Happening at the El Cajon Branch Library

May is Older Americans’ Month, and we have several special programs to celebrate this occasion – no age limit, though! We think everyone will enjoy them. In other news, the playground in front of the library is open.  Now we just need to get the bike rack replaced, and we’ll be back in business. Our Friends of the El Cajon Library group is always looking for new members.  Please visit the bookstore, buy a couple of things (all the money goes directly to the library) and pick up a short membership application.

May is Older Americans’ Month, and we have several special programs to celebrate this occasion – no age limit, though! We think everyone will enjoy them. In other news, the playground in front of the library is open.  Now we just need to get the bike rack replaced, and we’ll be back in business. Our Friends of the El Cajon Library group is always looking for new members.  Please visit the bookstore, buy a couple of things (all the money goes directly to the library) and pick up a short membership application. It’s a great way to give back to the community and meet some really friendly, committed people.

Don’t forget! The Career Online High School is for adults who want to return to the education system and earn a high school diploma—free. Areas of study include childcare and education; security officer; office management; trucker/commercial driver, retail service and food service.  Students are paired with an academic coach, and there are scholarships available for qualified adult learners. You must be at least 19 and a resident of El Cajon. For more information, visit www.sdcl.org/cohs.

Here’s a sampling of our special programs in May:

Law Day at the Library, Monday, May 2, 2 – 4 pm. The Foothills Bar Association and the San Diego Law Library will offer free consultations on probate/trusts; landlord/tenant issues; family law and other topics. They will also give brief presentations on these topics. First come, first served.

LEARN Tutor Training, Wednesday, May 12 at 12 pm. We are looking for patient caring people to teach adults to read and write. Change your life and someone else’s too.

Klezmer Concert, Saturday, May 14 at 2 pm.Enjoy this lively, yet melancholy Eastern European music from a San Diego Symphony string quartet.

New! Social Worker at the Library, Tuesday, May 17, 3 – 5 pm. Get referrals/assistance with emergency services, family matters, support groups and more.

Rhinestone Grannies, Sunday, May 22 at 2 pm. Singing, dancing and comedy from fabulous ladies of a certain age – all are welcome

Ongoing programs include:

La Maestra Community Health Centers Information Table, May 3, 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. Information about Medi-Cal, CalFresh and Obamacare.

Senior Mobile Technology Lab, Monday, May 9 from 12 – 2 pm. Adults 60+ are invited for individual instruction in email, social media, Skype and YouTube.

Legal Resource Help, Mondays, May 2 and 16, 10 – 2 pm. Assistance researching questions about family, immigration, consumer, housing and business law. Learn how to use our new legal databases from an expert law librarian.

Child Support Services Outreach, Tuesday, May 17, 1 – 5 pm. The Department of Child Support Services will answer questions, accept applications, review orders for modification and negotiate stipulations.

Silver Sneakers Yoga, Mondays at 12:30 pm. Learn safe moves and breathing exercises to improve mental clarity and relieve stress.

For kids and families:

The playground in front of the library is now open!  It was designed by local kids, and built in one day by 270 volunteers.  Please come and enjoy it – we’re really excited to have this near our branch for all the kids who visit the library.

The following programs will be on break from May through September: Miss Mariah’s Magic Storytime; Students for Students Homework Center; and Rockin’ Recess.

Something new: BookFlix is a collection of high quality video picture books, paired with nonfiction eBooks and games organized by subject. It’s perfect for preschool-3rd grade, parents and teachers.  Check it out at bkflix.grolier.com/

Special programs for youth and families in May:

College for All Workshop Series

How to Apply to Community College, Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m.

Dorm Living 101, Thursday, May 12 at 6 pm.

Family Play Day, Saturday, May 7, 12 – 3 pm. Make your own play dough, bubbles, cardboard forts and more! All children will receive a free book while supplies last.

Klezmer Concert, Saturday, May 14 at 2 p.m.People of all ages enjoy this lively, wonderful Eastern European music, performed by a quartet from the San Diego Symphony.

Understanding Your Child’s Behavior, Mondays at 6 pm. Workshops feature small-group learning, incentives and opportunities for one-to-one coaching.

Other programs at the library for youth and families in May:

Open Crafts, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Supplies will be provided for a fun time making crafts.

Let’s Learn Spanish Story Crafternoon, Tuesdays at 4:30 pm. Join Miss Blanca for bilingual story time and a craft – for kids of all ages.

Books & Boogie Storytime, Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Stories, music and a simple craft for ages 2-5.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons, Thursdays at 5 pm.Friendly atmosphere, nice people, ages 12-19.

El Cajon Exploratorium, Saturdays at 1 pm.Explore science and art through fun, hands-on activities – can be messy, dress accordingly. Ages 4 and up.

We will be closed on Monday, May 30 in honor of Memorial Day.

See you in the stacks!

Hildie