November 2004 RETURN TO HOME PAGE FEEDBACK

This month's new book list, chosen by Noe Valley librarians Carol Small, Wayne Donica, and David Scott, features a critique of the policies of George W. Bush, a biography of First Lady Laura Bush, and the diary of an Iraqi teen. To find out which selections are available, call 415-355-5707, log onto www.sfpl.org, or visit the Noe Valley­Sally Brunn Library at 451 Jersey Street near Castro Street. Besides books, the branch offers magazines, newspapers, DVDs, music CDs, Internet access, and the archives and index to the Noe Valley Voice. Branch 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, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Adult Fiction

- Washington, D.C., cops are on the trail of a drug dealer's killer in Robert Andrews' dark mystery A Murder of Justice.

- John Searles' witty second novel shuttles between the past and present and morphs from a family drama to a suspenseful thriller that is Strange but True.

Adult Nonfiction

- In Bush Must Go, nationally syndicated columnist Bill Press gives 10 reasons why he believes the current president does not deserve a second term.

- In The DNA of Relationships, Gary Smalley, "America's Relationship Doctor," offers advice to end destructive patterns.

- America (The Book), by Jon Stewart and the writers of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," offers a satiric history of democracy.

- Ann Gerhart takes a comprehensive look at our First Lady in The Perfect Wife: The Life and Choices of Laura Bush.

- The Republican Party has run up a $7 trillion national debt with reckless abandon, contends the host of MSNBC's "Scarborough Country," in Rome Wasn't Burnt in a Day: The Real Deal on How Politicians, Bureaucrats, and Other Washington Barbarians Are Bankrupting America, by Joe Scarborough.

Children's Fiction

- The Truck by Paul Collicutt introduces young readers to the diverse world of work vehicles. Ages 2 to 4.

- Children follow the life of a pie, from tree to oven to plate, in Lois Ehlert's Pie in the Sky. Ages 4 to 6.

- Charles R. Smith Jr.'s book of photos lets each child know that he or she can say the words "I Am America." Ages 4 to 6.

- A class follows a season in the life of Two Blue Jays, in a story by Anne Rockwell. Ages 5 to 7.

- Don't forget to read your fortune, because it may come true! That's the advice of Grace Lin's Fortune Cookie Fortunes. Ages 5 to 7.

- Baseball, the national pastime, is the subject of poems and essays in Charles R. Smith's Diamond Life. Ages 6 to 9.

- Fans of Suzy Kline's books will enjoy a recent addition to the series, Herbie Jones Moves On, in which Herbie dreads that his best friend, Ray Martin, is moving away. Ages 8 to 10.

Children's Nonfiction

- In Thura's Diary, 19-year-old Thura Al-Windawi gives an Iraqi perspective of America's 2003 "shock and awe" campaign and its effects on her family. Ages 10 and up.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Noe Valley History Day

- Celebrate Noe Valley History Day on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. Dubbed "The End of an Era," the event will feature historic videos, a photo exhibit, visits with Noe Valley oldtimers, refreshments, and children's entertainment by "Bubble Lady" Rebecca Nile at 3 p.m.

Neighborhood Party

- Noe Valley History Month continues with a holiday party and History Night sponsored by Friends of Noe Valley on Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. The neighborhood is invited to come sample food donated by local restaurants and meet Bill Yenne, author of a new book of historical photographs and local lore, San Francisco's Noe Valley.

Poetry Reading and Writing

- Sally Love Saunders leads a free work-shop to tap the poet within you, "Getting in Touch with Your Creativity," on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. For info visit www.snowcrest.net/spindler/sallylovesaunders.

Sing Along with Jim

- Jim Stevens leads a participatory musical program for children ages 2 to 5 on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 10 and 11 a.m.

Stories and Films for Children

- Kids 2 to 5 are invited to attend preschool story time at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Nov. 2, 23, and 30. Children 3 to 5 can watch short films at 10 and 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Saturday Lapsit

- Share stories, songs, and fingerplays with your baby or toddler at the library's lapsit at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6.