National Library Week is April 6-12, and this year’s theme highlights the many reasons people are “Drawn to the Library,” as this year’s week is themed.
From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities. They serve as hubs for learning and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is an annual observance by libraries across the country.
Some of the ways patrons can help the Contra Costa County Library system celebrate include saying “thank you” to library staff on their next visit, advocating to local elected officials for more funding for libraries, sharing their love of libraries on social media or donating to the Library Foundation of Contra Costa.
Patrons can also help the county library system celebrate by volunteering within it, and a great time to start is Volunteer Appreciation Week, which takes place April 20-26. Join more than 600 volunteers who generously give their time across the 26 branches and the adult literacy program, Project Second Chance.
Volunteers are an integral part of keeping the libraries connected to their communities and running smoothly. Many ways are available to volunteer with Contra Costa libraries, including joining a Friends of the Library group, becoming a social media ambassador, helping with summer reading and more.
Information about volunteer opportunities is available at ccclib.org/volunteer.
‘Día’: “Día de los niños, Día de los libros,” or “Día,” as it is commonly known, is a daily celebration of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds that culminates yearly on April 30.
Día is a commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages and cultures. Visit Contra Costa libraries in-person or online at ccclib.org during the whole month of April for crafts, storytimes, booklists, events and more.
Special programming includes repujado (embossed metal) workshops at the Pinole, El Sobrante and Oakley libraries as well as a virtual game of Lotería.
San Ramon: The San Ramon Library is celebrating the addition of 10 hours a week at the branch.
Starting March 31, the branch will once again be open six days a week, including 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The city of San Ramon recently restored the hours that were cut as part of cost-reduction measures to balance the city’s 2024-25 budget.
Mango: Start learning a new language with Mango, now available through the county library system. Choose from more than 70 world languages in which you can enjoy audio with native speakers and cultural context that will fully immerse you.
Mango includes Little Pim for young children, American Sign Language and English as a Second Language for non-English speakers. Visit the libraries’ Digital Resources webpage at ccclib.org/resources to get started.
Also, 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
Shimmy Together — a Belly Dance Adventure for the Whole Family: 2:30 p.m. April 5 at the San Ramon Library. Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month with a lively event that showcases the rich history of belly dancing. Award-winning dancer Nicole Maria will lead this demonstration and group lesson for the whole family.
Plant Swap: 10:30 a.m. April 12 at the Martinez Library. Bring cuttings or starts of succulents and other plants and take home some new ones for the Contra Costa County Library system’s third annual plant swap. Drop in any time between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Petal Painting with Gynna Clemes: 4 p.m. April 17 at the Ygnacio Valley Library. Petal painting is making paint from dried flowers. During this workshop for ages 9 or older, each participant will get a chance to paint with prepared petal paints on a choice of greeting cards. No registration is required, but space is limited to the first 20 participants.
Blackout Poetry for Teens: 3 p.m. April 26 at the Moraga Library. In honor of National Poetry Month, let your creativity shine with our Blackout Poetry program for ninth- to 12th-graders. Instruction and supplies will be provided.
Wild Cat Storytime with East Bay Regional Parks: 11:15 a.m. April 29 at the Pittsburg Library. Join a naturalist from the East Bay Regional Park District to learn about wild cats in our area. The storytime is mainly for children ages 0 to 5, but those of all ages and abilities are welcome.