Sergio Troncoso Public Library

On November 5, 2011 the Ysleta Branch Library hosted a music concert with a performance by  t he Ariel String Quartet.   First formed in Israel, violinists Gershon Gerchikov and Alexandra Kazovsky , viola player Jan Grüning and cellist Amit Even-Tov, have been playing extensively in Europe and the U.S. for thirteen years. The four began their musical studies at the ages of 5 and 6 years in Europe and later they moved to the U.S. to continue their careers. The patrons of the Ysleta Branch were treated to a beautiful audio and visual experience as the quartet masterfully played their instruments. Robert Ramirez      

Wednesday December 7, 2011 5:00pm Join us on Wednesday evening to learn how to make Mexican tissue paper flowers.  These flowers are used to decorate for parties, fiestas, church bazaars--you name it!  Once you learn how to make these, you can decorate for any occasion.  Class taught by Jessie Myers. Ysleta Branch Library 9321 Alameda Ave. El Paso, TX 79907 915-858-0905

The Ysleta Branch Library will be hosting a Halloween party on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 2pm-5pm.   Fun and activities are to include a costume contest, a coloring contest, door prizes, video games, crafts, and snacks. The movie matinee at 3:00pm will feature “ Alice in Wonderland” starring Johnny Depp. It is going to be a spooktacular event so kids dress up in your best costumes and join us for the celebration!   Robert Ramirez      

A new technology for our young patrons has been installed at the Ysleta Branch Library. The Little Tikes Computer Workstations create a learning environment for children ages 3 to 7. They are designed to enhance critical and cognitive thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking. Parents, bring your kids to the library to see the enriched learning software that the Little Tikes provide.   Robert Ramirez

The Ysleta Branch Library has new hours open to the public. Patrons will now be able to use their library an additional 11 hours per week. With the previous schedule the library was open 37 hours and now we are open 48 hours. The new schedule also applies to all branch libraries and are as follows:                                                 Monday                                10:00am – 6:00pm                                 Tuesday thru Thursday                          10:00am – 7:00pm                                                 Fridays                                  1:00pm   -   6:00pm                                                 Saturday                               10:00am – 6:00pm We have also increased programming including classes,   group meetings, storytimes and a movie matinee. These activities are offered to our patrons at no cost and are as follows:                                                                                 Citizenship Class   - Tues  

This month, to commemorate September 11,2011 , we have a collection of books for our patrons to read. As we all know, that was a very difficult day that changed America forever. We have gathered several books for our readers to research this subject from all perspectives. Come to the Ysleta Branch Library to view the display and select one or all of these titles to take home.   Robert Ramirez

There is a new exhibit now showing in our display case. This month and through September we have a collection of Hot Wheels that is owned by staff member Mary Lou Mars. This is a fraction of her collection of over 300 cars that she has been gathering for over 20 years. All are still in their original packages except for the first one that she played with as a young girl. Hot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy cars introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. This display is certainly a big hit among the young patrons of Ysleta Branch. Stop by to view the display case the next time you visit the library. Robert Ramirez   

The Ysleta Branch Library is one library location which hosts computer classes under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program   (BTOP). This is a federally funded grant that is set up to educate and bring computer literacy to the citizens of El Paso. Individuals are taught computer skills both in a classroom setting and through one on one instruction by the BTOP trainers/mentors. Sessions lasting 4 to 6 weeks are divided into different levels. On July 28, 2011 the first of the Level 1 class celebrated their graduation. BTOP trainer Hortencia Grijalva, mentor Yolanda Gallo and Ysleta staff members Richard Juarez and Elsa Rodriguez are teaching the students. They studied Keyboarding, Word, Publisher, Powerpoint, Excel, Internet surfing, e-mail, and Facebook . We at the Ysleta Branch wish to congratulate the students for all their achievements. For information on classes please contact the library’s literacy hotline at 543-5494 or visit www.elpasolibrary.org . Robert Ramirez

On July 15, 2011 Ysleta hosted a class on Social Software in the Libraries II. The Instructor was librarian Christine Peterson of the Amigos Library Services in Dallas. She travels throughout the south from Arizona to Arkansas teaching seminars on different technologies. Ms. Peterson comes to El Paso about twice per year and enjoys the stay here in the desert. This workshop showed how social software such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, LibraryThing, and Igoogle can be used in the Library. Robert Ramirez  

On Saturday July 16, 2011 Zakia Hamwee and Casey Weekley performed the traditional cabaret and ethnic style bellydance to about   40 library patrons. Taught by her father of Syrian decent, Zakia has been dancing all of her life. Her daughter Casey, also from   an early age, gave her first performance at age six. They have been in El Paso since 1999 teaching and performing in workshops, festivals and competitions.   The ladies have also taken their show to Boston, New Jersey, and Orlando, to name a few of their performance locations. Patrons of the library all enjoyed the Arabic music and the authentic bellydance technique. Robert Ramirez  

The master of suspense and the supernatural Dean Koontz has done it again. He has taken the premise of murder and mayhem to a new level by adding a murderous ghost.   The story is written from the point of view of the killer’s only survivor, who has grown up to become a crime fighter. Weaving the story by combining the past and the present, the characters are believable. You will find yourself cheering them on. The suspense as the story unfolds also makes for a good read. Wanting to know the conclusion if good will triumph over evil will keep you turning the pages. A book review by Mary Lou Mars

On Saturday June 25, 2011 Aimee Camp and Jennifer Zehr and about 15 participants got together to craft scrapbooks. They gathered their favorite photos and stickers and assembled 4”x4” mini photo albums of their own design. The creations showed they had great imagination and fun was had by all. Ysleta Branch hosted this activity as part of the Summer Reading Program currently running through July 23, 2011. Come out and enjoy the festivities. Robert Ramirez  

On July 9, 2011 Z-Z the Clown made an appearance at the Ysleta Branch Library. He and his company brought comedy, magic and song to a room full of kids and adults; about 86 in all. There was much laughter and good times sure to bring much fun and many fond memories to the kids. The show included silly tricks, slap stick humor, lots of surprises, and audience participation. This presentation was part of the Summer Reading Club 2011 celebrations held here at Ysleta. Robert Ramirez  

This month’s Display Case features more of a reminder to join the Summer Reading Club and an inspiration to read. After viewing the display, the participants will walk away wishing to read more books. Parents, bring your kids to the Ysleta Branch to see the display in full color; reading is the key to a bright future. Saturday, July 16 is the last day to turn in reading sheets and July 23, 2011 is the wrap-up party of the Summer Reading Club, so don’t delay! Complete an 8 books/8 hours log for goodies and an opportunity to enter a drawing for prizes. Robert Ramirez

Professional artists, Terry Wright and Katie Gelinas, have finished the tile mosaic for our patrons to admire and enjoy. It is two peacocks beautifully crafted out of colorful tile that our patrons and staff painted on May 28,2011. Terry and Katie then processed, fired and broke these tiles into smaller pieces to assemble into this fine artwork that is shown in these photos. Visit the Ysleta Branch Library and see for yourself. I am sure that you will appreciate the artistry. Robert Ramirez

When walking in to the Ysleta Branch you will see the artists at work creating another beautiful tile mosaic. Professional artists, Terry Wright and Katie Gelinas, are working on their 3 rd mural for the El Paso Public Library funded by a grant from the Museum and Cultural Affairs Department of the City of El Paso. The finished product will be two peacocks on the far end of the atrium. Terry and Katie are high school art teachers of 10 years and work with paint, acrylic, ceramics, and mixed media. You can find their creations at the Esperanza Moreno Regional Branch Library, Richard Burges Branch Regional Library, YISD Fine Arts Complex, the Artist Home Tour, and the Sasahara Gallery in westside El Paso to name a few.   So pardon our dust and come in to watch the ladies create a masterpiece! Robert Ramirez  

The Ysleta Branch Library is right in the middle of our EPPL Summer Reading Club!  Every Saturday we are hosting wonderful performers for children ages 5 through 12 years of age. Saturday, June 4 1:00pm Kick off Summer Reading with Danny the Dinosaur Satruday, June 11 1:00pm Karaoke King!  come and have a good time singing out loud! Saturday, June 18 1:00pm Fantasy Faces with Jaime Hernandez! Face painting or temporary tattoo with your favorite animal Saturday, June 25 1:00pm Face painting and balloon animals with Teresa and Monica Ortiz. Saturday, July 2 1:00pm Music with Nancy Green.  The presenter plays rhythmic African songs which includes chanting like throat singing. Saturday, July 9 1:00pm ZZ the Clown and Company.  The performer will sing songs while doing his silly and funny magic. Saturday, July 16 1:00pm Zakia Hamwee Desert Fire.  Dances of Lebanon:  a taste of the desert.  This is the last day to turn in Summer Reading logs! Saturday, July 23 1:00pm Wrap-up party f

When entering the Ysleta Branch Library, you wil see our Display Case located next to the Computer Lab.This is where we put articles and objects of interest for our patrons to look at and enjoy. Presently on display is a collection of Vintage Mexican Feathercraft and other pieces of art related to this month's theme,   b irds.     Owner, Ernestina Kirker-Camp, is a collector that has a love for nature and all things natural. Her collection offers us a look at art and nature with these beautiful handmade items.   On display   you will see five framed Feathercrafts;   embroidered,   metal   and wood carved roosters;   knitted and wired sculptured peacocks as well as one on a hand fan; several porcelain roosters and chickens. If you’re an art lover, you will enjoy viewing this beautiful collection.      Robert Ramirez

The Ysleta Friends of the Library is having a BOOK SALE! Saturday May 21 from 10:00am to 4:00pm in the meeting room.   A retired librarian recently donated several boxes of books, so there are tons of cookbooks, classics, science fiction. The prices are as follows: Hardbacks                  $1.00 Media                        $  .50 Paperbacks                 $  .50 Magazines                  $  .25 Children's hardbacks    $  .25 Children's paperbacks  $  .10 The Cup of Knowledge Cafe will be open all day as well, so come browse, buy a book or two and enjoy it with a cup of coffee!

Ysleta Branch Library is now serving upgrades by Aileen B. Flores \ El Paso Times Posted: 04/19/2011 12:00:00 AM MDT Graciela Alvidrez assists daughter Kimberly Nunez with her research at the Ysleta Branch Library.  (Victor Calzada / El Paso Times) Visits to the Ysleta Branch Library are quite different since recent improvements were made, according to some Lower Valley residents. College student Miguel Garcia invited his friend, Jessilyn Montañez, there last week. Montañez and Garcia were looking for a quiet place where they could read and go over their notes. Montañez said she was surprised by all the changes made at the library located on Alameda Avenue. "It looks really nice. The last time I visited the library, I was a little girl," she said. Branch manager Aimee Camp said the library recently got 31 new computers with the latest software programs -- 19 are equipped with 22-inch flat screen monitors and 12 with 17-inch flat screen monitors in recessed desks. O

El Groupo De Las Tejedoras is a crochet and knitting club that meets here at Ysleta Branch on Wednesdays from 12 noon to 3pm. Founded by Bertha Lopez about 25 years ago, they would meet at Mt. Carmel Church and the Pavo Real Senior Center. For the last 3 years or so they have been at Ysleta turning out the finest hats, shawls, blankets, scarves and sweaters. Las tejedoras have on many occasions donated their creations to various groups and individuals. For this past Christmas, 130 blankets were donated to the senior citizens at the nursing home, and the group is planning to knit scarves and hats for cancer patients. They welcome all newcomers to join them; just show up with your own supplies. The ladies will even teach you how to knit and crochet anything you are interested in!  Also, they get together often to enjoy potluck luncheons and meet at local restaurants on holidays and special occasions. So grab your yarn and needles and join them at the Ysleta Branch Library!  Robert Ramire

Hi Everyone! Well, the end of the school year is slowly making its way around and many need volunteer hours for school or college applications.   Look no further! The Ysleta Branch is the perfect place to volunteer!   By volunteering at the library you can have a fun and educational experience.   As a volunteer I can say I have learned so much throughout my experience. It has been so wonderful I have decided to continue even though I have completed all of my required hours.   Volunteering at the library also allows a person to learn the ins and outs of a library which is so beneficial if you have to write a paper or have a homework assignment. Volunteers are needed so if you are interested stop on by! Jennifer Zehr, Volunteer Extraordinaire

A Year's Worth of Mobiles When you come into the library, you might notice twelve mobiles spinning gently in the air currents.  These amazing creations were built with found objects by Mrs. Elaine Ogas, Director of the Bayard Public Library in Bayard, New Mexico.  Each mobile is based on a theme from each month. January has Snowball Fight , February has Valentine's Day , March has Up, Up and Away , etc.  Thanksgiving    The first mobile Mrs. Ogas made was April Showers.  Using objects she had purchased for another project, she got the idea to make a free floating mobile that gave the feeling of spring.  Dangling down from a frothy cloud, butterflies, bumblebees and flowers hover over two circles of bright green grass.  Over time, patrons who have visited her library and seen her creations donate items to assist her work.  One patron donated fishing line and 100+ swivels, which have become the foundations of her art. Mrs. Ogas has taken an old fashioned format and

The Ysleta Branch Library has undergone a serious face lift.  You may know that El Paso was awarded an 8.4 million dollar Broadband USA grant.  This grant will bring Internet connectivity to a huge number of people in El Paso County and will also improve the technological infrastructure.  Luckily, the Ysleta Branch Library is one of the very first locations to benefit from the roll out of the grant-purchased equipment.  We are actually the   Beta Site ! What this means is that we now have 31, brand new, top of the line computers in the lab, and one is on an ADA adaptive desk.  Nineteen of the work stations are equipped with 22", flat screen monitors, and 12 have 17" flat screen monitors in recessed desks.  Software includes Microsoft Office 2010, Internet Explorer 8. We also recently replaced the carpet that was installed when the library opened in 1996.  This gave us a chance to move things around and change things up a little. Even though we look a little different,