December 31, 2015

2015: A Look Back





I’m starting off 2016 with a look back at 2015:


In the beginning of the year, I vacationed in Thailand. I did pop into the National Library in Bangkok.


On the way back home, I found TWO libraries inside Taiwan's Taoyuan airport!


Festival Storytelling:I love library Storytelling Festivals; they bring the art into peoples' communities, perhaps introducing them to storytelling for the very first time--and all for free! This year, I shared tales at the Sunnyvale Library Storytelling Festival, and the Los Altos Library Storytelling Festival.


Library Storytelling:
I was happy in 2015 to share more stories at the Campbell Library

In 2015, I made my first storytelling trip to Mendocino County! I shared my tales at libraries in Fort Bragg, Point Arena, Ukiah, and Willits. Another first-time storytelling road trip was one to Yolo County, where I did my thing at the libraries in Esparto & Winters. I ventured to beautiful San Luis Obispo County once again, for storytelling at the libraries in Arroyo Grande & SLO. Closer to my home in the San Francisco Bay Area, I also shared stories at libraries in Campbell, Castro Valley, Los Altos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale.


They were expecting me in San Luis Obispo...


...and in Willits!


In Menlo Park--one of my two home libraries--I hosted monthly storytelling events, especially for elementary-schoolers. It's wonderful to have these ongoing events, which have given me the opportunity to build on stories, and on audience knowledge, to really enrich the experience.


Children's Fairyland
I made several visits to Children's Fairyland, a long-time storytelling home of mine, with 2-day (and 2 performances each day) weekend visits, as well as special-event storytelling for their Sleepover and Fairy Winterland events. I love being a part of the fun!


At home on the Emerald City Stage at Children's Fairyland


Schools, Summer Camps & More:Preschools, Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, day camps, family campouts, book fairs, assemblies...so many different opportunities! This year, they brought me to cities including Alameda, Belmont, Burlingame, Foster City, Fremont, Moraga, Morgan Hill, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, San Jose, and Sunnyvale.


Storytimes, programming & more at my library homes:The Menlo Park Library and the Livermore Public Library have kept me busy this year with a multitude of duties. My regular storytimes have included Baby Storytime, Toddler Storytime, Preschool Storytime, School-age Storytime, Family Storytime, and Bilingual English/Spanish Storytime. Hundreds of books shared!


The school-age event in Livermore--over the years, just a summer event--expanded into the school year in 2015, with mushrooming attendance, to even my surprise. I tell stories, but there are many other rotating elements, including science experiments, reading, art, quiz shows, magic, games, and all kinds of STEAM-y surprises!


A round of "Pin the Han on the Donkey"


A little Halloween-time science & fun



Striking a Bigfoot pose behind a cola geyser

Summer Reading Program planning once again allowed me to bring fun and valuable events to the libraries, and my increasing role in adult programming in Menlo Park has brought decades of my various experiences together, as I plan, program, promote, and host a regular series of events, and many special events, including author appearances, informational presentations, cooking demonstration & instruction, art, poetry, and performance. A big highlight of the year in Menlo Park was getting to once again host an after-hours concert by the Montclair Women's Big Band, an amazingly-talented group!


The programming jobs also lets me bring in a variety of professional storytellers for both adult & youth programs; this year, that group included Tom & Sandy Farley (AKA Spontaneous Combustion) and Ruth Halpern.


So what’s ahead for 2016?More storytelling. More "storytiming!" More library programming! More special library storytelling visits! More Children's Fairyland! More festival storytelling! Visit my Upcoming Events listing regularly for dates of my upcoming storytelling visits to Menlo Park, Oakland, Sunnyvale, Danville, and beyond. What is beyond? Stay with me and we will find out together! And if you know of a place you'd like to see me perform, please let the people in charge know about me! Spread the word!


Happy New Year! Wishing you much health & happiness in 2016.


Storyteller John Weaver
storytellerjohnweaver.com


Keep up with me on Facebook!

Upcoming Events



Here's the latest listing  of what I've got coming up, in both storytelling and "storytiming!"  Storytiming first:


Section 1:
WEEKLY LIBRARY STORYTIME EVENTS:

MONDAYS (Livermore Public Library1/4 - 5/27
10:15 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime (Civic Center)
10:45 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime (Civic Center)
4:00 p.m.  Big Kids Wonder Workshop(Storytelling & activities for students 1st grade & above) (Civic Center) 

WEDNESDAYS (Livermore Public Library, Rincon) 1/4 - 5/27
10:15 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime
11:00 a.m. Bilingual Baby Storytime (prewalkers)

THURSDAYS (Menlo Park Library
10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Toddler Storytimes 

___________________________________




Section 2:
STORYTELLING APPEARANCES:



Thursday, January 7
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Saturday, January 16
Sunday, January 17
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day, included with park admission.

Sunday, January 24
PALO ALTO CHILDREN'S LIBRARY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Festival runs from 1:15 - 4:15; I will be performing at around 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 4
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Wednesday, February 17
SUNNYVALE LIBRARY
Storytelling at 2 p.m.

Thursday, March 3
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Thursday, April 7
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Thursday, May 5
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Tuesday, May 17
Storytelling at 4:00 p.m.


Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling & education programs for A Child's Way and Warm Springs Elementary. Private events (for schools, etc.) do not show up in listings above. For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!


Storyteller John Weaver

December 15, 2015

STEAM: Building a Gumdrop Dome


I present a regular program for big kids (Grades 1-5), wherein I combine my storytelling with components of science, word games, magic, and who-knows-what.  The kids would probably be happy with week-after-week of Mentos being dropped into soda bottles--but it's cold outside this time of year, so it's nice to branch out.

Most of my projects come from science books & websites.  This gumdrop dome project, which involved a stretch for some of the children in hand-eye coordination & spatial thinking, came from PBS's ZOOM!  Here's the full PDF of the Gumdrop Dome activity on Zoom.


In the future, my group & I will apply what we learned about building strong structures, and try to see if we can create some gumdrop & toothpick buildings that can bear some real weight!

The biggest issue here is trying to keep the kids from licking the building materials.



November 30, 2015

Upcoming Events



Here's the latest listing  of what I've got coming up, in both storytelling and "storytiming!"  Storytiming first:


Section 1:
WEEKLY LIBRARY STORYTIME EVENTS:

MONDAYS (Livermore Public LibraryTHROUGH 12/18, then 1/4 - 5/27
10:15 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime (Civic Center)
10:45 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime (Civic Center)
4:00 p.m.  Big Kids Read (Storytelling & activities for students 1st grade & above) (Civic Center) 

WEDNESDAYS (Livermore Public Library, Rincon) THROUGH 12/18, then 1/4 - 5/27
10:15 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime
11:00 a.m. Bilingual Baby Storytime (prewalkers)

THURSDAYS (Menlo Park Library
10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Toddler Storytimes (NO STORYTIMES IN DECEMBER)

___________________________________



Section 2:
STORYTELLING APPEARANCES:


Thursday, December 3
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Saturday, December 5
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 2:30, included with park admission.

Sunday, December 13
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 2:30, included with park admission.

Thursday, January 7
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Saturday, January 16
Sunday, January 17
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day, included with park admission.

Thursday, February 4
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Thursday, March 3
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Thursday, April 7
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Thursday, May 5
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Tuesday, May 17
Storytelling at 4:00 p.m.


Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling & education programs for A Child's Way and Warm Springs Elementary. Private events (for schools, etc.) do not show up in listings above. For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!


Storyteller John Weaver

September 30, 2015

Upcoming Events



Here's the latest listing  of what I've got coming up, in both storytelling and "storytiming!"  Storytiming first:


Section 1:
WEEKLY LIBRARY STORYTIME EVENTS:

MONDAYS (Livermore Public LibraryTHROUGH 12/18
10:15 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime (Civic Center)
10:45 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime (Civic Center)
4:00 p.m.  Big Kids Read (Storytelling & activities for students 1st grade & above) (Civic Center) 

WEDNESDAYS (Livermore Public Library, Rincon) THROUGH 12/18
10:15 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime
11:00 a.m. Bilingual Baby Storytime (prewalkers)

THURSDAYS (Menlo Park Library)
10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Toddler Storytimes


___________________________________

Section 2:
STORYTELLING APPEARANCES:



Thursday, October 1
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Thursday, October 22
3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, CA
10:00 a.m.

Thursday, November 5

MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 21
Sunday, November 22
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day, included with park admission.

Thursday, December 3

MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Saturday, December 5
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 2:30, included with park admission.

Sunday, December 13
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 2:30, included with park admission.

Saturday, January 16
Sunday, January 17
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day, included with park admission.


Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling & education programs for A Child's Way and Warm Springs Elementary. Private events (for schools, etc.) do not show up in listings above. For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!


Storyteller John Weaver

August 30, 2015

Upcoming Events


Here's the latest listing  of what I've got coming up, in both storytelling and "storytiming!"  Storytiming first:


Section 1:
WEEKLY LIBRARY STORYTIME EVENTS:

MONDAYS (Livermore Public LibraryTHROUGH 12/18
10:15 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime (Civic Center)
10:45 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime (Civic Center)
4:00 p.m.  Big Kids Read (Storytelling & activities for students 1st grade & above) (Civic Center) 

WEDNESDAYS (Livermore Public Library, Rincon) THROUGH 12/18
10:15 a.m. Toddler/Preschool Storytime
11:00 a.m. Bilingual Baby Storytime (prewalkers)

THURSDAYS (Menlo Park Library)
10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Toddler Storytimes


___________________________________

Section 2:
STORYTELLING APPEARANCES:

Thursday, September 3
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm






Thursday, October 1
MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Thursday, October 22
3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, CA
Storytelling especially for 0-5s and their grownups
10:00 a.m.

Thursday, November 5

MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Saturday, November 21
Sunday, November 22
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30 & 2:30 each day, included with park admission.

Thursday, December 3

MENLO PARK LIBRARY
Storytelling at 4pm

Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling & education programs for Warm Springs Elementary, Heads Up, KinderCare, and Bright Horizons. Private events (for schools, etc.) do not show up in listings above. For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!


Storyteller John Weaver





July 14, 2015

Wow--high praise!

I loved sharing stories last week with the enthusiastic group at the Campbell Library--and was very happy a few days later to see the library's very enthusiastic Facebook post!



Storyteller John Weaver



.

July 09, 2015

From the Inbox: Creating New Storytellers




I loved performing for an enthusiastic group this week at the Campbell Library.  As usual, I encouraged kids & families to tell each other stories--the ones I'd shared, or favorites of their own.

I was very pleased today to open my email to this message from a parent:

"...my kids 7 year old ...and 5 year old ... saw you at the Campbell Library and my son loved it. They ... went up to thank when you were done. (My son) retold me your stories for 20 minutes straight. Thanks"

Nice--one of my hoped-for outcomes!  I can call the day a success.  I also noticed books of folktales flying out of the place, so that makes me doubly-happy.




For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!


Storyteller John Weaver

July 01, 2015

Upcoming Events



Here's the latest listing  of what I've got coming up, in both storytelling and "storytiming!"  Storytiming first:


Section 1:
WEEKLY LIBRARY STORYTIME EVENTS:

MONDAYS (Livermore Public Library)
11:15 a.m. Big Kids Read (Storytelling & activities for students 1st grade & above) (Civic Center) THROUGH 8/10
6 p.m. Pajamatime Family Storytime (Rincon) THROUGH 8/10

THURSDAYS (Menlo Park Library)
11:15 a.m. Toddler Storytime (monthly online registration required)


___________________________________
Section 2: STORYTELLING APPEARANCES:




Wednesday, July 8
CAMPBELL LIBRARY
77 Harrison Avenue, Campbell, CA
Storytelling at 3:30 pm.

Friday, July 10
ESPARTO LIBRARY
17065 Yolo Ave.
Storytelling at 1:30 pm.

Wednesday, July 15
MORGAN HILL LIBRARY
660 W Main Ave, Morgan Hill, CA
Storytelling at 3:00 and 4:00

Thursday, July 16
MILPITAS LIBRARY
160 N Main St, Milpitas, CA
Storytelling at 3:00

Wednesday, July 21
BELLE HAVEN BRANCH LIBRARY
413 Ivy Drive, Menlo Park, CA
Storytelling at Noon

Wednesday, July 22
SARATOGA LIBRARY
13650 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, CA
Storytelling at 2:30

Saturday, July 25
Rancho Laguna Park, Moraga
**Registered, paid participants: sign up to put up a tent overnight at the park & enjoy games, crafts, dinner & breakfast--and my storytelling by the camp fire!**

Thursday, August 6
WILLITS LIBRARY
390 E. Commercial St., Willits, CA 95490
Storytelling at 11:00

Thursday, August 6
105 N Main St., Ukiah, CA 95482
Storytelling at 1:00

Wednesday, August 12
499 Laurel Street
Storytelling at 10:30

Wednesday, August 12
225 Main Street, Point Arena
Storytelling at 1:30

Saturday, August 15
699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland
**Registered, paid participants: sign up to put up a tent overnight at the park & enjoy rides, shows, snacks & more, after the park closes to the public!**

Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling & education programs for Belmont Oaks, Blacow Elementary, KinderCare, Bright Horizons, Downtown Scholars, Covenant Preschool, Evergreen Montessori, Prestige Preschool Academy, Woodroe Woods, Casa de Bambini, and Happy Hall. Private events (for schools, etc.) do not show up in listings above. For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!


Storyteller John Weaver