Local book lovers only have until Oct. 31 to visit the Saratoga Public Library and vote for the novel to be selected for the 2004 Silicon Valley Reads program, which encourages the community to read and discuss the same book through workshops and talks during the month of February.

This is the second year of the program, with three choices in the running. Contenders include Daughter of Fortune by Bay Area author Isabel Allende, Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and the Life of Pi by Yann Martel. For more information visit http://www.siliconvalleyreads.org.


Dolly is saying hello to Saratoga

Hello Dolly! is heading to the Saratoga stage Nov. 8, as the West Valley Light Opera opens its first production of its 39th season.

A musical comedy based on the play The Matchmaker, the tale involves a professional meddler, matchmaker, and half-a-millionaire who are set on a path of silly mishaps and miscommunication. Kathy Burch directs a large cast including Becky Brownson as Ernestina, Les Dale as the famous half-a-millionaire, and Shawna Downs as Minnie Fay. Advance tickets are recommended, especially for the gala champagne opening on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ($24). Tickets are also available for the 8 p.m. show on Nov. 14, 15, 21, 28, and 29 for $22, and 2 p.m. on Nov. 22, 23, and 30 for $20 per person. Visit http://www.wvlo.org for more information.


Friends offer ideas for holiday reading

Looking for a good book to read under the covers with a cup of hot chocolate during the holiday season? Join the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries on Nov. 3 as they present a list of recommended books for all ages. The event will take place at 10 a.m. in the Saratoga Library Community Room.


Game creator at Learning Express

Wordsmiths will be overjoyed when game creator Jay Thompson visits the Learning Express at 1350 El Paseo de Saratoga on Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. to introduce "The Pretty Darn Quick Word Game." For more information call the Learning Express at 408.871.0499.