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
There’s a link on that page where you can Tune in to Ventura Voices, the City of Ventura’s Podcast .
and listen to Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram share details about the upcoming E.P. Foster Library renovation project. Easily update your holds pickup location in the new MyVCLibrary app, online, via chat, or by calling (805) 626-READ
The Friends’ bookstore located on the 1st floor of E.P. Foster Library closed on March 9th in preparation for the renovation. We are no longer accepting donations of books at E.P. Foster Library. Book donations can be made at Avenue, Saticoy and Hill Road libraries during open hours and at our warehouse (11251 Riverbank Drive, in the Ventura County Saticoy Operations Yard) on Fridays from 9 to 11 am.
The Friends will continue to hold periodic outdoor sales and sell on eBay (https://www.ebay.com/str/venturafriendsofthelibrary) and are working on several creative ideas to make our wonderful donated books available for sale during the 16 months of the library renovations.
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.
Master Gardeners Learning Series: Secrets of Growing Perfect Tomatoes
Avenue Library Meeting Room – Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Join Master Gardener instructor, Terry Garman, to discover why Ventura County’s Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect place to grow these beloved fruits! Get expert tips on selecting the right varieties, mastering support methods, natural pest management, succession planting for continuous harvests, plus simple cooking and preservation methods to enjoy your homegrown bounty year-round.
Family Stay & Play at Avenue Library – Families are welcome to play board games and puzzles at the Avenue Library during open hours. M-Th: 12:00 to 6:00 pm Friday: Closed Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday: Closed
Maker Lab at Hill Road Library
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+
Hill Road Library Book Club Due to the Cesar Chavez Day library closure, the March book club will be on Tuesday March 24th The selection for March is: My Broken Language by Quiara Alegria Hughes. Tuesday, March 24, 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Due to the popularity of the book club, this month a second session of the book club will be held at 5:00 pm. Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Book Club selection.
UNO for All! Hill Road Library, Sundays, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Join us on Sundays at the Hill Road Library when we break out the UNO decks! Bring your friends, family, favorite opponents, and GAME ON!
