Blue Suede Jews: Jews in the Golden Age of Rock'n'Roll

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. (please note that this Salon begins half an hour earlier than usual)

San Francisco historian Richie Unterberger, the author of numerous rock history books, presents this program that includes clips of major Jewish rock performers from the 1960s and 1970s.  Featured are Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Marc Bolan, Leonard Cohen, Neil Diamond, Janis Ian, Lesley Gore, Peter Green of the original Fleetwood Mac, Manfred Mann, Carly Simon, and quite a few other surprises.

Van Gogh, Pissarro and the 99%

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

In this lecture, San Francisco artist Marlene Aron will examine the work of Vincent Van Gogh and Camille Pissarro. Over one hundred slides will be shown, from their earliest drawings and lithographs, to their most beautiful and powerful paintings. She will demonstrate how these two artists, whose shared compassion for the laborer, the peasant, and those who struggled to get by in their daily lives, would be the perfect spokespersons for today’s 99% political movement.

How to Write Successful College Admission Essays

Merced Branch Library, Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

THE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH SESSION AT THE ORTEGA BRANCH HAS BEEN CANCELLED

As a teacher of writing, Thomas Drain has helped numerous students compose and submit successful personal statements as part of their college entrance applications.   A writer, editor, and translator with special interests in art and architecture, Drain taught Latin and Greek, Drama and English at Lowell High School in San Francisco for nearly twenty years. 

Merced October Arts & Culture Salon

Public Hearing on Merced Branch Library Open Hours

Holiday Cards and Books - Practical Skills for Adults Workshop

Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

Holidays are a great time to learn new techniques for making simple cards and decorative books to give to friends and family. Get ready to have fun as we make several things for you to take home and inspire you for other holiday gifts!

C.J. Grossman has taught thousands of adults and children how to make books and cards. She has an MFA from California College of the Arts and shows her work nationally.

Space is limited. Please register with a librarian.

Argentine Tango: Dance and Music

Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. - Merced Branch Arts & Culture Salon

Learn about this sultry Argentinean dance! Jurek Mazur, of the Academia de Tango Argentino, will talk about the history and development of Argentine tango dance and music. He has taught tango for eleven years, using a unique method that he developed. Dancers from the Academia will perform, demonstrating the beauty of a dance form that is rooted in the urban folklore of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. This program will take place in the library's courtyard (weather permitting).

Painting by Mary Hopf

Painting by Mary Hopf