Every Story Counts

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

• Share When Fiction Saves the Day on Facebook Share When Fiction Saves the Day on Twitter Share When Fiction Saves the Day on Linkedin Email When Fiction Saves the Day link

  When Fiction Saves the Day

  by Sharon, 3 months ago
  Yes, I care about the welfare of "the world" -- about the planet's health, the state of the nation's political debacles, the counties beleaguered by ICE and the regions reeling from snow and ice, as well as the individuals handling their own and loved one's mental and physical health. And, sometimes, underneath the coatings of environmental haze, governments' ugly disputes, armed hooligans, outrageous storm outings, and poverty of food and housing, I want no more of reality. I turn to the county library, a beacon of refuge and enlightenment which draws me into the Fiction sections. Needing a break from... Continue reading

  Yes, I care about the welfare of "the world" -- about the planet's health, the state of the nation's political debacles, the counties beleaguered by ICE and the regions reeling from snow and ice, as well as the individuals handling their own and loved one's mental and physical health. And, sometimes, underneath the coatings of environmental haze, governments' ugly disputes, armed hooligans, outrageous storm outings, and poverty of food and housing, I want no more of reality. I turn to the county library, a beacon of refuge and enlightenment which draws me into the Fiction sections. Needing a break from non-fiction in the beleaguered "real" world, I find row after row of stories. Some are brand new, shelved fetchingly; some oldies that settled in with me in a comfortable lounge chair. There I'm in fiction heaven for a hour or so, a saving grace with no shame for me in escaping another news from the real world. Thank you librarians and patrons who loving support the supportive system.
• Share Like having a warm, caring neighbor that enriches my life on Facebook Share Like having a warm, caring neighbor that enriches my life on Twitter Share Like having a warm, caring neighbor that enriches my life on Linkedin Email Like having a warm, caring neighbor that enriches my life link

  Like having a warm, caring neighbor that enriches my life

  by Pwans, 3 months ago

  Hi. My name is Paula and I most often use the beautiful Alpine branch.

  During the early days of the Covid pandemic, when everything felt so uncertain and isolating, I found comfort in a simple yet powerful gift from my library: the ability to keep books and movies checked out for extended periods of time. They also stopped charging overdue fees, and I noticed that more books were becoming available in digital format. The library opened back up as soon as they could and staff were there to help, even before the public could go back inside. Curbside pickup was... Continue reading

  Hi. My name is Paula and I most often use the beautiful Alpine branch.

  During the early days of the Covid pandemic, when everything felt so uncertain and isolating, I found comfort in a simple yet powerful gift from my library: the ability to keep books and movies checked out for extended periods of time. They also stopped charging overdue fees, and I noticed that more books were becoming available in digital format. The library opened back up as soon as they could and staff were there to help, even before the public could go back inside. Curbside pickup was offered. All of these kind services were more than just practical gestures; it felt like the library was wrapping the community in a warm, caring embrace, offering something we could all rely upon in the chaos... like we were all in this together.

  Also, as someone on a limited income, the library has always been one of the few community resources that feels like they're really taking care of me... like a very kind friend who is always there to let me borrow a book or a DVD. The library feels like a nurturing presence in my life, quietly supporting me whenever I need it.

  I’m deeply grateful for having the public library in my community. It's like having a warm, caring neighbor that enriches my life. I am filled with gratitude. Thank you!
• Share Keeps me walking on Facebook Share Keeps me walking on Twitter Share Keeps me walking on Linkedin Email Keeps me walking link

  Keeps me walking

  by olderwalker, 3 months ago
  I am older now, and walking is one of my pleasures that enhances my health. But it is a bit boring. I now check out Kindle books and while I walk, my phone reads them to me via ear buds, using an app on my phone (Alexa, in case anyone is interested, but there are others). By getting interested in a story I am more likely to walk more, to keep listening. This is excellent for my health and also contributes to my use of public transport because I can listen while walking to and from the trolley station or... Continue reading

  I am older now, and walking is one of my pleasures that enhances my health. But it is a bit boring. I now check out Kindle books and while I walk, my phone reads them to me via ear buds, using an app on my phone (Alexa, in case anyone is interested, but there are others). By getting interested in a story I am more likely to walk more, to keep listening. This is excellent for my health and also contributes to my use of public transport because I can listen while walking to and from the trolley station or bus stop. This has a secondary benefit to my reduced use of fuel and being one less car on crowded freeways. I plan to listen and walk for as long as I can! I would never be able to afford to buy all of the books on my own. The variety is endless.
• Share An Accessible and Reliable Place to Find New Interests and Necessary Resources on Facebook Share An Accessible and Reliable Place to Find New Interests and Necessary Resources on Twitter Share An Accessible and Reliable Place to Find New Interests and Necessary Resources on Linkedin Email An Accessible and Reliable Place to Find New Interests and Necessary Resources link

  An Accessible and Reliable Place to Find New Interests and Necessary Resources

  by OverratedPeanut, 3 months ago
  Conveniently located on the MTS bus route, the library has always come in clutch when I need something printed or to check out a book related to a class I'm in at school. My local branch in El Cajon was also the first place I ever got into D&D, checked out the works of author's I had never read before, and checked out movies that I'd never seen before (because streaming doesn't always have what I'm looking for).

  Conveniently located on the MTS bus route, the library has always come in clutch when I need something printed or to check out a book related to a class I'm in at school. My local branch in El Cajon was also the first place I ever got into D&D, checked out the works of author's I had never read before, and checked out movies that I'd never seen before (because streaming doesn't always have what I'm looking for).
• Share A Kid in the Library on Facebook Share A Kid in the Library on Twitter Share A Kid in the Library on Linkedin Email A Kid in the Library link

  A Kid in the Library

  by SandyLee, 3 months ago
  One of my fondest memories of childhood was walking down the alley behind my house in our small midwestern town, to the Library. It was open only 3 afternoons a week. The children's section was in the back corner of one big room. I would go back there, sit on the floor for a long time and pull out books to look at, trying to decide which ones to bring home. I read all the Betsy Tacey Books, Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins.

  This Kid in the library in the 50's grew up to be a librarian...and now at 80, volunteers... Continue reading

  One of my fondest memories of childhood was walking down the alley behind my house in our small midwestern town, to the Library. It was open only 3 afternoons a week. The children's section was in the back corner of one big room. I would go back there, sit on the floor for a long time and pull out books to look at, trying to decide which ones to bring home. I read all the Betsy Tacey Books, Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins.

  This Kid in the library in the 50's grew up to be a librarian...and now at 80, volunteers at the library.
• Share Lifetime Library Lover on Facebook Share Lifetime Library Lover on Twitter Share Lifetime Library Lover on Linkedin Email Lifetime Library Lover link

  Lifetime Library Lover

  by Pat, 3 months ago
  I’m 87 years old and still remember getting my first library card when I was 7. I’ve been a library user ever since. Growing up, I could ride my bike to the library, which was on the edge of downtown, and I made regular trips to check out and return books. The Girl Scout “Hut” was next door so I often dropped in to say hello to the ladies that worked there, and sold us our pins and badges. Since it was a college town, I also had access to the university library. Couldn’t check out books, but could research... Continue reading

  I’m 87 years old and still remember getting my first library card when I was 7. I’ve been a library user ever since. Growing up, I could ride my bike to the library, which was on the edge of downtown, and I made regular trips to check out and return books. The Girl Scout “Hut” was next door so I often dropped in to say hello to the ladies that worked there, and sold us our pins and badges. Since it was a college town, I also had access to the university library. Couldn’t check out books, but could research and browse. So blessed to grow up with parents, teachers, and librarians who fostered a life long love of books and reading!
• Share Community Connection on Facebook Share Community Connection on Twitter Share Community Connection on Linkedin Email Community Connection link

  Community Connection

  by Lover0Libraries, 3 months ago

  My local library is such a gift. If I want book recommendations, I can ask a librarian. I go there to vote. I reapplied for my passport at the library. I have attended embroidery classes at the library. I love that the library has something for everyone. It's more than books, there are countless online resources such as newspapers, Rosetta Stone, audiobooks. Librarians are like the keepers of knowledge and are always willing to share. I love our local libraries, they truly enrich our community!

  My local library is such a gift. If I want book recommendations, I can ask a librarian. I go there to vote. I reapplied for my passport at the library. I have attended embroidery classes at the library. I love that the library has something for everyone. It's more than books, there are countless online resources such as newspapers, Rosetta Stone, audiobooks. Librarians are like the keepers of knowledge and are always willing to share. I love our local libraries, they truly enrich our community!
• Share Saturday outings to the Library on Facebook Share Saturday outings to the Library on Twitter Share Saturday outings to the Library on Linkedin Email Saturday outings to the Library link

  Saturday outings to the Library

  by Ashley , 3 months ago
  Beautiful sunny days call for a walk to the Encinitas Library a top the hill. Entering one of my favorite libraries we are greeted with art! Which art will be in the glass boxes this time? My two young children, 4 and 2, walk around each box to examine them. After that we go on to the children’s area of the library. There we can play with the many great toys that are provided, color with crayons and coloring pages, snuggle up with a book in the half circle reading area, or step outside in the outdoor area for picnics... Continue reading

  Beautiful sunny days call for a walk to the Encinitas Library a top the hill. Entering one of my favorite libraries we are greeted with art! Which art will be in the glass boxes this time? My two young children, 4 and 2, walk around each box to examine them. After that we go on to the children’s area of the library. There we can play with the many great toys that are provided, color with crayons and coloring pages, snuggle up with a book in the half circle reading area, or step outside in the outdoor area for picnics. Over by the windows the view of the ocean and downtown Encinitas is breathtaking. What a beautiful place to read books and play. I gather 10 new books for our bedtime readings and after we are all done we head to the park across the street to get the wiggles out. We are very grateful for our wonderful Encinitas Library!
• Share Free books! on Facebook Share Free books! on Twitter Share Free books! on Linkedin Email Free books! link

  Free books!

  by Julianne, 3 months ago
  I save hundreds of dollars a year by using the library!

  I save hundreds of dollars a year by using the library!
• Share Making Surf Movies on Facebook Share Making Surf Movies on Twitter Share Making Surf Movies on Linkedin Email Making Surf Movies link

  Making Surf Movies

  by SurferJason , 3 months ago
  Well my story is probably unlike anyone else's. In 2007 I quit the RatRaceWorld & decided I just want to teach surfing & travel up & down the coast surfing by myself on uncrowded waves while also living out of my vehicle keeping the cost of living down. During that time I got sponsored by many different companies just for me being me & my Mom requested I make her a short video of what I do everyday after she bought me a GoPro for Christmas in 2009. After teaching myself how to make that video on a free program... Continue reading

  Well my story is probably unlike anyone else's. In 2007 I quit the RatRaceWorld & decided I just want to teach surfing & travel up & down the coast surfing by myself on uncrowded waves while also living out of my vehicle keeping the cost of living down. During that time I got sponsored by many different companies just for me being me & my Mom requested I make her a short video of what I do everyday after she bought me a GoPro for Christmas in 2009. After teaching myself how to make that video on a free program I found I decided I would start making surf movies showing people MyLifeStyle alone in the ocean having any wave I wanted. So in 2010 only 2 weeks after my Christmas present I got sponsored by GoPro & thought I could also promote all my other sponsors but I didn't have a place to make it all happen at because I needed electricity for my little laptop & that's when SD County Libraries entered my story. The 1st branch was Del Mar because it was the closest to Torrey Pines where I started going to make my movies at but it took so much time waiting for the free movie program to do it's thing. A 3 minute movie would take 3-9 hours for the program to finish depending on length of the clips I used & going through all the recorded video selecting my best waves I rode took additional time. If I added music to my movies the waiting time doubled but made the movies much better & the Library staff never once asked me what I was doing & why I was still there they would just say Hi everyday. During the waiting time I would search through the DVD collection looking for movies to watch on a little DVD player I had that also needed daily charging & back then the selection was very limited not many movies but I would check out 1-3 at a time & one day I was told by a librarian the more movies I checked out the more that branch would be able to get so I started checking out anything that looked interesting & watching them when the surf wasn't good enough to be out filming which actually happened alot. The Del Mar branch started getting more new movies & the same librarian told me if it wasn't for me they probably wouldn't even have a movie department & I jokingly said YOU'RE WELCOME but then they said IT'S TRUE...So I started getting 5-10 movies at a time but also going to other branches like Solana Beach, Cardiff & Encinitas doing the same thing. That's when the Cardiff branch became my favorite because I could sit outside on the patio peacefully alone making my movies & there I finished 7 out of the 10 I made.The Encinitas branch also has their patio but the public people out there definitely didn't make it peaceful just annoying to me Lol. The staff at Cardiff would also let me charge up some equipment without me needing to be there. I could just plug in whatever it was in their break area & comeback to pick it up later the same day knowing it would still be there which was awesome. Over the years I've seriously seen a thousand movies on DVD & made my own & if it wasn't for the SD County Libraries none of that would of ever happened for me so THANK YOU😎