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.
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
Easily update your holds pickup location in the new MyVCLibrary app, online, via chat, or by calling (805) 626-READ
Ventura Friends of the Library bookstore located on the 1st floor of E.P. Foster Library will close on March 9th. Until then, you can take advantage of the ½ off clearance sale. The Friends will continue to hold periodic outdoor sales and sell on eBay https://www.ebay.com/str/venturafriendsofthelibrary while working on several creative ideas to continue to make our wonderful donated books available for sale during the 16 months of the library renovations.
The Ventura County Library and the Rotary Club of Ventura present a month of peace-building activities in March! 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 are hosting 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 4:00 pm at Saticoy Library and March 12th at 2:30 pm at Avenue Library.
Master Gardeners Learning Series: Bird-Friendly Gardens
Hill Road Library Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 to 5:45 pm
Create outdoor spaces that attract, support, and nurture local bird populations. Participants will learn how to transform ordinary gardens into vibrant ecosystems hosting a variety of bird species throughout the year. Presented by Certified Master Gardener Kat Baker.
Snow White Storytime
E.P. Foster Library Topping Room Saturday, March 21, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Enjoy a special reading of the beloved tale of Snow White, followed by a mini dance performance with Ventura County Ballet and a take home craft. Don’t miss this enchanting experience for young readers and their families!
Discover Science — Parachute Drop
Hill Road Library: Saturday, March 21, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Join the Foothill High Discover Science team on the patio at Hill Road Library and explore force and momentum by creating parachutes and dropping water balloons! Appropriate for grades k-5 and families.
Maker Lab at Hill Road Library
March 12: (Almost) Pi Day Celebration – Celebrate (Almost) Pi Day, beginning at 3:14 pm with a Pi-themed project, a 3D printer demo…and pie! (Pie is for children and available while supplies last) Recommended ages 6-16.
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. The selection for March is: My Broken Language by Quiara Alegria Hughes. Tuesday, March 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, 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Visit Hill Road Library to pick up the latest book club selections. For more information and to join the mailing lists for Hill Road Library book clubs, please email Linda.Cherry@Ventura.org
