I’ve long been a fan of audio books.  And I’ve recommended the Overdrive service for a number of years.  One of my favorite features is not having to ‘return’ the item back to the library.  With the digital library, your ability to access the item simply expires when the return date is reached. And of course the ability to access information 24/7.  

Overdirve users can also take advatage of several of the favorite features offered at the physical library branches such as being able to place an item ‘on hold’ and be notified when the item is availalbe for checkout. 

Visit the bookmobile on April 16th at Dr. MLK Library in downtown San Jose,  April 17th at Saratoga Library and April 18 at Morgan Hill Library (Santa Clara County Libraries)

Besides the Overdrive portal, below is a list of other online portals offered by the San Jose libraries.  Visit the San Jose eBooks, Audiobooks and Music page to access these online services. 

TumbleBooks - audio books for young children

Missons of California Ebooks: Online or downloadable ebooks on California Missions.

NetLibrary: Popular ebooks on business, legal self-help, computer science, economics, literature, psychology and more.

Safari Tech: Online programming and IT ebooks published within the last 3 years.

Pimsleur Language: Downloadable audiobooks for learning foreign languages and for learning English from another language.

For more ideas about great things at our local libraries, read my post:  My Favorite Things About the Library.

Celebrate-Family!

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2009
Release #09-176

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 421-5354
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Product: What’s Inside? Soft Toy Boxes

Units: About 3,600

Manufacturer: Lakeshore Learning Materials, of Carson, Calif.

Hazard: The head of the stuffed butterfly toy can detach from the body, posing a choking hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: Lakeshore has received three reports of the head of the butterfly detaching from the body. No injuries were reported.

Description: The recalled product is a soft, multi-colored box with a different color on each side. “What’s Inside?” is embroidered on the front of the box and symbols of a lion, flower and purple butterfly are stitched on another side. Each feely box contains ten small stuffed pieces. The piece affected by this recall is the pink and purple butterfly.

Sold by: Lakeshore Learning Materials stores nationwide and Toys To Grow On(tm) catalogs from September 2008 through February 2009 for about $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled product away from children and contact Lakeshore to receive a free replacement butterfly.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lakeshore Learning Materials at (800) 428-4414 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.lakeshorelearning.com

Celebrate-Family!

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2009
Release #09-181

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 268-8139
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

SunKids Convertible Cribs Recalled by Suntech Enterprises Due to Entrapment and Suffocation Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: SunKids Convertible Cribs

Units: About 1,900

Importer: Suntech Enterprises Inc., of City of Commerce, Calif.

Hazard: The sides of the crib are made of mesh that expands, creating a gap between the side and the crib’s mattress if it’s not zipped into place, or a gap between the side and an added mattress. A young child can slip into this gap and become entrapped or suffocate. Also, the crib’s drop side can fail to fully latch posing a fall hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported with this crib. However, CPSC is aware of the death of a 5-month-old child in August 2008 involving another company’s nearly identical crib that was recalled. The child became entrapped between the mattress and the mesh side and suffocated.

Description: The recall involves the SunKids convertible crib/playpen/bassinet/bed with model number PY256. “SunKids” is embroidered on the bottom left of the crib’s drop side. The convertible cribs have a drop side rail, stationary side rail, canopy assembly, and bassinet. The sides of the convertible crib are fabric and mesh. The mattress support, bassinet, canopy, and bed skirt are covered in fabric. The fabric and the mesh were sold in navy blue, light blue, pink, beige, white, beige checker, and pink heart.

Sold at: Small juvenile product retailers in N.Y., N. J., and Calif. from January 2007 through October 2008 for about $100.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled convertible cribs and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Suntech Enterprises toll-free at (888) 268-8139 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2009
Release #09-177

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 233-5921
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Firm’s Media Contact: (212) 299-3962

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Evenflo Majestic(tm) High Chairs

Units: About 90,000 (95,000 were recalled in December 2008)

Manufacturer: Evenflo Company Inc., of Miamisburg, Ohio

Hazard: Plastic caps and metal screws on both sides of the high chair can loosen and fall out, allowing the seatback to suddenly fall back or detach from the high chair. Children can fall backwards or fall out of the high chair and suffer bumps and bruises to the head, broken bones, abrasions, cuts and bruises. Detached hardware also poses a choking hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: For the models added by this expanded recall, Evenflo has received 16 reports of seatbacks reclining, falling back and/or detaching unexpectedly, resulting in five reports of bumps and bruises to the head and five reports of other injuries including bruises and abrasions. For the models added by this expanded recall, Evenflo has received 145 reports of plastic caps and screws falling out of the high chairs, including one incident in which a cap and/or screws were found in a child’s hand or mouth but were removed before choking occurred.

Description: The expanded recall involves Evenflo Majestic(tm) high chairs, model numbers: 3001395, 3001395A, 3001604, 3001700, 3001713, 3001713A, 3001730A, 3001732, 3001733, 3001742, 3001742A, 3001756, 3001821A, 3001840A, 3001845, 30011848, 3001852, 3001932, 3002719 and 3003845 manufactured between January 23, 2007 and December 31, 2008. The model number and date of manufacture are located on a white label/sticker on the seatback. “Evenflo” is printed on the label and on the front of the tray. Models showing a year of manufacture of 2009 in red ink are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Juvenile product and mass merchandise stores nationwide, including Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us, Walmart.com, and Burlington Coat Factory from January 2007 through March 2009 for between $80 and $110.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and contact Evenflo to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Evenflo at (800) 233-5921 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.evenflo.com

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2009
Release #09-187

See Retailer Contact Information Below
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Simplicity Play Yards Recalled by Various Retailers Due to Fall and Entrapment Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Travel Tender Play Yards

Units: About 25,000

Importer: Simplicity, Inc. and SFCA, Inc., of Reading, Pa. (The firms appear to no longer conduct day to day operations)

Hazard: One or more rails can collapse unexpectedly, posing a fall or entrapment hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC is aware of at least five reports of one or more rails collapsing. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled play yards are portable and were sold with a bassinet, changing table and mobile features. The play yards bear the “Simplicity” logo. The model numbers are 5500DRM, 5500WDS, 5500FEL, 5501FEL, 5502MON, 5520PRO, 5550HAN, 5700MAN, and 5750MIR. The model number is located on a sticker on one of the legs underneath the play yard.

Sold at: Burlington Coat Factory stores nationwide and online at Babiesrus.com, Target.com and Kohls.com from March 2005 through January 2009 for about $100.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the play yards and return them to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the following retailers:

* Burlington Coat Factory, of Burlington, N.J. Call toll-free at (888) 223-2628 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

* Babies R Us, of Wayne, N.J. Call (800) 869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday ET or visit the firm’s Web site at www.babiesrus.com

* Target, of Minneapolis, Minn. Call (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com

* Kohl’s Department Stores, of Menomonee Falls, Wis. Call toll-free at (866) 887-8884 between 7a.m. and 3 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kohls.com

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2009
Release #09-186

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 348-5080
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Pacifiers Recalled by Healthtex Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Zoo Pacifiers

Units: About 40,000

Importer: Healthtex, of Miami, Fla.

Hazard: The pacifiers failed to meet federal safety standards. The nipples can separate from the base easily, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Zoo pacifiers with animal cartoon figures as handles. The pacifier has a round-shaped mouth guard with three ventilation holes. “Made in Spain” is printed on the handle side of the mouth guard and “Mi Tosoro” is printed on the cardboard packaging.

Sold at: Supermarkets and pharmacy stores nationwide from December 2002 through March 2009 for about $1.40.

Manufactured in: Spain

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled pacifiers away from children and contact Healthtex for a refund or exchange.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Healthtex toll-free at (866) 348-5080 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

NEWS from CPSC and HC 
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov
Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2009
Release # 09-190 

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 869-1044
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: CARS Fleece Clog Children’s Shoes

Units: About 73,000 distributed in the United States and 18,000 distributed in Canada

Importer: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark.

Distributor: Pagoda International Footwear Ltd., of Hong Kong

Hazard: The shoe has four decorative wheels that can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a decorative wheel detaching from the shoe. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Buster Brown & Co. “CARS” fleece clog children’s shoes. The shoe is a red plastic molded clog with fleece lining and is designed to resemble a car. They were sold in infant sizes 4 to 6 and toddler sizes 7 to 11. The infant-size shoes have a strap in the back. Each side of the shoe has two red and black decorative wheels and the number “95″. “Buster Brown & Co.” and “Disney” are printed on a tag sewn inside the shoe.

Sold exclusively at: Wal-Mart stores in the United States and Canada from September 2008 through March 2009 for between $6 and $10 (U.S.) and for about $13 (CAN).

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Customers should immediately take this product away from children and return it to the nearest Wal-Mart store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Buster Brown & Co. toll-free at (888) 869-1044 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, visit the website at www.busterbrownshoes.com, or send an email to Busterandtige@brownshoe.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release can be seen at http://209.217.71.106/PR/recall-retrait-e.jsp?re_id=722

KDFC has extended the date to enter until April 5, 2009.

Ths yearly competition  is a wonderful way to highlight the love of classical music in our children.  The finals competition will be held on Monday, May 11, 7 pm at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Thanks again to KDCF for their annual Children’s Day at the Tech.  The concert was wonderful and free admission to the Tech is always welcome.  Thanks also to Safeway for the snacks and drinks.

We recommend the Beethoven’s Wig series for children ages 10 and under as a great way to introduce children to classical music. 

Each cd includes classical music selections with lyrics written just for children.  For example, “Light Cavalry March” by Suppe becomes ”Stuck In The Saddle Again” and Beethoven’s 5th Symphony becomes Beethoven’s Wig and entire song devoted to Beethoven’s flowing wig. Visit the Beethoven’s Wig store at Amazon.com to purchase these cd and listen to the individual clips.  

Celebrate Family!

California Great America

Six Flags Discovery Kindgom

Raging Waters

Youth Science Institute (San Jose/Los Gatos)

San Jose Park & Recreation

Alameda Park & Recreation (volunteer)

San Jose Giants

ShoreLine Amphitheater - Job fair 3/28 and 4/4, 11 am - 3 pm call 650.967-3000 for more details.

SleepTrain Pavillion - Job fair 4/18 and 4/25, 11 am - 3 pm call 925.692.2400 for more details.

Menlo Park - Park & Recreation Can be as young as 15 years old (lifeguards).

Redwood City Park & Recreation  Summer camp leaders and life guards.  Age 16 and above.

Walnut Creek Park and Rec -  summer camp leaders and life guards.  Ages 14 (Jr. Lifeguard) and above.

Walnut Creek Summer Interns - These are paid positions, open high school students either living in (attending school) in Walnut Creek.  The deadline to apply is April 3rd. 

For Adults Only: US Census

Sign up for notices via email at SnagAJob.com for both adult and teenagers.

There are two special programs offered during the summer:

• Summer Visitors Program (SVP) where the public is invited to observe through both the 36-inch Great Lick Refractor and Nickel 40-inch Reflecting Telescope. Each evening also features two speakers, who present programs even if clouds or fog prohibit viewing.
• Music of the Spheres Summer Concert Series which includes a talk by an astromer, a concert and viewing through the refractor and reflecting telescopes.

Tickets for the summer programs must be purchased in advance and sell out quickly.  I would suggest submitting your name for the observatory’s email blast. Visiting the observatory is a great way to spend the day.

Music in the stars

Summer visitor program

General visitor informtion

Celebrate-Family!