Every Story Counts

CLOSED: More to say? Tell us about why the library matters to you. Share your library story here.

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  Our favorite place

  by Celeste, 3 months ago
  Hi my name is Celeste, I have two kids ages 8 and 6. The library has been our favorite place to visit since my son was born. My husband and I started taking our kids since they were babies. The library is our favorite place to go. We go when we need a cool place in the summer, an outing when its raining. We go when we need a quiet place to do homework or a place to sing and dance when there are concerts. We have made crafts and played with puppies on weekday aftertoons to make our week... Continue reading

  Hi my name is Celeste, I have two kids ages 8 and 6. The library has been our favorite place to visit since my son was born. My husband and I started taking our kids since they were babies. The library is our favorite place to go. We go when we need a cool place in the summer, an outing when its raining. We go when we need a quiet place to do homework or a place to sing and dance when there are concerts. We have made crafts and played with puppies on weekday aftertoons to make our week extra special. We plan our summer activities around the summer reading program and events as we love all of the events. We like singing, dancing, seeing a magic show, animal shows, since shows and everything in between. We live in Fallbrook and go here the most but are often in Vista and San Marcos and also attend these two very often.
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  Crafting, crafting books, and DIY

  by Lauren G, 3 months ago
  I love learning new crafts and skills, and there is no better place to do this than the library. I have attended several of the adult craft sessions, which I thoroughly enjoy. I've come home from these with new ideas and creative concepts. Checking out books on crochet, sewing, cooking, and gardening is my favorite way to explore and look for my next DIY project. I appreciate the accessibility and selection of my local library.

  I love learning new crafts and skills, and there is no better place to do this than the library. I have attended several of the adult craft sessions, which I thoroughly enjoy. I've come home from these with new ideas and creative concepts. Checking out books on crochet, sewing, cooking, and gardening is my favorite way to explore and look for my next DIY project. I appreciate the accessibility and selection of my local library.
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  A Lifetime of Impact

  by Sue S., 3 months ago

  The library has always been there in the toughest of times, and no tougher than when I was a single mother with three kids, and homeless. Without getting into the heavy details, the library provided a safe space to my distraught family unit - it helped us feel normal when our circumstances were anything but. In this time, I was able to seek valuable resources that allowed us to receive lifesaving and life changing aid, allowed me to prepare for jobs, and allowed my children to play, read, and learn. The impact of this has stayed with us beyond our... Continue reading

  The library has always been there in the toughest of times, and no tougher than when I was a single mother with three kids, and homeless. Without getting into the heavy details, the library provided a safe space to my distraught family unit - it helped us feel normal when our circumstances were anything but. In this time, I was able to seek valuable resources that allowed us to receive lifesaving and life changing aid, allowed me to prepare for jobs, and allowed my children to play, read, and learn. The impact of this has stayed with us beyond our unfortunate circumstances.
  
  

  Now, my family and I are well and lifelong users of the library. Even now, in better circumstances, it has afforded us peace of mind and some much needed entertainment through books, movies, and more. My eldest daughter continues the impact through her work as a Library Specialist, providing support to those in need, the way we were provided support when we were in need. It has been a valuable study space for me and my children while in school, and a constant source of security and safety when we need it. The gratitude I feel for this institution can never be repaid, but I hope that it is felt in sharing this small part of my story.
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  Yesterday

  by Mike, 3 months ago
  I grew up in the 1950's in the College area (SDSU). In those days we did not have a library, but we did have a bookmobile. It showed up every Friday at the intersection of Adams Avenue (my street) and College Avenue. It was timed I think to arrive after school let out so it was there for a few hours after 2pm. All the neighborhood kids loved it. I would always take out a book or two and return them the following Friday. One neighbor girl would always check out 4-5 books and read them all before the following... Continue reading

  I grew up in the 1950's in the College area (SDSU). In those days we did not have a library, but we did have a bookmobile. It showed up every Friday at the intersection of Adams Avenue (my street) and College Avenue. It was timed I think to arrive after school let out so it was there for a few hours after 2pm. All the neighborhood kids loved it. I would always take out a book or two and return them the following Friday. One neighbor girl would always check out 4-5 books and read them all before the following Friday. Eventually the bookmobile was replaced in the 1960's, I believe with the College Heights library which was a huge upgrade. Very popular and very appreciated in our neighborhood. I drove by my old home a few years back and also by the library, which is now closed, I think. I really miss that time when things were a lot simpler and I was a lot younger. The Age of Innocence!
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  Listening to a native Spanish speaker read English

  by Sandy, 3 months ago
  About four years ago, I was trying to figure out a way to listen to a Spanish speaking 5th grader with suboptimal English language skills read books in English. She chose the series, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid". The student would check out the book from the El Cajon Public Library; I would check it out on line using my library card. Then, I would call her in the evening on the phone that belonged to her Mother or Father and would listen to her read. This worked better than I ever dreamed it would! She could read for 45... Continue reading

  About four years ago, I was trying to figure out a way to listen to a Spanish speaking 5th grader with suboptimal English language skills read books in English. She chose the series, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid". The student would check out the book from the El Cajon Public Library; I would check it out on line using my library card. Then, I would call her in the evening on the phone that belonged to her Mother or Father and would listen to her read. This worked better than I ever dreamed it would! She could read for 45 minutes to an hour about 2 or 3 times each week; I would listen, correct pronunciation, explain the meaning of words and we both laughed a lot over the situations. Because the student was not in a classroom, there was an ease with reading without worrying about other students making fun of her English. The ridiculous situations described by the protagonist really allowed a fun learning time for both of us. Her English pronunciation improved significantly and I learned why the tweens were so attracted to Jeff Kinney's books. Using this method allowed us to read more often than if I went to where she lived or I picked her up and brought her to my house. And, if I had a cold, we could still read, and she was not exposed to my virus. She read through the entire series. This was totally a win-win situation.
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  Limitless Books and Resources

  by Nicki S., 3 months ago

  Our weekly San Diego library visits were a highlight of my childhood.

  Now we are blessed with services like Link+, Circuit, and the Interlibrary Loan so we can borrow materials from all over the USA! In addition Ebooks, audio books, and digital magazines give everyone access to resources regardless of income or location.

  And it's all free.

  Thank you SDCL for improving our lives one book at a time.

  Our weekly San Diego library visits were a highlight of my childhood.

  Now we are blessed with services like Link+, Circuit, and the Interlibrary Loan so we can borrow materials from all over the USA! In addition Ebooks, audio books, and digital magazines give everyone access to resources regardless of income or location.

  And it's all free.

  Thank you SDCL for improving our lives one book at a time.
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  Reading for a lifetime

  by Frances Anne, 3 months ago
  I have had the good fortune to live on multiple continents and have had to endure the challenge and the successes of those opportunities. What a wonder it was to me as a young child to find that library books were available everywhere I lived. What a wonder it was to comprehend that where library books were available there would also be curiosity, kindness, peace (shh, its the library). Today the library is so much more than books, the range of media, learning and socialization that libraries afford is peerless in that all are welcome. I can learn a foreign... Continue reading

  I have had the good fortune to live on multiple continents and have had to endure the challenge and the successes of those opportunities. What a wonder it was to me as a young child to find that library books were available everywhere I lived. What a wonder it was to comprehend that where library books were available there would also be curiosity, kindness, peace (shh, its the library). Today the library is so much more than books, the range of media, learning and socialization that libraries afford is peerless in that all are welcome. I can learn a foreign language and I can read it too and grow my awareness that the differences that exist in the world are like colors that fills an artist work. They bring texture, variety and inspire our imaginations. Libraries make content available to all without concern for economic status, social status, skin color and, even, yes language. I am in awe and very grateful that this wonderful resource continues to be treasured and protected.
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  I Love Public Libraries

  by DeepStateBooks, 3 months ago

  I love public libraries. They are one of the few truly welcoming spaces where people can gather for free, without any expectation to purchase something. The library has been a lifesaver when it comes to printing services, printing is expensive nowadays, and I truly appreciate that the library offers affordable options.

  The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable. I regularly visit the Lemon Grove Library and participate in the book club. I love the conversations that books spark and hearing different perspectives. I have learned so much through book club and have made meaningful connections with others. Thank you for offering... Continue reading

  I love public libraries. They are one of the few truly welcoming spaces where people can gather for free, without any expectation to purchase something. The library has been a lifesaver when it comes to printing services, printing is expensive nowadays, and I truly appreciate that the library offers affordable options.

  The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable. I regularly visit the Lemon Grove Library and participate in the book club. I love the conversations that books spark and hearing different perspectives. I have learned so much through book club and have made meaningful connections with others. Thank you for offering such enriching programming and for being a welcoming space for all readers.
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  I love Libraries

  by Me, myself and I, 3 months ago
  I love libraries mainly for the books! I love the opportunities to meet new people, travel to far away places and stretch my imagination. I read mysteries, noir detectives, cozies, romance, cooking and travel books. I try new authors that I've read about in books, tried new recipes, and made an effort to talk to people from those places to confirm what books said about their hometown or country.( was it fact, fiction or just a prejudice?)

  I don't just read books I can touch and hold, I also read online books, check my email, and look for new recipes... Continue reading

  I love libraries mainly for the books! I love the opportunities to meet new people, travel to far away places and stretch my imagination. I read mysteries, noir detectives, cozies, romance, cooking and travel books. I try new authors that I've read about in books, tried new recipes, and made an effort to talk to people from those places to confirm what books said about their hometown or country.( was it fact, fiction or just a prejudice?)

  I don't just read books I can touch and hold, I also read online books, check my email, and look for new recipes while at the library. I play bingo, help friends study or do their homework. Learn new skills or crafts, like painting a self portrait, or a key dish. Just hang out in the air conditioning sometimes, sitting and putting a puzzle together. Librarians are some of my favorite people because they help me print stuff out, recommend new series, or help me jump start my car.

  
  

  
  
• Share The San Diego County Encinitas Research Staff Is Like a Team of Two Hundred on Facebook Share The San Diego County Encinitas Research Staff Is Like a Team of Two Hundred on Twitter Share The San Diego County Encinitas Research Staff Is Like a Team of Two Hundred on Linkedin Email The San Diego County Encinitas Research Staff Is Like a Team of Two Hundred link

  The San Diego County Encinitas Research Staff Is Like a Team of Two Hundred

  by Suzy Ryan, 3 months ago
  

  Once I decided to write Two Spies in Time, I needed primary sources to research the heroes of the American Revolution. These librarian saints cheerfully found every book, PDF, and even a college thesis I needed to write the time-travel historical fiction book. They even found a 1782 British soldier's perspective, his first-person journal of the Revolutionary War, when Benedict Arnold attempted to betray West Point and George Washington.

  
  

  Over the two years I researched, they provided twenty sources that were key to being knowledgeable enough to write the novel, from asking the question: What if the British had won... Continue reading

  Once I decided to write Two Spies in Time, I needed primary sources to research the heroes of the American Revolution. These librarian saints cheerfully found every book, PDF, and even a college thesis I needed to write the time-travel historical fiction book. They even found a 1782 British soldier's perspective, his first-person journal of the Revolutionary War, when Benedict Arnold attempted to betray West Point and George Washington.

  
  

  Over the two years I researched, they provided twenty sources that were key to being knowledgeable enough to write the novel, from asking the question: What if the British had won the war?

  
  

  What a joyful blessing the Encinitas San Diego County Library is to me. It was as if I had my own private research team without having pay them a penny. Hallelujah!

  TWO SPIES IN TIME Back Book Cover
  Welcome to 1780. The Continental dollar teeters on the brink of total collapse. In its fifth year, the Revolutionary War drags on, leaving citizens squabbling like siblings and backstabbing like enemies. Tensions among the colonists are at a breaking point. Many have lost heart, and some have switched sides.
  American war hero, Benedict Arnold, is among those planning to defect to the British. Preparing to betray West Point and General George Washington, Arnold must first rendezvous with his co-conspirator, Major John André, Adjutant General to the British Army.
  In a fortuitous turn of events, Spymaster John André finds himself stranded in American territory rather than, in one glorious stroke, winning the war for the British.
  But what if André had made it back to his warship, the Vulture, waiting on the Hudson River? Two Spies in Time explores that question.
  What if the British had won the war?
  Fast forward to 1980. HH, a first-year teacher, is suddenly transported from British Commonwealth Kansas to colonial New York City, where she meets the legendary spy Nathan Hale. He convinces her to join him on an impossible mission: help America win the War of Independence, a war it has already lost.