Tulare County Library News & Events

Friday, January 27th 2-5pm! Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2012-01-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie
@ 2pm: Disney's Pinocchio
@4pm: Monster's Inc.
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Kinect Sports! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno
Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

2012-01-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will hold their monthly meeting on Saturday, February 11 at 9 AM in the library's upstairs (blue) meeting room. Everyone is welcome to attend! Please contact Sheryll at 713-2709 for more information.

Friday, January 19th 2-5pm! Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2012-01-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie
@ 2pm: Disney's Bambi
@4pm: How To Train Your Dragon
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Kinect Sports! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno
Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Mystery Readers' Meeting, January 18

2012-01-11T11:16:00.001-08:00

The next Mystery Readers meeting will be held on January 18th at 6:30 pm in the Visalia Library's upstairs "blue" meeting room. This month we will discuss the book you received in last month's Yankee Swap (or one you received for the Holidays).

For more information on the Mystery Readers, please visit the Friends' of the Library web page.

Friday, January 13th 2-5pm! Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie
@ 2pm: Disney's Beauty and the Beast
@4pm:Disney's Dolphin Tale
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Kinect Sports! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno
Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Literacy Center Needs Volunteers, Schedules Training

2012-01-10T15:58:00.000-08:00

The Library Literacy Center will hold a training for prospective tutors on January 19, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The training is open to anyone interested in helping adults in need of reading, writing and mathematics skills. It will be held at The Literacy Center, 417 N. Locust Avenue, Visalia, CA. For further information and to sign up, please call 713-2745.

Learn How to Download eBooks, January 11

2012-01-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

Join us on January 11 (and every second Wednesday of the month) for a class on how to download the library's selection of eBooks and audiobooks. Instruction will be given on how to download these materials for each available format. The class is held from 6:30 to 7:30 in the computer lab at the Visalia Library.

Friends of the Library Meeting, January 12

2012-01-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 12, at 7 PM in the library's upstairs (blue) meeting room. Everyone is welcome to attend! Please contact Sheryll at 713-2709 for more information.

Springville Library Is 100-Years-Old!

2011-12-30T10:36:00.001-08:00

Come help us celebrate Springville Branch Library's 100th birthday on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 2:00 - 5:00 P.M. Entertainment will include George Pulling and Cheryl Cook, story tellers. Sylvia Ross will display Local Indian folklore materials. Local historians, Jeff Edwards and Virginia Radeleff and the Tule River Historical Society, will provide information, stories and materials on Springville's colorful history. Library and county department heads who have participated in Springville Branch Library's progression through the years will be attending. Refreshments will be served! Come join in the centennial celebration!

Free movie time continues all week in the Children's Wing of the Visalia Branch!!!

2011-12-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

Looking for free family friendly activities around town during winter break?
Come and enjoy more free movies all this week in the Children's Wing of the Visalia Branch Library!!!

Tuesday
@ 2pm: Finding Nemo
@ 4pm: Princess and the Frog

Wednesday
@ 2pm: Alvin and the Chipmunks
@ 4pm: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Thursday
@ 2pm:Ice Age in Blu-Ray
@ 4pm: Spy Kids 4 in Blu-Ray

Friday
@ 2pm: Disney's The Lion King in Blu-Ray
@ 4pm: Dolphin's Tale in Blu-Ray

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14.*

Wednesday, December 28th @10am- Preschool (ages 3-5) Storytime!

2011-12-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays at our preschool story time every Wednesday @ 10am.
Perfect for ages 3-5.

*No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2732
Posted by valerie

Independent Film Night, Janurary 19

2011-12-23T10:04:00.001-08:00

The independent film for January is Karen Cries on the Bus.

For more information, visit the Independent Film Movement Series page on the Library's web site.

Local Rotary Donates to Literacy Center

2011-12-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

The Visalia Breakfast Rotary Club has given five hundred dollars to the Tulare County Library Literacy Center

Sue Gillison, Literacy Program Manager, in thanking the Club said, “With a forty-one percent illiteracy rate in Tulare County, and statewide budget cuts for literacy programs, the financial support we receive from the Rotary is invaluable. Our tutors are volunteers, but they need books, supplemental materials and supplies to serve their learners well. We are most grateful that we have these funds to invest in the future of the adult learners in our county.”

The Breakfast Rotary made the gift as part of their Community Support Association program. The monies are earmarked for the adult literacy program of the Center. The Rotary Club has been an ongoing benefactor of the Tulare County Read to Succeed Program.

Free movie time all week in the Children's Wing of the Visalia Branch!!!

2011-12-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

Come and enjoy movies all this week in the Children's Wing of the Visalia Branch Library!!!

Tuesday@ 2pm: Smurfs 2011
@ 4pm: Kung Fu Panda 2

Wednesday@ 2pm: Mr. Popper's Penguins
@ 4pm: Kung Fu Panda 2

Thursday@ 2pm: 3 movies! Prep and Landing, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas and the Smurfs: A Christmas Carol.
@ 4pm: Smurfs 2011

Friday@ 2pm: 3 movies!!! Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town!
@ 4pm: Kung Fu Panda 2

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14.*

Wednesday, December 21st @ 10AM: Preschool (ages 3-5) Storytime!

2011-12-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays at our preschool (ages 3-5) storytime every Wednesday @ 10AM. This week we will celebrate the Holiday Season!

Libraries' Holiday Hours

2011-12-13T12:50:00.001-08:00

In addition to their regular days of closure, all libraries in the Tulare County Library system will also be closed on Saturday, December 24th in observance of the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays:

First Tuesday Book Club, February 7th

2011-12-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

The next "First Tuesday Book Club" will meet on February 7th at 6:30 pm in the blue meeting room.

January's selection is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

For more information on this title and to see a list of other library events, please visit the library web site's Library Programs page.

Friday, December 9th 2-5pm! Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-12-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

Libraries Opening Late, December 16

2011-12-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

All libraries in the Tulare County Library system (that are usually open on Fridays) will be opening late on Friday, December 16, due to a mandatory staff meeting. (Note: The Lindsay branch will be closed all day on the 16th.)

The Visalia Library will open at 1:00pm and all other branches will open at 2:00pm.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

2011-12-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

The Literacy Center's next ELF (Early Learning For Families) event will be held January 6, 2012. We will read Dooby Dooby Moo.

The Fratello Marionettes "North Pole Review"! Friday December 16th @6:30pm, Visalia Branch

2011-12-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

The Fratello Marionettes are coming back to the Visalia Branch Library for a special holiday show!!!

Friday December 16th @6:30pm
(30 minute show)
*free*

"Looking for a unique way to celebrate the holiday season? Join the fun with our puppet extravaganza, The North Pole Review! "
Join us for this holiday variety show showcasing the high kicking antics of the Russian Trepak Dancers, our graceful ice skater Crystal Chandelier, and features the dazzling acrobatic penguins.
See you there!

Three Christmas Movies This Friday, December 2nd 2-5pm! Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-11-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie @ 2pm:Beauty and The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (71 minutes)
@ 3:50pm: Triple feature! Ice Age Mammoth Christmas (25 minutes), Prep & Landing (22 minutes), and Beauty and The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (71 minutes)
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Kinect Sports! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno
Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Santa is Coming to Tulare County Library Branches

2011-11-30T16:19:00.001-08:00

Santa is coming to the Tulare County Library branches on the following days:

Woodlake: December 13 @ 3:30 pm

Strathmore: December 14 @ 3:30 pm

Orosi: December 15 @ 3:00 pm

Springville: December 15 @ 6:00 pm

Exeter: December 16 @ 2:00 pm

Tipton: December 16@ 4:30 pm

Dinuba: December 20 @ 3:30 pm

Three Rivers: December 20 @6:00 pm

Earlimart: December 21 @ 4:30 pm

Alpaugh: December 21 @2:00 pm

Ivanhoe: December 22 @ 2:30 pm

Lindsay: December 22 @ 6:00 pm

Call your local branch for more information.

These programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Tulare County Library.

Learn How to Download eBooks, December 14th

2011-11-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

Join us every second Wednesday of the month for a class on how to download the library's selection of eBooks and audiobooks. Instruction will be given on how to download these materials for each available format. The class will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 in the computer lab at the Visalia Library.

Literacy Center Gets Early Gift

2011-11-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

The Wells Fargo Foundation ensured holiday happiness for the Tulare County Library Literacy Center with a donation of $1250 to the program.

In receiving the funds, Sue Gillison, Literacy Program Manager, said, “Our tutors and learners depend on us to provide at no cost the materials they need for study. The budget constraints on our program have been a major concern for all literacy programs in California. Our Tulare County Library Literacy program is very fortunate to have this Wells Fargo Foundation Community Partners grant to aid our local literacy efforts. Wells Fargo truly gives back to its community.”

The Library Literacy Center has been serving the residents of Tulare County for over ten years. With a 41 percent illiteracy rate in the county, its services are vitally needed to make the Central Valley competitive in today’s economy.

Independent Film Night, December 15

2011-11-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

This month's film is The Piano in a Factory.

For more information, visit the Independent Film Movement Series page on the Library's web site.

Socrates Cafe, December 13

2011-11-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

Every second Tuesday of every month, the Visalia library will be hosting a Socrates Cafe at 6:30pm in the library's "blue" meeting room.

This month's topic: Colonizing out of this world: what do we take along?

Socrates Cafe is a gathering of people who--with the help of a facilitator--engage in lively conversation about philosophical questions, posing questions, listening to others, raising challenges, and considering alternative answers.

Please join us for this free and fun event!

First Tuesday Book Club, December 6

2011-11-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

The next "First Tuesday Book Club" will meet on December 6th at 6:30 pm in the blue meeting room.

This month we are reading I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallmann.

For more information on this title and to see a list of other library events, please visit the library web site's Free Adult Programs page.

2011-11-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 8, at 7 PM in the library's upstairs (blue) meeting room. Everyone is welcome to attend! Please contact Sheryll at 713-2709 for more information.

Libraries Closed, November 24th and 25th

2011-11-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

All libraries in the Tulare County Library System will be closed on November 24th and 25th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Friday, November 18th 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-11-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm
This week's movie:The Muppets Take Manhattan
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno
Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

ELF event, December 2

2011-11-16T12:37:00.001-08:00

The next ELF (Early Learning For Families) event will be held December 2. We will read Mooseltoe.

New Head of the Literacy Center Named

2011-11-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Sue Gillison has been named to lead the Tulare County Library Literacy Program, announced County Librarian Brian Lewis.

“Sue brings a wealth of literacy, community and educational experience to the Literacy Center,” said Mr. Lewis. “She is passionately dedicated to literacy excellence and to the educational welfare of our Tulare County residents. I am pleased and proud to have Sue as part of our Library family.”

A former tutor at the Literacy Center, Ms. Gillison also worked with the Literacy Volunteers of America during the time she lived in New York state. She was an adjunct professor at the College of the Sequoias and served for five years as a board member and president of the Eleanor Roosevelt Community Learning Center Charter School. Ms. Gillison is married and the mother of twin daughters.

“I am excited to be part of this team effort,” said Ms. Gillison. “It’s a privilege to serve this community.”

Ms. Gillison succeeds Patricia Habeck, who retired November 4, after eleven years as the Library Programs and Literacy Specialist.

AAUW Gift Benefits Literacy Center

2011-11-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

The Visalia Sequoia Chapter of the American Association of University Women donated $750 to the Library Literacy Center recently. Presenting the check to retiring program manager Patricia Habeck were Vicki Setzer, Jan Johnson and Dona Meinhardt of AAUW.

The funds are earmarked for the purchase of General Educational Development Test books for Literacy Center learners. Thirty-nine of the Literacy Center customers are currently in the process of obtaining their GED’s, and books in five different subjects are needed for each student. Recent governmental budget cuts for library literacy programs have made donations from community organizations increasingly necessary for purchasing needed materials for learners.

AAUW is a nationwide organization of college educated women dedicated to equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. November is National AAUW month and marks the 130th anniversary of the group.

Library Branches Opening Late, November 4th

2011-11-04T08:51:00.001-07:00

All Tulare County library branches (that are normally open on Fridays) will be closed until 2:00 PM on November 4th due to a mandatory staff meeting in Visalia. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Independent Film Night, November 17

2011-11-03T09:55:00.001-07:00

This month's film: PROTEKTOR

1938, Prague. Emil, a radio reporter, is married to the beautiful Hana, an actress whose new film has catapulted her into fame. As the Nazis come to power, however, Hana's Jewish heritage precipitates her fall from stardom to the bottom of the social ladder. In order to protect her, Emil compromises himself collaborating with the new Nazi-controlled state radio station. But as Emil starts enjoying the attention and respect that had previously evaded him, his fidelity and loyalty towards his wife begin to falter. The assassination of the Third Reich Deputy Protector and a chance encounter on a bicycle bring their lingering marriage to a crisis, possibly sealing Hana's fate.

Czech Republic | 2009 | Drama-Thriller | in Czech w/ English subtitles

Friends of the Library Meeting, November 10

2011-11-03T09:51:00.001-07:00

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, November 10, at 7 PM in the library's upstairs (blue) meeting room. Everyone is welcome to attend! Please contact Sheryll Strachan at 713-2709 for more information.

Mystery Readers' Meeting, November 16

2011-11-03T09:49:00.001-07:00

The next Mystery Readers' Meeting will be held on November 16 at 6:30pm at the Visalia Library (upstairs, in the "blue" meeting room).

For November, read any Culinary Case.

For more information, please contact Sheryll at 713-2709.

Socrates Cafe, November 8

2011-11-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Every second Tuesday of every month, the Visalia library will be hosting a Socrates Cafe at 6:30pm in the library's "blue" meeting room.

Socrates Cafe is a gathering of people who--with the help of a facilitator--engage in lively conversation about philosophical questions, posing questions, listening to others, raising challenges, and considering alternative answers.
This month's discussion topic: The Influence of the Media

Please join us for this free and fun event!

Long Time Leader of Library Literacy Center to Retire

2011-11-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

Retiring head of the Tulare County Library Literacy Center, Patricia Habeck, was honored today by the Board of Supervisors for her years of dedication and commitment in establishing and directing the library literacy program. Supervisor Phil Cox presented Mrs. Habeck with a proclamation citing her leadership in local, state and national library literacy services.

Mrs. Habeck, who started the program in 2000 under County Librarian Brian Lewis, has led the Read to Succeed program for eleven years. During that time, over 1200 adults with literacy needs have been served throughout Tulare County. Beginning in one room in the library, with 3 tutors for 6 learners, the program now has 110 tutors and a variety of activities to serve the differing requirements of the county’s population.

Under Mrs. Habeck’s aegis, the Literacy Center has added two Early Literacy activities for parents and children, English Speakers of Other Languages Conversation Circles, a Transition Team study series for customers ready to enter the work force as well as a number of special projects. One of these projects is the ongoing partnership with the county Health and Human Services Agency that serves TulareWORKS referrals to the literacy program.

All of the supervisors praised Mrs. Habeck for her devotion to helping these disadvantaged residents and for her leadership in literacy in Tulare County. Commenting on her retirement, the proclamation stated that, “Pat will be able to enjoy her avocations, which include spending time with her dogs, cooking and baking German food, and dreaming up stories about mythical animals.”

Friday, November 4th 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-11-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

This week's movie:Disney's Cars 2(in Blu-ray)
Animated Feature
Voices by: Owen Wilson,
Michael Caine, Jason Issacs
Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation;
Directed by Brad Lewis and John Lasseter
Rated G; 113 minutes; 2011

"Star racecar Lightning McQueen, and the incomparable tow truck, Mater, take their friendship to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world."

Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Volunteers "Make-A-Difference" at the Library

2011-10-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Library, once again, has been cleaned, dusted, and polished. The miles of shelves and tables shine, the windows sparkle, and outside, our vines are tied up, and the entrances and the children’s courtyard have been cleaned. The Valley dust, spider webs, and sticky finger prints were vanquished again on Make-A-Difference Day, October 22nd .

The library staff would like to thank project leaders Michelle and Mike Burns for all of their organization and planning, equipment, and hard work. And a big thank you to the delightful and hard working crew of volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who gave their time and energy. They definitely made a difference!

Learn How to Download eBooks, November 9th

2011-10-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

National Novel Writing Month Events Planned For November

2011-10-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted to write the Great American Novel? What’s keeping you from your dream?National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) begins at 12:01 am November 1st, 2011. NaNoWriMo began in 1999 and encourages people to complete a 50,000 word novel in just thirty days. Several books that were begun during NaNoWriMo have been published and include Water for Elephants and Flying Changes by Sara Gruen, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

The Visalia Branch of the Tulare County Library we will be hosting several NaNoWriMo events in the library’s Blue Room. Events scheduled:

November 1, 2 pm-6 pm
November 5, 9:30 am-4:30 pm
November 9, 12 noon to 7 pm
November 17, 10 am-3 pm
November 19, 9:30 am-4:30 pm
November 22, 3 pm-7:30 pm
November 30, 3 pm-7:30 pm

Just bring your pens or pencils and paper or a laptop and we will supply the tables, chairs, power source for the laptops and coffee with snacks.

Open House Events In Ivanhoe & Earlimart

2011-10-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Join us for our Open House Events at the Ivanhoe and Earlimart Libraries in November.

The Ivanhoe Open House will be on November 2 at 3:00

The Earlimart Open House will be on November 3 at 4:00

Wednesday, October 26th @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime - Autumn Harvest!

2011-10-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays at our preschool story time every Wednesday @ 10AM. This week we celebrate autumn harvest!

Winnie the Pooh Official Trailer

2011-10-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 28th 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-10-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm
This week's movie:Disney's Winnie the Pooh (in Blu-ray)
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Mystery Readers' Meeting, November 16

2011-10-21T09:22:00.001-07:00

Friday, October 21st 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-10-18T16:59:00.001-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Spooky Buddies starts @ 2pm & 4pm
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown starts @ 1:25 and 3:30. This week's movies: Spooky Buddies AND It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Mystery Readers' Meeting, October 19

2011-10-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

The next Mystery Readers' Meeting will be held on October 19 at 6:30pm at the Visalia Library (upstairs, in the "blue" meeting room).

This month's theme is "Love Those P.I.s"

For more information, please call Sheryll at 713-2709.

Friday, October 14th 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-10-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm
This week's movie: Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

"Get ready to score extra thrill points and mega-laughs with this irresistible family comedy based on the best-selling book series! Feisty, fearless Judy Moody is looking forward to the most super-duper, double-rare summer vacation ever. The trouble is, her parents are called out of town and her BFFs are going away with their own families. That leaves Judy trapped at home with her pesky brother Stink under the watchful eye of Aunt Opal (Heather Graham). But with a little playful planning - and a lot of imagination - Judy turns a snoresville summer into the way-not-boring adventure of a lifetime!"

Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

The Dinuba Library, eBooks, and Our Newest Librarian!

2011-10-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

Click the link, below, to read a great Dinuba Sentinel article about the Dinuba Library, eBooks, and the Tulare County Library system's newest librarian!

"Library Checkout Goes Digital" article

Ivanhoe & Earlimart Branches Have Reopened!

2011-10-06T15:30:00.001-07:00

The Ivanhoe and Earlimart branch libraries have reopened. We hope you enjoy both of these newly-remodeled libraries.

Wednesdays @10am--Preschool Storytime

2011-10-04T16:28:00.001-07:00

Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays at our preschool story time every Wednesday @ 10AM.

*No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2732

Kindle Comes to the Library

2011-10-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce that the library's Overdrive service will now provide Kindle compatible eBooks. The wait is now over. If you have any e-reading device from Sony, Nook or Kindle, the library has an e-book for you.

Friday, October 7th 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-10-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm
This week's movie: Disney's The Lion King in Blu-ray
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Learn How to Download eBooks, October 5

2011-09-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Join us on October 5 for a class on how to download the library's selection of eBooks and audiobooks. Instruction will be given on how to download these materials for each available format. The class will be held from 6:30 to 7:45 in the computer lab at the Visalia Library.

Friday, Sept. 30th 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-09-27T16:31:00.001-07:00

Ivanhoe & Earlimart Branches to Reopen Soon

2011-09-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Ivanhoe branch library will reopen on September 29, and the Earlimart branch library will reopen on October 4th. We hope you enjoy both of these newly-remodeled libraries

Friday, Sept. 23rd 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!!!

2011-09-21T13:55:00.001-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm

Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm
This week's movie: THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX
Rated G; 93 minutes; 2008

Little Despereaux the mouse is born tiny, wheezy and with comically oversized ears and is very different from his family. His love for a princess leads him on adventures which involve him with an unhappy rat who schemes to leave the darkness of his dungeon and a bumbling servant girl with cauliflower ears in this beautifully crafted animated film.

Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:

Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Spaces Available for Grant Writing Seminar

2011-09-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Professional Grant Writing Class, facilitated by Changing Career Concepts on October 1, 2011, has a few spaces still available. Cost of the course is $79.00, and all proceeds will be donated to the Tulare County Library Literacy Programs by the facilitator. The workshop will be held from 8 am until 3 pm, with a 30-minute lunch recess. Only two more participants will be accepted, and payment is required in advance at the time of sign up. Call Pat at 713-2745 for more information.

Friends of the Library Meeting, October 13

2011-09-17T10:22:00.001-07:00

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 13, at 7 PM, in the library's upstairs (blue) meeting room. Everyone is welcome to attend! Please contact Sheryll Strachan at 713-2709 for more information.

Tickets For Literacy Center's Walking Tour Available at the Event

2011-09-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Tickets will be available at the Practically Preposterous Walking Tour of scenes from the flood of 1862 on September 23. Tours will be held at 4, 5 and 6 pm, and cost of the tickets is $15.

For further information, call the Literacy Center at 713-2745.

Library Branches Opening Late, September 16

2011-09-15T17:16:00.001-07:00

All Tulare County library branches (that are normally open on Fridays) will be closed until 2:00 PM on September 16th due to a mandatory staff meeting in Visalia. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Friday, Sept. 16th 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library! Movies! XBox 360 Kinect Fun! Games!!!

2011-09-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm

Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm in homework room This week's movie: The Rescuers
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Rescuers
Walt Disney
Rated G; 77 minutes

Walt Disney's full-length animated feature, THE RESCUERS, combines comedy, drama and sheer excitement into one grand movie-going experience for the whole family. Two mice, Bernard and Bianca, members of the world's only international mice squad, set out to save a kidnapped orphan named Penny from the clutches of the villainous Madame Medusa, who needs the little girl to help find a priceless diamond. There's alligators, swamp critters and evil villains to overcome in this spellbinding tale of treasures and escapes and near misses and ultimately, of rescues."

Kinect game of the day: Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:

Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Why Are There No Adobe Buildings in Visalia?

2011-09-14T11:42:00.001-07:00

Until 1862, Visalia, like many other California towns, had adobe buildings. In that year, however, Linkthe greatest flood in the state’s history washed them away.

An account by Paschal Bequette, a Visalia resident of the time, details the melting of the adobe structures and the cascading effects this had on Visalia’s citizens. One stop on a walking tour fundraiser sponsored by The Literacy Center on September 23 will feature volunteers taking on the roles of Paschal and other Visalians affected by the destruction of the adobes. Other stops on the tour highlight similar dramatic events caused by the flood.

Sessions of the ‘Practically Preposterous’ Walking Tour will begin at 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm on September 23. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at The Literacy Center, 417 N. Locust Street, Visalia, CA. The deadline for ticket sales is September 16 and no tickets will be sold at the event. For further information, call The Literacy Center at 713-2745. Come take a walk and find out facts and fantasies about a major event in California history!

Friends of the Library Book Sale, September 24

2011-09-09T13:52:00.001-07:00

The BIG Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held on September 24th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 pm on the north/east lawn, near Locust St. Come and see our great selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. We will also have a large selection of videos and books-on-tape for sale.

For more information, please call Sheryll Strachan at 713-2709

A Flood In Visalia? Preposterous!

2011-09-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Tulare County Library Literacy Center will feature historical events in old town Visalia that occurred during the 1862 flood for the Center’s annual fundraiser September 23.

‘Practically Preposterous’ hour-long walking tours will be held at 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm, with Center volunteers playing the roles of survivors of the catastrophe. The flood, the worst in California history, has been called the ‘Noachian Deluge’ because rain fell on the state for nearly forty days. The estimated 50 inches of precipitation turned the Central Valley into an inland sea and reached heights of three to four feet in Visalia. The newspaper of the day, the Visalia Weekly Delta, stated, “Blessed is he who lives in a wooden house, for he has the material for a boat.”

Tickets for the tours are $15 per person and can be purchased at The Literacy Center, 417 N. Locust Street in Visalia. Deadline for ticket purchase is September 16 and no tickets will be sold at the event. For more information, call 713-2745.

First Tuesday Book Club, October 4

2011-09-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

The next "First Tuesday Book Club" will meet on October 4 at 6:30 pm in the blue meeting room.

This month we are reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.

AND

Out of the Fields : My Journey from Farmworker Boy to Pediatrician by Ramon Resa.

For more information on this title and to see a list of other library events, please visit the library web site's Free Adult Programs page.

Professional Grant Writing Seminar Scheduled

2011-09-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Tulare County Library Literacy Programs will again offer a Professional Grant Writing Class, facilitated by Changing Career Concepts, on October 1, 2011, from 8 am to 3 pm with a 30 minute lunch break. Cost of this training is $79.00 - all of which will be donated to the Tulare County Library Literacy Programs by the facilitator. Attendance is limited to 10 people and payment is required in advance at the time of sign up. Call Pat at 713-2745 for more information.

Friday, Sept. 9th 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library! Movies! XBox 360 Kinect Fun! Games!!!

2011-09-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!

Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm

Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm in homework room This week's movie: A Bug's Life!
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)
Kinect game of the day: Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:

Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Wednesday, September 7th @10am- Preschool Storytime is Back!

2011-09-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

Preschool Storytime is back! woo-hoo!!!

Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays at our preschool story time every Wednesday @ 10AM.

Tuesday, September 6th @10am -Baby/Toddler Time is back!

2011-09-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday at 10AM, we will have a special time for babies (ages 0-2) to play and interact with one another while building early literacy skills!

We're On Facebook!

2011-09-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Like us on Facebook to find out about upcoming events and programs at all 15 of the Tulare County Library Branches.

Follow Us On Twitter!

2011-09-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

Follow us on Twitter to find out about upcoming events and programs at all 15 of the Tulare County Library Branches.

We tweet under "@tularecountylib"

Friends of the Library Book Sale, Sept. 24

2011-08-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Literacy Center Hours

2011-08-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

The Literacy Center will be closed on Monday, September 5, in observance of the Labor Day Holiday. They will re-open on September 6, when their Winter office-hour schedule begins:

Monday - Thursday: 7am to 5pm
Friday: 8am to noon.

Walking Tour of Visalia, September 23

2011-08-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Mary Brown and daughter (played by Sally May and granddaughter, Isobel) survived the flood of 1862.

Women and Children First!

In 1862, Mary Brown, her two-week-old daughter, her sister Charlotte Dineley and her three week-old daughter floated around Charlotte’s back yard on a carpenter’s bench.

This was not a play date for the children. The mothers and babies were waiting for rescue from the rising flood waters of what is the worst flood in California history.

Learn what then happened to the sisters and their daughters at the Practically Preposterous Walking Tour sponsored by the Tulare County Library Literacy Center on September 23. Three hour-long sessions are scheduled, one each at 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm. Six stops will be made in the old Visalia downtown area, with volunteers acting the parts of Visalians affected by the flood.

The tour is a fundraiser for the Read to Succeed Literacy program. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at The Literacy Center, 417 N. Locust Street, in Visalia until September 16. No tickets will be sold at the event. For further information, call 713-2745.

Friday, Sept. 2nd 2-5pm: Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library! Movies! XBox 360 Kinect Fun! Games!!!

2011-08-30T10:37:00.001-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!

Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming, movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm

Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm in homework room This week's movie: Pippi Longstocking!
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)
Kinect game of the day: Kinect Adventures! 3-5pm
(Kinect is for ages 6-13)
Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:

Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14. *No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Socrates Cafe, September 13

2011-08-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Every second Tuesday of every month, the Visalia library will be hosting a Socrates Cafe at 6:30pm in the library's "blue" meeting room.

Socrates Cafe is a gathering of people who--with the help of a facilitator--engage in lively conversation about philosophical questions, posing questions, listening to others, raising challenges, and considering alternative answers.

This month's discussion question: Socrates says: Happy? Me? Not yet.

Please join us for this free and fun event!

Friday, August 26th- Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!

2011-08-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm in homework room
This week's movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno,

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch

*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14.
*No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2732

"First Tuesday Book Club" Meets, September 6

2011-08-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

The next "First Tuesday Book Club" will meet on September 6 at 6:30 pm in the blue meeting room.

This month we are reading Lake With No Name by Diane Wei Liang.

For more information on this title and to see a list of other library events, please visit the library web site's Free Adult Programs page.

Meet Local Author, Dr. Ramon Resa

2011-08-19T12:31:00.001-07:00

Join us for an evening with local author, Dr. Ramon Resa, on September 10th at 7:00pm, at the Visalia Library. Dr. Resa is the author of the book Out of the Fields: My Journey from Farmworker Boy to Pediatrician.

For more information, please contact Sheryll Strachan at 713-2709.

English Speakers of Other Languages Conversation Circle to Meet In Visalia

2011-08-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

The Library Literacy Center will hold an English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Conversation Circle here in Visalia. This club will offer a very small group of English Language learners the opportunity to meet once a week and speak English while learning proper pronunciation, writing and grammar.

Only the first EIGHT people who call the Literacy Center at 713-2745 will be accepted. The first meeting will be Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at the Literacy Center. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED before attendance.

Literacy Center's Walking Tour of Visalia to Feature Flood

2011-08-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

The first stop on the Practically Preposterous Walking Tour fundraiser sponsored by the Literacy Center on September 23 will feature the historic Visalians, Samuel and Charlotte Dineley. Married less than a year, the Dineley’s moved into their new home on the site of the Literacy Center and then survived the worst flood in California history.

This natural catastrophe resulted from heavy rainfall during December of 1861 and January 1862. An estimated 50 inches of rain fell during that period and put the state underwater from Sacramento to Los Angeles.

The tour, sponsored by The Literacy Center of the Tulare County Library, will start at the Center, and progress to five more locations mentioned in narratives of the time. Volunteers playing the roles of historical Visalians, including the Dineleys, will be at each stop to recount their experiences during the flood.

There will be three hour-long tours, at 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm. The event is a fundraiser for The Literacy Center and the $15 donation per person goes to provide books and supplies for the Read to Succeed literacy program. Deadline for ticket purchase is September 16; no tickets will be sold at the event. For more information, call 713-2745.

Friday, August 19th- Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!

2011-08-17T11:03:00.001-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm in homework room
This week's movie:Mars Needs Moms
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno,

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch

*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14.
*No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2732

Independent Film Night, August 18

2011-08-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

The library will host a free showing of the independent film, If I Want to Whistle , I Whistle, on August 18 at 6:00pm in the upstairs "blue" room.

Visit the Independent Film Movement Series page on our web site for more information.

Mystery Readers' Meeting, August 17

2011-08-16T13:23:00.001-07:00

The next Mystery Readers' Meeting will be held on August 17 at 6:30pm at the Visalia Library (upstairs, in the "blue" meeting room).

This month's theme is: History Mysteries. For a reading list of suggested authors and titles, please visit the Friends of the Library web page.

Library Branches Opening Late, August 12

2011-08-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

All Tulare County library branches (that are normally open on Fridays) will be closed until 2:00 PM on August 12th due to a mandatory staff meeting in Visalia. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Friday, August 12th- Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!

2011-08-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for movies and over 15 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm in homework room
This week's movie: Toy Story 3
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)

Board Games available to play in Children's Wing:
Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno,

Cost: Free!!!
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch

*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14.
*No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2732

Socrates Cafe, August 9

2011-08-03T16:30:00.001-07:00

Every second Tuesday of every month, the Visalia library will be hosting a Socrates Cafe* at 6:30pm in the library's "blue" meeting room.

The discussion topic for July 12 will be:

Cooperation -- Why can't we all just get along?

Please join us for this free and fun event!

*Socrates Cafe is a gathering of people who--with the help of a facilitator--engage in lively conversation about philosophical questions, posing questions, listening to others, raising challenges, and considering alternative answers.

Thursday, August 4th @11am & 3PM-Children's Summer Reading Program- Boswick The Clown!

2011-08-02T11:31:00.001-07:00

Thursday, August 4th @11am & 3pm Bay Area Performing Artist Boswick the Clown!

About Boswick...

Clown College Graduate
Boswick the Clown attended the world famous Ringling Brothers Clown College. Each year 5,000 people auditioned only 50 get accepted. Out of the 50... 16 go on to perform in the Ringling Brothers Circus -- Boswick among them! Other famous Clown College Alumni include Penn Gillette of Penn and Teller and Bill Irwin (a.k.a. Mr. Noodle from "Sesame Street."

On TV
Boswick is a television star! He's run amok in commercials for the Yellow Pages, HandSpring, Nissan, The Examiner, BMW, and Chevrolet. He's also been featured on "Entertainment Tonight," "Inside Edition," a CBS "Clown College Celebration Special," and "Evening Magazine." He's also the star of a music video for the band The Two Gallants ("Despite What You've Been Told") and has a role in the movie "Milk" with Sean Penn.

Magically Speaking
Boswick is also an award-winning magician, taking second place in the San Francisco Conjurers Competition.

Friday, August 5th 2-5pm-- Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!

2011-08-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free movies and over 18 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm in the Children's Wing
When: Every Friday 2pm-5pm
This week's movie: 2pm &4pm- Rio
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch

Board Games available to play in Children's Wing: Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!

*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14.*No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

Preschool Storytime and Toddler Time will be taking naps in August

2011-08-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

Preschool Storytime and Toddler Time will be taking their yearly naps in August. We will resume on Tuesday, September 6th at 10am with Toddler Time and Wednesday, September 7th at 10am with Preschool Storytime.

ZZZzzzzz...

Friday, July 29th 1:30-5pm-- Family Fun Fridays @ the Visalia Library!

2011-07-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Family Fun @ the Visalia Library!!!
Join us every Friday for free Kinect gaming (for ages 6-12), movies and over 18 board games that families can enjoy playing together!

Movie starts @ 2pm & 4pm in the Children's Wing
When: Every Friday 1:30pm-5pm
This week's movie: 2pm &4pm- Princess and the Frog
(children might want to bring pillows or something comfortable to rest on during the movie.)
Who: Children, teens and parents (adults must be with a child in order to attend this program)
Where: The Children's Wing of the Tulare County Library Visalia Branch

Board Games available to play in Children's Wing: Candy Land, Chess, Checkers and Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect 4, Dominoes, Go Fish card game, Hi Ho Cherry-O, Memory, Regular playing cards, Scrabble, Sorry!, Uno

Cost: Free!!!

*Parents must stay with children under the age of 14.*No group or daycare visits are allowed during our program times.Please call in advance to schedule a group visit.For further information or to schedule a group visit, call the Children's Dept. 713.2731

July 28th 11am &3pm - Dan Chan the Magic Man and Kat the Acrobat

2011-07-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Dan Chan the Magic Man
Dan Chan has been hailed "an intense, three-ring circus rolled into one man" by audiences worldwide. With over ten years of experience, Dan has performed for thousands of corporations including Google, Intel, Oracle, IBM, Yahoo, Cisco and Charles Schwab. He has made multiple television appearances on ABC, CBS, NBC, AFN and MTV. In fact, when 187 billionaires, media moguls, and socialites convened in Sun Valley Idaho for Allen and Company's annual gathering, they chose Dan.

His unique skills featuring illusions, escapes, juggling, acrobatics, pick pocketing and the death defying bullet catch has garnered performances in Las Vegas, Japan, Mexico, Washington D.C., and most recently at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Dan is also one of the few performers in the US who performs the ancient Chinese Art, Change of Face.

Dan is an award winning magician, and has been awarded numerous awards throughout the years, including San Jose Magician of the Year, Oakland Magician of the Year, and Bay Area Magician of the Year.

Wednesday, July 27th @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime!

2011-07-23T16:15:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, July 26th @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time!

2011-07-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday at 10am, we will have a special time for babies (0-2) to play and interact with one another while building literacy skills!

Latina Book Club Meets Aug. 9, 16, 23 & 30

2011-07-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

The Latina Book Club will meet at the Visalia Library on 4 consecutive Tuesdays, beginning August 9th. The club will meet in the libary's upstairs, blue meeting room. For more information, please contact the League at (559) 635-2464 ‎.

This event is sponsored by the Tulare County Friends of the Library.