The Bookmark
by Jill Forman
As always, the Ventura libraries and Friends of the Library have been working hard to keep our community vibrant and supplied with reading material and online programs. Librarians are handing out books and helping people once again with in-person computer access. The Friends are out at the warehouse accepting donations, sorting through thousands of books, lifting boxes, shelving, pricing etc. Amazon listings and the local online store are thriving.
Leslie Bellmore, the organizer and “chief cook and bottle washer” of the store, has this to say. “What’s New with the VFOL Online Store? We have added several new categories: Holiday Items for Everyone, Local Interest, Recreation/Hobbies and Puzzles. We have also expanded our cookbook section and added hundreds of great new youth fiction titles.
“While ‘Boo! It’s October’ has been removed, you can still find great mystery novels in our mystery/spy fiction category. We have a great selection of these at bargain prices.
We appreciate your support as we move our bookstore online. All sales support your local libraries, as all profits go to purchase more books. We aim to have the best local used book shop experience in town.
In October the Online Bookstore sold 300 items and made $559.50. We have also gained about 5 new customers from last month.”
Speaking of online offerings, the Ventura libraries are collaborating with other library systems to bring new and exciting programs to our community. Karen Cruze, Librarian Specialist for Adult Services, tells about one such program available this month.
“As part of the Southern California Library Cooperative, the Ventura County Library is co-sponsoring the Be The Change Initiative led by Glendale Library. A variety of programs are open to, and may be of interest to, our patrons. Programs are free but require registration. In November, in commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, an author event with David Heska Wanbli Weiden, who wrote the novel, Winter Counts, will be held online on Nov. 30 from 6:30-7:30 pm. The book is available to be put on hold at the Ventura County Library or through CloudLibrary. The event will be held online on Nov. 30 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Those interested may also visit a 3D virtual exhibit, Nowhere and Everywhere: Indigenous in America, through Jan. 31, 2021. To register or for more information please go to https://www.eglendalelac.org/bethechange
Here is an explanation of the Be The Change series, from their website:
Glendale Library, Arts & Culture’s (GLAC) and the Southern California Library Cooperative’s Be The Change series is focused on: Inclusion – Diversity – Equity – Antiracism. Be The Change events will build collective understanding of systemic racism, elevate the voices and stories of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and inspire our community to be the change.
The series is led by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture in partnership with the Southern California Library Cooperative and Outlook Newspapers. The series is sponsored by the City of Glendale Arts and Culture Commission, with funding from the City of Glendale Urban Art Fund.
