The Big Read and Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month was established in 1988 to recognize and celebrate the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic Americans. It runs from September 15 to October 15, and this year's theme is "Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now!".

Why do we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month during this part of the year? According to the U.S. Census Bureau's "Fact for Features":

"America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. "

This 30 day period also includes Dia de la Raza on October 12.

In conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, we are very pleased to announce the 2009 Big Read. This year we are reading Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya. (Please see the August 21 post for a full description of the book.) Check out our Big Read calendar for the amazing array of programs we'll be offering throughout the month, from book discussions to exciting cultural events. Also visit our Big Read blog every weekday, starting September 17, for chapter by chapter discussions of the book. We encourage you to join in the conversation by posting your comments!

Come help us kick off Hispanic Heritage Month and the Big Read, Friday, September 18 with the Big Read Kickoff Event/Hispanic Heritage Cultural Arts Night, featuring Ballet Folklorico Monarcas dancers, Moreira Melodias Americana (mariachi), Word in Motion Arts Academy Salsa dancers, Flamenco guitarist, bilingual storytimes, Library Lotteria game, Prof. Jose Calderon from Pitzer College who will discuss the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, crafts for children and teens, and much more….
Free tickets are still available at both libraries.

It's going to be an exciting month at the Rancho Cucamonga Libraries. We look forward to seeing you there, and keep reading!

The Big Read Is Coming

We’re at it again! During September and October, Rancho Cucamonga Library Services will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the classic coming-of-age novel Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya.

Young Antonio Márez is caught between two belief systems. His devoutly Catholic mother dreams of seeing him become a priest someday, while his father hopes for him to become a vaquero, or cowboy, on the lands of New Mexico. Tony’s parents quarrel about his future, but one thing they agree on is their respect for the aging healer Ultima, who comes to live out her days with the Márez family.

Ultima and Tony have a deep bond. She teaches Tony about the healing powers of the plants and herbs that grow on the llano, and she guides him through his moral questions about death, sin, and forgiveness. Guided by Ultima’s wisdom and tolerance, Tony begins to navigate between pagan and Christian ideologies, and discovers the importance of choosing his own values.

Tony lives in a harsh world and he witnesses disturbing events, but through Ultima’s gentle guidance, he learns to appreciate understanding and tolerance, themes that will help him grow from a sensitive, inquisitive child into a thoughtful, intelligent man in control of his own destiny.

What is The Big Read, you ask? An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Big Read is designed to restore reading to the center of American culture by providing citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities.

Join us for these Big Read events:

Friday, September 18: Kickoff Event/Hispanic Heritage Cultural Arts Night, featuring music, crafts, games, and activities for the whole family.

Friday, October 2: Keynote event starring actor and activist Edward James Olmos.

Tuesday, September 22: City-wide book discussion group – come and discuss Bless Me, Ultima with your community.

Book discussions and movie screenings throughout September 15 – October 15.

Edward James Olmos

Summer Fun!

Summer is almost here -- what are your plans? These books can give you some low cost but fun suggestions:


Hollywood escapes : the moviegoer's guide to exploring Southern California's great outdoors / Harry Medved
This is a guidebook to Southern California that’s equal parts history, roadmap, restaurant guide, and pop culture catalogue. If you want to know which movies were made on each particular beach and cove in Santa Monica and Malibu, the history of Venice Beach and Catalina Island, or a capsule guide to Bronson Canyon, seen in everything from Gene Autry’s Phantom Empire serial to John Ford’s The Searchers, this is the book for you.


Backroads of southern California : your guide to southern California's most scenic backroad adventures / text and photography by David M. Wyman
Explore some of California's beautiful but lesser known travel destinations. Whether you’re planning a day trip, looking for unusual destinations, or simply want to learn more about the region, "Backroads of Southern California" will lead you deep into the heart of the southern part of the state—beyond the bustling cities and common tourist attractions.


The unofficial guide to California with kids / Colleen Dunn Bates & Susan LaTempa
A no-nonsense advice guide on how to plan a trip the whole family will enjoy, from parents to tots and teens. Whether you're planning a day trip, a long weekend, or an entire vacation, this guide will give you suggestions on where to bike, camp, hike, kayak, snorkel, water-ski, and whale-watch, and helps you save money, save time, and make your trip the best it can be.


60 hikes within 60 miles, Los Angeles : including San Bernardino, Pasadena, and Oxnard / Laura Randall
From Long Beach on the coast to the Cleveland National Forest to the south and Ojai to the north, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Los Angeles details the best area hikes, encouraging even the most time-starved hikers and walkers to get on the trails and get healthy.

BBQ bash : the be-all, end-all party guide, from barefoot to black tie / Karen Adler and Judith Fertig
Cooking outdoors is a great way to get some sun, and to have some family or friend together time. BBQ Bash gives you many ideas for preparing and enjoying a delicious and fun barbeque, with creative themes and tasty recipes.

New and Notable Nonfiction

Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell
Why do some people achieve greatness while others never manage to reach their full potential? Gladwell, the author of Blink and The Tipping Point explores issues of success and ambition, and draws some surprising conclusions.

Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir, by Christopher Buckley
Buckley's intensely personal memoir recounts his upbringing as the only child of renowned author William F. Buckley and New York socialite Patricia Taylor Buckley, his close yet complicated relationship with his famous parents, and his reaction to their recent deaths.

A Lion Called Christian, by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall
In 2008, two long-lost friends reunited with each other and their one-time pet lion at a Kenyan sanctuary, creating a YouTube sensation. This is the story of Christian, who was purchased at a London department store, and about the long-lasting bonds between animals and people.

Paul Newman: A Life, by Shawn Levy
This new glimpse into the extraordinary life of film legend, political activist and salad dressing entrepreneur Paul Newman will surprise and touch fans young and old.

Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability, by Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon
With so many cars in production and on the road, how can we drive in an environmentally sound manner? This book explains the problem and offers advice on how to live responsibly among cars galore.

Happy at Last: The Thinking Person's Guide to Finding Joy, by Richard O'Connor
Think of this as self-help for pragmatists. O'Connor explores the role of brain chemistry in happiness and fulfillment and shows us how to train our brains to be receptive to happiness.

Good Books for Hard Times

Got the recession blues? Stimulate your mind with these helpful and informative books!

Panic: The Story of Modern Financial Insanity, by Michael Lewis

Game Over: How You Can Prosper in a Shattered Economy, by Stephen Leeb

The Everything Guide to Foreclosures, by George Sheldon

Meltdown: A Free-Market Look at Why the Stock Market Collapsed, the Economy Tanked, and the Government Bailout Will Make Things Worse, by Thomas E. Woods

Investing in an Uncertain Economy for Dummies, by Sheryl Garrett and Garrett Planning Network

All About Mortgages: Insider Tips to Finance or Refinance Your Home in Today's Economy, by Julie Garton-Good

The World is Curved: Hidden Dangers to the Global Economy, by David M. Smick

The Telethon is Coming!

This March, be sure to tune in to the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library Telethon for exciting performances, library stories, the new Great Trivia Challenge, and amazing local talent.

The telethon will air on Friday, March 13, Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15 on Channel 3 on Charter and Time Warner cable.

Watch for these broadcast highlights:

Friday, March 13
6:00 pm – Opening performance featuring musical numbers and exciting performances
7:00 pm – The Great Redlands YMCA Circus performing their amazing stunts

Saturday, March 14
2:00 pm – Reno Jones singin' the blues
7:00 pm – Rod Gilfry, international singing star performing cabaret numbers
8:00 pm – "Spotlight on RC" showcasing local talent from the Inland Empire

Sunday, March 15
1:00 pm – Francis Howdyshell hosts an afternoon of local talent
3:00 – Matching funds opportunities provide a chance to raise twice as much for the library!

Be sure to pledge your donation during “Magic Word” call in times and earn great gifts, including books and DVDs, gift cards and more!

Attention future stars! There are still a few performance slots left. If you are interested in being on stage of the Lewis Family Playhouse as part of the Telethon 2009, please contact the library.

For more information, check the telethon website regularly.

New Year, New You!

As much as we enjoy the holidays here at Rancho Cucamonga Public Library, we know that the season of reckless eating and spending must always come to an end. And now it’s time to make those resolutions – and keep them! What’s your plan for 2009? Are you hoping to lose that extra weight? Get out of debt? Organize your home? Whatever your resolution, we have resources to help you make good on your plan. Here are some of our favorites…

The Ultimate Tea Diet: Your Guide to Good Health One Cup of Tea at a Time, by Mark Ukra with Sharyn Kolberg. So simple yet so effective! Find out how drinking tea can help boost your metabolism, lower your cholesterol, and curb your appetite.

Are You Ready! To Take Charge, Lose Weight, Get in Shape, and Change Your Life Forever, by Bob Harper. For a no-excuses plan to lose weight and get in shape, count on “The Biggest Loser” guru Bob Harper.

Fat Families, Thin Families: How to Save Your Family From the Obesity Trap, by Amy Hendel. It’s no secret that children and adults struggle with obesity now more than ever. Help safeguard your family from the obesity epidemic and develop healthy habits for life.

Mario Lopez's Knockout Fitness, by Mario Lopez with Jeff O'Connell. Looking to burn fat and gain muscle? Let "Dancing With the Stars" fittest celebrity get you motivated with his diet and workout plan.

The Show it Love Workout: Celebrate the Body you Have, Get the Body you Want, by Kacy Duke with Selene Yeager. Stop bashing your body and show it some love! Kacy Duke will get you sweating with a smile on your face.

Yoga for Wimps: Poses for the Flexibly Impaired, by Miriam Austin. Does yoga leave you tied up in knots? This simple yet effective system will get you into those poses without the screaming hamstrings.

One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances, The Week by Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good, by Regina Leeds. Getting all those ducks in a row can seem like a daunting task. So take it step-by-step with this easy plan.

Generation Debt: Take Control of Your Money: A How-to Guide, by Carmen Wong Ulrich. No more excuses – it’s time to get out of debt and start living financially free.