Library Lines: At Contra Costa branches, sign up for a card in September
Kids are back in school, and one of the most important supplies each one of them can have is a library card.
Make sure your school-age child has a card from the Contra Costa County Library system so he or she can enjoy all the free benefits that come with having one. 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.
September is Library Card Signup Month, and you can help us celebrate by encouraging your friends and family to sign up for library cards too. Library cards can help you find a new hobby, learn to tinker in a maker space or just spark your creativity in general. Sign up online at ccclib.org or visit your local library branch to get a full-service library card today.
Coming soon: Contra Costa Reads is an annual event that encourages all county residents and library users to share in the experience of reading and discussing the same book at the same time.
It runs in October and November each year and offers several in-person and virtual programs including an interview with the author. The book is available in hardback, eBook or eAudiobook formats. The winning book for this year’s countywide read will be announced in early October — stay tuned.
TumbleBook Library: This resource is an online collection of animated talking picture books that teach kids the joy of reading in a format they love.
It features interactive, animated stories, puzzles and games. There are stories by well-known authors, original stories, classic fairy tales, puzzles, and games in English, Spanish, French and a mobile version.
Some bilingual stories are also available. You can have stories play automatically or click through at your own pace. Visit ccclib.org/digital-resources to get started.
Oakley: Established in 1913, the Oakley Library has been housed in several different locations over the years and currently shares space with Freedom High School on its campus. The city of Oakley is looking for a location to build a new library.
September calendar
All About Houseplants (UC Master Gardener Series): 3 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Hercules Library. An in-person discussion on houseplants led by one of the amazing University of California master gardeners. Topics will include all the basics of indoor plants, lighting, watering and fertilizing.
Spin Me a Shadow, Tell Me a Tale: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Pleasant Hill Library. Discover the magical world of shadow puppetry with Daniel Barash, of Firelight Shadow Theater. Barash will share five fast-paced shadow puppetry versions of best-loved folktales from around the world.
Teen Lo-Fi Hip Hop Study Hour: 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Pinole Library. Are you looking to wind down from a long school day or study in peace? Drop by the library meeting room and listen to some chill beats while getting in some study and relaxation time. First and third Wednesdays of every month.
Meet the Musicians & Their Instruments: 4 p.m. Sept. 12 at the San Ramon Library. Get ready for the San Ramon Library jazz season with this program featuring amazing professional jazz musicians showcasing their respective instruments for an hour of music, demonstrations and interactive fun. Tacuma King will present various percussion instruments on Sept. 12; Kyle Athayde will present the vibraphone Sept. 19; and Aaron Germain will present a bass guitar and standup double bass Sept. 26.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about library services and programming or account information, contact the county library system via online chat, by emailing ask@library.cccounty.us or texting 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.