Until further notice, Friends is not accepting new book donations. The Library needs the basement to quarantine returned books. We appreciate your patience! Stay safe and healthy!
We will update this notice when we are again accepting donations.
Join El Cerrito Library’s Summer Book Club!
Thanks to funding from El Cerrito Library Foundation, El Cerrito Library’s Summer Book Club handed out all 100 free copies of Island of the Blue Dolphins. Young patrons were so excited to read this selection, and not-so-young patrons fondly remember their first time with this California classic, and were happy to re-read, this time with their own families. Whether or not you’ve read it, the Library invites you to join in on their virtual Book Club events:
Discoveries on Island of the Blue Dolphins, with Channel Islands National Park
Thursday, August 6, 2020, 2pm
Monique Navarro, Education Coordinator for Channel Islands National Park will interact live with the Library to observe, and discuss archaeological discoveries on San Nicolas Island (the actual island of the Blue Dolphins, and tell us about the Lone Woman (Karana). Get your questions ready…
Join us via Zoom!
To connect on the day of the program, please go to: https://zoom.us/j/8056585700 Zoom meeting ID: 8056585700
Island of the Blue Dolphins Summer Book Club Discussion
Thursday, August 13, 2pm
Join El Cerrito Librarians Katy and Alison as they dive into this beloved book, from its characters, the island of San Nicholas, and animal friends and visitors; to a frank discussion of the circumstances surrounding Karana being stranded on the island, and her eventual rescue and return to the Missions of the mainland. What do you think about the book? Let’s talk!
Join us via Zoom!
To connect on the day of the program, please go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8413… Zoom meeting ID:841 3146 3229 / Password: ECLReads
In addition to free copies of the book, and two fun + educational virtual programs, and in a nod to its title, the Library has adopted a dolphin from The Marine Mammal Center. Meet Baker D! The Library has invited their online friends to learn all about Baker D via The Marine Mammal Center, which includes learning about conservation and marine biology, all good stuff.
And as part of our other ECL summer programming, the ASE/ECL Innovator Series, where the Library works with local patron and parent Sri, on DIY STEAM activities for families to explore at home, they are hosting a Facebook Live event with the Marine Mammal Center on Thursday, August 13, 3pm, right after the Book Club Discussion! Join them on our Facebook Page to see the Center in action, and learn more about their work with marine life.
The Library’s Countywide Summer Reading Program’s theme this year is Dive Deep, and as part of the ocean-related fun they hosted a Virtual Squid Dissection with SaveNature.org – Katy squirmed and Julia cheered. 🙂 And they are planning all sorts of good stuff for Sir Charlie, their moniker for the Charlie Cart the Library was able to purchase, and which will allow them to demonstrate cooking and healthy recipes for their patrons.
The Library continues to virtually host monthly Tween Book Club and Mystery Book Club; Storytimes with Katy and Julia on Wednesdays; First Bites, where they read snippets from classic books, on Thursdays, and Lunch at the Library Monday-Thursday.
If you don’t already, please follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elcerritoCCCL/
and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elcerrito_library/ – so you can keep up with all the library goings-on. And if you’d like to stop by and give them a masked hello, you can put a book on hold and pick it up here with Front Door Service, every day except Sunday.
Special Library Events for February 2020
All four events are at the El Cerrito Library. Free to the public, thanks to Friends!
Soul of a NATION-FEB 10,6pm
Soul of a Nation “celebrates art made by Black artists…when issues of race and identity dominated and defined both public and private discourse.”
Join us for a presentation on this internationally acclaimed exhibition with a docent from the de Young Museum, and a focus on Bay Area artists.
Teen & Tween Writing Club -FEB 11, 3:30 PM
Join other writers ages 10 and up to work on creative efforts of all kinds in a supportive, stimulating, and fun environment!
Write based on a given prompt, freewrite as inspired, or do your own thing. Share you work with the group or just write or journal quietly. All genres welcome & no experience required. Snacks will be provided!
Led by local writer, educator & editor, Rachel Rosekind.
After School Craft: Valentines! – Feb 13, 3pm
Kids & Teens, come by the library after school for some fun Valentine’s Day themed crafts! Whether you want to make a card for your friends or family , or want to celebrant anti-valentines day with some heartbreak art, we’ll have something for everyone! Best for ages 5 and up, but little ones welcome with a parent or guardian to assist.
Folktales & Fables – Feb 22, 2pm
Join us for a special Storytime with storyteller extraordinaire Muriel Johnson featuring rhythmic, interactive folktales from the African diaspora. Get ready to hear stories involving clever animals and adventurous people. Best for kids and their families.
