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LIBRARY OFFERS FREE HELP FOR THOSE STRUGGLING TO PAY MORTGAGE
Public Can Get Counseling from Attorneys and Housing
Experts at Mountain Empire High School Clinic
More than a thousand homeowners, most in the process of foreclosure or facing the prospect of it, have turned to the San Diego County Library to seek help with their plight. The County Library has partnered with the Housing Opportunities Collaborative (HOC) for the past year to provide free counseling to the public at a monthly series of Home Clinics. The next clinic will be held at the Mountain Empire High School, 3305 Buckman Springs Rd, in Pine Valley, on Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Staff from the Campo, Descanso, Jacumba, Pine Valley and Potrero libraries will assist.
The Home Clinics bring together a unique combination of legal experts, real estate and mortgage professionals and housing agencies to provide free advice to the public. The HOC was recently honored with the prestigious "Distinguished Organization Award" by the San Diego Bar Association. Individuals can schedule an appointment for a one-on-one meeting with an attorney at the event, as well as attend educational sessions on credit management, mortgage loans, bankruptcy, and consumer protection. All assistance is confidential.
Feedback has been universally positive. "I am so grateful;" "I hope you can continue helping many families;" and "The counselor was understanding and helpful" have been just a few of the comments by attendees.
Our libraries not only provide books and materials about foreclosures and finances, we serve as a gathering place where we can partner with other agencies and provide hands-on support to our customers," said County Library Director José Aponte.
Registration is required by calling the HOC at (800) 462-0503; e-mailing HOMEClinic@housingcollaborative.org; or registering online. For more information about the events, visit the County Library Web site or call Susan Moore at (858) 694-2448.
Posted November 12, 2009
ENCINITAS LIBRARY HOSTS 'NERDFIGHTER GATHERING' FOR TEENS
The Encinitas Branch Library, 540 Cornish Drive, will host a "Nerdfighter Gathering" on Sunday, November 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. The popular event for teens will feature Hank Green, co-creator (with his brother, Young Adult author John Green) of the Nerdfighters. Whether the topic of the day is the renaissance of young adult literature or the power of online communities, Hank Green is known as a wildly entertaining professional blogger. His presentation will include singing.
"Whatever Hank talks about is always fun," says Jennifer Lawson, teen services coordinator for the San Diego County Library. "The event will be one part talk, one part discussion and one part nerd-folk concert. Teens simply call him 'awesome.'"
Green's rants, songs and adventures have entertained millions of people over the last few years. Through their Web site, http://nerdfighters.ning.com, he and his brother have a regular audience of over 100,000 people; their videos have been watched more than 50 million times. When Hank isn't making videos about whatever nerdy thing happens to be on his mind, he's the chief editor at EcoGeek.org, the Web's largest "clean technology" publication.
The event is free of charge and open to the public.
Posted November 9, 2009
COUNTY LIBRARY BRANCHES
HOLD EDIBLE BOOK CONTEST
Use food to make creations inspired by books and bring them to the library on contest day for judging and prizes. Entries must be edible and relate to a book, look like a book, or refer to a character or book title.
For entry deadlines and details, please contact your local branch library.
Participating branches:
Bonita-Sunnyside: Nov. 8, 2 p.m.
Borrego Springs: Nov. 21, 2 p.m.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea: Nov. 21, 10 a.m.
Del Mar: Nov. 21, 2 p.m.
El Cajon: Nov. 22, 2 p.m.
Encinitas: Nov. 21, 2 p.m.
Jacumba: Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
Julian: Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
Lakeside: Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
Rancho San Diego: Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
Ramona: Nov. 21, 2 p.m.
Solana Beach: Nov. 21, 2 p.m.
San Marcos: Nov. 18, 3:30 p.m.
Santee: Nov. 21, 1 p.m.
Valley Center: Nov. 21, 2 p.m.
Vista: Nov. 21, 2 p.m.
Posted November 3, 2009
LIBRARY FRIENDS ANNOUNCE ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
The winners of the Library Friends of San Diego County (LFSDC) annual essay contest will be honored by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors at the Board's weekly meeting on Tuesday, November 3, at 9:00 a.m., in the County Administration Building, 1600 Pacific Highway.
This year's theme was "Libraries - For Readers Only?"
Nine winners represented six library branches (Encinitas, Julian, Poway, 4S Ranch, Santee and Solana Beach).
"This was our seventh annual contest and we received 84 essays representing 25 of the 33 library branches, plus nine more entries from beyond the County Library service area," said LFSDC president Dick Wayman. "Libraries used to be repositories for books and places of silent contemplation. We wanted to hear how the public feels about libraries as community centers, where activities involve more than reading."
According to adult category winner, Kaitlyn Gainok, of Poway, "Libraries are for everyone! Ordinary people have access to all knowledge ... they can learn to paint an inspiring piece of art or learn to build a Fortune 500 company. Libraries are for people who know that anything is possible. Libraries are sources of inspiration, information and motivation. They provide opportunities for everyday people to blast off into their own personal uncharted territories."
Teen winner Brandon Smudz, an eighth grader at the Learning Choice Academy, who also frequents the Poway Branch, describes the scene as he enters the library, with customers using the computers, doing their homework, attending storytimes and craft sessions, and checking out video games and movies. "Are libraries for readers only?" he asks. "...The answer hits you like a ton of books. Libraries are for everyone: readers, researchers, gamers, kids, teens, adults and everyone in between."
First-place winner in the children's division, Dylan Sudoriak, a sixth grader at Hill Creek Elementary school in Santee, summed up the question with, "By now, I'm sure you've seen that the library is not just a place where you can check out bestselling books. It has computers to use, it is a Cool Zone, a lounge area, a place to meet new friends, is a movie rental place, and an entertainment zone for a younger child…the library is much more than just a place for readers."
The LFSDC, which is the umbrella group of all County Library Friends of the Library organizations, with a membership of nearly 5,000, awarded winners in the children, teen and adult categories $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. The winning essays will be posted on the LFSDC Web site: www.lfsdc.org.
Following are the winning writers:
Children:
First: Dylan Rose Sudoriak, Santee Library
Second: Sarah Smudz, Poway Library
Third: Chloe Chan, Solana Beach Library
Teen:
First: Brandon Smudz, Poway Library
Second: Ryan Cardenas, Encinitas Library
Third: Annette Moreno, 4S Ranch Library
Adult:
First: Kaitlyn Gainok, Poway Library
Second: Laurie Alloway, Poway Library
Third: Bob G. Trimm, Julian Library
Posted October 27, 2009
JOB CAFÉ PREMIERES AT THE ENCINITAS LIBRARY
Beginning November 9, the Encinitas Library will host The Job Café, a free ongoing program in support of community job seekers. The Job Café, Professional Job Seekers Network, will meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Hosted by professional career consultant and job coach Simona Cherlin, The Job Café provides networking opportunities as well as advice on a wealth of other techniques for success. Re-motivate your job search and receive support and encouragement from others.
This free event will be held twice a month on an ongoing basis.
For more information, call the library at (760) 753-7376.
Posted October 26, 2009
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION OPEN HOUSE AT VISTA BRANCH
A Customer Appreciation Open House will be held Friday, October 23 from 2-4 p.m. at the Vista Branch Library, 700 Eucalyptus Avenue. Stop by and say hello to San Diego County Library Director José Aponte, hear about the library's many extraordinary services, and share your suggestions. Refreshments will be served.
Join Director Aponte and Steve d'Adolf, President of the Rockhoppers walking club, on a special guided walk starting at the library at 1 p.m. D'Adolf has created self-guided walking tours from each County Library branch to local historic sites and parks. Directions and maps can be downloaded from SDCL's Health and Wellness web page.
For more information, phone (858) 694-2415.
Posted October 21, 2009
LINCOLN ACRES LIBRARY TO HOLD CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Event to Honor Memory of Slain Student Worker José Rodriguez
County leaders, colleagues and community residents will gather Saturday, November 7 to celebrate the memory of popular Lincoln Acres library worker José Luis Rodriguez, who was slain in 2007 in a crime spree that remains unsolved.
The second annual "Celebration of Life" for Rodriguez will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the library at 2725 Granger Avenue in Lincoln Acres. The public is invited to the free event.
County Supervisor Greg Cox, who represents the community, and County Library Director José Aponte will speak about Rodriguez. Representatives from San Diego Crime Stoppers will also make an announcement about new efforts to solve the case.
Rodriguez was one of two people killed in unsolved shootings in Chula Vista and San Diego on November 23, 2007. A graduate of Sweetwater High School, Rodriguez was in his first semester at San Diego City College when his life was taken one day before his 18th birthday.
The Friends of the Lincoln Acres Library established a scholarship in his memory and Supervisor Cox will present certificates to the scholarship winners at the event.
The Celebration of Life will feature music, dancers and a clown for children. Refreshments and other items will be provided by Costco, Northgate Market, Walmart and the Friends of the Lincoln Acres Library. There will also be community resource and information booths featuring a variety of community organizations, including Housing Opportunities Collaborative, Spay Neuter Program and San Diego Crime Stoppers.
The San Diego County Latino Association is co-hosting the event.
Posted October 21, 2009
DOMINICAN TAINO ART ON DISPLAY AT LEMON GROVE LIBRARY
An exhibition of Dominican Taino art by artist Yokozuna will be on display at the Lemon Grove Library through October 9. The exhibit was organized by Lemon Grove Branch Manager Amparo Madera. This is Yokozuna's first exhibition in San Diego.
Yokozuna was born September 29, 1979 in the city of Hato Major del Rey, located in the eastern part of San Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The artist states, "Yokozuna is the name of a fighter from Zuno and it is the name I was baptized." The Taino artist uses Yokozuna as his stage name; his full name is Manuel de Jesus Ozuna de la Cruz.
During his 20s and 30s, Yokozuna visited Puerto Rico and New York City looking for work due to the poor economic climate of the Dominican Republic. During this time he felt a deep calling to his roots and, in spite of his financial hardship, returned to Hato Mayor. He suddenly had a deep desire to explore the natural beauty of where he was born, and found the caves where the Tainos once lived. He became fascinated with this ancient civilization and its petroglyphs and objects of worship displayed in rocks, wood, and in the walls of caves in which they lived. He decided that his calling was to recreate Taino paintings and to help raise awareness of the world before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the Spaniards.
The San Diego County Library has a substantial circulating collection of books on fine arts, paintings, drawings, sculpture, graphic arts and more. Stop by your local branch or browse online at www.sdcl.org.
Posted October 6, 2009
READ AND ROLL: NORTH COUNTY DEBUTS VIBRANT NEW BOOKMOBILE
The San Diego County Library is motoring forward with a dedication ceremony for its new North County Bookmobile on Thursday, October 15, at 11 a.m., at its regularly scheduled stop in the parking lot of the Foothill Oak Elementary School, 1370 Oak Drive, in Vista. County Supervisor Bill Horn will officiate along with County Library Director José Aponte.
The vehicle features vibrant art on all four sides created by San Diego muralist John Whalen of Wall-It Graphics in La Mesa. Among Whalen's designs is the landmark mural of Charles Lindbergh on the commuter terminal at San Diego International Airport. A second new bookmobile that is serving a large area of San Diego's East County also features art by Whalen.
Fifth District County Supervisor Bill Horn will help dedicate the North County Bookmobile. He said, "Books take us around the world and open adventures and new understanding for young and old, but not everyone has easy access to our North County libraries. The bookmobile solves that dilemma and is a tremendous way to serve people and bolster the importance of reading, especially for children."
County Library Director José Aponte added, "This singular, state of the art Bookmobile expands services to geographically challenged populations. It saves energy and travel time for the residents while expanding and enriching their informational and cultural options."
The North Bookmobile measures 36 feet long – 10 feet longer than its predecessor – and has more than twice the capacity of the older vehicle. It holds 7,400 items and will have computers and a printer for public use. The mobile library will serve the already-established 19 sites throughout much of the unincorporated area of North County. These include schools, Native American reservation sites, mobile home parks, shopping centers, retirement residences, as well as the County Operations Center and Annex, Polinsky Children's Center, and other key points that have no access to a library branch.
Posted October 5, 2009
'READ FOR THE RECORD' ON OCTOBER 8
On Thursday, October 8, 12 San Diego County Library branches will participate in "Read for the Record," a worldwide event which attempts to set a world record for the most children reading the same book on the same day. This year's selection is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.
The "Read for the Record" event will be held at the following library branches: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Casa de Oro, Del Mar, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lakeside (10:30 a.m.), Lemon Grove, Poway, Santee (10:50 a.m.), Solana Beach, Spring Valley and Vista. Times will vary by branch; please contact your local library for details.
Posted October 1, 2009
COUNTY LIBRARY HOSTS BOOK FESTIVAL
Page One: Celebration of the Written Word to Feature More Than 60 Authors
The San Diego County Library will host its first book festival, Page One: Celebration of the Written Word, from Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18, in five library sites system-wide. The festival will feature nationally-known, best selling authors such as Joseph Wambaugh, Victor Villaseñor, Susan Vreeland, Jesse Kellerman, David Brin, Richard Lederer and Byrd Baylor, as well as more than 60 other published authors, such as Sue Ann Jaffarian, Denise Hamilton, Steve Gray, Rafael Lopez, Laura Preble and Kathi Diamant. The weekend-long event will include author talks, panel presentations covering a variety of book genres, receptions and book signings in the Bonita-Sunnyside, Encinitas, Poway and Vista libraries, as well as the County Administration Center. The event is free of charge and the public is invited.
The kickoff event will take place on the west lawn of the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, south of the bookmobile stop, Friday, October 16, at 10:30 a.m. Best selling author Joseph Wambaugh (The Choirboys, The Black Marble, The Onion Field, and many more titles) will make a special appearance. *Wambaugh will speak briefly, then will autograph copies of his books. Also on the program will be three well-known crime writers, Tom Basinski, Caitlin Rother and Woody Clarke, with a panel presentation on "True Crime" books. The three authors' books will be available for purchase and signing.
Attendees are invited to spend an evening with best selling author Victor Villaseñor, at the Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Av, Friday, October 16, at 6 p.m. Villaseñor, author of Rain of Gold, Crazy Loco Love, and many others, will talk about his life and literature. The program will be followed by a book signing and reception. On Saturday, the library will host authors Francisco Alarcón and Richard Lederer, who will speak and autograph books. Author panels are scheduled throughout the weekend on literature such as "True Crime," "Picture This: Kids' Books," "Mysteries - Who Dunnit?" and "Romance & Chick Lit."
Featured author at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road, will be Susan Vreeland, best selling author of Luncheon of the Boating Party, Girl in Hyacinth Blue and more, Saturday, October 17. Vreeland will share insights into her fiction at at 11:30 a.m., with a reception and book signing session to follow. Authors Francisco Alarcón and Richard Lederer will speak and autograph books during the weekend. Author panels, followed by book signings, on the subjects of "True Crime," "Picture This: Kids' Books," "Romance & Chick Lit," "Latino Literature," "Mysteries - Who Dunnit?" and "Looking Back - Memoirs" are scheduled on each day.
The Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive, will highlight author Jesse Kellerman, best selling mystery novelist (The Genius, Trouble, and Sunstroke), on Sunday, October 18, with a reception at 1 p.m., followed by a talk and book signing at 1:30 p.m. Along with author panels on the topics of "Written 4 U - Teens," "Nonfiction," "Looking Back - Memoirs" and "Writing for Children," the library will host a panel on "The Craft of Writing" and a panel of publishing agents, including Jill Marr of the illustrious Sandra Dijkstra Agency. Richard Lederer will also speak on Saturday.
Award-winning science fiction writer David Brin will head a panel, "Sci-Fi & the Vampire," at the Poway Library, Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 p.m. Brin, known as a "futurist," is the author of The Uplift Trilogy, The Transparent Society, Earth, and many more. A book signing will follow. Richard Lederer will appear on Friday, at 1:30. Panels throughout the weekend will cover topics such as "I ♥ Romance," "Tweens," "Noir Literature," "Latino Literature" and "Graphic Novels."
Byrd Baylor, award-winning children's author of When Clay Sings, The Desert is Theirs, The Way to Start a Day, and numerous others, will appear at the Borrego Springs Library, 587 Palm Canyon Drive, on Friday, October 16, giving a writing workshop to teens and adults at 3 p.m.; and speaking on Saturday, October 17, at 1 p.m., with a 2 p.m. reception and book signing.
Books will be sold at all venues by Mysterious Galaxy Books and the Friends of the Library organizations of the participating library branches. Refreshments will be served at the author receptions, courtesy of the Library Friends. For updated information, see the San Diego County Library Web site: http://www.sdcl.org or call (858) 694-2415.
* Wambaugh's books will not be sold at the event. Attendees are asked to bring previously purchased books for autographs.
Posted September 29, 2009
LIBRARY CELEBRATES TEEN READ WEEK WITH 'READ BEYOND REALITY @ YOUR LIBRARY' THEMED EVENTS
Area teens will read for the fun of it as the San Diego County Library celebrates Teen Read Week, October 18 - 24. The County Library joins thousands of other libraries, schools and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year's theme, "Read Beyond Reality @ Your Library." All 33 library branches will host events following the theme.
Teen Read Week is the national literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association. This year's theme encourages teens to read a wide variety of materials that are out of this world, just for the fun of it.
"Today's teens seem to have less and less free time, and there are increasingly more activities for them to take part in during what little leisure time they have," said Jennifer Lawson, Library Teen Services Coordinator. "That is why it's important to encourage teens to set aside some time to read."
Posted September 29, 2009
COUNTY LIBRARY COMMEMORATES NATIONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING WEEK
The San Diego County Library will host workshops in a number of its branches to commemorate National Financial Planning Week, October 5-11. The week, established by the national Financial Planning Association, has a goal of helping increase financial literacy in the nation and teaching individuals to make more educated and responsible financial decisions.
Following is the schedule of events:
4S Ranch Branch Library, 10433 Reserve Dr., San Diego 92127 (858) 673-4697
Financial Education Talk with Lynn Buchholz, CFP
Saturday, October 3, 10:30 a.m.
Crest Branch Library, 105 Juanita Lane, El Cajon, Ca 92021, (619) 442-7083
Financial Strategies for You. Presented by the Financial Planning Association of San Diego.
Wednesday, October 6, 6:30 p.m.
Julian Branch Library, 1850 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036, (760) 765-0370
Certified Financial Planning. Planning for your future and protecting your assets. Hosted by Financial Planning Association of San Diego.
Wednesday, October 7, 10 a.m.
El Cajon Branch Library, 201 E. Douglas Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020, (619) 588-3718
Financial Fire Drill. Presented by Gil Armour of the San Diego Financial Planning Association offers strategies for uncertain financial times.
Question and answer session to follow.
Wednesday, October 7, 3 p.m.
Del Mar Branch Library, 1309 Camino Del Mar Del Mar, CA (858) 755-1666
Financial Education Talk with Jon Beber.
Thursday, October 8, 10:15 a.m.
Encinitas Branch Library, 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 753-7376
Jim Lingelbach of the San Diego Financial Planning Association offers strategies for uncertain financial times.
Thursday, October 8, 2-6 p.m.
La Mesa Branch Library, 8074 Allison Ave., (619) 469-2151
Financial Fire Drill. San Diego Financial Planning Association offers strategies for uncertain financial times.
Thursday, October 8, 10 a.m.
San Marcos Library, 2 Civic Center Drive San Marcos, CA 92069 (760) 891-3011
Justin Reckers of the San Diego Financial Planning Association offers strategies for uncertain financial times.
Thursday, October 8, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Posted September 28, 2009
[Updated September 30, 2009]
COUNTY LIBRARY HOSTS 'SURVIVING HARD TIMES' PANEL PRESENTATION
Event Features Variety of Experts on Range of Topics
The Poway Branch of the San Diego County Library, 13137 Poway Rd, will host a panel presentation and information fair on the topic, "Surviving Hard Times," Tuesday, October 6, from 1-2:30 p.m. A variety of experts will speak on the subjects of foreclosure, bankruptcy, trends in the job market, emergency planning and stress management. Career counselor Janet McAfee will facilitate the panel discussion. The event is free of charge and open to the public. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions of the panelists, as well as visit the information fair, where other agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide information on the topics discussed.
Speakers include attorney Vino Pajanor, executive director, Housing Opportunities Collaborative (HOC), whose organization offers a monthly award-winning free HOME Clinic in partnership with the County Library for distressed homeowners. Pajanor, the founding member of the HOC, will cover housing issues such as foreclosure and bankruptcy. At the HOME Clinics, homeowners receive options, remedies, possible courses of action, referrals to law enforcement, and, in most instances, an assessment of the emergency nature of their situation from counselors.
Susan Roberts-Egley, business coordinator for the East County Career Center, of the San Diego Workforce Partnership, will talk about local employment trends and resources, highlighting support available at career centers, including those located in the Spring Valley and Bonita libraries. Roberts-Egley has also taught job searching, career testing and customer service at the center, and has served as an employment adviser with the Welfare to Work program.
Novia Baxter, disaster response coordinator for the Jewish Family Health Services, has an extensive background in fire sciences, crisis intervention, trauma and stress management. Her topic will be stress management and strategies for staying positive. A former fire protection engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, she also served as a mediator and hostage negotiator for the Laboratory. Baxter was a member of the San Diego Police Department Crisis Intervention Team during the wildfires of 2003. Her work with the Jewish Family Health Services involves helping clients with long term recovery issues regarding the 2007 local wildfires. She is also in the final process of earning her Marriage Family Therapist license.
Longtime San Diego news anchor for KGTV, Leonard Villareal is now the public information officer with the San Miguel Fire District. He will discuss planning for emergencies. While with KGTV, he covered the disastrous wildfires of 2003. The Emmy Award-winning Villareal was responsible for creating two of the most popular weekly segments in KGTV's history - the 10Leadership Award and "Does It Work." As part of the 10Leadership program he helped select and honor more than 800 San Diegans for their efforts in making their community a better place to live.
The San Diego County Library has experienced a large growth in usage, including the number of daily visitors and a leap in circulation. Library staff work daily with customers who have lost their jobs or their homes, and are experiencing distress related to the current financial crisis. The Library partners with a sizable number of agencies and experts on housing, employment, financial planning, stress management, emergency services, and other issues affecting its customers, to provide a variety of opportunities in its 33 branches and two bookmobiles to find positive solutions for its customers. Attendees to the panel discussion will also hear about the Library's many free resources on the topics discussed at the program.
Posted September 28, 2009
COUNTY LIBRARY TO BREAK GROUND ON NEW FALLBROOK BRANCH
The Fallbrook Branch of the San Diego County Library will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 30, at 10 a.m., on the property of the current facility at the corner of West Alvarado Street and South Mission Road. Fifth District County Supervisor Bill Horn and County Library Director José Aponte will be on hand to officially break ground, along with the Friends of the Fallbrook Library, and officials from the design-build team.
Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn said, "We have worked hard to reach this point. It has been an honor to partner with our Library people and the Fallbrook community on one of the most important projects in their history. The groundbreaking for the new library is a tribute to the determined spirit and generosity of people who are going to see a dream come true."
County Library Director José Aponte adds, "The project owes its success to the enlightened and engaged leadership of Jeri Patchett and the Friends of the Fallbrook Library whose work with the professional and architectural team has set a new standard for library development in the county and the region."
Community Project grants totaling nearly $980,000 have been awarded to the Friends of the Fallbrook Library in the past six years from the Fifth Supervisorial District to assist with their fundraising efforts toward construction and furnishings for the new library. In addition to this funding, the Friends of the Library have raised more than $1.3 million, and their fundraising efforts are ongoing. The group also actively participated in the building design process, organized an art design award process, and has raised awareness for the project continually throughout the community.
Measuring 19,076 square feet, the new library will be more than double the size of the current facility. Construction by the design-build team of C.W. Driver, Ferguson Pape Baldwin Architects and Manuel Oncina Architects will begin in fall 2009, with a targeted completion date of December, 2010. The two architectural firms won a Design Award of Merit in the 2009 California Council of the Society of American Registered Architects Professional Design Awards competition for their design of the new Fallbrook Library. Designed to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) "Silver" criteria, the state-of-the-art library will include a 4,000 square foot "green roof" vegetated with low-water plants.
The current library at 124 S. Mission Road will be closed on Sunday, September 20, to prepare for the move to its temporary quarters at 113 South Main Avenue. The branch will reopen for one day on Monday, September 21, from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., then library services will switch to the South Main Avenue location on Tuesday, September 22 until the new library opens. To accommodate the public's need for library materials and services, hours will be expanded at the temporary site as follows: Monday, Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 noon - 5 p.m. For more information, call the Fallbrook Library at (760) 728-2373.
Posted September 21, 2009
FREE SEASONAL FLU SHOTS OFFERED
Free seasonal flu shots (for adults 18 years and older) will be offered at the Community Flu Shot Clinic & Meet the Pharmacist Event being held Friday, Sept. 25 at the Martin Luther King Community Center. The community center is located at 6401 Skyline Drive, San Diego, 92114. The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine will not be offered at this event.
San Diego Immunization Registry (SDIR) staff will review your shot records and enter your immunizations in to the SDIR for your convenience; please bring your shot record with you.
This event is sponsored by the Black Nurses Association of San Diego and other partners.
To get to the event:
From Interstate 805 take the Imperial Avenue exit and head east, make a right on to Valencia Street and then left on to Skyline Drive. The center is on your right.
From Highway 54 take the Woodman Street exit, head north to Skyline Drive and turn left. The center is on your left.
The MLK Community Center is accessible by bus via SDMTS route 11.
[ View Event Flyer (Español) ]
Posted September 15, 2009
FRIENDS OF SOLANA BEACH LIBRARY DONATE $20,000
Donation to be Matched by San Diego County Library
The San Diego County Library got a boost with a little help from its Friends. The Friends of the Solana Beach Library donated $20,000 to the County Library to be used to purchase books and other materials. To enhance the buying power, the County Library's Matching Funds Program will double the donation.
San Diego County Library Director José Aponte said, "Our sincerest gratitude goes to the Friends of the Solana Beach Library for their generous donation. It is exemplary of the group's commitment to the institution of libraries and our County Library's philosophy of services."
In view of the current extraordinary fiscal challenges, the Friends asked that the Library use their contribution to augment the book and materials collection throughout its system of 33 branches and two bookmobiles. As the Solana Beach Branch is a joint use facility with Earl Warren Middle School, the County Library's Collection Development Division will put a focus on youth and teens when purchasing materials.
The County Library's entire collection of 1.7 million items is now a "floating" one. Books, DVDs and other materials remain at the branch to which they are returned by customers. Many library systems nationally have turned to floating collections because they focus more on each community's needs, allow materials to move freely from branch to branch, and give all customers equal access to the library's resources. A further benefit is that the County Library's annual circulation jumped 25% to 8.3 million in the past year alone.
Posted September 8, 2009
EL CAJON LIBRARY LAUNCHES
'SECOND SATURDAY' SERIES
The El Cajon Branch of the San Diego County Library, 201 E. Douglas Av, will launch a new series of public programs called "Second Saturdays at El Cajon," with popular singer-songwriter Mary Dolan kicking off the first event on Saturday, September 12, at 2:30 p.m. The series, which is free of charge, is set for the second Saturday of each month, at the same time, and will feature an eclectic blend of dynamic performers, as well as informative and entertaining presentations.
Dolan has long been a regular on the San Diego coffeehouse circuit, and has opened for such luminaries as Ani DiFranco, Catie Curtis and Huey Lewis & the News. According to Sirens Magazine, "Armed with a voice that is equal parts grit and grace, this San Diegan embraces the intricacies of life in her lyrics and holds them together with infectious melodies."
Future "Second Saturdays" programs include forensic entomologist David Faulkner on October 10. Faulkner will talk about crime investigation using clues left by insects. He manages a forensic entomology business, teaches classes on the subject, and has served as an expert witness in criminal cases.
For November, the library will serve up a demonstration of Persian cooking by Moji Yavari. Yavari, who hails from the northern area of Iran near the Caspian Sea, has 30 years of experience preparing culinary treats of this ancient culture and shares her expertise locally. For more information about the El Cajon Library's events, check the online calendar at www.sdcl.org or call the branch at (619) 588-3718.
Posted August 31, 2009
SPRING VALLEY LIBRARY TO HOST ANNUAL FIESTA
The Spring Valley Branch of the San Diego County Library, 836 Kempton Street, will host its fourth annual fiesta in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, September 19, from noon - 3 p.m. The fiesta will feature a visit by best selling author Victor Villaseñor and guest speaker Lucky "Two Tears" Morales. Another highlight of the event will be a low rider car exhibit from Amigos Car Club, artwork on display by Salvador Barajas, along with entertainment, a community information fair, refreshments, children's activities, prizes, and much more. The event is free of charge and the public is invited.
Nationally known best selling author Victor Villaseñor will speak about his life and works, which include the popular "Rain of Gold," "Burro Genius" and "Crazy Loco Love." His books will be available for sale and autographs. Lucky "Two Tears" Morales is a community activist who promotes peace among Chicano gangs. Every Sunday for the past decade, he can be seen walking with a Mexican flag through some of southeast San Diego's toughest neighborhoods in order to educate gang members in dealing with their differences in a less violent way. Well-known local artist Salvador Barajas was a main contributor to the Chicano Park murals. One of his colorful murals fills an exterior wall of the Spring Valley Library.
The Montgomery Middle School Mariachi troupe and the Ballet Folklorico Aqetzalli de Lemon Grove will perform, along with the REC*resent Hip Hop Dance Group from the local Teen Center. A DJ will also provide music.
The event will be held inside the library and in its parking lot. For more information call (619) 463-3006.
Posted August 26, 2009
CALIFORNIA STORIES: HOW I SEE IT
Teens at the Lincoln Acres Library participated in a state-wide photography project to document their community. Check out their photos!
Posted August 24, 2009
AUTOMATED TELEPHONE RENEWAL SYSTEM NOW AVAILABLE
San Diego County Library customers can now use the automated Telephone Renewal System to renew items, verify late fees, and verify checked-out items by name or barcode. This service is available for customers to utilize during and after business hours.
To use the system, dial (858) 694-2414 or (858) 514-4765, then choose Option 1, Option 2 and Option 1.
Posted August 20, 2009
MEET PLAYERS FROM THE SEALIONS
Meet San Diego's premier women's soccer team, the SeaLions, at the Spring Valley Library. The team will talk with the audience and read a story on Thursday, September 3 in two sessions: 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, please call the library at (619) 463-3006.
Posted August 10, 2009
LOAN PERIOD FOR MUSIC CDS
CHANGING TO 7 DAYS
To give customers quicker access to the library's music CDs, the loan period will change to 7 days, effective September 1. Please return or renew materials by the due date on your receipt.
Posted August 10, 2009
LIBRARY OFFERS ESL (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE) TUTOR TRAINING
L.E.A.R.N., the San Diego County Library's adult literacy services, in partnership with the Laubach Literacy Council, will host English as a Second Language (ESL) Tutor Trainings for volunteers interested in helping immigrants from around the globe learn to speak English. The two-part training will be held on consecutive Saturdays, August 22 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the community room of the Poway Library, 13137 Poway Rd. Attendance at both sessions is required. No experience is required and volunteer tutors are needed immediately. Opportunities are available in library branches and other sites countywide.
Once tutors have completed the two Saturday sessions, they will be matched with English language learners. Tutoring can be one-on-one or in small group settings. Tutors and learners schedule sessions at their convenience and close to their place of residence.
The training will be led by Catherine Mummert, director of education for the Sylvan Learning Center in Long Beach, and a master tutor trainer for 18 years. Mummert holds credentials in Education and TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages). For more information or to register, please contact Dr. Charles Ross at (619) 442-1481 or e-mail intgallery@aol.com; or Arlene Atkinson at (619) 441-8863 or e-mail Arlene@rfatkinson.com.
The L.E.A.R.N. partnership with Laubach earned a prestigious NACo Acts of Caring Award from the National Association of Counties as one of the top volunteer programs in the nation.
More information:
L.E.A.R.N. Adult Literacy Program
Laubach Literacy Council of San Diego County
Posted July 27, 2009
LIBRARY FRIENDS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY ANNOUNCE ESSAY CONTEST
The Library Friends of San Diego County (LFSDC) have launched their annual County-wide essay contest, which will run through Saturday, September 12. The 2009 theme is, "Libraries - For Readers Only?" Entry forms are available at the 33 County Library branches and two mobile libraries, as well as the LFSDC Web site and the Library's site. LFSDC is the organization of all County Library Friends of the Library groups.
Age divisions in the contest are Adults, Teens and Children. Entries must be 500 words or less, typed and printed, preferably double-spaced and single-sided. Prizes in each division are as follows: First Place: $100; Second Place: $50; and Third Place: $25. One entry per person will be accepted. Essays must can be submitted at any County Library branch by September 12; or mailed to: Dick Wayman, LFSDC Essay Contest, Ramona Branch Library, 1406 Montecito Rd, Ramona CA 92065.
"Libraries used to be repositories for books, places of silent contemplation, but not these days," says LFSDC president Dick Wayman. "In addition to quiet reading, libraries feature storytimes, adult literacy tutoring, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, musical performances, help for people suffering through the economic crisis, craft classes, lively book discussion groups, and a variety of teen programs. We want to hear how the public feels about libraries today."
For further information, please e-mail lfsdcessay@yahoo.com.
Posted July 20, 2009
SAN DIEGO COUNTY LIBRARY REACHES 8 MILLION CIRCULATION
Library Reports Busiest Year During Tough Economic Times
The San Diego County Library reached a milestone in June by surpassing the eight million mark in annual materials circulation for the first time in its 96-year existence. A total of 8,311,125 items were checked out between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The new figure shows a 25% leap over last year's 6.6 million. A comparison of June, 2009, circulation against the previous June shows a 36% jump, making this June by far the busiest month in San Diego County Library history.
Last year, the County Library ranked eighth in circulation among California's 16 libraries serving a population of more than 500,000. Figures have not been released yet for Fiscal Year 2008-09; however, reaching 8.3 million will likely move the County Library higher in the rankings.
Libraries nationwide are reporting that the economic downturn is boosting their business and San Diego County is no exception.
"Eight million materials circulated in the San Diego County Library is an historical benchmark that most importantly documents the utility and value of the library in these uncertain and challenging times," said County Library Director José Aponte. "Simply, people have time on their hands and less money to spend. It stands to reason that an institution that offers free loan of books, videos and CDs, and is open six to seven days a week, will resonate with the citizens."
Also leading to the rise in circulation of materials is the fact that far more customers are using their home computers for library self-service, renewing 1.3 million items on the library's Web site, up 72% over last year. Online reservations for library materials rose 36% to 1.1 million.
The County Library has also seen a jump in attendance at the free events held in its 33 branches and two bookmobiles. Overall, more than 18,000 programs were held system-wide, nearly 50 per day, and attendance was more than 388,000, up 36% over last year. The number of events for adults, and adult attendance, showed the sharpest rise, with more than 93,000 attending 5,970 programs, up 65% over the previous year. A special focus of the past year's events has been the economy, with programs on such topics as job and career planning, foreclosure prevention and managing finances.
Posted July 9, 2009
SAN DIEGO COUNTY LIBRARY WINS 'THE BIG READ' GRANT
Library Will Host County-wide Reading of 'The Grapes of Wrath'
The San Diego County Library has been awarded a prestigious The Big Read Grant of $20,000 to host a county-wide reading of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" between February 1 and March 13, 2010. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment of the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Arts Midwest designed to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. The program brings communities together to read, discuss and celebrate one of 30 selections from U.S. and world literature. A portion of the grant funds will be used to purchase multiple copies of the book to supplement the library collection.
"This national IMLS Big Read award recognizes that the County of San Diego is indeed a community of readers focused on literature such as the timeless 'Grapes of Wrath' selection," says County Library Director José Aponte. "Now more than ever our residents understand the value of literacy, education and historical context in our day-to-day challenges. To that end, we intend to be engaged in that dynamic process."
Aponte adds that "The Grapes of Wrath" was selected because it relates to the extraordinary economic circumstances faced by numerous communities that make up the County Library system with its 33 branches and two bookmobiles. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel takes place during the Great Depression. It follows the migration of an Oklahoma Dust Bowl family to California and traces their hardships as migrant farm workers. The book speaks to the real concerns of contemporary "Tom Joads" (Steinbeck's central character), struggling to keep families and homes together in the face of tough times.
The library will offer the reading program system-wide to the more than one million residents of its service area, along with a wide variety of accompanying events for all ages, including movie screenings, music performances, photo exhibits, housing and employment clinics, book discussion sessions, a commemoration of John Steinbeck's birthday, and more. The San Diego Repertory Theatre will hold a community reading of selected segments of The Grapes of Wrath by area artists, officials and youth.
Along with the San Diego Repertory Theatre, partners in The Big Read include the San Pasqual Academy, the Earl Warren Middle School and Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, the Housing Opportunities Collaborative, the San Diego Union-Tribune, the San Diego Automotive Museum and the Museum of San Diego History.
Posted July 7, 2009
COUNTY LIBRARY HOSTS SUMMER READING CLUBS & PROGRAMS
Summer Reading Clubs & Programs for all ages at every library branch
The San Diego County Library will launch its annual Summer Reading Clubs and Programs in June at its 33 branches and two mobile libraries. Children, teens, adults, and even babies, can spend the summer reading (and being read to) for pleasure and prizes. Participants can read books, magazines, graphic novels or even listen to audio books. Children and adults can "Be Creative @ Your Library" and for teens, the theme is "Express Yourself @ Your Library!" The program at most branches will begin in mid-June and continue until early August.
For kids and teens, the number of hours reading will count toward the goal. Adults will receive a Be Creative card with 35 squares that can be stamped for each County Library branch visited, each book read or listened to, and/or every event attended.
Each library branch has a schedule and guidelines. The annual Read for a Reason partnership with the Department of Animal Services, SNAP (Spray and Neuter Animal Project) and Hills Science Diet gives readers an opportunity to help feed pets for clients of the San Diego Food Bank and the Pet Food Bank. The Group Summer Reading Club offers a way for children to participate who are in group settings and can't get to a library.
For more information about Summer Reading, visit the Summer Reading Web Page. To view a listing of Summer Reading events, please check the online events calendar.
Video: Join the Summer Reading Club (YouTube)
Posted June 8, 2009