July-August 1997 RETURN TO HOME PAGE FEEDBACK

The Noe Valley - Sally Brunn Library is a classic Carnegie-style building at 451 Jersey St., in the middle of the block between Castro and Diamond. In addition to books, videos, and CDs, the branch offers Internet access, a deck and garden, and an archives and index to the Noe Valley Voice. The library is most proud of its women's and children's collections. Hours are Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesdays, 1 to 9 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays, 1 to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m.; phone: 695-5095. This month's book suggestions come from librarians Roberta Greifer, Nancy Silverrod, and Carol Small.

Adult Fiction

Set in a small town in New York State, The Church of Dead Girls, by Stephen Dobyns, describes what happens when three young girls vanish.

In Guilt, John Lescroart's latest thriller, Mark Dooher, a respected attorney, is about to be indicted for murder.

Told in the voice of a civil servant, Love and Longing in Bombay, by Vikram Chandra, contains a ghost story, a love story, and a mystery.

In The Hanging Tree by David Lambkin, a paleontologist inAfrica explores her sexuality, as well as a mysterious death.

Adult Nonfiction

Decorative Paint Effects: A Practical Guide, by Annie Sloan, contains illustrated, step-by-step instructions for more than 14 painting and glazing techniques.

In 8 Ball Chicks by Gini Sikes, the writer spends a year following white, black, and Latino girl gangs in Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Milwaukee.

Along with a brief biography, The Hispanic Literary Companion, edited by Nicolas Kanellos, presents a sampling of the work of 35 contemporary writers of Hispanic background.

Writing the Memoir, by teacher and writer Judith Barrington, thoughtfully explores the challenges, techniques, and ethical dilemmas of this literary form.

Films, Stories, and Lapsits

2 The library shows short films for children ages 3 to 5 on Tuesday, July 15. The program runs twice, at 10 and 11 a.m.

Babies and toddlers hear stories and songs at the Wednesday lapsits, 7 p.m., on July 2, 9, 16, and 23.

Preschool story time for kids 3 to 5 is 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, July 1, 8, and 22, and Aug. 5 and 12.

Children's Fiction

To the great delight of pet-deprived Norman, Mr. Green Peas, an iguana, gets to stay at his house while the owner is on vacation in this picture story by Judith Caseley. Ages 4 to 6.

The Old Man and His Door by Gary Soto is a funny story about what happens when a man doesn't listen carefully to his wife. Ages 4 to 6.

Sharon Dennis Wyeth tells the poignant story of a girl and her absent father in Always My Dad. Ages 4 to 7.

Steven Kellogg gives girls a remarkable role model in Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett:A Tall Tale. Ages 4 to 7.

In one of the better early readers, Sid and Sam, Nola Buck tells the story of two best friends and a very long song. Ages 5 to 8.

Gypsy lore, a runaway teenager, and an unconventional dad are all elements in The Gypsy Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder, a sequel to her Newbery Award winner The Egypt Game. Ages 10 and up..

Children's Nonfiction

From school teachers to cowgirls to mail-order brides, women played an important role in the settling of the Wild West, as described by Brandon Marie Miller in Buffalo Gals: Women of the Old West. Ages 8 to 11.

Budding film artists will find clear, step-by-step instructions on making a video in Nancy Bentley's The Young Producer's Video Book: How to Write, Direct, and Shoot Your Own Video. Ages 8 and up.

Theater Games for Kids

The library will host a Theater Games workshop with actor Cat Carr, for children 6 and older on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 3 p.m.