by Mary Olson
Ventura County Library has initiated a new phone system. To reach any branch, dial 805 626-READ. The friendly person who answers the phone can assist you with many basic services, including helping you renew a book or place a book on hold, updating your library account, providing operating locations and hours, and more.
And, if they can’t help you directly, they will get you to someone who can in a timely manner.
Local author Joseph M. Puglia will visit the Ojai Library at 2 pm on Saturday, January 27, to talk about
his books Girl with the Purple Ribbon, Always Return, Redemption, and Campfires with Dr. Joe. His
talk will focus on the evolution of the novel as it relates to characterization, themes, scenes, and plots. Puglia will reference the classics as his characters explore the proverbial question: “What makes life significant?” Joseph Puglia has worked the docks of NYC, counseled street gangs, boxed, hustled beer at Yankee Stadium, been a newspaper columnist, spent 10 years in the Marines as an officer and taught college. His undergraduate studies were in classics, his masters in counseling psychology, and his doctorate in sports psychology.
Author events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional
Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].
Career Coaching Offered at Ojai and Piru Libraries
Ventura County Library, in partnership with the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC), is offering free one-on-one career coaching at the Ojai and Piru Libraries. Coaching is free, registration is not required, and drop-ins are welcome. You can also register to secure your spot at https://forms.gle/uzJMgre6iBgMGKk6A. Workshops will be held at Ojai Library (111 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai)
every other Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m, beginning Jan. 11 through May 30 and at Piru Library (3811 Center Street, Piru), every other Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m, beginning Jan. 9 through May 28. This program is 100% federally funded. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you have hearing or speaking limitations, dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service. Workshops include topics such as branding, emotional intelligence, networking and winning the interview. For more information about this program, see the vencolibrary.org website or contact Ventura County Library Education, Literacy, and Outreach Manager Antonio Apodaca at [email protected] or (805) 677-7159.
The Hill Road Library Book Club returns Tuesday, January 30 at a new time: 4 to 5 pm to discuss
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Pick up the latest Book Club selection at Hill Road Library. To join the mailing list, please email [email protected]
Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore, 2nd Look Books, in E.P. Foster Library is open Tuesday
through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Our store offerings are definitely worth a second look, from current novels to jigsaw puzzles to vintage books. We also invite you to visit our online bookstore for local sales https://venturafol-107753.square.site/s/shop for more unique items. Orders are picked up at our bookstore in E.P. Foster Library
