Don’t forget: The Friends of the Montclair Library will be hosting a holiday book sale this Saturday, December 5, from 11 am-4 pm.  We’ll be set up in the teen/kids area at the back of the library, so come on in!  There are great deals to be had as usual.

Just a reminder that, between the holidays and budget cutbacks, the Montclair branch and all Oakland public libraries will be closed from Thursday, December 24 through Friday, January 1.  Normal business hours will resume on Saturday, January 2, 2010.

The changing table the Friends purchased is now installed in the library restroom.  A small thing, but good news for all the nannies and families of wee ones who use the library!

The Friends of Montclair Library will be hosting a Holiday Book Sale Saturday, December 5 from 11am-4pm.  If you came to our re-opening book sale back in July, you know the great deals that can be had on gently used books.  Plus all the proceeds benefit the Montclair Branch Library, helping fund programs, purchase materials and more.

You can drop off donations for the book sale at the library during business hours.  Please review our book donation guidelines to help us make the most of your donation.  Thanks!

We’re sorry to report that the National Novel Writing Month class for teens has been canceled, but hopefully at least a few of you are busy writing your own novels this month!

Stay tuned for more teen programming coming up – including drop-in chess for kids ages 11-15 beginning December 2nd. We’re hoping chess will be available every Wednesday from 3-5pm, all skill levels welcome.

Speaking of which, if you have an old (complete!) chess set lying around gathering dust, we’d be happy to put it to good use at the library. You can drop it off at the front desk (let them know it’s for the Friends of the Library) or email us and we’ll gladly pick it up.

And if you’re a chess wiz and would like to help teach our budding chess stars, drop us a line about that, too. We need a few volunteers ages high school-adult who can teach the fundamentals of the game and facilitate play.

All Oakland Public Libraries will be closed this Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans’ Day.   And remember that the library will also be closed Thursday, November 26th through Monday, November 30th due to Thanksgiving plus budget cuts.

There’s been so much going on at the library that we’ve neglected to mention that we have a new part-time children’s librarian.  This is especially good news since the library had been without a children’s librarian since it closed for mold abatement last spring.

Kimberly comes in several days a week, including doing Preschool Storytime on Thursdays at 10:30am.  She’ll also be helping us develop and coordinate some children’s programs – stay tuned!

The Friends of Montclair Library will be hosting a free Story & Novel Writing Workshop for teens in grades 6-12 this November as part of National Novel Writing Month.

4 sessions: 11/4, 11/11, 11/18 and 12/2
Wednesdays from 4-5pm
at the Montclair Library, 1687 Mountain Blvd

Join us for a hands-on writing adventure! Whether you’re ready to take the plunge and write a novel, or just want to improve your writing and exercise your creative muscles, we’ll be talking about things like starting a story, character development and plot. Plus we’ll give you some tools to use to continue your writing once the class is over.

Registration forms available at the library front desk or online here.
Enrollment limited to 20 students – sign up now!
Questions? Email fomlibrary@gmail.com or come see us at the library 10/28 from 3:30-5pm.

PDF flyer about the class »

Did you know that the OPL offers free wireless access (WiFi) for public use at all 15 of its branches, including Montclair?

From the OPL website: “You can use the wireless connection from your own laptop computer without a library card! Just bring your laptop and wireless card or wireless-enabled device, as well as your own fully charged battery, to any of these Wi-Fi “hotspots” during regular business hours….If you don’t have a fully charged battery, you may only use designated electrical outlets to connect your computer.”

For more information, see the OPL Wireless Internet Policy and connection tips.

Just a reminder that all Oakland public libraries, including the Montclair branch, will be closed Friday, October 23rd due to the city-wide budget shortage.