October 1997 RETURN TO HOME PAGE FEEDBACK

Your Neighborhood Library Is an Urban Oasis

The Noe Valley ­ Sally Brunn Library is a Carnegie-style building tucked among the Victorians in the block of Jersey between Castro and Diamond streets. In addition to books --including special women's and children's collections -- the branch has videos, CDs, Internet access, a deck and garden, and an archives and index to the Noe Valley Voice. 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 new book suggestions were annotated by librarians Carol Small and Susan Kantor-Horning.

What's New -- Adult Fiction

Molly Giles' latest collection of short fiction, Creek Walk and Other Stories, offers laughter and insight into the lives of women attempting to break free from old patterns.

Eleanor Arnason blends suspenseful science fiction with social speculation in
the entertaining and provocative novel
Ring of Swords.

After being held for ransom and having her family refuse to pay, the young heiress in Nicola Griffith's sci-fi novel Slow River struggles for survival and independence.

Adult Nonfiction

Discovering the Body's Wisdom is holis-tic health researcher Mirka Knaster's guide to more than 50 mind-body practices includ-ing massage, yoga, reflexology, and Rolfing.

ErgoWise: A Personal Guide to Making Your Workspace Comfortable and Safe, by William Schaffer and Rab Cross, will help to improve your work environment and reduce your risk of injury.

Tristine Rainer demonstrates how to apply the principles of contemporary auto-biographical writing to transform Your Life As Story.

Children's Fiction

After a difficult day with Dad, a little girl promises to keep her playmate under firmer control in Contrary Bear by Phyllis Root. Ages 3 to 5.

Valentine's skills and initiative are helpful as her family realizes their goal in The Dream Jar by Bonnie Pryor. Ages 6 to 8.

A talking dog saves the day by fighting back against a greedy company owner in Martha Blah Blah by Susan Meddaugh. Ages 5 to 8.

During time spent with his visiting grandfather, a boy gains knowledge of his relatives and his place in the family in Grandpa Was a Cowboy by Silky Sullivan. Ages 6 to 9.

When Mr. Potter acquires his pet mynah bird, he has no idea that this will lead to his being reunited with his childhood sweet-heart, in Mr. Potter's Pet by Dick King-Smith. Ages 8 to 11.

Children's Fiction continued

In A Girl Named Disaster, by Nancy Farmer, 11-year-old Nhamo runs away to escape an arranged marriage, but must survive on her own in the jungle before reaching Zimbabwe. Ages 11 and up.

Children's Nonfiction

In The Inside-Outside Book of Libraries, Julie Cummins and Roxie Munro have given us a glimpse into many different sizes and types of libraries all over the world. Ages 6 to 9.

If you're in the mood for a Fruity Smoothie, Hot Apple Planet, or Eggstra-terrestrials, you can make these and more with Messipes: A Microwave Cookbook of Deliciously Messy Masterpieces, by Lynn Gordon. Ages 8 and up.

Movies, Stories, and Lapsits

The library will show films for kids 3 to 5 on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 10 and 11 a.m. This month's fare includes Ana in the Rainforest, Doctor de Soto, and Red Riding Hood.

Preschool story time is 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Oct. 7, 14, and 21.

Babies and toddlers are invited for songs and stories at the Wednesday-evening
lapsits, Oct. 8, 15, 22, and 29.

Noe Valley Library

Needs Quakeproofing

The San Francisco Public Library and the Department of Public Works will cosponsor
a public meeting Oct. 16 to discuss a proposed 1998 ballot measure that would fund seismic renovations at the Noe Valley Branch, 451 Jersey St. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. Call 695-5095 for more information.

All events take place at the Noe Valley ­ Sally Brunn Library at 451 Jersey St.