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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  Library Impacts

  by D, 3 months ago

  I know that libraries have always had a fundamental impact, but I never quite thought I'd get to experience it. My earliest memory of a library was reading to dogs (Paws To Read) back when I was learning English. While the dogs didn't understand what I was saying, it was the first chapter of creating my story, and helped me get that first chapter started.

  Later on, I became involved in the Service Learner program where I really got to see what libraries are and do for our communities. It wasn't until this time that I realized how much libraries... Continue reading

  I know that libraries have always had a fundamental impact, but I never quite thought I'd get to experience it. My earliest memory of a library was reading to dogs (Paws To Read) back when I was learning English. While the dogs didn't understand what I was saying, it was the first chapter of creating my story, and helped me get that first chapter started.

  Later on, I became involved in the Service Learner program where I really got to see what libraries are and do for our communities. It wasn't until this time that I realized how much libraries do and help us learn. It becomes a safe space for everyone, creating diversity and inclusivity. After all, how can we learn and continue to grow if we don't venture from what we already know? Without libraries, things might've been a bit bland.

  I have now joined the SDCL team and am glad to be part of this growing team. It has allowed me to help others that were once in the same shoes as I was and more. Libraries may change in the future but I know that their impact won't stop here. From checking out items to creating programs that let us grow, libraries are our golden treasure chest. Each a treasure to our own.
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  sometimes online

  by mbaker, 3 months ago
  Public libraries matter to me , I grew up with a libraries all different neighborhoods in a large metropolitan midwestern city.

  
  

  I could go to and read or get many type of books such as , autobiographies, biographies, history, fiction, non fiction,

  
  

  poetry, monologues and so much more. The mindset and laws during those periods were changing in this country. I

  
  

  lived to see a lot of laws change. And so called Colored, Negro, to become known as African Americans artist.

  
  

  Books help me get a good understanding of how divided this place called America and called the land of... Continue reading

  Public libraries matter to me , I grew up with a libraries all different neighborhoods in a large metropolitan midwestern city.

  
  

  I could go to and read or get many type of books such as , autobiographies, biographies, history, fiction, non fiction,

  
  

  poetry, monologues and so much more. The mindset and laws during those periods were changing in this country. I

  
  

  lived to see a lot of laws change. And so called Colored, Negro, to become known as African Americans artist.

  
  

  Books help me get a good understanding of how divided this place called America and called the land of the free .

  
  

  The writers expressed the realities in their works the was not taught in elementary school due to a curriculum system

  .

  Most of all I got to meet lots of Librarians. The 60's and 70's in the Midwest city I lived in academic counselors at

  
  

  elementary and high school were not guiding students of color who's families had a low economic base to go beyond

  
  

  high school. My interactions with Librarians open my eyes to many choices of professions a young student could

  aspire to achieve. I still go to the library now at 7decades of age, to seek information. I like talking to a Human Being

  and not going online most of the time.

  Library Lover
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  Encouraging Creativity and Community

  by Creative Carol, 3 months ago
  The adult arts and crafts classes offered at the Del Mar, Solana Beach and Rancho Sante Fe libraries bring together community members of all backgrounds to participate in the process of creating. They offer a wide range of hands-on art classes. As an instructor, it is very rewarding to see both the beautiful products they make, and to watch the students enjoy the experience of expression. There is a great sense of camaraderie and support between the classmates Thank you to the Friends of the Library for making it all possible.

  The adult arts and crafts classes offered at the Del Mar, Solana Beach and Rancho Sante Fe libraries bring together community members of all backgrounds to participate in the process of creating. They offer a wide range of hands-on art classes. As an instructor, it is very rewarding to see both the beautiful products they make, and to watch the students enjoy the experience of expression. There is a great sense of camaraderie and support between the classmates Thank you to the Friends of the Library for making it all possible.
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  Alpine Library sponsored Ukulele Jam Club

  by Betsy Haines , 3 months ago
  

  In the beginning of January 2025 the Alpine Library said they would welcome us the use of a room to have a Beginning Ukelele Club 2x a month. They also printed off and compiled 10 music notebooks to help get us started and said they would help print off new music to add to our collection of songs. 12 months later 16 ukelele musicians preformed 9 Holiday songs at the Alpine Library Holiday Get Together and we were told it was the biggest turn out ever. We continue to enjoy our 2x Uke Jam Sessions and along with next years... Continue reading

  In the beginning of January 2025 the Alpine Library said they would welcome us the use of a room to have a Beginning Ukelele Club 2x a month. They also printed off and compiled 10 music notebooks to help get us started and said they would help print off new music to add to our collection of songs. 12 months later 16 ukelele musicians preformed 9 Holiday songs at the Alpine Library Holiday Get Together and we were told it was the biggest turn out ever. We continue to enjoy our 2x Uke Jam Sessions and along with next years Holiday performance we are looking for a summer opportunity to preform. We are all very grateful and thank you for the support of the Alpine library!!
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  My Two Libraries

  by Brigid Brett, 3 months ago

  I'm lucky enough to have two libraries in my life: the Valley Center branch where I live, and the Poway branch, where my husband and I take our grandchildren.

  When I park my car at the Valley Center library and walk toward the building, I immediately start feeling calm and happy. It's not just the beautiful landscaping and inviting building, it's knowing what's waiting for me inside.

  The stone fireplace with its comfy reading chairs, the tall windows looking out to the shaded patio and views of the countryside, and of course, the displays of new releases and shelves of... Continue reading

  I'm lucky enough to have two libraries in my life: the Valley Center branch where I live, and the Poway branch, where my husband and I take our grandchildren.

  When I park my car at the Valley Center library and walk toward the building, I immediately start feeling calm and happy. It's not just the beautiful landscaping and inviting building, it's knowing what's waiting for me inside.

  The stone fireplace with its comfy reading chairs, the tall windows looking out to the shaded patio and views of the countryside, and of course, the displays of new releases and shelves of books.

  I've always been a fan of used bookstores, so having one right inside my library is an extra treat. I volunteered at the Friends of the Library bookstore for a while and enjoyed meeting like-minded browsers of all ages. I'd recommend it if you love books and people and have a few free hours a week.

  It never ceases to amaze me how much there is to do at our library. Maybe I'll take a yoga class again, or join the knitting group. The Soundbath Workshop sounds wonderfully relaxing and although I don't play the fiddle, it makes me smile to think that our library has a Fiddle Club.

  The Valley Center Library is a true community hub and support. When we were last evacuated because of fires, the librarians were there for us with juice and cookies. It's hard to describe how comforting they were to all of us who took respite there. During the pandemic we could pick up masks and Covid tests when we couldn't find them anywhere else. And I've noticed the line for free fresh produce on Wednesdays grows longer every week, as families and seniors struggle more to make ends meet.

  And then there's the Poway Library. I've always thought of it as my grandchildren's library, as my husband and I have been taking them there at least every two weeks since they were tiny, and they are now six and three years old. You could say they're growing up there.

  Like many kids, they're creatures of habit. First they go help their grandpa to return their books -- ten books each, as you have to check out ten books to claim your prize from the treasure chest before you leave.

  Then we go around choosing books for each of them. There are games to play -- on the floor and on the computer, and coloring if they're in the mood. If it's a Friday, they love it when the two service dogs come by with their humans, to be read to or just stroked and admired. One dog is big and fluffy and one is small and fluffy.

  Sometimes we take our three year old grandson to story hour. At first he'd watch cautiously from the safety of my lap, but now he's down on the mat with the other little others, singing and clapping and listening to stories.

  Both my kids grew up in libraries too. When my daughter (their mom) was a pre-teen she loved volunteering and her favorite memory is decorating the library for Halloween. I'm in no rush for them to grow up, but I can almost picture my grandchildren doing that too one day.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
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  The Coolest Place on Earth: Passing Down the Love of the Library

  by Litup, 3 months ago

  For as long as I can remember, the library has been my compass. As a child, it was the place I went to find answers to everything. It was where I first traveled the globe, diving into mythology and folklore from different cultures, connecting the dots between our diverse foundations long before I understood what "community" really meant.

  I can still vividly recall the sensory experience of those early visits. I loved the distinct smell of the library, that mix of paper and ink and the physical comfort it offered. It was a refuge of crisp air conditioning in the... Continue reading

  For as long as I can remember, the library has been my compass. As a child, it was the place I went to find answers to everything. It was where I first traveled the globe, diving into mythology and folklore from different cultures, connecting the dots between our diverse foundations long before I understood what "community" really meant.

  I can still vividly recall the sensory experience of those early visits. I loved the distinct smell of the library, that mix of paper and ink and the physical comfort it offered. It was a refuge of crisp air conditioning in the heat of summer and a cozy shelter of warmth when the seasons turned to winter.

  When I moved to San Diego, my deepest hope was that my children would find that same sense of wonder. I wanted them to not only enjoy the stories but to feel that they truly belonged. We found that and more at the 4S County Library. From the moment we walked in, our family felt welcome, and our culture embraced. It is impossible to imagine our life here without the profound sense of "home" this library gives us.

  As the next generation evolves, the mediums may change shifting from hardcovers to audiobooks, but the essentials remain. The library is still a vital space for exploration, ideas, and growth. It is essential that we protect and grow this community for the future. To me, it remains the coolest place to go and bring people together, no matter their age.

  
  
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  Sharing Crafts In The Community Room

  by Donna K, 3 months ago

  I especially appreciate the free monthly adult crafts in the Casa de Oro library. I have been privileged to teach a craft twice and the Friends of the Library generously fund the materials. Our class is limited to 12 attendees due to the small community room. The new Casa de Oro library will open sometime in July or August with more space for community events. Congratulations to the library staff on their new home, expanded hours, new books, classes, and looking forward to seeing you all there!

  I especially appreciate the free monthly adult crafts in the Casa de Oro library. I have been privileged to teach a craft twice and the Friends of the Library generously fund the materials. Our class is limited to 12 attendees due to the small community room. The new Casa de Oro library will open sometime in July or August with more space for community events. Congratulations to the library staff on their new home, expanded hours, new books, classes, and looking forward to seeing you all there!
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  life sustaining in tough times

  by Marianne, 3 months ago

  A little over a year ago we moved from out of state to be near our grandchildren and children. It was the one request my older spouse made after the long isolation after covid. Initially we were unable to afford the move but with an unexpected gift on my mom's passing we saw a way to make this happen and that thought became a reality.

  I was retirement age but still eager to and expected to get a job in my field part time after we got here. Unfortunately, that hope never materialized. In the meantime- everything, I mean everything... Continue reading

  A little over a year ago we moved from out of state to be near our grandchildren and children. It was the one request my older spouse made after the long isolation after covid. Initially we were unable to afford the move but with an unexpected gift on my mom's passing we saw a way to make this happen and that thought became a reality.

  I was retirement age but still eager to and expected to get a job in my field part time after we got here. Unfortunately, that hope never materialized. In the meantime- everything, I mean everything was new to me, new doctors, new insurances, new environment and climate, new housing... I ended up realizing that besides being closer to our family- I was grieving. I was grieving the loss of everything else I had held dear to me.

  
  

  Having gone through major moves before, I had an idea that this might be hard but the extra unexpected loss of my career- (entering retirement unexpectedly earlier than I planned) really threw me for a loop. I became ungrounded and was struggling.

  I will have to say what helped me get thru that first painful year was exercising at the YMCA three times a week, being a volunteer even for two hours a week and getting books from my local libraries! Most weeks I went to 2-3 libraries (both city and county libraries). I was a voracious reader. At that time I needed to live even if it was vicariously through the characters in a book while waiting to piece my life back together.

  I really don't know what I would have done without the good local libraries. It was also the place where I saw a book about how writing can help you process emotions when you are grieving and it led me to a lovely healing journey as I followed the directions and started to write reflections about my career. The writing was a way to honor my experience, my previous clients and how I showed up in this world to be part of others healing for 44+ years of my life. I wouldn't have thought to do that without getting that book from the library.

  I am so grateful that the local libraries are a place where I can borrow books to my hearts content, attend an event, and in general expand my horizons. I credit it as one of the top 3 things which helped me pull thru that first year I was here.Thank you for all you do to keep our libraries open, clean, well stock and welcoming. This treasure of a resource really makes a difference in community members lives.

  A grateful and loyal client.

  Marianne from the San Carlos branch
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  I depend upon books daily!

  by Drts, 3 months ago
  My liBarry in Bonita, CA is my lifeline. I can’t go a day without reading. I am a Stage 4 cancer patient who has somehow managed to survive 24 years. I now take chemotherapy twice a day and if I couldn’t borrow books from my library electronically I don’t know what I would do to stay sane. Libraries are a crucial lifeline for the reading public, and librarians are my heroes!

  My liBarry in Bonita, CA is my lifeline. I can’t go a day without reading. I am a Stage 4 cancer patient who has somehow managed to survive 24 years. I now take chemotherapy twice a day and if I couldn’t borrow books from my library electronically I don’t know what I would do to stay sane. Libraries are a crucial lifeline for the reading public, and librarians are my heroes!
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  Gratitude

  by TH, 3 months ago
  I am so grateful for the public library system. Libraries are better than candy stores in my opinion. Having access to so many different authors work and marvelous facilities is a blessing.

  I am so grateful for the public library system. Libraries are better than candy stores in my opinion. Having access to so many different authors work and marvelous facilities is a blessing.