News Releases

Our Bilingual Book Discussion Group, Rincón Literario, Meets May 26th

Wed, 02 May 2012 23:42:00 GMT

Escondido Public Library’s bilingual book discussion group, Rincón Literario (The Literary Corner) meets on Saturday, May 26th from 3:30 – 4:45 PM in the library’s Board Room. The Escondido Public Library is located in downtown Escondido at 239 South Kalmia Street. The selected book is J.K. Rowling’s remarkable literary sensation Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal / Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This is the first book in the Harry Potter series. Rincón Literario meets regularly, the last Saturday of each month to explore literature published in English and Spanish. The discussions are a perfect way to discuss interesting books and converse in both languages. Dive into the sensational world of Harry Potter and see that he has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous...

High Adventure in Uganda by Bill Williams

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:13:00 GMT

Local Professional photographer and traveler, Bill Williams, will be sharing his latest adventure in Uganda and his encounters with its silverback mountain gorillas at the Escondido Public Library on Tuesday, May 15th at 6:30 PM. On his recent safari he explored Uganda’s culture, people and diverse wildlife including one trek that took him within twenty feet of the endangered silverback mountain His photography captures the beauty and grace of the mountain gorillas of Uganda and provides a compelling portrait of Uganda's people and culture. Mr. Williams has photographed the beauty of over 148 countries in his travels throughout the world. This program is free and open to the public. The Escondido Public Library is located at 239 South Kalmia Street in downtown Escondido. For more information on this and other Library events, go to http://library.escondido.org or contact 760-839-4601.

Rainforest Reptiles on May 24th At Escondido Public Library

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:48:00 GMT

LLL Reptiles & Supply Company will present Reptiles from the Rainforests of South America and Africa at the Escondido Public Library from 3:30-4:30 PM on Thursday, May 24th. Jennifer Greene will discuss a variety of reptiles and the ecological habitats in which they reside. Patrons can view frogs, tarantulas, and tropical geckos , and pet both a ball python and a black throat monitor. This program is open to children ages 5 and up and their families. LLL Reptiles & Supply Company, a local Escondido business, was founded 15 years ago in Oceanside, California and is a trusted and reliable supplier of live reptiles and high quality pet supplies. All programs are free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. No registration is required. The Escondido Public Library is located at 239 South Kalmia Street in downtown Escondido. For more information on this and other Library events, go to http://library.escondido.org...

The Escondido Public Library’s 2nd Saturday Concert presents Peter Sprague, Jazz guitarist.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:45:00 GMT

Peter Sprague, San Diego’s premier Jazz guitarist, will be playing at the Escondido Public Library on Saturday May 12th, 2012 at 3:00 PM in the Turrentine Room. Come and enjoy Brazilian-style jazz with virtuoso guitarist Peter Sprague. He combines a deep love of Brazilian music with American pop and jazz music. He blends them into a style uniquely his own. He has played with and been influenced by music greats like Chick Corea and Sergio Mendes.

The concerts are free and open to the public and generously sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. The Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia Street. For more information, please call (760) 839-4839 or visit the library website.

Viktor Sjoberg

Escondido Library’s Bilingual Book Discussion Group Meets April 28th

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:29:00 GMT

Escondido Public Library’s bilingual book discussion group, Rincón Literario (The Literary Corner) meets on Saturday, April 28th from 3:30 – 4:45 PM in the library’s Board Room. The Escondido Public Library is located in downtown Escondido at 239 South Kalmia Street. The selected book is Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, Nunca me abandones/Never Let Me Go. Rincón Literario meets regularly, the last Saturday of each month to explore literature published in English and Spanish. The discussions are a perfect way to discuss interesting books and converse in both languages. From the Booker Prize-winning author of The Remains of the Day comes a devastating novel of innocence, knowledge, and loss. As children Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy were students at Hailsham, an exclusive boarding school secluded in the English countryside. It was a place of mercurial cliques and mysterious rules where teachers were constantly reminding their charges of how special they were. Years later, Kathy is a young woman....

The 2nd Saturday Concert Series presents the Kensington Trio.

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:20:00 GMT

The Kensington Trio, a piano and string trio will be playing on Saturday April 14th, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia Street, Escondido CA 929205. They will be performing selections from Chopin, Brahms, and other classical composers. The Kensington Trio has been together since 2001 and has appeared in many concerts in the greater San Diego area, as well as each season in the Kensington Concert Series. The Trio has also performed in the Irvine Classical Music Series, and the Temecula Merc Concert Series. These concerts are free and open to the public, and generously sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. The Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia Street. For more information, please call (760) 839-4839 or visit the library online at http://library.escondido.org/

Teen Summer Volunteer Information Meeting

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:08:00 GMT

The Escondido Public Library will hold an informational meeting Tuesday, April 24th from 5 – 5:30 PM in the Turrentine Room for teens ages 14-18 who are interested in volunteering for the Escondido Public Library’s Summer Reading Club (SRC). Parents are encouraged to attend with their teens to get an overview of the SRC including the tasks required, community service hours awarded, mandatory training session, and criteria for acceptance which will be presented by Joanna Axelrod, Teen Librarian. She will discuss the schedule including the 10 hour minimum as well as the hours the Library needs for desk coverage (which will be Monday-Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-5). Please remember to bring your summer calendars as applications will be available at the meeting. The Escondido Public Library is located at 239 South Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025. All programs are free, open to the public, and no registration is required. For more information call the library at (760) 839-4837or...

Trailblazing Photojournalist: Margaret Bourke-White

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:46:00 GMT

The Escondido Public Library will host a lecture, Trailblazing Photojournalist: Margaret Bourke-White, presented by Dr. Lynne Iglitzin, a recognized specialist in women’s studies and political science. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, April 24th at 6:30 PM in the Library’s Turrentine Room. Dr. Iglitzin vividly tells the story of renowned photographer Margaret Bourke-White, who early in the 20th century pioneered new techniques in photojournalism and opened the door for women in photography. Drawing on Bourke-White’s autobiography, letters, and biographies, Dr. Iglitzin brings to life the photographer’s determination to fulfill her goals. Margaret Bourke-White brought the world striking black and white photography in the factories and steel mills of Cleveland--where no woman had gone before. Her sensitive pictures during the 1930s illustrate the impact of the Depression in American social history. As the pre-eminent photographer for LIFE Magazine, Margaret Bourke-White's...

Dia de los Ninos / Day of the Child

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:01:00 GMT

In celebration of Dia de los Ninos, the Escondido Public Library will present a special program called "Many Children, Many Cultures, Many Books" on Thursday, April 26th from 4:00 – 5:00 PM in the Turrentine Room. Dia de los Ninos emphasizes the importance of literacy by celebrating a love of reading and linking children and families with books, honoring bilingualism and cultural diversity. Families will enjoy music, dancing, storytelling, crafts, refreshments and each child will receive their own book. This event is free and open to everyone. Sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Library. The Escondido Public Library is located at 239 South Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025. All programs are free and open to the public and no registration is required. For more information call the library at (760) 839-4837or visit the library website.

Local Author & Poet EXPO on April 21st

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:55:00 GMT

North County Authors & Poets (NCAP) will host a Local Authors & Poets EXPO at the Escondido Public Library from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 21st. The EXPO showcases the works of the active writing community in San Diego’s North County. Local authors and poets will be on hand to share their fiction and nonfiction works covering many genres, with appeal for all ages. Poetry and short story readings and stories for children will also take place at the event. Books will be available for signing and purchase. The Local Authors & Poets EXPO is free and open to the public. Participating authors include: Hal Flemings, Jennifer Kise, Isabel Camacho Diamond, Mary Lenore Quigley, Laura Kohl, Linda Pequegnat, Cathy Lubenski, Toni Noel, Antonio F. Vianna, John “Jack” Wolf, Marshall Lubin, Jannine Corti-Petska, Lewis Decker, Barbara Deming, Alexander DeVolpi, Josh Henry and Harrison Herz. North County Authors & Poets was founded in 2004 to encourage and assist local...

An Invitation to Casual Chess

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:45:00 GMT

Interested in learning how to play chess or want to find new partners or improve your playing? Come join us in an afternoon of Casual Chess on Wednesday March 28, 2012 from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the Turrentine Room of the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St. Escondido, CA 92025.

All interested adults from beginners to experts are welcome to attend and meet other chess players and make new friends. Come have fun, exercise your brain and sharpen your skills. Chess sets will be provided.

Escondido Joslyn Senior Center Chess Club will be hosting the program.

Viktor Sjoberg

Upcoming Computer Classes at the Escondido Public Library

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:25:00 GMT

The Escondido Public Library will be offering computer classes this April on using online video and podcasting. These classes are part of the LibraryYOU project which is collecting and sharing local knowledge through a new library website: http://libraryyou.escondido.org LibraryYOU is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. Its goal is to teach the community about communicating through new media formats and to supplement the library's collection with digital media created by the local community. Introduction to Online Video classes will take place Tuesday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m. and Tuesday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Computer Lab at the Pioneer Room. Each class will cover the basics of using online video sites like Youtube to share and learn in addition to the cameras and software needed to record and edit...

Holocaust Survivor, Doris Martin, to Speak at Escondido Public Library

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:41:00 GMT

Holocaust survivor, Doris Martin, will speak Monday, April 9th at 6:30 PM in the Turrentine Room at the Escondido Public Library. Ms. Martin, author of the book Kiss Every Step, recounts her miraculous survival and that of her family in Nazi Germany. Born in Poland, she survived Auschwitz and spent three-and-a-half years in a labor camp handling and measuring explosive powder to build mines for the Nazi war effort. She writes, “The German army swept into Poland on September 1, 1939, and into my home town of Bendzin. The Nazis burned down our beautiful synagogue with 200 Jews inside. Most families in our town were wiped out by the Holocaust. Through many incredible strokes of luck or miracles, all seven of us survived. For an entire Jewish family in Poland to survive the Holocaust is amazing.” Ms. Martin resides in Escondido and Flagstaff, Arizona. She believes that her miraculous survival, and that of her family, is proof that there is still hope to make the world a better place. She ...

2nd Saturday Concerts presents Romeo Carrido and Eduardo Parra of Luna Llena

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:59:00 GMT

Luna Llena founders, Romeo Carrido and Eduardo Parra are performing at the Escondido Library Public on Saturday March 10th, 2012 at 3:00 PM. They will be playing Afro-Mestizo Music, a blend of Spanish, Indian, and African musical influences. They will demonstrate on acoustic string instruments, congas, and other percussion instruments how these styles blend to create an indigenous American sound. They invite everyone to come join them for this unique performance. These concerts are free and open to the public because of the generous sponsorship of the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. The Escondido Public Library is located downtown at 239 S. Kalmia Street. For more information, please call (760) 839-4839

Parking Lot Construction: February 14-24, 2012

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:14:00 GMT

Three book drops that formerly served the East Valley Branch Library will be relocated to our front parking lot. Construction work on the project will begin Monday morning, February 13th. The project is expected to take about 2 weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience you experience during this time. Here's the information you need to know: ScheduleMonday, 2/13 – Saw cutting will be done around the work area from 7:30 to ~9:30 AM. This is in preparation for the major work that begins the following day. This work should be completed in time for the library to open, with little or no impact to the public. Tuesday, 2/14 – Friday, 2/17 – Construction, concrete curb forms built; concrete curbs poured and cured. Saturday, 2/18 – Monday, 20 – No work over the weekend and holiday. Tuesday, 2/21 & Thursday, 2/23 –– Concrete pad formed, poured and cured; new directional signage installed. The parking lot arrows and curbs painted. Friday, 2/24 - Book drops installed and operational by ...

Share the love of reading: Help Give Away One Million Books

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:27:00 GMT

World Book Night (WBN) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of literacy and the celebration, sharing, and enjoyment of reading amongst teenagers and adults. More than 50,000 volunteers across the USA, the UK, and Ireland will be giving away free copies of 30 select titles on April 23, 2012 in order to share the joy and love of reading with millions of non-readers in their community. The Escondido Public Library will be celebrating World Book Night 2012 by serving as a location for book givers to pick up their boxes of free books. Individual staff members will also be serving as book givers, and you should too! This is your chance to be a part of something huge and change lives in the process. Volunteers are still needed to go out into their community on April 23, in search of those who don’t read much or don’t readily have access to books. Great places to find these non-readers include shelters, detention facilities, laundromats, bowling alleys, church, after-work parties, and...

Holiday Food for Fines program helps the community

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:12:00 GMT

Escondido Public Library’s Holiday Food for Fines Program, concluded on December 31st, 2011, was the library’s most successful food drive program to date. 132 boxes of food and several blankets were collected, benefitting Interfaith Community Services in Escondido. Interfaith Community Services’ Basic Needs Program operates a food pantry at its Escondido headquarters, providing dry goods to families in need. Normally, the program serves 60 families a day, but during the holidays numbers can rise to as high as 90 families daily. Interfaith staff stated they rely on the Library’s biannual food drives to augment other donations received throughout the year. The added donations help so that they do not have to turn anyone away. The library’s program allows patrons to save money by clearing or reducing fines with food donations during the holiday drive. Even though this has been a difficult year economically for many, generous patrons brought in extra food just to help those in need and...

Learn to Download Library eBooks

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:10:00 GMT

The Escondido Public Library will hold a training session to teach the public how to download free library eBooks to their eReader device. The session will take place on Wednesday, January 18th from 11:00 a.m. until noon in the Turrentine Room. The Escondido Public Library is located in downtown Escondido at 239 South Kalmia Street. The public is invited to bring in their eReader, such as a Sony Reader, Nook, Kindle, iPad, tablet or smartphone, and learn the basics of downloading library eBooks. All that is required of participants is basic familiarity with the use of their device. Library staff will provide step-by-step instructions for browsing the collection and downloading books from the library’s website http://library.escondido.org. Escondido Public Library offers a wide selection of popular eBook titles, both fiction and non-fiction that can be “checked out” for up to three weeks. Library eBooks are free, can be conveniently accessed 24/7, and expire automatically which means ...

San Diego Symphony Performs a Young People's Concert

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMT

“Music Around the World”Ken-David Masur, ConductorWednesday, February 1, 2012 10:00 & 11:15 a.m. Performances will be in the Turrentine Room: This program is specially designed for school- age children; all ages are welcome.Come early as seating is limited. Travel around the world with the San Diego Symphony, sampling some of music’s greatest composers. The journey will start in Europe; go across to Asia, then down to Africa and then South America. We’ll wind up right here at home in America! Learn how various cultures have influenced the symphonic music that we know and love. Musical pieces to be performed are:• Symphony 29, mvmt 1 by W. A. Mozart• Dance of the Furies by Christoph Willibald Gluck• “Sunset” by Victor Herbert• Variations on a Theme, Op. 35a by Peter TchaikovskyTheme: ModeratoIV. VivaceVI. Allegro con spirit• St Paul’s Suite, Op. 29, no. 2 by Gustav HolstII. OstinatoIV. Finale (The Dargason)• Rumanian Folk Dances by Bela Bartok For more information phone the...

List of Accomplishments for 2011

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:01:00 GMT

2nd Saturday Concert Series & Partnership w/Fanfaire Foundation Book Club Discussions Website redesign eBooks and eAudio books New Book Alerts Duffy Hudson as Edgar Alan Poe Halloween event Culture Connection Programs: Art Lecture from San Diego Museum of Art-Dreams & Diversions Japanese Woodblock Prints, Robert Watson, WWII D-Day Veteran, J Stryker-Meyer, Author, Vietnam Veteran, Jerry Coleman, Sportscaster and Military Veteran. Hwy 395 Historical Presentation Literacy Learner Recognition at VALUES conference Literacy Learner Recognition Reception Scrabble-Thon - Literacy fundraiser Chess Club Early Literacy & Preschool Programs: Rhymes & Reading, Bilingual Story Time, Music Tots Paws for Reading Summer & Fall Reading Programs for Kids & Teens Teen Review Crew Skyping w/Teen Author Book Time w/Ronald McDonald children's reading event Manga Drawing for Teens Partnerships CalVets Hosted Escondido Chamber Education Committee...