Santa Clara County Library will feature special river-themed programs throughout September in honor of the opening of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, a 120-acre regional open space preserve that has been more than 20 years in the making.

During September, the library will offer activities related to rivers. The events will include puppet shows, films, crafts and talks held by guest speakers. The library has also compiled a list of recommended reading.

The Los Altos Library’s schedule of programs honoring the river park includes events for children and adults.

Children’s Programs

• 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sept. 13 for ages 18 months to 3 years.

• 10:30 a.m. Sept. 14 for ages 3-5 years.

• 3:30 p.m Sept. 14, an after-school program featuring ZunZun, for ages 5 and older.

• 10:30 a.m. Sept. 15 for ages 3-5 years.

• 7 p.m. Sept. 15, bedtime storytime, for ages 3 and older.

• 10:30 a.m. Sept. 22, Santa Clara Valley Water District puppet show about caring for the environment and water, for ages 3-5 years.

Adult Programs

On Sept. 28, in partnership with the World Affairs Council, the library presents “Freshwater Conflict or Cooperation: What does the Future Portend?”

Peter Gleick, who was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2003 and is an internationally recognized water resources expert, will discuss the history of water-related conflicts, review recent experiences and trends and speculate about what’s in store for the future.

The program is set for 7:30-9 p.m. Refreshments will be available at 7 p.m. in the Los Altos main library’s program room.

County celebration

The library’s colorful bookmobile will be present.

There will be river storytelling and the opportunity for visitors to sign up for a Santa Clara County Library card.

The public is invited to attend the free event and explore the new park that extends 2.6 miles through downtown San Jose, from Highway 280 to Interstate 880, along the curved banks of the Guadalupe River.

The park and adjacent Guadalupe Gardens area provide flood control, protection of sensitive habitats, recreation and beautiful river vistas.

The bookmobile is one of more than 100 family activities planned for the Sept. 10 Guadalupe River Park & Gardens event.

Entertainment on six stages will include performances by Hawaii’s Makaha Sons, Trout Fishing in America, Jose Luis Orozco, Banana Slug String Band, San Jose Metropolitan Band, San Jose Taiko, Tuba Union of the Bay Area, PeninsulaBanjo Band and Los Lupenos.

The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a plaza dance to the music of the Joe Sharino Band outside the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information on Santa Clara County Library river programs, visit www.santaclaracountylib.org and click on “Fall 2005 Library Newsletter,” then click on “Guadalupe River River Park & Gardens.”

For more information on the Sept. 10 Guadalupe River Park & Gardens event, visit www.grpg.org or call (408) 298-7657.