Harry potter and the Deathly Hallows Midnight Release Party

Reading societies have often faced the torment of wondering what will happen to a beloved character. At the height of serialized fiction from Victorian England, New York readers of Dickens's The Old Curiosity Shop crowded the docks and anxiously awaited ships bringing the weekly chapters that would answer “Is Little Nell dead?” When tragedy strikes a fan favorite, as it did to Sherlock Holmes in “The Case of the Final Problem,” readers unite to plead with the author to bring the character back. This serves, of course, as a preamble to the July 21 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Speculation on the fates and fortunes of Harry and his pals (and enemies) is at a fever pitch. Fan sites, such as the Leaky Cauldron, have instituted anti-spoiler policies to preserve the mystery surrounding the upcoming book. Should grieving be necessary, San Antonio’s Harry Potter Meetup Group is planning a support group event.

The San Antonio Public Library has come to praise Harry, though, not to bury him. Join us at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20, at the Central Library as we celebrate the midnight release of HPDH. Copies of the book will be checked out to the first 100 teens and children who present library cards in good standing*.

Multiple activities and entertainments will be available for children and teens to enjoy during the party:

• Showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• Dragon craft
• Create-a-Crest
• Potion Making by the Mad Scientist
• Refreshments

Can’t make it to the release party? Another 100 copies of the book will be distributed among the branches for checkout at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, July 21. Holds can be placed starting at 10:00 a.m. For more details about the release party or how you can get a copy of the book, please call 207-2500.

Spoiler Alert! (highlight the invisible line to read)
Little Nell died. Sherlock Holmes lived.

*”In good standing” means that the library card has fines no greater than $10 and the library card has not expired. Staff will not accept fine payments, update expired cards or issue new cards during the event. Although a valid card belonging to an adult may be used for checkout, tickets to reserve one of the 100 copies will only be distributed to children/teens present. Check your account online or call 207-2500 to make sure your card is in good standing.
 

Need to escape the city this summer? Want an affordable vacation with the kids? Consider hiking and camping. San Antonio and the nearby Hill Country offer plenty of vacation options for the budget traveler. The library has excellent resources to help you plan your trip to the great outdoors.

First assess your fitness, health and goals. Where do you want to go and for how long? Day hiking and camping (especially backpacking) test different levels of fitness. Do you want to travel with a group or solo? Make sure that someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return. Don't forget to check weather conditions and road conditions before you go, and make sure your car is ready for the road trip.

You should also have proper gear for your hiking and camping: this can range from hiking boots that protect your ankles to clothing that helps keep you cool (known in the outdoor world as "wicking" clothing). Always make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, water, a first aid kit and a good map when hiking. For overnight trips, you should expand your gear to include a proper backpack that will handle your gear, a tent with plenty of ventilation, a proper sleeping bag and mat and enough food to cover all your meals. Remember when you travel outdoors to be careful and "take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints." The Leave No Trace organization covers outdoor ethics, so that future generations can enjoy the wilderness.

Library resources cover everything from gear reviews to topographical maps, from camping and backpacking guides to how to safely—and enjoyably—camp with children. Here's a couple places to get started:

Online Resources:

• Backpacker Magazine
• San Antonio Parks Department: (210) 564-6400
• Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife: 1-800-792-1112
• Texas Department of Transportation: Road Closures: 1-800-452-9292

Library Resources:

• Camping With Kids by Goldie Gendler Silverman
• Camping's Top Secrets by Cliff Jacobson
• Hiking & Backpacking by Karen Berger
• 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles by Tom Taylor and Johnny Molloy
• Tent and Car Campers Handbook by Buck Tilton and Kristin Hostetter
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine
• Topographical maps of Texas: Central Library, Government Documents Dept.

Search our catalog for more camping, backpacking and/or hiking resources.
 

Happy 30th Birthday, Bazan!

On July 14th and 18th the Bazan Library celebrates three decades of service to the community. Family games and activities are scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m.

Over the years, the Bazan Branch Library has placed a strong emphasis on its role as a formal educational support center and a pre-school learning center. Prior to the Bazan Library, there was the old Prospect Hill Library which was built in 1930. This area, also known as Prospect Hill, which is just west of downtown, is rich in history and has produced many prominent Hispanics. The library's doors closed in 1969, when the Las Palmas Library was opened further west. So it wasn’t until 1977 when the Bazan Library opened that this area once again had a library. The Bazan Library first opened its doors in the Mexican American Unity Council (MAUC) Building (next door to its present location). And it was this library that was named after Isabel G. Bazan, a former librarian. This branch remained in the MAUC building until the larger, present facility opened on June 19, 1993. This beautiful building was designed by O’Neill, Conrad, Oppelt Architects.

The Isabel G. Bazan Branch Library stands as a living memorial to Miss Isabel G. Bazan, former Main Library Supervisor. For over 34 years, Miss Bazan brought to the Library leadership, knowledge, and skill in implementing creative programs and ideas. Born in San Antonio, Texas on July 8, 1920, she was the first of six children of Manuel and Carmen Bazan. She attended San Fernando Cathedral High School and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1942. It was also at Our Lady of the Lake that Miss Bazan obtained her specialization in library science.

Miss Bazan began her library career in August 1942 with the San Antonio Public Library, remaining with the Library until her death on February 7, 1977. She lived in the Prospect Hill area, close to the branch library named in her honor. She is remembered throughout Texas as a librarian, but in her home neighborhood, she is remembered not only as a librarian but as a teacher of the English and Spanish languages, a dedicated church worker, and a willing helper to all in the community.

FEATURED Staff Recommendation

Judith Slaughter (Central Library - Reference) gets her READ on.

Favorite Beach Reads
Little Birds by Anais Nin, Undead & Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson, Notes on A Scandal by Zoe Heller, Geek Love by Katherine Dunn

FEATURED Event

SA-HERO is a “non-profit organization committed to providing access to opportunities and resources for home educators of all races, religions, philosophies, and education styles for expanding and improving their home education experience.” More information about SA-HERO and their upcoming Roundup is available at their website.
 

SAPL Events

If you have any questions about the library or would like to see something included in this newsletter, please contact our Web Administrator at librarywebadmin@sanantonio.gov.

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