Martinez Library

Title: FAMSF Virtual Art Talks: Behind the Scenes at Bouquets to Art Date: Thursday, May 13th at 6pm Description: "Have you ever wondered how Bouquets to Art started and became one of the most popular events at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco? Have you ever marveled at the floral designs and the floral artists who created them, and admired the materials used? This talk will reveal what goes on behind-the-scenes to make this highly successful event happen each year. In addition, the speaker will show you works of art in the museum’s collection and how floral artists have interpreted them in their designs."

Kindergarten Countdown The Library is distributing Kindergarten Countdown Activity Kits to help your family prepare your child for school. Kits are available for children ages 4-6, while supplies last. Registration for kits begins May 3 and will be ready for pick up the week of May 10. The kits have everything you need for your child to practice early literacy skills like talking, reading, singing, writing, playing, fine motor skills, and self-help. Live Zoom events in English and Spanish will help you to understand how to use the materials and provide helpful early learning tips. Visit ccclib.org/kindergarten-countdown/ to reserve a kit and register to attend the live Zoom events.

Medicinal plants have long been used to help support our bodies naturally, particularly in times of stress and overwhelm. This class will look at traditional remedies and garden herbs to help support the body and mind during times of stress and will go over simple ways to incorporate them into the home and diet to support increased calm and balance in the nervous system. Sponsored by the Friends of the Martinez Library. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/CCCLHerbalMay

Community Reads for Kids book Front Desk by Kelly Yang will have a Virtual Book Discussion Thursday May 20, 2021 at 4pm and a Virtual Author Talk Tuesday May 25, 2021 at 4pm. #kellyyangauthor

Our doors are now open! Come in and see our beautiful new garden wall thanks to the Friends of the Martinez Library. #plantsofthelibrary #martinezlibrary

Title: Asian Art Museum presents: Demons, Creatures, and Monsters - Oh My! Date: Thursday, April 15th Time: 6pm Description: Mythical creatures, legendary beasts, terrifying 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. Link:

College Readiness: SAT vs. ACT Tuesday, March 23 6:00 p.m. If you're planning on taking the SAT or ACT, don't miss this presentation. A speaker from The Princeton Review will go over the basic structure of each test, the strengths of each, and what the future holds for college admissions tests. There will be plenty of time at the end for questions.... Registration: https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/e/60246c2edaf11d2400b290e6

Like all communities, Contra Costa has residents who face hunger every day, and this has only been made worse by Covid-19. Several community organizations are providing relief to families across the county and offering residents a chance to help. Join us and representatives from the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Monument Crisis Center, and Lunch at the Library, as we discuss what drives us in the fight against hunger. Link - https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/e/600b2ef8976a8824003d47db

Utility Safety - If a big disaster like an earthquake strikes, should we shut off our own utilities? Why would we do that, and how might we do it safely? This talk in our weekly Lunch & Learn series will explain how your utilities (gas, electric, water) can be shut off, and more importantly why and when you might want to do this. The Martinez Area Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills. Join us for a quick, weekly lunchtime topic that will help you be prepared in an emergency. https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com//event/6010bb0e5a51532400

Martinez Library's got what you need this February. Come on down for Front Door Service, and leave with a Blind Date with a Book. These gems have been carefully wrapped and lovingly titled with enticing hints into what's inside, like our favorite, Pickles Murder Mystery. What COULD that be?? You'll have to stop by and check it out to discover for yourself.

Celebrate Black History Month with Contra Costa County Libraries. In this workshop series with local author, poet, educator, and emcee, Tyson Amir will read from his book, Black Boy Poems (copies available at ccclib.org) and delve into Tyson's Black Boy Poems Curriculum. Tyson combines his experience surviving America as a black man with hip hop prose and original analysis to shape a very necessary revolutionary statement fit for the 21st century. These intimate, educational, enlightening workshops are for all ages. Click here to save your spot: https://buff.ly/3tsOIr7

Celebrate Black History Month with Contra Costa County Libraries. The Black Woman is God virtual exhibition, Thursday February 25, 2pm, will explore the intersectionality of race, age, and gender. Curator and artist Karen Seneferu will walk us through the art, and examine Black women's contributions as artists, healers, and social change-makers. The exhibition features new works by Black women employing painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film/video, mixed, new media, and performance. Click here to save your spot: https://buff.ly/3jlERi5