Who doesn't want to be smarter, healthier, and make new friends in 2014? There are more than just books and computers at Lamorinda's libraries; to help address New Year's resolutions, a wide variety of programs tailored to educate and entertain everyone, from toddlers to senior citizens, are being offered free of charge. All three libraries have dedicated story times for little ones, and offerings beyond reading abound.
Teenagers wondering what to do with their lives might want to check out "Networking and Career Day" from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Lafayette Library. Organizer Patrick Brogan has lined up a number of professionals including a NASA scientist, a successful photographer and a non-profit executive to talk with teens and tweens about potential career paths and how to break into them. Also for students in grades 6 through 12, there's a special, complimentary event, Learn How to Make Sushi at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Looking to learn something new? On Sunday afternoons starting at 3 p.m. in Lafayette there's "Improve your Chess Game" that's open to folks of all ages and abilities to gain insight, or to just find someone to enjoy the game with. The Enjoy Thinking Discussion Group will meet on at 6 p.m. tonight, Jan. 15 to discuss "Plato." T'ai Chi for adults and seniors is a low impact way to improve balance and reduce stress, with experienced sensei Robert Noha at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21 and 28. On Jan. 23 Dr. Marshall Zaslove will facilitate a program on meditation at 6:30 p.m.
For grown-ups searching for a more active social life, the Lafayette Book Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The lively discussion for the Jan. 22 meeting will center on "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Newcomers are welcome. Librarian Ann Miller says they usually select popular books and have multiple copies available for check out. Copies of the following month's selection will be available as well.
While not quite free, those hoping to read more in the new year can find bargains galore, including half-price books, at the Friends Corner Book Shop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. "Friends" is entirely staffed by volunteers and sells gently used books, music and more; proceeds go to fund the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
Who doesn't like beautiful music, and snacks? Both can be found at the Lafayette Library's Community Hall with the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society giving a jazz piano concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24.
Don't forget about options in Orinda and Moraga. The Orinda Library is home to the Paws to Read program every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. where kids age 5 through 11 can practice reading with friendly furry, non-judgmental listeners. Moraga has a similar canine program, All Ears Reading, where children in grades 1 through 5 can practice reading aloud to a dog from the Animal Rescue Foundation's Pet Hug Pack therapy dogs at 4 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month, beginning Jan. 23. Also in Moraga is an eBook and Audio book workshop for Kindle users at 2 p.m. Jan. 21. Contra Costa Libraries have a large and growing collection of ebooks, in this workshop you'll learn how to download and more. Space is limited and registration is required; call (925) 376-6852 to sign up.
For more information on any of these programs and for complete listings, go to www.lllcf.org for information on the Lafayette Library and Learning Center - click on calendar. For information on Orinda and Moraga libraries, go to the Contra Costa County library website at www.ccclib.org and click on events calendar.
Teenagers wondering what to do with their lives might want to check out "Networking and Career Day" from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Lafayette Library. Organizer Patrick Brogan has lined up a number of professionals including a NASA scientist, a successful photographer and a non-profit executive to talk with teens and tweens about potential career paths and how to break into them. Also for students in grades 6 through 12, there's a special, complimentary event, Learn How to Make Sushi at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Looking to learn something new? On Sunday afternoons starting at 3 p.m. in Lafayette there's "Improve your Chess Game" that's open to folks of all ages and abilities to gain insight, or to just find someone to enjoy the game with. The Enjoy Thinking Discussion Group will meet on at 6 p.m. tonight, Jan. 15 to discuss "Plato." T'ai Chi for adults and seniors is a low impact way to improve balance and reduce stress, with experienced sensei Robert Noha at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21 and 28. On Jan. 23 Dr. Marshall Zaslove will facilitate a program on meditation at 6:30 p.m.
For grown-ups searching for a more active social life, the Lafayette Book Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The lively discussion for the Jan. 22 meeting will center on "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Newcomers are welcome. Librarian Ann Miller says they usually select popular books and have multiple copies available for check out. Copies of the following month's selection will be available as well.
While not quite free, those hoping to read more in the new year can find bargains galore, including half-price books, at the Friends Corner Book Shop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. "Friends" is entirely staffed by volunteers and sells gently used books, music and more; proceeds go to fund the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
Who doesn't like beautiful music, and snacks? Both can be found at the Lafayette Library's Community Hall with the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society giving a jazz piano concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24.
Don't forget about options in Orinda and Moraga. The Orinda Library is home to the Paws to Read program every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. where kids age 5 through 11 can practice reading with friendly furry, non-judgmental listeners. Moraga has a similar canine program, All Ears Reading, where children in grades 1 through 5 can practice reading aloud to a dog from the Animal Rescue Foundation's Pet Hug Pack therapy dogs at 4 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month, beginning Jan. 23. Also in Moraga is an eBook and Audio book workshop for Kindle users at 2 p.m. Jan. 21. Contra Costa Libraries have a large and growing collection of ebooks, in this workshop you'll learn how to download and more. Space is limited and registration is required; call (925) 376-6852 to sign up.
For more information on any of these programs and for complete listings, go to www.lllcf.org for information on the Lafayette Library and Learning Center - click on calendar. For information on Orinda and Moraga libraries, go to the Contra Costa County library website at www.ccclib.org and click on events calendar.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA