
Wednesday 10-8
Thursday 10-8
Friday 1-6
Saturday 10-6

Please copy and paste this link into the address bar to take this brief survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MercedProposedHours

Merced Branch Library Open House

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.

Come celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Merced Branch renovation. Fun for families and children of all ages! Entertainment and light refreshments will be provided. Happy Anniversary Merced! Enjoy performances by roving clown Mahsa Matin and the magician, Magic Dan. The Branch was renovated as part of the Branch Library Improvement Program, a voter initiative passed in November 2000. We’re building better libraries for stronger communities.

Light Refreshments served from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Roving Clown Mahsa Matin: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Magic Dan: 7:00 p.m.

Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month

Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m.

• Asian Pacific Islander Biographies and Student Showcase: Power Point presentations, Portraits, and Research Projects compiled by students from Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University about people who made a difference. Kid's Projects:


• Make mini-books, a small kite, a paper airplane, and/or a folding vintage streetcar to remember.

• Peruse recommended books about Asian Pacific Islander Americans.

• Complimentary Resource Book: Crossing Boundaries Asian and Pacifica Islander Americans, published by The Association of Chinese Teachers, will be given to teachers, librarians, youth program staff in attendance.

• A few classroom sets will be available on loan to educators.

• Send an e-mail to tactbook2010@yahoo.com to sign up for a classroom set which can be picked up during the celebration.

• Featuring:

- Don Chee, Chief Engineer of the F Line, for whom a street in San Francisco is named

- Mamie Tape, from the court case Tape v. Hurley, which established the right of Chinese Americans to attend public schools

- Wong Kim Ark, from the court case that established the right of citizenship by birth, on its 100th Anniversary

- List of Asian Pacific Islander Women for the Wall of Women Project

- Chinese shrimp fishing industry: Make an origami boat modeled after those that once sailed in San Francisco Bay

• Presented by The Association of Chinese Teachers (TACT), P.O. 210564, San Francisco, CA 94121 and Asian American Studies Department, College of Ethnic Studies, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132.

How to Take Care of Pet Worms

Wednesday, April 24 at 4:00 p.m.

Did you know that worms will eat your food scraps and turn them into compost? Come learn how to make a special house for worms called a "worm bin." Free red wiggler worms will be given away to 15 lucky participants. An environmental program presented by Urban Worm in celebration of the Merced Branch earning LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Images of Nature in Contemporary Art

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.




Jimsonweed by Georgia O'Keefe

A lovely presentation of work by artists who celebrate nature in their paintings, watercolors, photographs, drawings, sculpture, and environmental installations, this program celebrates the Merced Branch earning LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  From the gorgeous paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe, Joseph Stella and, Charles Burchfield, to the photographs of Minor White and Ansel Adams, to environmental earthworks by Andy Goldsworthy, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Ana Mendieta, and Maya Lin (who designed the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.), Marlene Aron will present a wonderful exploration of those artists whose work has been inspired by the landscapes and gardens in which they live.  Ms. Aron will include a selection of her own nature-inspired work.  Over one hundred slides will be shown

Dreaming Before Daylight by Marlene Aron



Uilleann Pipe Concert

Merced Arts & Culture Salon

Wednesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Todd Denman performs uilleann pipes and tin whistle with Richard Mandell on guitar. A rare form of bagpipe native to Ireland, the uilleann pipes are bellows inflated, played while sitting, and have the largest musical and harmonic capacity of any bagpipes in the world. They are a social, indoor instrument with a rich 200-year history in Ireland. Todd received an NEA endowment to study the pipes in the 1980s, he has studied in Ireland and has performed in Europe, Ireland and across the U.S., including the San Francisco Symphony, and has been a California Arts Council Touring Artist. His recordings have reached Top-10 charts and received wide acclaim in both Ireland and America. His music can be heard on the recent Disney Brave iPad games. A very unusual instrument and exciting music, not to be missed!

Buffalo Soldiers of the Presidio

Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Based at the Presidio in San Francisco, Buffalo Soldiers were assigned to Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks where they patrolled the backcountry, built trails, stopped poaching, and otherwise served in the roles later assumed by National Park rangers.  In observance of Black History Month, Ranger Frederik Penn will discuss the importance of the Buffalo Soldiers to the management of the National Parks and to the legacy of African Americans in the post-Civil War era.  In this presentation, he will display historic photographs and explore this multi-layered and multi-faceted, yet seldom told, story.

San Francisco's Watch Dogs: The Civil Grand Jury

Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.

• What is the purpose of the grand jury?
• Who are the people who serve on the grand jury?
• How does it work?: Selection of issues studied and how investigations are done.
• Does anything happen with the jury’s findings and recommendations?

Come to the community meeting and get the answers. And ask other questions at the discussion period following the brief presentation by former civil grand jurors.

A Talk about Traditional Chinese Culture

Saturday, February 9 at 2:00 p.m.


A representative from the Asian Art Foundation will discuss Shen Yun and the movement for the renaissance of traditional Chinese culture.