For kids preparing to start school, the countdown to kindergarten is on. The Contra Costa County Library system’s Kindergarten Countdown program helps prepare children who are starting school in the fall. The activities are designed to help children practice and learn skills that will ease their transition into kindergarten.
Starting March 4, most library locations will distribute activity kits for children ages 4 to 6 while supplies last. The kits include tools to help children practice early literacy skills like talking, reading, singing, writing, playing, fine motor skills and self-help.
Recorded Zoom events in English and Spanish are available to supplement the learning materials and provide helpful tips. Contact your local Contra Costa library branch, or visit ccclib.org/kindergarten-countdown online for more information.
March Madness: In the Contra Costa library system, March Madness is a tournament all about children’s books. Each week books will go head-to-head until only one remains. Vote online for one book in each round.
For the first round, vote for your favorites in the Sweet 16. Come back the following week to see which books make it to the Elite Eight. Our librarians have chosen all the books from titles released in the last few years. The top title will be announced by April 6. The games start online March 3 at ccclib.org.
Women’s history: Celebrate Women’s History Month in March by reading books from special lists curated by library staff and by attending programs focused on women who are changing the community and world.
On March 8, The El Sobrante Library will host special musical guest Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano, the Bay Area’s first all-female mariachi group representing the Mexican culture, mariachi tradition and women in the arts.
The Lafayette Library on March 27 will have “Unsung Women of Music,” an immersive talk that reveals the awe-inspiring female song makers, beat-shakers and dealmakers nudged to the margins of music history. For more details online, including dates and times for all Women’s History Month events, visit ccclib.org.
Tutors wanted: Project Second Chance, the Contra Costa County Library system’s adult literacy program, is seeking volunteer tutors for its April training class. Adults across the county are waiting for a tutor to help them meet their goals, like reading a book to a child, passing the citizenship exam or getting a better job.
Helping a neighbor develop his or her English reading and writing skills is fun, rewarding and flexible. No experience is needed. To get started, visit ccclib.org/psc-prospective-tutor.
Wellness team: In an effort to provide services to people where they are, the library system and Contra Costa County Behavioral Health and Employment and Human Services have partnered together to address community needs in libraries that have seen an uptick of patrons experiencing trauma, mental illness, substance abuse and other issues that are beyond the service abilities of library staff.
The partnership places a clinical social worker, community support worker and family navigator in three libraries every week: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays at the Concord Library, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at the San Pablo Library and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays at the Antioch Library.
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 email at ask@library.cccounty.us, online chat at tinyurl.com/cccl-chat 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
Trails and Tales: 10 a.m. March 11 at Antioch’s Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. Enjoy a nature walk with a naturalist followed by story time with a librarian. This program is part of a special partnership between the Contra Costa County Library system and the East Bay Regional Park District. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is in Antioch at 5175 Somersville Road.
Medicare 101: 11 a.m. March 22 at the Dougherty Station Library. Medicare can be confusing, and feeling overwhelmed by it is easy. Medicare 101 is an overview of original Medicare — Parts A & B and the additional insurance coverage options to help provide complete coverage. Registration is required.
Home School Science Fair: 12 p.m. March 25 at the Hercules Library. Open to grades kindergarten through 12, home-schooled students are invited to present a science project to other families and a panel of local scientists. Ask a librarian for a science fair information packet for further details and directions. Registration is required.
Making the Most of Your Child’s Education: 4 p.m. March 26 via Zoom. Join a virtual conversation with an expert panel to discover how you can support your child’s learning experience. Explore available resources for extra support, share tips on building positive relationships with schools and discuss ways you can become a strong advocate for your child’s success. Registration is required.