Library Closed - Saturday, July 4th

The Excelsior Branch Library and all other San Francisco Public Libraries will be closed for Independence Day on Saturday, July 4th, 2009. The Excelsior Branch will reopen Sunday, July 5th at 1 p.m.

First Monday Movies - Ninotchka - July 6th

When three Soviet emissaries who have been sent to Paris to sell off imperial jewels become seduced with the luxuries of capitalism, Comrade Nina Ivanoff (Greta Garbo) is dispatched by Moscow to settle the matter. Playboy Leon d’Algout (Melvyn Douglas), who instituted a court case to delay the sale of the jewels, is charmed by Ninotchka’s severe manner and her beauty and he sets about wooing her, despite her belief that love is merely a chemical reaction. Ernst Lubitsch directs Garbo’s penultimate film and her only comedy. (1939, 110 mins.)

Monday, July 6th @ 6:30 p.m.

Swazzle Puppet Show - June 25th

Swazzle Puppet Show presents the River Otter Circus, a series of new and most astonishing feats by the best trained and greatest troupe of performing River Otters executing difficult tricks with ease, grace, precision & cleverness! Swazzle is known for their originality, artistic creativity, and dynamic performances. For children ages 3 and older. Call (415) 355-2868 for more information.

Wednesday, June 25th at 11 a.m.

Pinhole Photography Workshop for Teens - June 23rd and June 30th

Long before digital cameras, there were simple cameras like the pinhole camera--literally a box with a small hole. In this 2-part workshop, we will make a pinhole camera. Then, we’ll take photos and the images will be processed at RayKo. In the second session, we’ll critique the images and create a frame for the photos. Instructor: Kira Shemano from Rayko Photo Center. All materials provided. Ages 12-18. Workshop limited to 10 participants. To register, call Marla at (415) 355-2868.

Tuesdays, June 23 and June 30, 2009, 4-5:30 p.m.

Celebrate Nature in Art - June 24th @ the Excelsior Branch Arts & Culture Salon

The Arts & Culture Salon presents local artist Marlene Aron with a beautiful and inspiring slide presentation of nature in art. See paintings, drawings, photographs and sculpture by artists who celebrate nature.

Wednesday, June 24th @ 7 p.m.

Nutrition and Cognitive Brain Function - June 13th

Mary Louise Zernicke, MS MPH RD CSG, Director, Dietary Manager Program, Merritt College, will review the latest research findings and recommendations regarding food and fitness choices which will keep one's brain vigorous and strong. Learn how to eat your way to a healthy brain!

Saturday, June 13th, 2 p.m.

Resources for Long-Term Care for 50+ Adults - June 10th

Jason Adamek will discuss the resources for older adults offered by the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services. He will discuss resource guides, in-home support services, adult protection, home delivery of meals, and people at risk.

Wednesday, June 10th, 7 p.m.

Strategies for Ending Isolation & Loneliness for Older Adults - June 6th

Marie Jobling of the Community Living Campaign will discuss strategies for ending isolation and loneliness for older adults and people with disabilities. The Community Living Campaign works to build and strengthen intentional communities that provide practical support to isolated older adults and people with disabilities, as well as advocate broadly to make San Francisco an aging and disability friendly city.

Saturday, June 6th - 2 p.m.

Diane di Prima - "Taking Dictation" - May 27th @ 7 p.m.

Poems come into being in many ways: some are deliberately composed and often start from an idea or experience. Some seem inspired but require a certain amount of work, revision and struggle to get them right. Others, however, seem to arrive whole: what is required of the poet is to get out of the way and let the poem "write itself". The great San Francisco poet, Robert Duncan, called this "obedience to the poem", and Jack Spicer, his colleague, called it "taking dictation" and left it an open question as to who or what was dictating.

The Excelsior Branch Arts & Culture Salon presents a very special evening with poet Diane di Prima, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by PEN Oakland in 2008, and who was just recently named San Francisco's Poet Laureate. In this informal talk/reading, Diane will discuss various ways the poem may be "received" and read poems that have arrived as if dictated. Dialogue with the audience will be invited and encouraged throughout the presentation.

Wednesday, May 27th - 7 p.m.

Teen Movie - The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - June 3rd

This unique film tells the story of the Holocaust through the eyes of eight-year-old Bruno whose father is a Nazi commander at Auschwitz. Bruno strikes up a friendship with a Jewish boy, Shmuel, through the fence surrounding the camp where everyone wears striped pajamas. Their friendship will have startling and unexpected consequences for both of them. Rated PG-13 (2008, 94 minutes)

Movies for teens every first Wednesday. Ages 12-18. Snacks provided. For more information, contact Marla at 415-355-2868.

Wednesday, June 3rd - 4-6 p.m.