CL Library offers free programs for all ages

The Canyon Lake Library will be closed on today, Nov. 23, in observance of Thanksgiving. It will reopen on Saturday at 10 a.m. Tutoring, which is typically available on Saturdays, will not be available tomorrow.

Local calligraphy artist Risa Gettler visited the library to make name bookmarks on demand on Nov. 14. She made 72 bookmarks during the free program made possible by Friends of the Canyon Lake Library. “I love working for libraries,” said Risa. “They’re the heart of every city.”

Play Day will meet on Monday, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m. The free program allows parents to meet and socialize with other parents and provides the children with a safe opportunity to explore their developing vocabulary and social skills. The program also includes a craft, playtime with toys and stories. Light refreshments are provided for those in attendance.

Book Clubs are available at the library for adults and children in 4th through 7th grades. Each club selects one book to read then meets at the end of the month to discuss topics from the reading. The Junior Book Club adds an extra craft or activity component related to the story. The library has copies of the monthly titles for new and current members to read during the month.

The Adult Book Club meets on Monday, Nov. 26, at 4 p.m. to discuss the book “The Life We Bury” by Allen Eskens. The Junior Book Club will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m. to discuss the book “Stick Dog” by Tom Watson.

Miss Ginny’s Story Time will meet on Friday, Nov. 30, at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate National Cookie Week. All cookie monsters are welcome. The program includes movement, live music, stories and a make and take home craft. Parents may attend with their children in addition to older and younger children as long as they do not disrupt the program.

Toddler Story Time meets every Monday at 11 a.m. in the Kid’s Cove at the library. Mrs. Blackford engages the children with stories, songs and other activities appropriate for toddlers ages three and younger. Although babies may not be able to participate in the songs and movement, hearing the stories and songs, experiencing the socialization and generally being engaged to their capabilities has lasting benefits.

Public computers are available for use at the library. Saving is possible with the use of a removable drive such as a USB. Printing is available for .15 per black and white copy and .65 per color copy.

A computer just for children has been added to the library’s services. The AWE computer is preprogrammed with educational games and activities. It is not attached to the internet and children may explore the programs without concerns of wandering to other sites or pop-ups from unsolicited advertisements.

All library programs are free. A library card is required to borrow items and use many of the digital offerings on the Riverside County Library System’s (RCLS)website. There is no minimum age for a library cardholder; however, a legal guardian’s signed permission is required for a juvenile card.

The first library card is free and replacement of a lost card or stolen card is $1. The Canyon Lake Library is part of the RCLS cooperative of libraries. Cards from other libraries within the RCLS cooperative are welcome. Items from other cooperative libraries may also be returned at Canyon Lake Library.

The Canyon Lake Library is located inside the Canyon Lake City Hall building at 31516 Railroad Canyon Rd. The library is open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.