Golden Gate Valley Branch Library

Branch Renovation Update (9.20.210)

2010-09-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Below is a slideshow of the branch construction. The renovation is a part of the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP). The branch is tentatively scheduled to reopen in mid 2011.

Updating the branch will enable the San Francisco Public Library to provide the Golden Gate Valley neighborhood with a branch library that is safe, modern, and accessible to all. For more information, call (415) 557-4353.

Go With the Flow! Teen Summer Reading 2010

2010-05-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

How it works

You must be 13 by June 5th 2010 to register.

Register at your local library starting June 5th 2010. You will receive a Go With the Flow gameboard.

Complete 6 tasks on the gameboard. Activities include reading, visiting environmental places in San Francisco, getting friends to sign up, or going to library events!

When you complete your 6 activities, come back to the library by July 31, 2010, to claim your prize: a flash drive and raffle ticket–to win a MacBook, iPod Nano, Nintendo Wii or MP3 players! You must be present to win grand prizes on August 4, 2010 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Main Library.

Get your game board signed off by the librarian (anywhere on the form) and keep it - this is your party invitation to the Teen Summer Read Party and the Grand Prize Raffle!!

Word Up Wine Tasting

2010-01-25T23:34:00.000-08:00

February 21st, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fort Mason Center
San Francisco, CA, 94123

Now in its second year, the WORDUP event features over 20 local talented vintners pouring their wines made from some of California’s most interesting vineyards. Meet artisan winemakers from the Richmond, Presidio, Marina, Excelsior and more, enjoy hand-crafted wines and purchase bottled wines at special prices to support the Campaign. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and unique wine-related silent auction items up for bid.

All proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Library Campaign which is raising funds to furnish and equip the 24 branch libraries being renovated and rebuilt throughout San Francisco.

To purchase tickets online or contact Sara Bassett at sbassett@friendssfpl.org or call at 415.626.7512 x 106.

Golden Gate Valley Branch Library Renovation

2009-11-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

The renovation is a part of the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP). The Golden Gate Valley Branch Library is temporarily closed renovation. The last day open was November 7, 2009. It is tentatively scheduled to reopen in mid 2011 (about 18 months).

Updating the branch will enable the San Francisco Public Library to provide the Golden Gate Valley neighborhood with a branch library that is safe, modern, and accessible to all. For more information, call (415) 557-4353, or visit http://www.sfpl.org/.

Below are information about the temporary services during the branch renovation:

Toddler tales
Nearby branches
Bookmobile service

Bookmobile Service

2009-11-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

Bookmobile service will be provided near the branch location. The bookmobile will offer books for adults, teens, and children, as well as media (including CDs, DVDs and audio books) and magazines.

Patrons can obtain or renew a library card, borrow and return materials, reserve and pick up materials from other SFPL collections, and request materials from other library systems via Link+ or interLibrary loan.

Bookmobile Location:

Alongside Allyne Park
1700 Green St. (at Gough)
Tuesday 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friday 2:15 - 5:30 p.m.

For updated hours and status of the bookmobile, call (415) 557-4353 or visit http://www.sfpl.org/.

Nearby Branches

2009-11-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

Below are the nearby neighborhood branches. Click on the link to learn more about the branch and their open hours.

Marina Branch (415) 355-2823
1890 Chestnut St. (near Webster)
San Francisco, CA 94123

Presidio Branch (415) 355-2880
3150 Sacramento St. (near Baker)
San Francisco, CA 94115

Toddler Tales During Renovation

2009-11-02T21:39:00.000-08:00

The Golden Gate Valley Branch will continue to offer weekly Toddler Tales for children 18 to 36 months during the branch renovation.

Toddler Tales will be held at Sherman Elementary School Library. It will begin at this location on November 10, 2009.

Toddler Tales:
Tuesdays from 10:15-10:45 a.m.

Location:
Sherman Elementary School, in the School Library
1651 Union Street (at Franklin)
San Francisco, CA 94123

Toddler Dance Party with Dylan Donkin

2009-09-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Another successful children program at Golden Gate Valley Branch Library!

The program featured Dylan Donkin, a local musician and guitarist. His upbeat music and vocals rock the house, as children, parents, and caregivers danced and participated through the half-hour musical program. The program also featured popular children books, rythmes, and movement for toddlers 18 to 36 months.

The program was well attended ( about 97 people) and received.

Musical Program - Gary Lapow

2009-08-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

Another great children’s musical program at the Golden Gate Valley Branch!

Children and parents came to see Gary Lapow (a famous children songwriter and singer)perform. The program was well attended. Eighty-five people showed up for the event. The room was packed and filled with fun and laughter.

For 25 years, Gary has performed his inspiring music for children, parents and teachers in the U.S. and Canada. He has appeared on radio and television, festivals, concert halls, schools and libraries. Gary’s musical programs teach children to respect themselves and their communities as well as to celebrate the joys of life. His songs have been selected as Parents Choice Recommended and Honor Recordings. For more information about Gary, click here.

Upcoming Children Program – August 2009

2009-08-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Toddler Tales
Tuesday, August 4, 18, and 25
At 10:15 a.m.

The program includes reading of books, rhymes, music, movement and more for toddlers 18 to 36 months and their caregivers.

Carl Winters, Kalimba King
Tuesday, August 4
At 2:00 p.m.

Come in and experience the music of the kalimba, or “African thumb piano”, with master Carl Winters. The program is for ages 5 and older.

Gary Lapow, Singer/Songwriter
Tuesday, August 11
At 10:15 a.m.

Come in and tap your toes to the tunes of Parents’ Choice Award winning artist, Gary Lapow. The program is for children and all ages.

Yoga Class for Kids!

2009-07-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

Yoga for kids! Another successful children program at the Golden Gate Valley Branch for ages 5 and younger.

The class focused on teaching parents how to connect with their child while exercising their mind, body and spirit through yoga. The activities included the basics of yoga, warm up exercises, body stretches, movements and fun activities for parents and child.

The program was very successful and well attended (97 people showed up for the event). The room was all packed with people.

Upcoming Children Program: Pam Donkin

2009-07-06T12:44:00.001-07:00

The Pam Donkin: A Hop, Skip and Jump program is scheduled on Tuesday, July 14th, at 10:15 a.m. Adults and children ages 5 and younger are welcomed.

Come on in and sing, play and dance along with the award winning children's performer and recording artist, Pam Donkin.

For more information about Pam Donkin, click here, or a sample of her recording tracks, click here.

Musical Program for Children

2009-06-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

A beautiful musical program that keeps its audience entertained and mesmerized!

Destiny Muhammad, a local performer, songwriter and sound scultpress, performed at the Golden Gate Valley Branch. She captivated and mesmerized her audience with her harp, vocals, musical imagery, and classical & ethno-eclectic fusion musics. The program was well received and attended. About 107 people showed up for the program. To listen to samples of her songs, click here.

For more information about other children programs at Golden Gate Valley Branch, talk to your librarian or click here.

2009 Summer Reading Program for Children

2009-06-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

The Children's Summer Reading Program at the Library has just started!

The program takes place from June 13th through August 8th. The program encourages children through age 13 to read during summer time. To reward their reading effort, attractive prizes and raffle tickets.

To learn more or sign up for the reading program, talk to your local librarian. Also, check out the San Francisco Public Library's Summer Reading Program blog.

Past Program: Gambling & its impacts on the individuals, families, and society

2009-06-15T12:00:00.001-07:00

Problem gambling affects all levels of our society. Often, important relationships with family members and friends are lost because of gambling problems.

The program discussed the myths & facts of gambling, how people are traditionally lured into casinos, prevalence of social, financial and psychological problems (for example, depression, anxiety, and suicide) that associated with gambling addictions. The presenters, Michael Liao, LSW, and Sophia Song, provided many strategies to combat problem gambling and resources for those who want to seek help.

For more info about the presenters, click here. To get a list of the selected readings on gambling, contact your local library, or the Golden Gate Valley Branch.

Past Program: Ending Isolation and Loneliness

2009-06-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

The last week's adult program on ending isolation and loneliness for seniors was a huge success. The program was well attended and received.

Marie Jobling of the Community Living Campaign discussed the various strategies for ending isolation and loneliness for older adults and people with disabilities. She provided valuable many information, resources, and strategies in coping with loneliness.

The Community Living Campaign works to build and strengthen communities that provide practical support to isolated older adults and people with disabilties as well as to advocate broadly to make San Francisco an aging and disability friendly place to all.

For information, talk to our librarian at the Golden Gate Valley Branch.

Children Program - Bay Area Adventures

2009-05-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Adventures: Hidden gems of art and nature to share with your children.

Come and learn about the best trips with kids in and around San Francisco. Trip that are fun, educational and free or inexpensive. Places where a family can explore the extraordinarily rich and varied wild hills, valleys, bay , ocean, islands and mountains -- our own backyeard.

Susan Edwards, Director of the Explorers' Club Day Camp, will talk about these wonderful places and give a slide show presentation.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

at 2:00 p.m.

Adult Program - Strategies for Ending Isolation & Loneliness

2009-05-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Marie Jobling of the Community Living Campaign will discuss strategies for ending isolation and loneliness older adults and people with disabilities.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

at 6:30 p.m.

eBooks Download Instructions (Windows) - Simplified

2009-05-09T16:48:00.000-07:00

To download and read an eBook item involved four steps: 1) download the Adobe Digital Edition reader for eBooks; 2) activate the reader 3) download the eBook(s) you want to read 4) open the eBook item from your computer.

Below are the simplified keystrokes to carry out four-step process. For more information, visit the eMedia Quick Start Guide.

DOWNLOAD A FREE READER (one time only)

1. Go toSFPL web site (http://www.sfpl.org/)
2. Click on the eMedia link
3. Select OverDrive, eAudiobooks, eBooks, Music and Video link
4. Click on Adobe Digital Edition (DE) (bottom left panel)
5. Click on Download Adobe DE Installer “Launch” button
6. Follow screen instructions

ACTIVATE THE READER ON YOUR COMPUTER (one time only)

1. Open Adobe DE from computer
2. Click Continue
3. Select Don’t authorize computer option
4. Click Activate
5. Click Continue
6. Click Finish

SEARCH & DOWNLOAD eBOOK ITEMS

1. Go to Catalog and search for eBook itme
2. Click Add to Cart
3. Click Proceed to checkout
4. Enter Card number and PIN
5. Click Check out
6. Click Download
7. Click Save
8. Give a location where to save file
9. Click Save
10. Click Close to exit

OPEN the eBOOK ON COMPUTER

1. Find the file on computer
2. Click and drag file to Adobe DE reader
3. The book will open

Children Program - Mothers Day

2009-05-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Mother's Day, daffodils were given out to parents at the Children's storytime today. The program included selected songs, rhythms, finger plays, and book readings that remarked the special celebration. As usual, the children program was attended.

For more information about the upcoming children programs at Golden Gate Valley, click here.

Jimbo the Musical Clown at the Library

2009-04-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Children of all ages came to the Library to see Jimbo the Musical Clown perform. The performance was well attended (94 people). The program room quickly filled up, as children sat in the front rows and participated in the Jimbo's muscial fun activities and dances.

This event is one of the many children programs at Golden Gate Valley for which professional performers are asked to come to perform for the younger audience. For more information on our upcoming children and adult program, click here.

If you have any programming suggestions, please post your comments below.

Library Performance & Lectures

2009-04-21T12:49:00.001-07:00

Missed an important library performance or lecture event?

Now, you can view or listen to the highlights of selected events, guest speakers, lectures, amd poetry readings online.

To view recorded events, simply click here and select the streaming videos and audios. The audios are downloadable to your MP3 Player.

Downloadable Audio Books at the Library

2009-04-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, the downloadable audio books are available at the Library!

The Library has a collection of audio books which can be downloaded onto your computer for easy listening. Due to the licensing agreement, these audio books (or files) cannot be put and transfer to a portable listening devices, such as MP3 players. More information, visit your library and ask the librarian about them.

Your library card, one can checkout (or download) and listen to these audio books at the comfort your own home. To see the current audio books collection, click here.

Children's Storytime

2009-04-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today's children storytime was filled with fun and feastivity. To celebrate the month of April and spring time, candies were given at the event. The program was well attended (45 children and 33 adults).

For more information on other events and programs at Golden Gate Valley Branch, click here.

Films & TV shows on DVDs

2009-04-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

Earth: the biography

The San Francisco Public Library has a large collection of popular films and television shows on DVD. To view the new films and shows, click here.

We also have a collection of television programs current available on DVDs at Golden Gate Valley Branch. To see the titles, click here.

New Fictions - April 2009

2009-04-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of selected new fiction titles. To see the full list of the titles at the Golden Gate Valley Branch Library, click here. If you have any suggestion for a new title, please click here.

The school of essential ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
Beat the reaper by Josh Bazell
The silent man by Alex Berenson

Without warning by John Birmingham
We'll always have Paris by Ray Bradbury
Dark of night by Suzanne Brockmann

The messenger by Jan Burke
Terminal freeze by Lincoln Child
Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell
Shannon by Frank Delaney

Poetry Reading

2009-03-23T17:05:00.001-07:00

Open Mike Poetry

Saturday, April 4th at 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
(Downstairs meeting room)

Please note that meeting room is not accessible by elevator.

Celebrate National Poetry Month. Come join us for an hour of poetry readings and fun. Bring your favorite poems and share with others. Sign up will begin at 1:20 p.m.

Author Visit in April 2009

2009-03-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

Cool Cuisine: Taking the Bite out of Global Warming

Saturday, April 18th

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Downstairs meeting room)

Author Laura Stec will read from her recent book which addresses why global warming could be the best thing to happen to the culinary world in a long time, and reports on innovative science, business, and savory solutions to the Global Warming Diet. Program will include show-and-tell displays and mini culinary “how –to” class. Book sale by Book Bay. This is a green stacks program.

Children's Program in April 2009

2009-03-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Toddler Tales & Storytimes
Every Tuesday at 10:15 a.m.
April 7, 14 & 21 (Downstairs meeting room)

Books, rhymes, music, movement, and more. For ages 18 months to 3 and their caregivers.

Preschool Films
Title to be announced
Thursday, April 9th at 10:15 a.m. (Downstairs meeting room)

Jimbo the Clown
Tuesday, April 28th at 10:15 a.m. (Downstairs meeting room)

April is the National Humor Month. Join in the funa and laughter with Jimbo the Clown. For ages 6 and younger.

Storytime Program - St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the St. Patrick's Day, cookies were served at the Storytime program. The 30-munite program featured selected children songs, rhymes, book readings, and finger plays with a weekly special theme.

Today's program was well attended -- a total of 81 people (43 children and 38 adults).

Staff Picks - New Fiction (March 2009)

2009-03-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Below are a few selected new fiction titles (March 2009).

No Survivors
By Tom Cain.
New York : Viking, 2009.

Honolulu
By Alan Brennert.
New York : St. Martin's Press, 2009.

Shannon
By Frank Delaney
New York : Random House, 2009

Therapy
By Sebastian Fitzek.
New York : St. Martin's Press, C2009

Genghis : Bones Of The Hills
By Conn Iggulden.
New York : Delacorte Press, C2009.

The Act Of Love
By Howard Jacobson.
New York : Simon & Schuster, 2009.

My Abandonment
By Peter Rock.Orlando :
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008.

Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned
By Stories Wells Tower.
New York : Farrar, Straus And Giroux, 2009.

For more on the new titles at the San Francisco Public Library, click here.

Scenes from Jungle Joe Puppets

2009-03-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

Another successful puppets show at Golden Gate Valley Branch! The program was well attended. The kids and parents were having a great time. The program lasted about 45 minutes.

We have another similar program on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. Please check back for details. All ages are welcome.

Upcoming Puppets Show

2009-03-03T10:24:00.001-08:00

Come join for a fun and entertaining puppets show on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. This program is for children of all ages and parents!

The Jungle Joe Puppets will present "Animal Trainer" program. Jungle Joe is training the wild animals. The tables are turned and the animals are training Jungle Joe!

For more information about the Jungle Joe Puppets, click here.

Children's Programs in March 2009

2009-03-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

Toddler Tales

Every Tuesday at 10:15 a.m.

March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 (Downstairs meeting room)

Books, rhymes, music, movement, and more. For ages 18 months to 3 and their caregivers.

Puppets Show
Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. (Downstairs meeting room)

The California Puppets presents "The Animal Trainer." Jungle Joe is training the wild animals. The tables are turned and now the animals are training Jungle Joe! For ages 5 and older.

Black History - Yolanda Rhodes

2009-02-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Yolanda sang songs from the American South and told the story of Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock. We have the book, click on this link to reserve it. To view the photos of this event, click here.

Shakespeare at the Library

2009-02-24T10:36:00.000-08:00

Another successful children program at the Golden Gate Valley Branch!

The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival presented the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet at the Library this past weekend. The beautiful performance and colorful costumes quickly captivated the adults and children of all ages , as they watched the beautifully written play and performance. The play provides children and adults an excellent introduction to Shakespeare and drama.

For future events & programs, visit our Golden Gate Valley blog. Click here to view the photo slideshow.

San Francisco Public Library Holiday Train

2008-12-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Train display features a Lionel O Scale replica of the Polar Express and many beautiful village buildings and well lit ferris wheel. This special exhibit is at the Main Library, Second Floor, Fisher Children’s Center and will run from December 7, 2008 through January 9, 2009.

Happy 91st Birthday!

2008-12-26T22:47:00.001-08:00

The Golden Gate Valley Branch library has recently celebrated its 91st anniversary since it first opened. With much of its history, a special reception and celebration was held at the library with live music, fun activities, and refreshments.

To view a slide show of the photos on that day, click here.

Extended Hours at Golden Gate Valley Branch

2008-12-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are now opened on Mondays! More days, more service at the San Francisco Public Library.

Starting on Monday, November 21, 2008, the Golden Gate Valley Branch Library has extended its service hours and opens six days a week. Five branch libraries will be open on Sundays and two libraries now will be open on Mondays.

To kick off the open day, Golden Gate Valley Branch held a special open house celebration with fun activities and light refreshments. Click here to view the photos.

For more information on the extended hours or read the press releases, click here.

Books Display

2008-12-26T21:42:00.000-08:00

Come in to the Library and check out our books display!

The books display features popular materials with a weekly theme and interests. Each week a new theme is selected and the materials will be displayed for a week.

If you would like to suggest any theme(s) for future display, please let us know.

Hot Picks

2008-12-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of available materials by popular themes. To view, click on the subject area or theme(s).

Holiday cooking
Health & Fitness
Travel to Europe
American Biography
Pets

New Books and Media

2008-12-26T15:16:00.000-08:00

New Materials for Adults

For more information on the new titles, visit the Library's Reader's Corner at http://sflib1.sfpl.org/ftlist

New Fictions for Teens

Good Enough by Paula Yoo
A Korean American teenager tries to please her parents by getting into an Ivy League college, but a new guy in school and her love of the violin tempt her in new directions.

Gift of the Unmage by Alma Alexander
As the seventh child born of the union of two seventh children, fourteen-year-old Thea has not fulfilled her parents' hope of having special magical powers, and they try a last, desperate measure before sending her to a school for those with no magical ability.

Blood Roses by Francesca Lia Block
A collection of magic realistic stories of transformation.

Recommended Reading for Children

For recommended reading for kids, click here.

Children's Programs

2008-12-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

Infant/Toddler Lapsits
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
January 6, 13, & 20
(Downstairs meeting room)

Books, rhymes, music, movement, and more. For ages 18 months to 3 and their caregivers

Preschool Films
Thursday, 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
January 8, 2009

Titles to be announced. For ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers. Please noted that the Library will be closed at this time. Enter through the side gate directly to the meeting room downstairs.

Chinese Lion Dancers
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
January 10, 2009

Welcome in the Year of the Ox with the Chinese Lion Dancers!

Music with Tim Cain
Tuesday, 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
January 27, 2009

Cain is an award winning children's recording artist. Come and enjoy a magical, musical morning and singing along with Tim Cain. For ages 6 and under and their caregivers.

Golden Gate Valley Renovation Project

2008-12-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

Planning is currently taking place to renovate the Golden Gate Valley Branch to make the building seismically fit for major earthquake while preserving the building's historic character.

The Preliminary Assessment of the building is available for viewing. Click here to view.

Community Meeting was held on December 2, 2008 at 6 p.m. the Golden Gate Valley Branch. Click here to view the meeting notice.

The design presentation of the building can be viewed online. Click here to view the design.

For more information about the Golden Gate Valley Branch Renovation Project, results of the building assessment, design review, fact sheet and upcoming community meetings, please visit the following website at http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/news/blip/ggvsurvey.htm .