We are eager for the community to see what we have been seeing and we will hold a Grand Opening of the new library for the public on Saturday, June 7 from 10 AM - 2 PM. 

The Printery, open for business in 1915, was the first civic building completed in Atascadero. Almost 100 years later, the new Atascadero Library will celebrate the role of these early publications with an exhibit called "Early Atascadero in Print."  Melody Mullis, county library administrative services officer and local history buff, provided several issues of the Illustrated Review to Friends of the Library for this display. 

 As I turned the fragile pages of these journals, I saw captivating photos of world leaders, women's fashions, and World War I.  Almost every issue also had a section on Atascadero: its climate, orchards, proximity to the ocean, people or attractive buildings.  The flimsy paper I touched underscored the importance of preserving this record of Atascadero's past. 

Next month the new library will open its doors to the community.  When it does, we encourage everyone to investigate all the available resources-on the shelves, online, and even on the walls.  This exhibit, located in the second floor lobby, will open a window onto Atascadero's fascinating history.

By Deborah Cash

There's a new chapter in the book of The San Luis Obispo County Library since Chris Barnickel, Director of Libraries, was hired in January to fill the position vacated by retiring director Brian Reynolds.  Chris, a Missouri native, relocated to the Central Coast with his wife Catherine and daughter Eloise in 2013 to serve as assistant director and also realize a dream to live in the area he and Catherine had visited a decade before.  Both were smitten with the atmosphere and feel of the small university town that was close enough to larger markets to fulfill their cosmopolitan longings and decided to make it their new home.    Read full story here... 

Victoria Goring  Improvisational Storyteller

ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAM

June 3-August 30

Join us for the San Luis Obispo County Library's Adult Summer Reading

Program, "Literary Elements!" Reach the goals and receive prizes and

surprises.  For more information, go to www.slolibrary.org and view the

Event Calendar on the home page or contact the Atascadero Branch: call Brian at 461-6162.  

Other smaller North County library branches participating in the Adult

Summer Reading Program include Santa Margarita, Creston, Shandon, San Miguel and Simmler.

YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAMS

PRE-SCHOOL STORY TIME

Wednesdays, 10:30 am

Ages 3-6

Location:  Atascadero Library  (new location)

Join us for this half-hour session of stories, songs, finger plays and a

monthly craft.  This program is free to the public and will resume again on

September 10th.   Sign-ups are not required.   For information, call Joan at

461-6163.

TODDLER TALES

Thursdays, 10:30 am

Ages:  18 months-3 years old

Limit:  15 toddlers (pre-registration required)

Priority is given to children already in the program or on the waiting list.

Location:  Atascadero Library  (new location)

FALL SESSION

September 11-November 20

Toddlers and their caregivers will enjoy this lively 20-minute session.

Each child and his or her caregiver will interact in a variety of positive

ways.  This includes participating in stories, songs, movement, nursery

rhymes and finger plays.  For information, call Joan at 461-6163.

PAWS TO READ PROGRAM   --  READ TO CAPTAIN!

3rd Thursday of each month, June 19, July 17, August 21, 3:00-4:00 pm

For ages 4 and older

Location:  Atascadero Library (new location)

Join Captain, a 6-year-old tan and white rough-coated Jack Russell Terrier

and his human friend Anne Harris, for a relaxed hour of stories.  Captain

enjoys being part of the "Reading to Rover" program at the library and loves

it when children read to him and the children have a good time as well.  He

is certified as a therapy dog and besides visiting the library he goes to

convalescent and care facilities.  Captain always seems to know who is in

the most need of a visit from a friendly, gentle, and quiet little dog.  For

information call 461-6163.  

Dexter wants to know how the story ends. Photo by Deborah Cash

Tuesdays  July 1  11:00 am  August 5  11:00 am

For ages 4 and older

Location:  Atascadero Library  (new location)

Dexter, certified as a Pet Partner through the Delta Society, loves listening to stories at the Atascadero Library.  He began visiting our library in January 2013.  Dexter also loves taking walks, playing with his buddies, eating, sleeping and cuddling.  For information call 461-6163.

 SUMMER EVENTS

CHILDRENS/TEENS SUMMER READING PROGRAM

AT THE ATASCADERO LIBRARY

June 14-August 16

Children and young adults are invited to read and keep track of the titles

read on a reading log.  Upon completion, each youngster will receive a book

bag, popular paperback and other special rewards. The themes are "Fizz!

Boom! Read!" (birth-fifth grade) and "Spark a Reaction!" (entering sixth

grade-high school).  Check the children's event board, teen area, local

newspapers and radio/TV stations and www.slolibrary.org for updates,

including other branch libraries participating in the program.  All programs

are free and held at the library, unless otherwise noted. They are sponsored

by the Atascadero Friends of the Library.  For more information, call Joan

at 461-6163.

PROGRAMS BY PERFORMING ARTISTS

Thursdays   11:00 AM

Colony Park Community Center  5599 Traffic Way

Recommended for ages 4+

Sponsored by the Atascadero Friends of the Library and 

the City of Atascadero, Department of Community Services

June 19  Singer/Songwriter/Puppeteer Tom Knight 

Enjoy an interactive puppet show that includes a vibrant collection of original songs and skits

June 26 Theater    

Karen Garman                   

"Miss Karen's" highly energetic program incorporates props, costumes, and

games into a lively show that combines the art of drama, dance and

storytelling.

July 10 Storyteller  Library Fairy 

Storytelling from all over the world comes to life with this colorful, bilingual performer dressed in fairy wings and high heel tennis shoes.

July 17  Singer/Songwriter Melissa Green

Enjoy children's music with a rockin' beat!  Melissa's music was selected

for the Putamayo Rock and Roll Playground CD and she has won numerous

awards, including the Parent's Choice Award.

July 24 Magician Gerald Joseph 

Experience amazing sleight of hand magic, funny sight gags,

illusions and more.

July 31 Improvisational Storyteller 

Victoria Goring  (pictured above)

Share in an adventure in a unique blend of storytelling and improvised

theater that will stimulate the imagination and inspire creativity!

YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS AT THE ATASCADERO LIBRARY

HENNA WORKSHOP WITH DEBRA LAY

Saturday, June 21  10:30-12:30

For ages 12-18

Space is limited.  Advanced registration and guardian permission is required.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the program.

Learn about the origin, ceremonial use, ancient, current and mystical uses of Henna and create your own design in this hands-on workshop. All materials will be provided.

PAPER LANTERNS AND BEADED WIRE SCULPTURES WORKSHOP WITH JESSICA WILSON

Saturday, July 19  10:30-12:30

For ages 11-17

Space is limited.  Advanced registration is required.  Please arrive 10 minutes before the program.

Add a pop of color to your summer with this paper lantern and beaded wire sculpture class. Play with patterned paper that you can cut, fold, and collage into happy paper lanterns for your room or other fun areas. Explore an assortment of beads and wire to create wire sculptures indoors or outdoors in celebration of mobile artist Alexander Calder!

MANGA DRAWING WORKSHOP WITH IRENE FLORES

Saturday, August 2 10:30-12:30

For ages 11-18

Please arrive 10 minutes before the program. By popular demand, Irene Flores, the illustrator of the series "Mark of the Succubus," and 2 Shojo Fashion Manga drawing books, will share many facets about drawing cool looks, characters and more.  Participants are invited to bring sketchbooks. Some paper and pencils will be provided.