El Sobrante Library

Big Library Read is happening now. You can borrow The Art of Taking it Easy today through April 19th. No waiting!

It's time for storytime!

Join us on Thursday, April 15th at 6 p.m. as the Asian Arts Museum presents "Demons Creatures and Monsters...Oh My!" Mythical creatures, legendary beasts, terri...fying monsters they are supernatural, mystical, often god-like or demon-like beings, and they have fascinated us since ancient times. Even today, they continue to thrill, terrify, entertain, and inspire us. They have filled folklore, stories, songs, and works of art. They may even be able to protect us from viruses. Please register with your email on the Library's website at https://tinyurl.com/CCCLAAMApril Closed captioning will be provided for this program.

Coming up this Saturday...

Books unite us. Censorship divides us. National Library Week continues with a list of the top 10 challenged books for 2020. The American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 156 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2020. Of the 273 books that were targeted, here are the most challenged, along with the reasons cited for censoring the books: ... http://www.ala.org/advoca//frequentlychallengedbooks/top10 _________________________________ George by Alex Gino Reasons: Challenged, banned, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, conflicting with a religious viewpoint, and not reflecting the values of our community Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds Reasons: Banned and challenged because of author’s public statements, and because of claims that the book contains selective storytelling incidents and does not encompass racism against all people All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, drug use, and alcoholism, and because it was thought to promote anti-police views, contain divisive topics, and be too much of a sensitive matter right now Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint and it was claimed to be biased against male students, and for the novel’s inclusion of rape and profanity. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and allegations of sexual misconduct by the author. Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin Reasons: Challenged for divisive language and because it was thought to promote anti-police views. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Reasons: Banned and challenged for racial slurs and their negative effect on students, featuring a white savior character, and its perception of the Black experience. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Reasons: Banned and challenged for racial slurs and racist stereotypes, and their negative effect on students. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and depicts child sexual abuse. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Reasons: Challenged for profanity, and it was thought to promote an anti-police message.

Please enjoy this reprise of Mr. Tom's "Noodles and Butter" Storytime from early 2020!

We are OPEN during the Stay Home Order. Front Door Service is available during regularly scheduled hours at 24 locations. Visit ccclib.org to place your holds or to make an appointment when they are ready for pick up

Juntense con Señorita Lucía para una hora de cuentos bilingües online con cuentos, canciones, y rimas en Inglés y Español. Join Ms. Lucia for an online bilingual storytime with stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish.

Indie Author Day is just around the corner on Saturday, November 7. To help celebrate our area independent authors we have a number of great talks and resources available including independent authors from LA (Lee Wind) and Northern California (L.S. Johnson) giving talks on how to get started and get published. Take a look at our blog post for more information at https://ccclib.org/blogs/post/indie-author-day-2020-events/

"Reading is groovy!"

There's a new book club in town, and it's all about California. Alta Journal recently launched the California Book Club, a new monthly virtual gathering devoted to literature from and about the Golden State. Sign up to join, read the selected title, watch a virtual author presentation about the book each month. https://www.altaonline.com/california-book-club/

Sobrante Valley c1919, looking westward with a single-lane unpaved road that would become San Pablo Dam Road to the left and center. Photo courtesy El Sobrante Recollections by the El Sobrante Rotary (1984).

Many people all over the world turn to meditation to help them lead a more peaceful and healthy lifestyle. On Wednesday, December 9 at 6 p.m., Contra Costa Coun...ty Library will host Jim Rose as he discusses how to find inner peace through calmness and meditation. Jim is a retired HR executive at Johnson & Johnson, with 35 years of experience in the field. Having practiced meditation for almost as long, he really seems to know what he’s talking about. To attend this program, please register with your email on our website at https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com//event/5fc1758fe8526fb009 For closed-captioning, please contact the library at least 72 hours before the event.

Although wildfires have a beneficial impact on ecological resources, they also have been devastating for many fire prone communities in California. Our increasing urban development near underdeveloped areas together with climate change caused close to 600 reported wildfires this year alone, which makes the summer of 2020 the hottest on record! The threat to your life and property is real and worthwhile to get prepared for. Join us to learn strategies on how you can reduce you...r risks in fire prone California by protecting and hardening your home and creating firewise landscapes. To join this vital program, please register now as seats fill up quickly. The webinar will also be recorded and shared via our YouTube page. And if you're not able to join us on Zoom, we will also present the program Live on the Contra Costa County Facebook Page. https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/e/5f9c3fa4de4dd6e922098387

Early Voting begins tomorrow at 17 sites across Contra Costa County. Fri, Oct 30, 11 am-7 pm Sat, Oct 31, 9 am-5 pm Mon, Nov 2, 11 am-7 pm... Find the location nearest you https://www.cocovote.us//presidential-general-election-n/

Hey, everybody! Come celebrate Halloween Week by checking out children's Grab Bags (featuring surprise spooky booo-ks) and picking up Halloween Goodie Bags (with take and make crafts and age-appropriate kid's books to keep forevermore).

Big Library Read begins today! Visit Overdrive or Libby to borrow the featured title Reverie by Ryan La Sala with no waitlists or holds. "This outstanding debut novel will light readers' imaginations on fire...Imaginative, bold, and full of queer representation, this is a must-purchase for YA collections."School Library Journal Join the discussion at https://discuss.biglibraryread.com/, and don't miss the author presentation on November 10.

The Good Word for Thursday is... You can do anything you set your mind to. -----------------------------------------

If you missed our live Zoom session, you're in luck! Join us for the video of this online cartooning class for kids, and learn to draw some of your favorite Peanuts characters. The class is hosted by Discover & Go favorite, the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Hey kids! Get your free Halloween Goodie Bag with fun surprises (including take and make crafts, children's boo-ks, and more spooky fun) at the El Sobrante Library now (while supplies last)! Goodie Bags are available for baby/toddler (ages birth to 2), pre-k (3-5), early elementary (6-8), and upper elementary (9-12). Don't forget to share your creepy craft creations with us! If you take a pic, tag us on Instagram at #elsobrantelibrary!

Author Presentation with C Pam Zhang Wednesday, October 28, 7:00 p.m. Join us for an evening presentation by author C Pam Zhang, who will discuss her book, the writing process, and what she’s working on now. This is the culminating event in our CoCo Reads series of programs. The Zoom event is full, but can be viewed live on the Contra Costa County Library Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ccclib/, and on our YouTube channel at ... https://www.youtube.com/user/theccclib/videos after the event. For closed captioning during this event please contact the Library with 72 hour's notice.

The Not-So-Scary Halloween Show with Mike Della Penna Friday, October 30 4:00 pm (PDT) Surprise! It’s a magic show full of Halloween fun appropriate for all ...ages! Bring your ghosts and goblins, your superheroes and your fairies as tricks reign over treats in this silly, fun, laughter-filled show. Mike Della Penna creates wonder and laughter with family magic performances that are equal parts playful and astonishing. He's silly, he's funny and he'll make you go WOW! Costumes are encouraged and the event will end with a virtual Halloween Dance Party. Registration is required at: https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com//event/5f8de685b1b35b2f00. You will receive an email 4 hours before the event with the Zoom link. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ygnacio Valley Library For closed captioning during this event, please contact the Library with 72 hours notice.

Today is the last day to register online to vote! https://registertovote.ca.gov