San José Chamber Orchestra hosts New Year’s Eve ‘Celebration’

Check out these reads

Taking the crown as the most checked-out adult title this year at San Jose Public Library branches is Kristin Hannah’s “The Women,” a compelling coming of age story. The prequel to “The Hunger Games,” “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins, remains the top pick for teen readers for the second consecutive year. And once again, a Dav Pilkey title comes out on top among children’s books: “Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder” was the most checked-out title for that age group.

All told, the San Jose Public Library recorded 8.1 million items checked out over the past year. For more information, visit: sjpl.org/membership.

Neighborhood Notes

WILLOW GLEN>>Concerts on the Corner is presenting Carols on the Corner, a free musical celebration of the holidays, on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of San Jose, 1980 Hamilton Ave. Admission is free; donations of nonperishable food or cash will benefit the Campbell United Church of Christ’s food pantry.

Featured performers include First Congregational Church’s choir, bell choir and family band, as well as Ukulele Scramble, Harmonia California and the Bair Island Brass Quintet. Refreshments will be served after the performance.

For more information, visit firstccsj.org.

>>Conductor Barbara Day Turner will lead the San José Chamber Orchestra in a New Year’s Eve “Celebration” on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 3 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1205 Ave. the program features guest artists pianist Jon Nakamatsu, cellist Evan Kahn, and clarinetists Jon Manasse and Alec Manasse. The concert will be followed by a reception and a bubbly New Year’s Eve toast.

Tickets are $20-$85 at https://sjco.org, 408-295-4416 or sjcorch@gmail.com.