Library Lines: Sign up for a card next month at Contra Costa branches
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the Contra Costa County Library system invites you to participate.
From borrowing books, eBooks and museum passes to getting homework help, learning new skills or attending storytime, a library card provides access to something for everyone. It’s also the most important school supply your kids can have as they head back on-campus.
Encourage friends and family to sign up so that they too can discover all of the unique — and free — benefits. Whether you’re looking to explore a new hobby, find valuable information or connect with fellow avid readers, a library card unlocks a world of possibilities.
Sign up online at ccclib.org or visit your local branch to sign up for a full-service library card today.
Library closure: Due to the continued issues with the cooling tower inside the Ygnacio Valley Library, the branch has closed for part of every day since July 23. Despite recent cooler weather and large fans, the temperatures inside the building remain high.
For the health and safety of library staff and patrons, and with the support of Contra Costa County District IV Supervisor Ken Carlson, the Ygnacio Valley Library is closed now through Sept. 8. Repair work on the cooling tower is expected to begin soon.
Holds currently on the shelf will remain in place until the library reopens. Holds arriving during the closure will be sent to the downtown Walnut Creek Library. You can change your hold pick-up location to another library by contacting Walnut Creek Library staff and requesting a change to your holds.
The book drop will be closed, so please do not leave books outside of it. You can return your books after the library reopens or to any other Contra Costa County library branch.
Heritage month: During Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, the library system will celebrate the many achievements and milestones that Latinx and Hispanic communities have made in shaping the cultural, social and artistic fabric of the United States.
From vibrant visual arts and compelling literary works to tireless activism, let’s recognize and honor the diversity and depth of Latinx and Hispanic experiences. Starting Sept. 15, visit the library’s website for carefully curated book lists and other informational materials to embark on a journey of learning, connection and exploration.
The libraries will also host a series of programs in celebration that include arts and crafts, music, games and Lucha Libre Storytime with a real-life luchador (a masked Mexican professional wrestler).
Mango languages: Start learning a new language with Mango, now available through the library system with more than 70 world languages to choose from. Enjoy native speaker audio and cultural context that will fully immerse you in each language.
Mango includes “Little Pim” instruction for young children, American Sign Language and English as a second language for non-English speakers. Visit the Digital Resources webpage at ccclib.org/resources to get started.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Contra Costa library services and programming or account information, contact the library system via online chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to 925-290-7627.
Brooke Converse is the Contra Costa County Library system’s public information officer and can be reached at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us.
Library calendar
Smitten Kittens: 5 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Orinda Library. Come meet adoptable kittens at the Contra Costa Animal Services mobile van. The van will be parked on the street in front of Café Teatro. The library will have a craft and coloring sheets.
Winning College Scholarships: 6 p.m. Sept. 9, 16 and 23 at the Walnut Creek Library. This is a three-part series for high school students and their parents. Session 1 introduces the scholarship network and application process. Session 2 teaches how to find scholarships that fit the individual. Session 3 focuses on developing unique essays.
Roadmap to Voting 2024: 4 p.m. Sept. 19 via Zoom. This webinar will introduce voters to important information about how to prepare themselves for the Nov. 5 election. Topics will include voting security measures, how to keep informed about candidates and issues and the responsibilities of elected officials. Registration is required.
2024 California Propositions Lowdown: 4 p.m. Sept. 26 via Zoom. The League of Women Voters will present pros and cons about the state’s Nov. 5 ballot propositions based on research as well as information about major funding sources supporting them. Registration is required.