Remembering Champions of Peace and Nonviolence

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Remembering Champions of Peace and Nonviolence

Celebrating Women’s History Month

This year’s theme honors women’s efforts to promote peace and nonviolence

March is National Women’s History Month, a time to recognize women’s accomplishments. The idea for the month began in Sonoma County in 1978 as a way for students to examine women’s history and issues. The idea spread, and in 1981 a Congressional resolution created National Women’s History Week. This was later expanded to the current month-long recognition.

The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) declared this year’s theme to be “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence” in honor of the many women who have “led efforts to end war, violence and injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society.” This year’s honorees range from civil rights activists to the founder of a grassroots humanitarian organization, to a nun. Several of the honorees have risked their lives for their causes.

The NWHA believes that recognizing women’s achievements can bring an awareness and new opportunities for girls and young women. We’ve compiled a number of books in honor of National Women’s History Month in a collection titled Women Rising. Our librarians have also put together a trio of Overdrive lists of eBooks and Audiobooks titled Who Runs the World?: Women's History, Royal Reads, and Girl Power! for you to explore. 

 

Must-See Silicon Valley Reads 2019 Programs in March

Author visits and discussions about unlocking the mysteries of DNA

The second half of Silicon Valley Reads 2019 takes place this month with more events geared around the central theme of “Finding Identity in Family History.” Authors Paula Williams Madison, Bill Griffeth, Brenda Woods, and Kelly Loy Gilbert are all making appearances, as is bilingual storyteller Olga Loya. There is also a large slate of films being screened. Please visit our Events Calendar to see other SCCLD events your local library is offering.

Many people have turned to genealogy databases and at-home DNA kits to learn more about their family roots. Sometimes that family history can dig up secrets that shock us. Forensic science is changing the landscape in many fields, including law enforcement, privacy and ethics. The alleged Golden State Killer was caught in 2018 after authorities uploaded his DNA profile onto a genetic testing website and matches came back from distant relatives.

Criminalist Cordelia Willis of the Santa Clara County Crime Laboratory will shed light on the crime-solving process of forensic genealogy, from DNA testing to genealogy-based searching methods March 24 at Milpitas Library. Classes will be offered around the ethics of DNA testing, making a homemade DNA extraction kit, and making DNA double-helix models using 3D pens.

 

Explore the World of Genealogy with Ancestry

Get to know more about your family’s past using free in-library tool 

Your ancestors left clues along the way. Now you can trace them online. Billions of records in census data, vital records, directories, photos and more are at your fingertips! Ancestry Library Edition, a web-based reference tool distributed by ProQuest, will allow you to start exploring your roots by searching a surname. Anyone can come into the library to dig into Ancestry Library Edition’s millions of records – as far back as the 1400’s.

The information you find are pieces of a puzzle that you’ll assemble. These records have “clues” to the past – places where your ancestors lived, names of relatives, birth and death dates, etc. that lead to more information. Names can be added to form the “tree” or searched to find more clues.

Interested in learning more about Ancestry Library Edition?  ProQuest Training and Consulting Partner Andrea Sevetson will give a brief overview of the database content, search tips, and research tools, and then we’ll evaluate different files, and work through some sample searches using Santa Clara County notable people.

  • Saratoga Library: Friday, March 1st at 10:30 am
  • Cupertino Library: Friday, March 1st at 2 pm
  • Gilroy Library: Saturday, March 2nd at 3 pm

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

Latin Grammy Award winners bringing their “kindie rock” to five libraries this month

Described as a “bilingual B-52s for kids,” husband and wife duo Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis have been delighting audiences for close to a decade with their infectious mix of indie rock and catchy children’s music. A great experience for parents and kids, this Family Concert Series will help children build early literacy skills through playing, dancing and singing.

Come see the group People Magazine dubbed among the coolest in kids music. Lucky Diaz is playing at Campbell (3/20), Los Altos (3/20), Cupertino (3/21), Milpitas (3/21), Morgan Hill (3/22), Saratoga (3/23) and Gilroy (3/23) libraries. Please view the Events section for full details.

Marking Reading Awareness Month with Book Club Kits

The Library has everything you need to start a group discussion about a new or classic book

March is National Reading Awareness Month. Reading together as a group is even more fun. For your next book group, check out a book club kit. Find the newest titles here. Of course, if you want to enjoy a good laugh, there is always the movie Book Club. Happy reading!

Have a Bite of National Nutrition Month 

Three-part healthy eating series planned for Gilroy and Morgan Hill libraries

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department will be teaching a three-part series on Healthy Eating at the Morgan Hill and Gilroy libraries starting in March during National Nutrition Month. Classes will be held once a month and each have a different focus area.

March: Planning Healthy Meals
Learn tips for making meals that are both healthy and taste great. This class covers the benefits of meal planning including how it can help save time and money and ways to overcome common challenges to meal planning. Gilroy- 6th from 6 - 7:30pm. Morgan Hill- 12th from 6:30 - 8pm.

April: Shopping on a Budget
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be time consuming and expensive. In this class you will learn tips to help you save money while eating healthier and how to prepare a meal for a family of 4 for $10! Gilroy- 3rd from 6 - 7:30. Morgan Hill- 9th from 6:30 - 8pm.

May: ReThink Your Drink and Label Reading
How much sugar is in your drink? Learn the link between sugary drinks, obesity, and type 2 diabetes; types of sugary drinks that may be in your diet; how to calculate the amount of sugar in beverages; and how to choose healthier beverages. Gilroy- 1st from 6 - 7:30. Morgan Hill- 14th from 6:30 - 8pm.

 

 


Calendar of March Events

Major happenings this month at each SCCLD location

Spring is coming (on the 20th), with Daylight Savings Time starting on the 10th. March is also the month for Nutrition and Reading Awareness. César Chavez Day is on the 31st, though it’s observed on April 1st (no kidding). All libraries are closed on that date. Please note that effective March 17th, Gilroy and Campbell libraries will be open on Sundays for the first time (from 1-5 pm). There will be a special celebration at Campbell Library at 1:30 pm on Sunday, March 31st featuring Germar the Magician. Keep an eye out for details about the Gilroy Library's celebration.

March 2019 EVENTS (HIGHLIGHTS)

Silicon Valley Reads events marked in purple.

 

CAMPBELL (77 Harrison Avenue, Campbell 95008) 

Introduction to Ayurveda
Wednesday, March 6, 7 – 8 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Learn about Ayurveda, the sister science of Yoga. This traditional Indian medicinal system helps to cultivate wellness and balance. 

Special Storytime & Craft Event
Saturday, March 9, 11 am – 12 pm, Children’s Alcove, Upper Level
This month it’s all about shapes.

Family Movie- Ralph Breaks the Internet
Saturday, March 16, 2 – 4 pm, Community Room, Lower Level
All are invited to watch a movie on the big screen. For kids and caregivers.

Guitar Night: A Live Music Event
Monday, March 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Community Room, Lower Level
SJG School of Music presents student and professional guitarists in concert.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying-up: The KonMari Method
Saturday, March 23, 1:30 – 3 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Come enjoy an informative talk that provides tips on decluttering your home and office space. Using the six principles of the KonMari Method the presenter will walk you through the steps involved. Q&A following.

SVR 2019: Teen Journaling Workshop
Saturday, March 23, 4 – 5:30 pm, Community Room, Lower Level
Author and creativity coach Kanesha Baynard leads this fun, interactive and creative workshop that will encourage teens to explore their family connections. Participants should bring pictures and/or mementos to display in their journals. Other materials provided. 

SVR 2019: Author Paula Williams Madison
Sunday, March 24, 1:30 – 3 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Nationally-recognized journalist and retired NBC Universal executive Madison shares her story of exploration from Jamaica back to China, as she traces her family roots. She eventually finds 300 long-lost relatives. Q&A to follow.

SVR 2019: Film- Three Identical Strangers
Monday, March 25, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Community Room
This documentary tells the story of three men who make the chance discovery, at the age of 19, that they are identical triplets separated at birth and adopted by different parents.

SVR 2019: Tell Your Family Story with Olga Loya
Saturday, March 30, 2 – 3 pm, Program Room
Hear nationally known bilingual storyteller Olga Loya tell family stories in English and en español that will inspire children and their grownups to share their own. 

CUPERTINO (10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino 95014) 

FREE 2018 Tax Help
Sundays, March 10, 17, 24, & 31, 1:30 – 5 pm, Story Room, Ground Floor
Volunteers in Tax Assistance will help low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals who make less than $55,000 to prepare electronic tax filings.

SVR 2019: Teen Writing Workshop
Wednesday, March 13, 7 – 9 pm, Activity Room
Kelly Loy Gilbert, author of Picture Us in the Light, will share creative writing tips with teens. 

Bilingual Storytime (Mandarin Chinese/English)
Friday, March 15, 11 am – 12 pm, Parent’s Corner
Children’s Librarian Jean will read storybooks, lead children with songs, flannel board story, finger play, games and craft project. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents and caretakers are welcome!

SVR 2019: Film- Daughter from Danang
Monday, March 18, 7 – 9 pm, Story Room
This award-winning film tells the poignant story of a Vietnamese mother and her Amerasian daughter, who were separated by the Vietnam War and reunited 22 years later. Presented in collaboration with the UNAFF in Libraries Program. 

SVR 2019: Make a Memory Frame Craft
Wednesday, March 20, 4 – 5:30 pm, Story Room
Create a lighted memory frame using five of your favorite family photos. For grades 5 to 8. Online registration required.

GILROY (350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy 95020)

Healthy Living: Planning Health Meals
Wednesday, March 6, 6 – 7:30 pm, Quiet Study B
Learn tips for making meals that are both healthy and taste great. Meal planning can help save time and money. Helpful suggestions for overcoming common challenges.

SVR 2019: Supervisor Mike Wasserman Reads at Storytime
Thursday, March 7, 10:30 – 11 am, Nest (Children’s Activity Room)
Join us for a special storytime program as Mike reads aloud our SVR title for children, Alma and How She Got Her Name. A simple craft program follows that encourages us to learn about our own family history. 

Girls Who Code (6th to 12th Grades)
Thursday, March 7, 4:15 – 5:30 pm, Computer Training Lab
A fun program to girls to explore coding in a fun and friendly way. Must be able to attend all ten sessions. Sign up on the events calendar. 

SVR 2019 Teen Journaling Workshop (for ages 13-18)
Saturday, March 9, 10:30 am to 12 pm, Community Room
Join us and learn the art of bullet journals to better organize your life. All supplies provided. Sign up on our online events calendar.

SVR 2019: Family Treasure Box Craft for Kids
Saturday, March 9, 12 – 2 pm, Nest (Children’s Activity Room)
Decorate a special box to store a favorite family treasure like a photo, poem, saying, or wish that celebrates you and your family.  

SVR 2019: Author Paula Williams Madison
Sunday, March 24, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Nationally-recognized journalist and retired NBC Universal executive Madison shares her story of exploration from Jamaica back to China, as she traces her family roots. She eventually finds 300 long-lost relatives. Q&A to follow.

SVR 2019: Film- Three Identical Strangers
Monday, March 25, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
This documentary tells the story of three men who make the chance discovery, at the age of 19, that they are identical triplets separated at birth and adopted by different parents.

SVR 2019: Film Screening- Finding Samuel Lowe
Monday, March 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Community Room, Lower Level
An Afro-Chinese-Jamaican Harlem family seeks their separated grandfather in China. 

LOS ALTOS (13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos 94022)

Carbon Pollution
Tuesday, March 5, 7 – 9 pm, Orchard Room
Los Altos and Los Altos Hills have among the largest carbon footprints in the Bay Area. Join us to find out why and what we can do about it. Dr. Christopher Jones of UC Berkeley’s CoolClimate Network, lead author of a recent study into the topic, will offer a presentation and lead a discussion.  

SVR 2019: Award-winning Author Brenda Woods Visit
Thursday, March 7, 4 – 5 pm, Orchard Room
Woods will discuss her book The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond, a 2019 SVR selection for school age children. For children grades 3 and up and their caregivers.

Monet: The Later Years
Thursday, March 7, 7 – 9 pm, Orchard Room
Based on the current exhibit at the Legion of Honor, guest lecturer Ellen Harden will discuss Monet’s paintings from his garden at Giverny, the house seen from the rose garden, and his famous lily pond.

History Club for Kids (Grades 4 – 7)
Saturday, March 9, 2 – 3 pm, Orchard Room
Learn about the Louisiana Purchase. Students can connect to other youth and gain knowledge. Presented by a National History Bee finalist.

Galaxy Necklaces (Adult/Teen Craft)
Monday, March 11, 6 – 8 pm, Orchard Room
This month’s arts and crafts project is a wearable galaxy necklace. Supplies provided.

SVR 2019: Film- Farewell Herr Schwartz
Tuesday, March 12, 7 – 9 pm, Orchard Room
Winner of Best Documentary Prize at the Haifa International Film Festival. A cinematic journey about buried family secrets, the Holocaust and how it’s never too late to reclaim your heritage. 

SVR 2019: Special Mandarin/English Storytime with Guest Reader Supervisor Joe Simitian
Thursday, March 14, 11 – 11:30 am, Orchard Room
Speakers of all languages welcome to this bilingual storytime featuring books, songs, finger plays and activities. 

Bay Area Games Day
Saturday, March 16, 10 am – 11 pm, Orchard Room
A full day of convention-style open gaming now in its 21th year. Recent hobbyist and classic strategy games. All levels.

SVR 2019: Genealogy is Not Just for Genealogists
Monday, March 18, 7 – 9 pm, Orchard Room
Jane Lindsey from the CA Genealogical Society will cover what you can do to ensure your family treasures (stories, mementos, and photographs) are available for your descendants.    

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Wednesday, March 20, 4 – 5 pm, Orchard Room
Part of the Family Concert Series, which helps kids learn early literacy skills through playing, dancing and singing. Lucky Diaz creates indie music sounds that are rooted in their whimsical child-friendly imaginations. People Magazine called their album #1 in coolest kids music.

SVR 2019: Preserving Family Photos, Stories and Documents
Wednesday, March 20, 7 – 9 pm, Orchard Room
Class provides tips and procedures for capturing the story behind a photo, then preserving the image for the next generation. Presented by Carolyn Williams, a family genealogist and San Mateo County Genealogical Society board member.

MILPITAS (160 N. Main Street, Milpitas 95035)

SVR 2019: Genealogy for Asian Americans
Thursday, March 7, 7 – 8:30 pm, Auditorium
Interested in discovering more about your family history? Local genealogist Marisa Louie Lee will discuss how to get started with your research, with particular emphasis on resources for Asian American families.  

SVR 2019: DNA Science (Grades 3 to 5)
Friday, March 8, 4 – 5 pm, Children’s Activity Room
Children will learn how to make their own DNA extraction kit using household chemicals and strawberries. Space is limited, registration required. 

FREE 2018 Tax Help
Saturdays, March 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10 am – 1 pm, Computer Training Center
Volunteers in Tax Assistance will help low income, elderly, and disabled individuals who make less than $55,000 to prepare electronic tax filings.

The Backbone of the Railroad
Sunday, March 10, 1 – 5 pm, Auditorium
Exhibit opening and reception. Commemorates the Chinese railroad workers in America.   

SVR 2019: Ethics of DNA Testing
Thursday, March 14, 7 – 8:30 pm, Activity Room
Dealing with the secrets locked away in our genes can lead to ethical dilemmas. Whether handling family secrets or safeguarding information about living people, the ethical challenges of family history in the 21st Century can be daunting. Join us for a discussion around the ethical and social implications of applying this powerful tool. 

SVR 2019: Teen Journaling Workshop (for ages 13-18)
Saturday, March 16, 10 to 11:30 am, Community Room
Join us and learn the art of bullet journals to better organize your life. All supplies provided. Sign up on our online events calendar.

SVR 2019: Author Paula Williams Madison
Saturday, March 16, 1:30 – 3 pm, Auditorium
Nationally recognized journalist and retired NBC Universal executive Madison shares her story of exploration from Jamaica back to China, as she traces her family roots. She eventually finds 300 long-lost relatives. Q&A to follow.

Growing Summer Vegetables
Wednesday, March 20, 7 to 8:30 pm, Auditorium
Master Gardener Sue Zaslaw will teach you how to prepare a garden bed, pick which vegetables to grow and when to plant them, and more.

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Thursday, March 21, 4 – 5 pm, Auditorium
Part of the Family Concert Series, which helps kids learn early literacy skills through playing, dancing and singing. Lucky Diaz creates indie music sounds that are rooted in their whimsical child-friendly imaginations. People Magazine called their album #1 in coolest kids music.

SVR 2019: Film- Chinese Couplets
Saturday, March 23, 3 – 4:30 pm, Auditorium
Veteran San Francisco filmmaker Felicia Lowe’s documentary tells the story of her mother and the exploration of her family’s secret past. It weaves stories that connect the experience of four generations stretching from China to Cuba. 

SVR 2019: Forensic Genealogy: A New Way to Solve Crimes
Sunday, March 24, 2 – 3:30 pm, Auditorium
Criminalist Cordelia Willis of the Santa Clara County Crime Laboratory will explain the crime-solving process, from DNA testing to the new genealogy-based searching methods.

MORGAN HILL (660 W. Main Avenue, Morgan Hill 95037)    

SVR 2019: Tell Your Family Story with Olga Loya
Wednesday, March 6, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, Program Room
Hear nationally known bilingual storyteller Olga Loya tell family stories in English and en español that will inspire children and their grownups to share their own. 

Coding for Kids: Creating Interactive Games Using Python
Friday, March 8, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, Program Room
Make a special interactive game using the Python programming language. Easy to learn and intuitive for beginners. Create a fully functional Guess the Number game. Instructions will be provided. Sign up online to reserve a spot. 

SVR 2019: Film Screening- Finding Samuel Lowe
Saturday, March 9, 3 – 5 pm, Program Room
An Afro-Chinese-Jamaican Harlem family seeks their separated grandfather in China. 

Make it Monday: Bedazzled Birdhouses
Monday, March 11, 7 – 8 pm, Program Room
Intended for adults but children welcome with adult supervision. All supplies provided. Must register online.    

Healthy Living: Planning Healthy Meals
Tuesday, March 12, 6:30 – 8 pm, Program Room
Learn tips for making meals that are both healthy and taste great. Meal planning can help save time and money. Helpful suggestions for overcoming common challenges.

Pilkey Party!
Saturday, March 16, 3 – 4 pm, Program Room
A celebration of children’s author Dav Pilkey featuring activities inspired by Dog Man, Captain Underpants, and Rick Ricotta.

SVR 2019: Introduction to Genealogy, Parts 1 & 2
Mondays, March 18 & 25, 7 – 8:30 pm, Program Room
This program, presented by the Santa Clara County Family History Centers, will help you define and locate the records you need to learn more about your family history, and provide tips on the best way to record what you find.

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Friday, March 22, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, Program Room
Part of the Family Concert Series, which helps kids learn early literacy skills through playing, dancing and singing. Lucky Diaz creates indie music sounds that are rooted in their whimsical child-friendly imaginations. People Magazine called their album #1 in coolest kids music.

SARATOGA (13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga 95070)

Gardener’s To-Do List for Spring
Tuesday, March 5, 7 – 9 pm, Community Room
Master gardener Mint Pasakdee will share ideas on how to prepare soils, sow seeds, manage pests, get transplants, fertilize plants, mulch, and prune perennials. Bring seedlings to swap.

Teen Coffeehouse
Friday, March 8, 6:30 – 9 pm, Community Room
Do you sing, dance, play an instrument or are you creative in another way? Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/performsa to perform at our open mic night just for teens.  

Roadmap to Four Years in High School
Saturday, March 9, 2 – 3 pm, Community Room
Learn how to plan extracurricular activities, which courses to take, all about testing, and more.  

SVR 2019: Film- Facing the Dead
Monday, March 11, 7 – 8:30 pm, Community Room
Filmmaker Gabrielle Pfeiffer travels through today’s Russia on a quest for the lost faces of a generation, lost during the rule of Stalin. Presented in collaboration with the UNAFF in Libraries Program.

Kids Craft: Amazing Bug Origami Insects
Wednesday, March 13, 4 – 5 pm, Orchard Room
For ages 5 and up. Supplies provided. 

SVR 2019: Preserving Family Photos, Stories, and Documents
Friday, March 15, 10:30 am – 12 pm, Community Room
Class provides tips and procedures for capturing the story behind a photo, then preserving the image for the next generation. Presented by Carolyn Williams, a family genealogist and San Mateo County Genealogical Society board member.

Meditation: The Secret of Happiness, Health, and Harmony
Saturday, March 16, 3 – 4 pm, Community Room
Dr. Manish Saggar, an Asst. Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, will share tips for how to focus one’s attention with a goal of reducing mind wandering. 

SVR 2019: Ancestral Writing
Monday, March 18, 7 – 8:30 pm, Community Room
Want to tap into your family stories but feel stuck at the foot of your family tree? Bay Area author and poet Alison Luterman leads this workshop on writing family stories. Explore and develop the narratives that give us meaning by telling us who we are and where we come from.

SVR 2019: Make DNA Model with 3D Pen (Grades 3-6)
Tuesday, March 19, 4 – 5 pm, Orchard Room
Learn how DNA is relevant to your family’s history. Create and keep a DNA double-helix model with a 3D pen. 

Crochet Coral Reef Project
Tuesday, March 19, 6 – 8 pm, Community Room
This art project is a celebration of the intersection of higher geometry and handicraft. No experience needed. Instructions and materials provided. Partnership with West Valley College.

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Saturday, March 23, 11 am – 12 pm, Community Room
Part of the Family Concert Series, which helps kids learn early literacy skills through playing, dancing and singing. Lucky Diaz creates indie music sounds that are rooted in their whimsical child-friendly imaginations. People Magazine called their album #1 in coolest kids music.

SVR 2019: Tell Your Family Story with Olga Loya
Saturday, March 30, 10:30 – 11:30 am, Orchard Room
Hear nationally known bilingual storyteller Olga Loya tell family stories in English and en español that will inspire children and their grownups to share their own.