By Mary Olson –
The E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura will temporarily close beginning March 23 for a $13 million renovation to transform the facility into a modern, accessible space for the community and install a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2027. More details will be shared as the project moves forward. You’ll find updates on construction timelines, frequently asked questions and press releases at https://www.library.venturacounty.gov/locations/foster/construction-updates
After February 16th, any unfilled holds currently set for pickup at the E.P. Foster Library will be automatically routed to the Saticoy Library, 1292 Los Angeles Avenue, Hours: M-Th: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Friday: Closed; Saturday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; Sunday: Closed. Phone: (805) 626-READ.
For the month of February, the Friends’ bookstore located on the 1st floor of E.P. Foster Library, will be open Monday through Saturday, 11 am – 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1 – 4 pm. And all inventory will be ½ off. During the closure of E.P. Foster Library the Friends of the Library will continue to hold periodic outdoor sales and sell on eBay. We are looking for an alternate temporary location for our bookstore, so keep an eye out for an announcement.
The Ventura County Library and the Rotary Club of Ventura will present a month of peace-building activities for this coming March! Special thanks to Madhu Bajaj, the Peace Builder Chair for the Rotary Club of Ventura for her organizing efforts in this project. Rotarians approach peace not as the absence of conflict, but as “positive peace”—strengthening communities by addressing root causes such as poverty, lack of education, and limited access to opportunities. The E.P. Foster, Avenue, Saticoy, and Hill Road Libraries will host peace-themed book displays in keeping with the Rotary Club’s mission to foster positive change and peace. Origami peace dove craft sessions with take-home kits will be offered: March 5th at 3:30 pm at Hill Road Library; March 10th at 4 pm at Saticoy Library and March 12th at 2:30 pm at Avenue Library.
GAME DAY E.P. Foster Library Makerspace Tuesday, February 24, 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Drop in for a fun-filled game afternoon featuring the Nex Playground, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros! Compete with friends and enjoy some friendly gaming fun. All skill levels welcome!
Game On! Board Games For All at Hill Road Library, Sundays, 11 – 1 pm.
Drop in on Sundays to enjoy our board game collection of over 30 games for you to choose from. Bring your friends, family, favorite opponents, and GAME ON! On March 1st, we will be playing UNO, the classic multiplayer card game. All ages are welcome!
Discover Science – Borax Window Hangers.
Hill Road Library Saturday, February 21, 11 – 12:00. Join the Foothill High Discover Science team on the patio at Hill Road Library for hands-on science learning about the principle of solubility by making Borax crystal window decorations! Appropriate for grades k-5 and families.
Maker Lab at Hill Road Library
February 26, March 26: Stop Motion Animation Club Come and make a short film with us! Space is limited; sign-up begins at 3:15 and classes will begin promptly at 3:30 PM. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate late arrivals for these activities. Designed for ages 8+
Book Clubs at Hill Road Library
Hill Road Library Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 4:00 pm. The selection for February is: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Tuesday, February 24, 4:00 to 5:00 pm.
Wise Owls Book Club at Hill Road Library is a Book Club for adults who enjoy reading children’s literature. The Spring Selection is The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, meeting Tuesday, March 17, 5 – 6 pm. Visit Hill Road Library to pick up the latest book club selections. To join the mailing lists for Hill Road Library book clubs, please email Linda.Cherry@Ventura.org
