Monthly Friends Meeting, February 12

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 12, at 7:00 PM in the library's upstairs (purple) meeting room. Absolutely everyone is welcome to attend, including and especially current Friends, prospective Friends, and anyone who is interested in learning more!

Please contact Sheryll at 713-2709 for more information.

Learn What To Do When There's More Month Than Meals!

On January 28, the Tulare County Library will hold Cooking on the Fly, a presentation on what can be done when the pantry holds little but staples and there's no time or money to shop for food.

Canned goods, dry pasta or beans can be "spiced up" to provide a hearty and nutritious meal, and "improv cooking" can create some new and delicious dishes the whole family will enjoy.

Come to the Visalia branch of the Tulare County Library on Wednesday, January 28, at 6:30 pm for tips and tricks on how to cook with what's on hand.  Families are welcome!

This presentation is part of the ongoing Stretching the Food Dollar project at the library.  The series of programs is supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian, in partnership with the UC Co-Op Extension.   

For more information on Cooking on the Fly, or other Stretching the Food Dollar presentations, call the Visalia Reference Desk at (559) 713-2703.

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Family Reads! Book Club, January 17

Family Reads! Book Club

The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
Recommended for ages 8-12

Book Discussion: 

Saturday, January 17th at 2:00pm

Pick up your copies at the Children's Reference Desk 

at the Visalia Branch Library today!

First Tuesday Book Club Meeting, February 3

For February, we'll be reading I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven.

Summary: In a world that knows too well the anguish inherent in the clash of old ways and new lifestyles, Margaret Craven's classic and timeless story of a young man's journey into the Pacific Northwest is as relevant today as ever. Here amid the grandeur of British Columbia stands the village of Kingcome, a place of salmon runs and ancient totems - a village so steeped in time that, according to Kwakiutl legend, it was founded by two brothers left on earth after the great flood. Yet in this Eden of such natural beauty and richness, the old culture of totems and potlaches is under attack - slowly being replaced by a new culture of prefab houses and alcoholism. Into this world, where an entire generation of young people has become disenchanted and alienated from their heritage, Craven introduces Mark Brian, a young vicar sent to the small isolated parish by his church. This is Mark's journey of discovery - a journey that will teach him about life, death, and the transforming power of love. It is a journey that will resonate in the mind of readers long after the book is done. 

We will be meeting in the Visalia Branch Blue Room to discuss this book on February 3 from 6:30pm - 7:45pm.

Winter Weather Crafts for Children Offered at Tulare County Library Branches

With the cold outside, Tulare County kids can have indoor fun making crafts at the branch libraries!

 

The January crafts for each week are:

 

January 5 through 10 – Q-tip Snow Flakes

January 12 through 17 – Martin Luther King, Jr., Peace Dove

January 19 through 24 – Bells

January 26 through 31 – Chinese New Year Dragons and Drums

 

These crafts will be held at different times each week at the Alpaugh, Earlimart, Exeter, Ivanhoe, Lindsay, Orosi, Springville, Three Rivers, Tipton and Woodlake branch libraries.

 

For more information on days and times of the crafts at each individual branch, please go to:

Alpaugh                    (559) 949-8355
Earlimart                   (661) 849-2525

Exeter                       (559) 592-5361

Ivanhoe                     (559) 798-1264

Lindsay                      (559) 562-3021

Orosi                          (559) 591-5830

Springville                  (559) 539-2624
Three Rivers              (559) 561-4564

Tipton                         (559) 752-4236
Woodlake                   (559) 564-8424

 

Tulare County Library to Host Urban Art Kick Off Reception

A library tour of urban art pieces will begin with a reception on Wednesday, January 14, at the Visalia branch of the Tulare County Library.

 The works will be on display at the Visalia branch through January 21 and then will be featured at the Dinuba branch from January 21-28.  Following the Dinuba exhibit they will go to the county branch libraries in Woodlake, Exeter, Lindsay, Strathmore, Earlimart, and Pixley, as well as Porterville and Tulare city libraries.  The traveling show will finish up at Tulare County Government Plaza from April 8-15.

 

 The art consists of pieces created by California artists inspired by the Pro Youth HEART mission of reducing youth violence by giving children hope, opportunities and a safe place to be after school.  The Visalia library is located at 200 West Oak Street in Visalia.

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County Board of Supervisors Hires New County Librarian

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors has hired Darla Wegener of Signal Hill, California as the new County Librarian. Wegener replaces Interim County Librarian Mike Drake who was appointed to the position in November following the October 3 resignation of previous library director Jeff Scott.

Wegener will be relocating from Southern California to Tulare County for the position and has worked in library services for the past 14 years. She has served as a librarian for Santa Clara County and the City of Lincoln. Her most recent position as Library Manager was for the City of Long Beach.

"With her experience in the field, Ms. Wegener will bring significant knowledge to the County's library system," said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Steve Worthley. "Ms. Wegener will be a great asset and we look forward to having her be a part of our Tulare County family."

As County Librarian, Wegener will be responsible for all aspects of the Tulare County Public Library's programs and services, including the review and management of the library's $5 million annual budget. High on the list of program priorities is a commitment to maintaining and growing the "READ TO SUCCEED" Adult Literacy Program, which provides one-on-one tutoring services and conversation circles at the Literacy Center. The Librarian also directly supervises the Deputy County Librarian, Literacy Coordinator, Department Secretary, as well as indirectly supervises a library staff of 40 located at all 15 library branches.

"I am excited to be the next Tulare County Librarian," said Wegener. "The work the County and Library does with the community is exemplary and I plan to continue that work and do even more. I look forward to learning about Tulare County, the Library and the community."

Wegener earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles and a Master in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University.  She also holds a Certificate in Management/Supervision from Mission College in Santa Clara and a Certificate in Public Library Administration from the American Library Association/Allied Professional Association.

Wegener will start work with the County of Tulare on February 9 and will earn $110,000 annually.