New passes are added at the beginning of each month and are available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information on other Library programs, visit the Library’s website at http://www.escondidolibrary.org or contact the Library’s Information Desk at 760-839-4839. Library programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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Escondido, CA - Escondido Public Library is home to the Pioneer Room, a unique historical archive. Established in 1992 with a bequest from local historian Frances Beven Ryan, the Pioneer Room houses historical documents, photographs, and other reference materials on people, families, and structures local to Escondido.

From June 15 to December 31, the Pioneer Room will host a new photograph exhibition, All Together Now: The Palomar Family YMCA. Beginning with the Hi-Y club in 1911, the Palomar Family YMCA has long since been a place for community and leadership. With images from the YMCA Photograph Collection, the new exhibition highlights the many people, programs, and events at the ‘Y’ from 1965 through the early 1970s and is free to view during Pioneer Room operating hours.

On Thursday June 29, Pioneer Room volunteer and genealogy researcher Beth McIntyre will teach a beginning genealogy workshop in the Pioneer Room from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The program will teach participants how to begin tracing family history using the Library’s database subscriptions from Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.

Participants are encouraged to bring or write down information found in family documents, Bibles, birth certificates, and photo albums. The program is free of charge, but space is limited and participants should register at www.escondido.org/register.

Many of the Pioneer Room collections are available for online browsing at https://cdm17446.contentdm.oclc.org/. Collections are digitized and uploaded frequently, offering a dynamic and ever-growing repository of historic content available 24/7. 

For more information on the Pioneer Room, visit https://library.escondido.org/escondidohistory or contact Archival Specialist Ashley Hays, at 760-839-4612 or ashley.hays@escondidolibrary.org. Pioneer Room programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Pioneer Room. The Pioneer Room is located at 237 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025 in the building just in front of the Library, on the south side of the 3^rd Street parking lot. It is open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Escondido, CA – Escondido Public Library’s 2023 Summer Reading Challenge invites children, teens, and adults to read All Together Now this summer! The Challenge runs from Jue 12 to July 30, 2023 and encourages reading for fun and life-long learning for all ages.

The Library will be offering a variety of educational, recreational, and cultural events throughout the Challenge, so stay tuned for more details on upcoming programs! Participants can join the Challenge from home, on a mobile device, or through the Library’s computers by logging reading and event participation online at http://www.escondidolibrary.org/summer. Join in the summer fun to earn prizes donated by local businesses and the Friends of the Library.

Summer Reading Challengeprograms for children, teens, and families include special story times, environmentally-themed craft events, the Arty Loon magic show, a visit from Wild Wonders featuring animals from all over the globe, and Marc Griffiths’ One Voice Many Friends puppet show.

Teens can get artsy this summer with Anime Your Way, Teen Art Studio, and an art display showcasing original teen artwork in the Library

Adult programs and events this summer invite patrons to discover the history of Escondido via a lecture and walking tour and through historic library photos on view in the Pioneer Room. Additional summer events for adults include swapping succulents in a plant program, a learn-to-play Dungeons and Dragons class for new gamers, and so much more.

For additional information on the 2023 All Together Now Summer Reading Challenge including program dates and times, prizes, sponsors, and rules for participation, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/summer. Summer Reading events are free, open to the public, and generously sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library and local businesses. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 South Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025.

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Escondido, CA - Escondido Public Library is partnering with local author Pete Peterson for a series of classes on writing and publishing short stories. Peterson has had his work published in numerous magazines and literary publications. In addition to writing short stories, Peterson conducts workshops, revealing practical tips and tricks for aspiring short story writers and those looking to improve his craft.     

“Shortcut to Writing and Publishing Short Stories” is a four-class series where participants will learn practical tips on how to create memorable short stories that will appeal to editors and readers alike. Peterson, and participants will also share advice garnered from their own experiences navigating the world of publishing.

The series is designed for adults ages 18 and up and will be held in the Library Board Room on the Library’s second floor. The ninety-minute classes will take place on Mondays, June 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Registration is required for all classes at www.escondidolibrary.org/register.

For more information on other Library programs for adults, visit the Library’s website at http://www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Principal Librarian of Adult Services, Azar Katouzian, at 760-839-48214 or azar.katouzian@escondidolibrary.org. Library programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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Escondido, CA - Escondido Public Library is partnering with Annie Delre, a nationally board-certified Health and Wellness Coach, for a workshop on time management for adults. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Integrative Wellness Coaching, Delre is passionate about helping clients achieve a life of confidence, wellness, and success.

On Wednesday, May 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Library’s Turrentine Room on the second floor, participants will learn strategies and tools to develop better time management skills to increase efficiency and productivity.

For more information on other Library programs for adults, visit the Library’s website at http://www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Principal Librarian of Adult Services, Azar Katouzian, at 760-839-48214 or azar.katouzian@escondidolibrary.org. Library programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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Escondido, CA - Escondido Public Library is partnering with the San Diego Workforce Partnership for three job readiness workshops and a career fair. The Job Readiness series is designed to help community members develop strategies and skills for potential employment opportunities. Workshops will be held in the Mathes Center Classroom and include:  

• Resume Writing Skills Wednesday, May 10, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Job Interview Preparation Wednesday, May 24, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Resume Reviews & Mock Interviews Wednesday, May 31, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Career Fair Tuesday, June 6, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Registration is required for all workshops at www.escondidolibrary.org/register. For more information on other Library programs for adults, visit the Library’s website at http://www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Principal Librarian of Adult Services, Azar Katouzian, at 760-839-48214 or azar.katouzian@escondidolibrary.org. Library programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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 Escondido Public Library is offering fun, Star Wars-themed programs May 1 through May 6, 2023.

• Build Your Own Spaceship Monday, May 2, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Build your own custom Star Wars spaceship from upcycled materials while supplies last (ages 5+ and families).
• BeYOUtiful Nail Art Tuesday, May 2, 4:00-6:00 p.m. The galaxy you want to explore may be far away, but you can create your very own galaxy...on your nails! Supplies are limited, so please register at www.escondidolibrary.org/register (ages 12 and up).
• May the Fourth Be with You Star Wars Day Celebration Thursday, May 4, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Celebrate everything Star Wars with crafts, costumes, and some very special guests from the 501st, Rebel Legion, Mando Mercs, and Saber Guild (all ages).
• All Inclusive Art Club Friday, May 5, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Join Mrs. Garcia during this special Star Wars-themed all ages and abilities storytime featuring a story, songs, and the opportunity to create art from a Star Wars picture book (all ages)!
• Star Wars Week Finale: Free Comic Book Day Saturday, May 6, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Star Wars Week concludes with Free Comic Book Day, board games, a trivia competition, and even more special guests! Get a free comic book courtesy of Knowhere Games & Comics (while supplies last) and take photos with fan favorite Star Wars characters from the 501st, Rebel Legion, and Mando Mercs. Join in the trivia competition at 11:30 a.m. in the Turrentine Room (all ages).

For more information on other Library programs for children, visit the Library’s website at http://www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Principal Librarian of Youth and Literacy Services, Dan Wood, at 760-839-4827 or dan.wood@escondidolibrary.org. Library programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Maureen Hogan, 760-839-5458

Escondido, CA – Escondido Public Library invites the community to go “Around the World in Many Ways” in its four-program celebration of different cultures, funded by the California Humanities Library Innovation Lab Grant.

• Mid-Autumn Festival: Thursday, September 8, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Local author Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan will tell a story about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, followed by an all-ages lantern-making craft. Chinese mooncakes will be provided while supplies last.
• South American Adventure: Thursday, September 29, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Bilingual storyteller Georgette Baker will perform an interactive musical storytime about South American countries. Cultural artifacts will be available for show and tell.
• Danza Xinaxtli: Saturday, October 15, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Escondido-based Aztec dance group Danza Xinaxtli will perform traditional Aztec dances and discuss Aztec culture. Atole and champurrado will be provided while supplies last.
• Tradición Mexicana USA: Saturday, December 3, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Local Baile Folklorico group Tradición Mexicana USA will perform several dances and share the stories behind them. A presentation will be given in English and Spanish. Participants will be invited to make a piñata craft and enjoy traditional Mexican snacks, while supplies last.

Now entering its sixth year, the Library Innovation Lab program supports the design and delivery of responsive and relevant public humanities programming in California’s public libraries. The program provides a nine-month practice-based professional development experience and cash grants of up to $5,000 to participating library programmers. The creative and innovative programs that library staff develop will respond to the needs and circumstances of today’s immigrants and foster more inclusive communities within our state.

For more information on Around the World in Many Ways, contact Children’s Librarian Maureen Hogan at 760-439-5458 or maureen.hogan@escondidolibrary.org. For a calendar of Library events, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/events. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 South Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dan Wood, 760-839-4827

Escondido, CA – Escondido Public Library’s 2022 Summer Reading Challenge invites babies, children, tweens, teens and adults to plunge into “Oceans of Possibilities.” The Challenge encourages reading for fun and life-long learning for all ages and runs from June 18 to August 7, 2022.

Educational, recreational and cultural events are offered throughout the Challenge. Anyone can take part in the program from home, on a mobile device or by using Library computers. Participants can log reading and event participation online at http://www.escondidolibrary.org/summer to earn prizes donated by the Friends of the Library and local businesses.

Summer Reading Challenge festivities kick off on Saturday, June 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Library’s front patio. Sign-up for the Challenge and receive a free slice of Rock-On Pizza, while supplies last.

Summer Reading Challenge programs for babies, children, tweens, teens and families include special story times, STEAM-themed craft events, traveling tidepools, a visit from rainforest animals and Marc Griffiths’ Oceans of Possibilities puppet show.

Teen events include a chance to explore table-top and virtual reality games, attend art-based events such as Anime Your Way and Sanrio Pom Poms and attend film showings by the “Walt Disney of Japan,” Hayao Miyazaki. Learn how to compost with worms, discover the haunted past of the Queen Mary and Star of India, make a beachy photo frame and more at adult-oriented events throughout the summer.

For more information on the 2022 Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Challenge including program dates and times, prizes, sponsors and rules for participation, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/summer. Summer Reading events are free, open to the public and generously sponsored by Friends of the Escondido Public Library and local businesses. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 South Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Azar Katouzian, 760-839-4814

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Writers Group at Escondido Public Library is hosting Once Upon a Book Fair on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grape Day Park.

Local San Diego authors will be on site to sell and sign their books, and signed copies will be raffled off to attendees.

Grape Day Park is located at 321 N. Broadway in Escondido. For more information about Once Upon a Book Fair, contact Escondido Writers Group Facilitator Tanya Ross at tanyarossauthor@gmail.com.

To learn more about other Library programs for adults, visit www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Azar Katouzian, at 760-839-4814 or azar.katouzian@escondidolibrary.org. Library programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
CONTACT: Dan Wood, 760-839-4827

Escondido, CA – Celebrate Star Wars Week with the Escondido Public Library and enjoy fun, Star Wars-themed programs May 2 through May 7, 2022.

• Build Your Own Droid Monday, May 2, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Build a custom Star Wars Droid from upcycled materials (ages 8-12).
• PJ Storytime Tuesday, May 3, 6:00-6:30 p.m. Wear your PJS and bring your favorite stuffed animal to this Star Wars evening storytime (ages 5-12).
• May the Fourth Be with You Star Wars Day Celebration Wednesday, May 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Celebrate everything Star Wars with crafts, costumes, a trivia competition, and some very special guests from the 501st, Rebel Legion, Mando Mercs, and Saber Guild (all ages).
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Thursday, May 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Special showing of Rogue One, starring Felicity Jones and Diego Luna. Children under 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (ages 13 and up).
• Inclusive Art Club Friday, May 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Special Star Wars story time for all ages and abilities featuring story, songs and art (all ages).
• Star Wars Week Finale: Free Comic Book Day & Jedi Padawan Lightsaber Training Saturday, May 7, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Free Comic Book Day, Board Games, Jedi Padawan Lightsaber Training, and even more special guests! Come by to pick up a free comic book courtesy of Knowhere Comics (while supplies last), play games and take photos with fan favorite Star Wars characters from the 501st, Rebel Legion, and Mando Mercs. At 11:30 a.m. take part in an all ages family lightsaber training with representatives from the Saber Guild (all ages).

For more information on other Library programs for children, visit http://www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Dan Wood, at 760-839-4827 or dan.wood@escondidolibrary.org. Library programs are free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library.  Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA – Escondido Public Library invites all Escondido residents to share their thoughts and opinions about the Library’s future by participating in a virtual or in person focus group. Sessions will be offered:

• Tuesday, January 11, 8:30 a.m., East Valley Community Center 2245 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027
• Tuesday, January 11, 6:30 p.m., Park Avenue Community Center 210 E Park Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
• Wednesday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., VIRTUAL
• Wednesday, January 19, 5 p.m., VIRTUAL

To register for a focus group, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/strategicplan

Focus group data will help the Library develop a strategic plan that meets community needs. For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Public Library invites all Escondido residents to share their thoughts and opinions about the Library’s future by participating in a focus group. Sessions will be offered:

• Tuesday, January 11, 8:30 a.m., East Valley Community Center 2245 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027
• Tuesday, January 11, 6:30 p.m., Park Avenue Community Center 210 E Park Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
• Wednesday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., Library Board Room 239 S. Kalmia St, Escondido, CA 92025

To register for a focus group, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/strategicplan

Focus group data will help the Library develop a strategic plan that meets community needs. For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA –Beginning September 1, 2021, Escondido Public Library is no longer charging daily fees for items returned late. All items, including DVDs and books on CD, will check out for 21 days with up to three automated renewals as long as no one is waiting for the item.

“We are excited to remove barriers to access for the patrons in our community,” said Dara Bradds, Library Director. “We hope this will encourage more people to come in and use the Library.”

While patrons will no longer be charged daily overdue fees, they are still responsible for paying for lost items. At 30 days overdue, checked out items will be marked as "lost" and the patron will be unable to check out or renew any additional physical items until they return the lost item, or pay for its replacement cost plus a $5 re-processing fee. Patrons with lost items on their account will still be able to check out eMaterials and use Library computers. Patrons are still responsible for overdue fines accrued prior to September 1, 2021.

For more information, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/fines, or contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA –The Friends of the Escondido Public Library Book Shop will re-open Tuesday, July 6.

“We are delighted to resume service to the Escondido community after a 15-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Linda Parker, Friends of the Library president.

The Friends Book Shop is located on the first floor of the Escondido Public Library on South Kalmia Street. Beginning July 6, the book shop will be open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All items will be half price Tuesday, July 6 through Saturday, July 10.

The book shop will begin accepting donations on Monday, August 2. Donations can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Due to space limitations, only two boxes per donor will be accepted at this time. For more information on what types of donations are accepted, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/donate.

The shop sells used books, DVDs, VHS tapes, books on CD, magazines, and music CDs. All proceeds from the shop fund Escondido Public Library programs and events. The Friends of the Escondido Public Library are a volunteer-led 501(c)3 organization. To learn more about the Friends of the Escondido Public Library, visit www.escondidolibrary.org/friends

For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA – The Escondido Public Library Foundation commissioned artist Julia Anthony to create a mural on the west exterior wall of the Kalmia Street Library building. Two mural design options are under consideration; the Foundation encourages community members to share their opinions at www.escondidolibrary.org. The opinion poll will be active May 26-June 7, 2021.

Julia Anthony created the Wild Beauty of the Savannahs mural in the Library’s upstairs Children’s area in May 2010, as well as a fresh and salt water ocean mural at Oceanside Public Library in April 2011. Anthony’s business, Creative Palette Interiors, is located in Escondido.

For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Eveleen Crouthamel, 760-839-5457

Escondido, CA – Escondido Public Library offers special programming for children in the month of May. All events are virtual, free and open to the public.

• Virtual Tea Time for Kids for children ages 5-12 years old on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. Enjoy English tea and snacks, learn about tea etiquette, do a craft, and listen to stories on Zoom with The Grand Tea Room. Registration is required online at www.escondidolibrary.org/register. Once participants receive confirmation, craft and snack kits can be picked up at The Grand Tea Room beginning Tuesday, May 11, 2021. The Grand Tea Room is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 145 West Grand Avenue in Escondido.
• The San Diego Poetry Annual hosts its annual workshop, Kids! San Diego Poetry Annual for children ages 6-12 virtually on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Registration is required online at www.escondidolibrary.org/register. Francisco Bustos and Ying Wu will lead writing activities that stimulate creativity and self-expression. This workshop is free and open to young poets (ages 6 - 12) that reside in San Diego County. Children's poems and artwork can be submitted via email for consideration in the 2021 KSDPA anthology. Ying Wu is a poetry editor of Writers Resist and the Kids! San Diego Poetry Annual. More examples of her work can be found online at writersresist.com and poetryandartsd.com, as well as in the material world at the San Diego Airport (arts.san.org/portfolio-item/before). Francisco Bustos is poet, musician and member of the spoken work/music collective Frontera Drum Fusion. He is a professor of English composition at Southwestern College (SWC) and hosts SWC Guest Writers Series.

All programs are generously sponsored by Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S. Kalmia Street in downtown Escondido. For more information about these programs visit www.escondidolibrary.org or contact Outreach Coordinator, Eveleen Crouthamel, at 760-839-5457 or eveleen.crouthamel@escondidolibrary.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katy Duperry, 760-839-4601

Escondido, CA – Escondido residents and non-resident users of the Escondido Public Library are asked to share their opinions on the future of the Library by participating in an online survey available through April 30. To take the survey, visit www.escondidolibrary.org. The survey is available in English and Spanish.

Developments in technology and changes in the soon-to-be post-COVID world, have drastically changed the needs of library users. Survey data will help the library best meet these community needs.

For questions or assistance, please contact Assistant Library Director Katy Duperry at 760-839-4601 or katy.duperry@escondidolibrary.org.

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