For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!
Check out the new book: How to be a Storyteller: Essays and Advice on the Art of Storytelling (link HERE)!
July 30, 2013
Wednesday, July 31: CUPERTINO LIBRARY
I'm looking forward to spreading some stories & fun this week at the Cupertino Library. Please spread the word!
July 25, 2013
July 12, 2013
Going Coastal II: SLO County July 2013
I'm back from another storytelling trip to San Luis Obispo County!
I was last in the area in October, with a week-long trip sharing stories all over the place (mostly seasonal, spooky tales, as requested by the libraries). It was so great to be back for a two-day, four-event jaunt, on familiar & friendly territory, renewing acquaintances and bringing a new set of tales--this time a bunch of silliness from the famous Juan Bobo--along for some nice, big Summer Reading audiences. Here it all is, in a nutshell:
Day 1: San Luis Obispo Library
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| The San Luis Obispo Library sure is a bright, sunshiny place first thing in the morning! BTW, they've added a gorgeous new mural inside since I last visited. |
When I performed in this library back in October, it was after dark, and tucked in the stacks of the Children's Section, AND the library was undergoing a construction project--so this experience was quite a bit different! As soon as the library opened at 10, people were starting to hover for my 10:30 program, which was in a nice, big program room in the front of the building. The large crowd was ready for me and my silliness, and the participation level during my storytelling was high--just the way I love it.
Day 2: Atascadero & Paso Robles
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| Colony Park Community Center, the Atascadero Library's summer performance venue. |
I was back at the Atascadero Library, and yet, I was NOT back at the Atascadero Library! Summer Reading season is a big deal here, and their current facility can't accommodate their huge program audiences, so the library takes over the local community center on performance days. So many grown-ups & kids of all ages, all looking for a good time--and I do think we had one! Adults after the fact were walking up & thanking me for a performance they could love, too.
I left Atascadero & headed directly up 101 to Paso Robles for my final pair of events.
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| Paso Robles City Library on the left, and the Library Study Center on the right. |
What an interesting experience I had this time at the Paso Robles City Library! Usually, it's the adults sitting in the back whom I have to drag into the interactive experience of my storytelling, but this time, it was the kids sitting up front on the floor who needed a little waking up! Fortunately for us all, the crowd in back carried the weight to start, and the whole group did get into the spirit of things! Some engines, some days, do take longer to start than others--take MINE, for instance! ;)
After the performance, a woman came up with her daughter & said, "I think we saw you a long time ago!" I was thinking she must have meant back in October, when I performed at this library last. And then she said, "did you tell stories at the Livermore Library?" Why, yes, I did and DO!
My final performance of this SLO County visit was at the Paso Robles Library Study Center, with mostly older kids & a few grownups, with a lot of the eye-rolling, head-slapping, don't-stop,-tell-us-more-ing I love from this age group! After THIS session, at which the librarian had introduced me as being from San Francisco, one boy had a very important question for me: "do you like the Giants?" I was confused. Being a storyteller, I thought he was talking about, you know, GIANTS!
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| It was an honest mistake! |
Right after I finished, it was home again to the SF Bay Area, where of course I had to set an early alarm to get back to my regular library duties in Livermore & Menlo Park, plus all of the local school & library storytelling events I've got coming up.
Well, that was a really fun trip. I enjoyed getting reacquainted with librarian friends in San Luis Obispo, Atascadero & Paso Robles, and sharing stories & silliness with some nice, big summer reading audiences. Will I be back to share more stories? I certainly hope so, and I'll look forward to the opportunity! I'll say what I said last time around: if you know of any places in the area you think should host an appearance--whether schools, libraries, museums, zoos or whatever--please let them know about me, let me know about them, and when it happens, let your friends know there is something slightly ridiculous happening on the Central Coast!
For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!
July 01, 2013
Upcoming Events
Storytimes at the Livermore & Menlo Park Libraries are in brown; storytelling events are in red. Keep checking in for updates!
_______________________________
REGULAR LIBRARY STORYTIME EVENTS:
REGULAR LIBRARY STORYTIME EVENTS:
MONDAYS (Livermore Public Library, Civic Center)
10:30am School-age "Dream Weaver" event
11:30 Infant Storytime
7pm Family Storytime
THURSDAYS (Menlo Park Library)
11:15 Toddler Storytime
2:15 Preschool Storytime
FRIDAYS (Livermore Public Library, Rincon)
10:30 School-age Storytime
_________________________________________________________
Monday, July 1
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
10:30am School-age "Dream Weaver" event
11:30 Infant Storytime
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime
Friday, July 5
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
Monday, July 8
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
10:30am School-age "Dream Weaver" event
11:30 Infant Storytime
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime
Wednesday, July 10
995 Palm St.
Storytelling at 10:30am
Thursday, July 11
5599 Traffic Wy
Storytelling at 11am
Thursday, July 11
1000 Spring Street
Storytelling at 1 & 3pm
Friday, July 12
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
Monday, July 15
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
10:30am School-age "Dream Weaver" event
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime
Wednesday, July 17
Fairfield Civic Center Library
1150 Kentucky Street
Storytelling at 3:30pm
Thursday, July 18
Menlo Park Library
11:15 Toddler Storytime2:15 Preschool Storytime
Friday, July 19
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
Monday, July 22
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
10:30am School-age "Dream Weaver" event
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime
Thursday, July 25
Menlo Park Library
11:15 Toddler Storytime
2:15 Preschool Storytime
Friday, July 26
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
Saturday, July 27
SPECIAL EVENT: SLEEPOVER STORYTELLING
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Contact park about their special sleepovers, which include puppet shows, rides, and other overnight fun!
Monday, July 29
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
10:30am School-age "Dream Weaver" event
11:30 Infant Storytime
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime
Wednesday, July 31
10800 Torre Ave.
Storytelling at 3pm
Thursday, August 1
Menlo Park Library
11:15 Toddler Storytime
2:15 Preschool Storytime
Friday, August 2
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
Monday, August 5
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
10:30am School-age "Dream Weaver" event
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime
Thursday, August 8
Menlo Park Library
11:15 Toddler Storytime
2:15 Preschool Storytime
Friday, August 9
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
Monday, August 12
Livermore Public Library, Civic Center
10:30am School-age "Dream Weaver" event
7pm Pajamatime Family Storytime
(FINAL CIVIC CENTER STORYTIMES FOR LIVERMORE SUMMER SESSION)
Thursday, August 15
Menlo Park Library
11:15 Toddler Storytime2:15 Preschool Storytime
Friday, August 16
Livermore Public Library, Rincon
10:30am School-age Storytime
(FINAL STORYTIMES FOR LIVERMORE SUMMER SESSION)
Thursday, August 22
Menlo Park Library
11:15 Toddler Storytime2:15 Preschool Storytime
Thursday, August 29
Menlo Park Library
11:15 Toddler Storytime2:15 Preschool Storytime
Saturday, August 31
Sunday, September 1
Sunday, September 1
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30pm & 2:30pm (different stories each time), weather-dependent.
Thursday, September 5
Menlo Park Library
11:15 Toddler Storytime
2:15 Preschool Storytime
Saturday, October 19
Sunday, October 20
Sunday, October 20
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30pm & 2:30pm (different stories each time), weather-dependent.
Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8
Sunday, December 8
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Storytelling at 1:30pm & 2:30pm (different stories each time), weather-dependent.
Other recent or upcoming events include storytelling & education for Walters Junior High, Tutor Time, Blacow Elementary, Acorn Learning Center, Children's Creative Learning Centers, Heads Up, Montevideo Elementary, Fremont Unified School District, Belmont Oaks Academy, Bright Horizons, & La Petite Academy. Private events (for schools, etc.) do not show up in listings above. For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!
Check out the new book: How to be a Storyteller: Essays and Advice on the Art of Storytelling (link HERE)!
June 25, 2013
Returning to the Central Coast July 10-11!
I'm excited to be returning to SLO County in July to share some all-ages (that means it's for adults, too!) silliness at libraries in San Luis Obispo, Atascadero & Paso Robles. If you know anyone in the area, please pass it on!
SF
Bay Area Storyteller Brings All-Ages Laughter
San Francisco Bay Area
Storyteller John Weaver returns to local libraries July 10-11, with
tale-spinning stops in San Luis Obispo, Atascadero and Paso Robles.
Storyteller John Weaver, usually
known for spreading silliness during his all-ages performances throughout the
San Francisco Bay Area and well beyond, will be sharing bilingual tales of Juan
Bobo, the Puerto Rican folktale character who never gets things quite right.
Storyteller John Weaver is a
parent, performer and Early Childhood Educator who shares his traditional oral
storytelling at schools, libraries, zoos and other family attractions. Weaver’s
energetic, humor-filled performances aim to capture the attention of all ages,
and encourage families to continue the adventure at home by reading together. Weaver’s last storytelling visit to
the Central Coast took place in October.
All of the library programs are
free. Families are encouraged to check
in with the event locations for information.
Wednesday,
July 10
10:30am San Luis Obispo
Library, 995 Palm Street
Thursday,
July 11
11am Atascadero
Library at Colony Park Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way
1pm Paso
Robles City Library, 1000 Spring Street
3pm Paso Robles Library Study Center, 3600 Oak Street #101
June 16, 2013
THIS WEEK: Campbell Library
I'm looking forward to spreading some stories & fun this Wednesday afternoon at the Campbell Library -- please spread the word!
June 11, 2013
Summer Reading is here at the Menlo Park Library!
Wherever you are, I hope you get into the Summer Reading fun! Adults don't have to miss out--there are games & prizes for you, and setting a reading example for your kids is vital! Summer Reading at the Menlo Park Library began June 10, and I think it's the BEST Summer Reading Program I've ever seen! Check it out.
Yes, there's a teen game, too! Get more details, and sign up online, at the Menlo Park Library website.
Where are you signing up for Summer Reading, and what do you love about your library's program? Let me know!
Yes, there's a teen game, too! Get more details, and sign up online, at the Menlo Park Library website.
Where are you signing up for Summer Reading, and what do you love about your library's program? Let me know!
June 10, 2013
How About a SLEEPOVER AT CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND!
I'll be there the evening of Saturday, July 27, performing a few stories between all of the rides, puppet shows, dinner & after-hours fun! Get some friends & family together, & book early. Hope to see you there!
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| I'll be there on July 27! Sleepover at Children's Fairyland is always a fun event. |
For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!
Check out the book: How to be a Storyteller: Essays and Advice on the Art of Storytelling (link HERE)!
June 02, 2013
This Summer at Your Library: Dig in to Reading!
Summer Reading Programs: “Reading is So Delicious!”
When school is out, reading is in, with library calendars that are packed with FREE shows, storytimes, crafts and prizes! Each library is a little different (or a LOT different), but look and you will find games for pre-readers, school-aged kids, teens, and even adults. There are some not-to-be missed shows taking place: guest storytellers, puppet shows, cultural arts programs, animal presentations, music & magic—usually all coming your way thanks to the Friends of the Library (PLEASE become a member; it’s cheap, and the Friends are any library’s lifeblood)!
This is a good time of year to gather up the event calendars of every library system within your personal stomping grounds! Here’s a website that can connect residents of the SF Bay Area with many of the libraries in the region: http://www.sccl.org/research/best-of-the-web/other-local-libraries
As for the library systems where I have the pleasure of booking the special events, the Menlo Park Library and the Livermore Public Library, there is a big summer ahead, and you will definitely want to pick up or download the event calendars (available online NOW)! At both libraries, the majority of special shows will take place on Wednesday mornings (as event host in Livermore, that means I have to miss all the exciting shows I booked for Menlo Park--BOO!). There will be a full slate of puppet shows, animal presentations, storytellers, magic, interactive music & more--most designed to address California State Educational Standards, as well as being entertaining for all ages! Again, I thank the Friends of the Library, without which this enriching entertainment would not be possible. In addition to the entertainers, both of my libraries will be hosting a Stuffed Animal Sleepover: leave your stuffed animals at the library overnight, then come back for them the next day & see photos of all of the fun they had! Menlo Park is expecting a couple of very exciting & famous visitors: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and the Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. These literary giants will be around for hugs & photo ops, and there will be very special crafts on those days.
You like commercials? Both libraries have commercials this year! Here you go:
You like commercials? Both libraries have commercials this year! Here you go:
GROWN-UPS: Please remember that many libraries offer an ADULT Summer Reading Program, and your participation—your example of reading—is an important gift to your child!
I am very excited about Menlo Park's Adult Summer Reading Program, which I've had the pleasure of putting together. Grown-ups get to play BINGO, marking off reading & library explorations on their sheet. A BINGO results in a free book and a drink from Peet's Coffee & Tea, plus entry into a drawing that offers a great selection of special prizes: a year's coffee "subscription" from Peet's, admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Francisco City Pass, certificates from Trader Joe's or Draeger's, shopping at Kepler's Books, dinners, movies... READERS ARE WINNERS!
Please, wherever you live, find out what's going on at your library & take part! If there's anything super-special you're excited about, share! I love to hear what's happening at other libraries, and sneak into a special program now & then.
I am very excited about Menlo Park's Adult Summer Reading Program, which I've had the pleasure of putting together. Grown-ups get to play BINGO, marking off reading & library explorations on their sheet. A BINGO results in a free book and a drink from Peet's Coffee & Tea, plus entry into a drawing that offers a great selection of special prizes: a year's coffee "subscription" from Peet's, admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Francisco City Pass, certificates from Trader Joe's or Draeger's, shopping at Kepler's Books, dinners, movies... READERS ARE WINNERS!
Please, wherever you live, find out what's going on at your library & take part! If there's anything super-special you're excited about, share! I love to hear what's happening at other libraries, and sneak into a special program now & then.
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