Library

Rancho San Diego, Imperial Beach Libraries Hosting Celebrations

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To some, a library is just a building that stores books and materials you can check out.

But in reality, a library is much more than that – it’s a community melting pot of cultures – a safe haven  and a special place to explore everything the world has to offer through books, computers, DVDs, CDs and all the latest technology.

“Libraries transform communities and create public value,” said Jose Aponte, director, San Diego County Library (SDCL). “They are the catalyst that brings disparate groups together.”

Two branches of the San Diego County Library are hosting community celebrations in the next week that will allow residents to explore the world in their local library.

The Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Sat., April 21, with an author visit, activities for kids and refreshments. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’ve had ten great years and hope that the community joins us for a fun-filled day in honor of lifelong learning and the value of the public library,” said Brenna Ring, branch manager.

The library opened on April 20, 2002 and has become the eighth busiest SDCL branch with over 350,000 visits a year.

La Mesa resident Marjorie Hart, author of the New York Times bestseller “Summer at Tiffany” will be on hand at 11 a.m. to talk about her book. Hart is also the former chairman of the Fine Arts Department at the University of San Diego.

The event also features crafts and face painting for the kids.

The Imperial Beach Library will be holding a customer appreciation open house on Thursday, April 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. Customers will be able to enjoy music, crafts and refreshments and  meet Aponte.

“The customer appreciation open house is SDCL’s way of saying thank you to the people  who give us our purpose,” said Aponte. “The public is the driving force behind everything we do, and one of the best parts of my job is getting out and thanking the community for making our libraries great.”

This  open house will feature live music by local musician Perry Witt and a performance by students from St. James Academy. The school will also be hold an award ceremony for their “I Love my Library” poster contest during the open house.

For more information on the Rancho San Diego 10th anniversary celebration, please contact them at (619) 660-5370. For more information on the Imperial Beach open house, please contact them at (619) 424-6981.