by Jill Forman
Summer is ending, but the libraries are busier than ever.
Library book groups
Just a reminder – book groups are meeting in person in August and September, as of now. Here are the selections for the next meetings:
Hill Road Library – I’ll Be Gone In the Dark by MacNamara. Copies are available at the branch. August 31 at 5 p.m.
Foster Library – Hunter Moon by Caputo. September 4, 10 a.m. –noon.
Online Book Store
You can still buy gently-used books online at great prices. New offerings weekly with pickup at the Foster bookstore.
Summer Reading Program
As always, a big success: 1,061 kids and teens participated, and 237 adults. Prizes are being given out; pictures of the winners and their prizes can be seen on the library’s Facebook page.
Treasures in the bookstores
Of course, all books are treasures. But, at both the Foster and Hill Road sales sites there are amazing books up to 100+ years old. The bindings and illustrations are unusual, sometimes beautiful, and every book is like a history lesson. There are novels, travelogues, occasionally children’s books, every genre you can think of. They are in separate shelves labeled “Vintage,” and are reasonably priced.
September is library card sign-up month
So much opens up for someone who gets a library card. Books, both traditional and e-books. Laptops you can use at the branch. Access to all library services. And it’s FREE!
“A library card provides opportunity discovery and access to a rich and diverse world. It empowers you to make change and experience new stories.” Marley Dias, Library Card Sign-up Month Honorary Chair.
State Ballot drop-off sites at libraries
In an effort to encourage participation in the election process, mailed ballots can be dropped off at many locations including the Avenue and Saticoy Libraries.
One County/One Book
In case you are not familiar with this event, here is a Wikipedia entry: “…a generic name for a community reading program that attempts to get everyone in an area to read and discuss the same book.”
The selection this year is Your House Will Pay by Cha, a gripping story of racial tensions, murder, families and revenge, based on a real 1991 event in Los Angeles.
Check Facebook for events
I can cover only a few of the programs and events offered by our libraries. The Facebook page Ventura County Library has them all. A quick glance today shows STEAM activity, Art Lessons, Storytime and Bilingual Storytime. Take a look!
Mask recommendations
Currently, the library is encouraging masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. This could change at any time; ask the library staff at your branch.
Join the Ventura Friends of the Library
The Friends support Ventura’s libraries both financially and with volunteer hours. For over 50 years, we have been the face of the public in our care for the library system. Join us and help sustain this essential part of our community. Venturafriendsofthelibrary.org.
