First Monday Movies - Spellbound - January 5th

Ingrid Bergman plays Dr. Constance Petersen, a psychiatrist at Green Manors mental hospital. When the new chief of staff, the mysterious Dr. Anthony Edwardes (Gregory Peck), turns out to be a paranoid amnesiac imposter, Constance joins him on the run determined to help him recover his true identity. Spellbound features a famous dream sequence by Salvador Dali. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. (1945, 111 mins.)

Monday, January 5th at 6:30 p.m.

Holiday Hours

Excelsior Branch and all other San Francisco libraries will be closed for Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th and New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1st.

The library will close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24th and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31st.

Jewelry Workshop for Teens - Wednesday, 12/17



Create a wire wrapped bracelet for yourself or someone special in this hands-on jewelry design class. Learn how to wire wrap beads to a chain bracelet. Beads and tools will be provided. Instructor Steven James is a jewelry designer in San Francisco. To register, contact Marla at (415) 355-2868.


Wednesday, December 17th, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

BookFlix Demo - Saturday, 12/13

BookFlix is a fun, new reading program that you and your child can access from home! This online literacy resource pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks to build a love of reading and learning for children, pre-kindergarten - grade 3. Join Mary for a demonstration of BookFlix at Family Storytime on Saturday, December 13th.

Saturday, December 13th at 11:30 a.m.

Cooking Club for Teens - Fridays 12/5 and 12/19, 1/9

Learn how easy and fun it is to cook healthy, nutritious and tasty meals. All materials provided. Ages 12-18. Call Marla for more information (415) 355-2868. This program will be held at the Boys and Girls Club, 163 London Street @ Excelsior St.

Fridays, December 5th and 19th and January 9th - 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Thanks to Canyon Market for donating the ingredients!

Baby Mama - Teen Movie Day - Wednesday, December 3rd

Successful single businesswoman Kate Holbrook has long put her career ahead of a personal life, but now at 37, she's determined to have a child. She hires a South Philly girl to become her unlikely surrogate. After meticulously preparing her home for the baby, Kate is thrown a curve ball when her Baby Mama shows up at the doorstep with no place to live.

Movies for teens are shown the first Wednesday of every month. Snacks provided. Ages 12-18. For more information, call Marla at (415) 355-2868.
Wednesday, December 3rd at 4:00 p.m.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

The Puppet Art Theater presents The Boy Who Cried Wolf, an interatcive multimedia puppet show for the holidays. Ages 5 and younger. Space is limited, please call for group reservations. (415) 355-2868


Wednesday, December 3rd at 11 a.m.

Basic Computer Classes @ Excelsior

Back by popular demand. Beginning in December 2008, group computer classes for seniors and adults will be offered on the first three Saturday afternoons each month. No computer experience is required but class size is limited. Please make reservations for any or all of these classes with the reference librarian, or call (415) 355-2868.

December 6 - Learning email

December 13 - Searching the internet

December 20 - Searching the SFPL catalog and databases - this week's focus is "finding articles using Infotrac"


Classes meet Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

First Monday Movies - Salaam Bombay! - December 1st

Salaam Bombay! is a gritty drama about a young street beggar in the slums of Bombay trying to raise enough money to return to his mother's house in the country. In the process he encounters every range of experience from humiliation to love. Directed by Mira Nair. In Hindi with English subtitles. (1988, 114 mins.)

Monday, December 1st @ 6:30 p.m.

New Citizenship Resources at the Library

To help library users prepare for the new USCIS naturalization interview, the San Francisco Public Library has created a set of online resources to assist our patrons with the October 2008 exam changes. These include:

l A guide to naturalization
l Practice materials for the new citizenship exam
l Information about local organizations that can help with the citizenship process
l A list of English as a Second Language (ESL) providers

Citizenship resources are now available on the SFPL website at http://sfpl.org/citizenship. These resources are available in 5 languages - English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Russian. Check it out!

It's All About Me - Teen Scrapbooking - 11/19

Wanna get scrap-happy using only scraps of paper and glue? Join us for an afternoon of scrapbooking. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring pics and scraps that inspire you. Workshop led by local teen. For ages 12-18. For more information, contact Marla at mbergman@sfpl.org or (415) 355-2832.

Wednesday, November 19th - 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Sherrie Dobrott Music Program for Kids - 11/18

Please join us for a fun music and movement program by Sherrie Dobrott featuring puppets, songs and fingerplays for little ones. Ages 5 and younger. Space is limited, call (415) 355-2831 for reservations.

Tuesday, November 18th at 11:00 a.m.

The Climate Project - November 15th

Volunteers trained by Al Gore will present a new Climate Change Slideshow based on the Academy Award winning film, An Inconvenient Truth, to increase public awareness of the climate crisis throughout the world. The slideshow will be offered in three languages at the Excelsior Branch.

Saturday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. - Program in English
Tuesday, November 19th at 7:00 p.m. - Program in Cantonese
Tuesday, November 25th at 7:00 p.m. - Program in Spanish

Teen Movie Day - One Missed Call 11/5

In this supernatural thriller, a chain of people receive terrifying cell phone messages from their future selves telling them the date, time and details of their death. Beth Raymond is traumatized when two of her friends die after receiving the messages. She enlists the help of a detective to unravel the mystery of the ominous calls. (2008, 87 mins.) Ages 12-18.

Movies for teens are shown on the first Wednesday every month. Snacks provided. For more information, call Marla at 415-355-2868.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Vincent Van Gogh - Arts & Culture Salon - 11/5

Marlene Aron, artist, educator and poet, will share her passion for “The Life and Work of Vincent Van Gogh” at the Excelsior Branch Arts & Culture Salon. Ms. Aron has been researching Van Gogh for more than thirty years, and teaching and lecturing about him for the past eleven years. Her slides include rarely-seen childhood drawings and family photographs in addition to his paintings.

Wednesday, November 5th - 7:00 p.m.

Hour of the Wolf - First Monday Movies 11/3

Liv Ullman stars as Anna, a woman whose artist husband, Johan, has disappeared leaving only his diary behind. She is left to reconstruct, in her mind, their shattered life. Directed by Ingmar Bergman. In Swedish with English subtitles. (1968, 87 mins.)

Monday, November 3rd - 6:30 p.m.

Altoid Crafts for Teens - October 29th

Make an altar (or mini shrine) from an Altoid tin in honor of the Day of the Dead. Or another theme of your choosing. Bring a few miniature items or pictures to use in this workshop. All other materials will be provided. Ages 12-18. For more information, or to register, call Marla at 355-2868.

Wednesday, October 29th - 3:30-5 p.m.

Labor Heritage Chorus - October 22nd

The Excelsior Branch Arts & Culture Salon is pleased to present the Labor Heritage/Rockin' Solidarity Chorus in concert on Wednesday, October 22nd. This SF Bay Area Chorus is made up of workers from many unions, as well as students and independent folks who love to sing. The Chorus borrows from many musical traditions such as South African and Gospel; traditional and newly composed labor songs; songs in Yiddish, Latin, Spanish and Xshosha; and parodies of popular songs created in the Joe Hill tradition. Come sing along!

Wednesday, October 22nd, 7:00-8:45 p.m.

Oscar Reynolds and Karumanta - October 16th

Celebrate Latino Hispanic Heritage Month with the mystical sounds of Oscar Reyholds. Oscar Reynolds, a composer, master flutist, and guitarist, will play the music of Bolivia and the Andes on panpipes and guitar. Ages 3 and older.

Thursday, October 16th at 3:15 p.m.

Book Making for the Very Young with Cathy Miranker - October 16th

Can pre-Ks and kindergartners make books? Little wiggly kids just learning the alphabet? Absolutely! Cathy Miranker from SF Center for the Book will lead this workshop for kids, ages 3-6. This is a perfect activity for kids who have seen or plan on seeing the exihibition of works by pop-up artist Robert Sabuda at the Main Library.
Thursday, October 16th at 11:00 a.m.

Facing Foreclosure - October 15th and 18th

This program is offered to help potentially defaulting homeowners deal with payment shock and the threat of losing their homes. Topics will include the history of the current foreclosure boom, ten options besides foreclosure, the most important rules to follow when facing foreclosure, and more.

This seminar is offered by Zephyr Real Estate agents, along with Guaranteed Homes, LLC. The program is free, though space is limited. For more information, call: 415-824-7200 x131, or visit: http://www.facingforeclosuresf.com/. Offered twice:

Wednesday, October 15, 2008, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 18, 2008, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Excelsior Closed for Columbus Day - Monday, 10/13th

All San Francisco Public Library facilities, including the Excelsior Branch, will be closed for Columbus Day on Monday, October 13th. We will be open again Tuesday, October 14th, at 10:00 a.m.

Read for the Record - October 2nd

Jumpstart's Read for the Record is a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of early literacy readiness by creating the largest shared reading experience in history! Come to the Excelsior Branch for this storytime for children of all ages and listen to a reading of Corduroy, collect stickers, bookmarks and a certificate for your participation.

Thursday, October 2nd - 11 a.m.

Homework Help - Starting October 1st!

Do you need help with your homework? Students kindergarten-7th grade can drop in to the Excelsior Branch for one-on-one help. No registration needed. Homework Help is offered Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Se habla español. Chinese-English speaking tutors available Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Starts October 1st
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 4-6:00 p.m.

Prom Night - Teen Movie Day - October 1st


Having survived a horrible tragedy, Donna hoped that her senior prom would be the best night of her life. Surrounded by good friends, she should be safe from the horrors of her past, but when the night turns from magic to chaos there is only one man who could be responsible. Can Donna and her friends find a way to escape?

Check out Prom Night on the big screen at the Excelsior Library. Refreshments provided, or bring your own! For more information, call Marla at (415) 355-2868.

Wednesday, October 1st, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Teen Movie Day is the first Wednesday of every month.

Flying Angels Chinese Dance - September 27th

The Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company of San Francisco specializes in dynamic “mini-shows” featuring traditional Chinese dances, such as the Ribbon Dance. With dancers aged 2 and up, the Flying Angels Company will be sure to please children of all ages.
Saturday, September 27th @ 11:00 a.m.

Tamim Ansary - Wednesday, September 24th

The Excelsior Branch Arts & Culture Salon is pleased to host Tamim Ansary, in a reading and discussion of his memoir, West of Kabul, East of New York. This memoir, subtitled "An Afghan American Story," is the One City, One Book selection for San Francisco in 2008. In West of Kabul, we travel at Ansary’s side, as he gives us rare access to Afghan culture—from the time of “old Afghanistan,” through Soviet rule, and later the Taliban.
Wednesday, September 24th, 7:00 p.m.
Book sales by Red Hill Books

Homework Help - Volunteer Opportunity @ Excelsior

You can be a Homework Hero! Adults and teens can volunteer to help students, Kindergarten through 6th grade, with their homework. Earn Community Service hours. Homework Help will be available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call 415-355-2868 and ask to speak with a children's librarian.

Homework Help begins October 1st - 4pm-6pm

Bend, Fold & Mutilate a Wallet for Teens - September 10th


This workshop will show you how to create your own personalized wallet using manga, maps or other decorative paper. All materials provided. Open to ages 12-18. For more information, call Marla at (415) 355-2868.

Wednesday, September 10th - 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Welcome to the Excelsior Branch Library Blog!

Thank you for visiting the Excelsior Branch Blog. There’s a lot going on at the Excelsior Branch and our blog lets you see what’s happening with a quick glance. Here you will find listings for all our regularly scheduled programs, including children’s story times, the chess club, computer classes, First Monday Movies and the Excelsior Branch Arts & Culture Salon.

We hope our blog will help you find what you are looking for and also let you know about new programs and services that we offer at the Excelsior Branch Library. Bookmark this site and visit us often.
Elizabeth Thacker-Estrada
Excelsior Branch Manager

Excelsior Closed for Labor Day - Monday, September 1st

All San Francisco Public Library facilities, including the Excelsior Branch, will be closed for Labor Day on September 1st. We will be open again Tuesday, September 2nd, at 10:00 a.m.

Teen Movie Day - Blood & Chocolate - September 3rd

Vivian is a mysterious young woman living in Bucharest with her family who are members of a rapidly shrinking colony of werewolves. When Vivian learns that she must marry the colony's leader Gabriel, she rebels and takes off with a new man. Based on the book by Annette Curtis Klause.

Teen Movie Day is the first Wednesday of every month. BYOP (bring your own popcorn). For more information, call Marla at (415) 355-2868.

Wednesday, September 3rd, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Free S.A.T. Workshops in September @ Excelsior

A four part S.A.T. Intensive course will be offered at Excelsior Branch on Tuesdays in September. Registration is online only at SuccessLink Tutoring. The course offers hands-on experience with the S.A.T. test as well as strategies to help you improve your scores, including time management, the essay, vocabulary and grammar help, critical reading and math. Students must bring the pre-test to the first class, which you can download from http://successlinktutoring.com/SFPL.html or pick up at the Excelsior Branch. Space is limited.

Tuesdays, September 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Richard Schwartz, Historian - August 27th

The Excelsior Branch Arts & Culture Salon presents historian Richard Schwartz, author of Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley. He'll discuss the amazing stories and colorful characters connecting San Francisco and Berkeley in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Did you know?
...that Berkeley was home to the nation's leading hot dog expert?
...that Berkeley citizens fought to save an old oak tree from developers in 1896?

Wednesday, August 27th, 7 p.m.

Breaking Dawn - Twilight Series program for teens - August 27th

Have you read the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer? Come join other Edward and Bella fans for talk, trivia and Vampiric and Werewolf food and drink! Enter the raffle to win a copy of Breaking Dawn! For ages 11-18. For more information, call Marla at 415-355-2868.
Wednesday, August 27th at 5 p.m.

Immigration 101 - Wednesday, August 20th

Lucee Rosemarie Fan, community liaison officer of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, will present a talk about general citizenship requirements, how to apply for U.S. citizenship and how to obtain more information and make U.S.C.I.S. appointments. (She will not be able to address questions about individual cases.)
Wednesday, August 20th, 6:00 -7:00 p.m.

Poets Eleven - Wednesday, August 13th

Friends of the SFPL, the San Francisco Public Library and San Francisco Poet Laureate Jack Hirschman are pleased to present Poets 11, a citywide celebration of poetry. This annual event celebrates San Francisco’s rich literary community and thriving poetry scene. Residents of each of the City’s 11 districts submitted their works, with Hirschman selecting 3 poets from each district. On August 13th, District 11 poets will take the microphone at Excelsior Branch Library and share their works. Come support poets from the Excelsior District!
Wednesday, August 13th at 7 p.m.

Pictures from the Open House Celebration

On July 26th, we celebrated the 3rd anniversary of the Excelsior Branch reopening after renovation. A big crowd joined us for music, magic, and refreshments. A good time was had by all.

Excelsior Library Going to the Dogs! - August 12th

The San Francisco SPCA is bringing Rufus, a special canine ambassador, to Excelsior Branch for a Dog Safety Program. Parents, caregivers and children are all welcome to attend. Space is limited, call (415) 355-2868 for group reservations.

Tuesday, August 12th, at 11:00 a.m.

Bat Lady - August 7th

Did you know that a bat can eat up to 5,000 mosquitoes in one night? The Bat Lady will present a slideshow and a variety of live bats and dispel some common misconceptions about these remarkable and indispensible creatures. Ages 5 and older. Space is limited, call (415) 355-2868 for group reservations.

Thursday, August 7th, 2 p.m.

Shadow Puppets with Sean Powers - August 6th

Sean Powers is a storyteller, musician and puppeteer. He tells stories from around the world using shadow puppets. Children of all ages invited. Space is limited, call (415) 355-2868 for group reservations.

Wednesday, August 6th, 4 p.m.

Home Preparedness in Earthquake Country - August 6th

Matt Springer from UCSF will give a talk and slideshow about precautions that can be taken at home and work to lessen the damage from an earthquake. His presentation includes photos of preparations in his own home and suggestions for simple and more complex measures we can take to be ready for the next temblor.
Wednesday, August 6th, 6:30 p.m.

Create a 3D CD - Teens - August 5th

How many teens does it take to squeeze a book into a CD case? Come find out and home with your own "self-published" CD book. If you like to decorate, write, draw, or fold, this workshop is for you. Instructor is cj grossman of San Francisco Center for the Book. All materials provided. Ages 11-18. Call (415) 355-2868 for information or to register.
Tuesday, August 5th, 3:30-5 p.m.

First Monday Movies - El Amor Brujo - August 4th

This flamenco film tells the story of an Andalusian love triangle. Carmelo (Antonio Gades) loves Candela (Cristina Hoyos) despite her arranged marriage to Jose, a notorious philanderer. After Jose is killed in a knife fight, Carmelo and Candela eventually marry. But Candela is haunted by the ghost of her dead husband, who returns each night to dance with her. Music by Manuel de Falla. Directed by Carlos Saura. In Spanish with English subtitles (100 mins.)

Monday, August 4th, 6:30 p.m.

Excelsior Branch - Open House - July 26th SAVE THE DATE

Come help us celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the Excelsior Branch renovation. Entertainment includes a live musical performance by Excelsior's own children's librarians - Marianne and Karla - and their friends. Magic Dan will astound with magic, illusions and more. And Luz Gaxiola of Circus Finelli will be a roving clown. Light refreshments will be provided. Excelsior was the first branch completed in the Branch Library Improvement Program. Happy Anniversary Excelsior!
Saturday, July 26, 2008, 1:00 p.m.

Lizard Lady - July 24th

The Lizard Lady presents a wildlife experience that children love! Come see reptiles, some local, some from far away, many endangered. Ages 5 and older. Space is limited, call (415) 355-2868 for group reservations.
Thursday, July 24th - 3 p.m.

Teen Photography Workshop - July 23rd

What do photos say about who we are? What don’t they say? Take some pics, learn more about yourself and make a photo album in this Polaroid workshop. Participants will look at the work of Daewood Bay, Nikki Lee and other artists who explore identity and stereotype in their photography and art. Instructor: Kira Sugarman from Rayko Photo Center. All materials provided. For ages 12-18. Workshop limited to 10 participants. To register, call (415) 355-2868.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 4-5:30 p.m.

Tree Frog Treks - July 16th

A professional naturalist will introduce children to live rescued reptiles and amphibians like Buddy the Iguana and Ivan the Tortoise. Ages 5 and older. Space is limited, call (415) 355-2868 for group reservations.

Wednesday, July 16th - 2:30 p.m.

Critter Song Sing-a-Long - July 8th

Bonnie Lockhart performs wild animal songs from many cultures in this sing-along, move-along concert for preschool children and their families. Space is limited, call (415) 355-2868 for group reservations.

Tuesday, July 8th - 11:a.m.

NEW - Storytimes in Chinese & English

Come listen to stories in Chinese and English. Mei will read stories in Mandarin and English and sing songs in Cantonese. Bilingual storytimes will be held every Wednesday at 11 a.m. For ages 3-5.

June 18 and 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Chess Club for youth - Saturday, June 28th

Excelsior Branch's Summer Youth Chess Club meets on Saturdays. Kids ages 6-8 can play from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Ages 9+ from 2:30-3:30 p.m. The next meeting of the Chess Club is Saturday, June 28. The Chess Club will meet twice in July, on 7/12 and 7/19, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.