Preschool Storytime and Toddler Time take a nap for the holidays!

Preschool Storytime and Toddler Time will be taking their yearly holiday naps for the next three weeks. We will resume on Tuesday, January 11th at 10AM with Toddler Time and Wednesday, January 12th at 10AM with Preschool Storytime.

Happy holidays!

Socrates Cafe, January 11

The next Socrates Cafe will be held on January 11 at 6:30pm in the library's "blue" room. Please join us for this free event. For more information, please call Judith Wood at (559) 713-2706.

Mystery Readers Meeting, January 19

The next Mystery Readers meeting will be held on January 19th at 6:30 pm in the Visalia Library's upstairs "blue" meeting room. This month we will discussing the book you received in last month's Yankee Swap (or one you got for the Holidays). For more information on the Mystery Readers, please visit the Friends' of the Library web page.

Friends of the Library Meeting, January 13

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 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.

Mystery Readers Meeting, December 15

The next Mystery Readers meeting will be held on December 15th at 6:30 pm in the Visalia Library's upstairs "blue" meeting room. There will be no book to read this month--instead, we will be playing the Yankee Swap game with books. To participate, please bring a gift wrapped book (a new or gently used paperback or hardcover) with no name on the package. The book you receive in the swap (or one you get for the Holidays) will be the book you'll discuss at January's meeting. For more information on this Yankee Swap is available here and on the Friends' web page.

Libraries Opening Late On December 17

The Visalia Library--and all its branches--will be opening late on December 17 due to a mandatory staff meeting.

The Visalia library will open at 2:00PM, and all the branch locations will open at 3:00PM.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Santa Visits Children at Literacy Center

Santa Claus made an early trip to the Visalia area last Friday to visit the children attending the Early Literacy for Families (ELF) program.

Santa, aka James Royall, came to the December 3 sessions and gave books as gifts to the eighty children in attendance. Santa was accompanied by Mrs. Claus, aka Carolyn Royall.

ELF is a monthly event designed to demonstrate to parents how to prepare their preschool children to learn to read in school. The facilitators use the six pre-reading skills identified by the Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library as necessary for reading achievement by young children. These skills are narrative, print motivation, phonological awareness, letter knowledge and print awareness.

The ELF program is sponsored by the Literacy Center of the Tulare County Library. For further information call 713-2745.

Friends of the Library Meeting, December 9

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 9, 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.

Wednesday, December 8th and 15th @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime!

Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays at our preschool story time every Wednesday @ 10AM. This week and next week we will celebrate the Holiday Season!

Tuesday, December 7th @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time!

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!

Library Hours For December & January

The Visalia Library, and all its branches, will be closed on the following days in December and January.


**All book-drops will be closed from December 23rd through December 28 and from December 31 through January 1**

December 23: Furlough Day
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 28: Furlough Day
December 31: Furlough Day
January 1: New Year's Day

Wednesday, December 1st @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime!

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

Tuesday, November 30th @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time!

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!

Mystery Readers Meeting, December 15

The next Mystery Readers meeting will be held on December 15th at 6:30 pm in the Visalia Library's upstairs "blue" meeting room. There will be no book to read this month--instead, we will be playing the Yankee Swap game with books. To participate, please bring a gift wrapped book (a new or gently used paperback or hardcover) with no name on the package. The book you receive in the swap (or one you get for the Holidays) will be the book you'll discuss at January's meeting.

First Tuesday Book Club, December 7

The First Tuesday Book Club will be meeting on December 7 at 6:30 pm in the blue meeting room. This month we will be reading The Moon is Down. This book club is just one of several ongoing free events planned for our adult library users. To see a complete schedule of events, please visit the library web site's Free Adult Programs page.

Tuesday, November 23rd @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time

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!

Libraries Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

The Tulare County Library, and all of its branches, will be closed November 24th due to mandated furloughs, and the 25th and 26th, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Wednesday, November 17th @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime - Thanksgiving!

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

Tuesday, November 16th @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time!

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!

Duffy Hudson Performs A Christmas Carol, December 2

The entire family is invited to a free performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol on December 2 at the Visalia Library. The performance, given by actor Duffy Hudson, will begin at 6:30 PM in the children's wing of the library. For more information, please contact Judith Wood at 713-2706.

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

Community Picks Book Club, November 23

"What Have You Read Recently?" Bring a book and share with other readers at our Community Picks Book Club on November 23 at 6:30 pm (in the purple meeting room, upstairs). For more information, please call Judith at 713- 2706.

This book club is just one of several ongoing free events planned for our adult library users. To see a complete schedule of events, please visit the library web site's Free Adult Programs page.

Independent Film Night, November 18th

The library will host a free showing of the independent film, Only When I Dance, on November 18th at 4:00pm in the upstairs "blue" room. This documentary is about Irlan and Isabela, two teenagers from Rio de Janeiro, who pursue their dreams to become professional ballet dancers. (This film is in Portuguese with English subtitles.)

Independent Film Night is just one of several ongoing, free events planned for our adult library users. To see a complete schedule of events, please visit the library web site's Free Adult Programs.

Libraries Closed on November 11

All libraries in the Tulare County Library system will be closed on Thursday, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day.

Wednesday, November 10th @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime

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

Tuesday, November 9th @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time

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!

Wednesday, November 3rd @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime

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

Tuesday, November 2nd @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time

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!

Community Picks Book Club, October 28

"What Have You Read Recently?" Bring a book and share with other readers at our Community Picks Book Club on October 28 at 4:00 pm (in the blue meeting room, upstairs). This book club is just one of several ongoing free events planned for our adult library users. To see a complete schedule of events, please visit the library web site's Free Adult Programs page.

Literacy Center's Holiday Gift Bazaar, November 13

The Tulare County Library READ TO SUCCEED Literacy Program will host its annual Holiday Gift Bazaar on November 13, 2010 from 9 am to noon. This is a great opportunity to do holiday shopping, while supporting the free literacy services offered at the Literacy Center, 417 North Locust Street in Visalia. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays as you shop for gifts, arts and crafts, holiday food specialties and other homemade treasures. Refreshments will be served! Call (559) 713-2745 for more information.

Wednesday, October 27th @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime - Autumn Harvest!

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

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

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!

Wednesday, October 20th @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime

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

Tuesday, October 19th @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time

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!

Literacy Advocate Award Presented to HHSA Employee

Felipa Vargas, HHSA Self Sufficiency Resource Specialist, was named the quarterly Literacy Advocate Award recipient today. Brian Lewis, County Librarian, made the presentation to Ms. Vargas on behalf of the Library’s Read to Succeed program. Ms. Vargas was chosen for the honor because she has referred and encouraged her clients to participate in the joint Health and Human Services/Literacy Center literacy project.

The Literacy Advocate Award spotlights HHSA staff members who have referred clients to the HHSA/Literacy Center program. These clients' reading, writing and mathematical skills are limited, making it difficult for them to find and keep employment. The joint venture is aimed at improving these basic skills so that learners are job ready when opportunities arise. The HHSA clients are assessed, then matched with literacy volunteers who provide one-on-one tutoring.

The award was conceived by Patricia Habeck, the Literacy Center Specialist, as a way of thanking and honoring those HHSA staff who encourage their clients to participate in the literacy program. Since the program’s inception, over 200 referrals have been made by counselors from the five TulareWORKS offices in the county.

In addition to Mr. Lewis and Ms. Habeck, Donna Ortiz, TulareWORKS Division Manager; Jackie Whitney, HHSA Visalia Office Unit Manager; Tessa Houston, Employment Services Program Specialist, and Win Doyle, Literacy Office Coordinator for the program, attended the ceremony.

Independent Film Night, October 21st

The library will host a free showing of the independent film, Welcome, on October 21st at 5:30pm in the upstairs "blue" room. Independent Film Night is just one of several ongoing, free events planned for our adult library users. To see a complete schedule of events, please visit the library web site's Free Adult Programs page.

Friends of the Library Meeting, October 14

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 14, 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.

Wednesday, October 13th @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime

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

Tuesday, October 12th @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time

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!

Socrates Cafe, October 12

The next Socrates Cafe will be held on October 12 at 6:30pm in the library's "blue" room. We will explore the question: "What is Democracy?" Please join us for this free event. For more information, please call Judith Wood at559-713-2706.

Oldies Dance Fundraiser a Great Success!

The Oldies Dance fundraiser held recently by the Library Literacy Center was a rousing success, according to Center Manager Patricia Habeck.

“We had great support from our sponsors, and I want to thank them publicly. Without the help of District 3 Supervisor Phil Cox, the Target Greatlands store, Costco Warehouse and Jail and Prison Ministries, we could not have hosted the event. The oldies car show put on by Classic Dreams, Brown Society and Lindsay’s Finest car clubs played a big role in drawing attendance at the dance. This event raised money for books and supplies for the Read To Succeed program and I am grateful for both our sponsors and the Tulare County community for their efforts.”

Wednesday, October 6th @ 10AM: Preschool Storytime

Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays at our preschool story time every Wednesday @ 10AM. This week we celebrate the authors Audrey & Don Wood!

Tuesday, October 5th @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time

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!

Libraries Opening Late on October 1

All branches of the Tulare County Library will open at 2:00 on October 1 due to morning staff meetings. The Visalia library will open at its regular time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Twilight Cooking Night at the Library, October 23

It will be "Love at First Bite" when cookbook author Gina Meyers demonstrates "Werewolf Chow" and blood red velvet cake from her latest books, Bite at Twilight and Twilight Trivia. This family-friendly event will be a howling good time! The event is Saturday, October 23, 7 p.m. is free and open to the public. The program takes place at the Visalia Branch Library, 200 W. Oak Avenue, Visalia. For details, contact Rodney at 713-2708.

ELF Book Club, October 1, 2010

A monthly Early Learning for Families (ELF) book club is held for children 0-5 years accompanied by parents or caregivers. Children listen to stories and songs, do a craft and receive the monthly book free. ELF is held at The Literacy Center, 417 N. Locust Street and is by reservation only.

The next ELF club will be held on October 1, 2010. We will be reading You Read to Me, I'll Read to You.

To sign up, please call 713-2745.

Wrestle Mania Reading Challenge!

The Tulare County Library and its branches are participating in the Wrestle Mania Reading Challenge! Tweens and teens between grades 5-12 are encouraged to enter and receive a chance to win a trip to Wrestle Mania 27! Check out wrestlemaniareadingchallenge.com or see the Children's Staff for more details and to pick up your pledge form.

Wednesday, September 29th @ 10AM: Preschool Time - Squirrels!

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

Tuesday, September 28th @ 10AM: Baby/Toddler Time

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!

Community Picks Book Club, September 30

"What Have You Read Recently?" Bring a book and share with other readers at our Community Picks Book Club on September 30 at 5:00 pm (in the blue meeting room, upstairs). This book club is just one of several ongoing free events planned for our adult library users. To see a complete schedule of events, please visit the library web site's Free Adult Programs page.

Friends of the Library Meeting, October 14

The Friends of the Tulare County Library will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 14, 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.