Take advantage of free programs at CL Library

Miss Ginny’s Preschool Story Time meets today, Aug. 23, at 11:30 a.m. The every other Friday program is for children ages three to five and includes an interactive story, music and movement activities. Parents may attend with their children in addition to older and younger children as long as they do not disrupt the program.

Play Day will meet on Monday, Aug. 26. The program has a new start time of 10:30 a.m. The program includes music and movement, a story, playtime, a craft and light snacks.

The Adult Book Club will meet on Monday, Aug. 26, at 4 p.m. The selected book is “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion” by Fannie Flagg.

Toddler Story Time will meet in the Kid’s Cove in the library on Monday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m. The program provides opportunities for young children to use their growing vocabulary and experience social interaction with other children. Mrs. Blackford engages the children with stories, songs and other activities appropriate for toddlers ages three and younger. A craft is included in the program.

The Knitting and Crochet Crafters program meets on the first and third Fridays of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. The part-social, part-educational program is open to new crafters of all skill levels. Loaner tools and supplies are available.

The library offers Tech Time on Saturdays by appointment. Tech Time is a program in which patrons ages 18 and older may have their questions about the internet, tech, or their devices answered by the Tech Tutor, an expert with more than 15 years of experience in the field. Patrons are encouraged to bring in their devices, such as laptops, smartphones and tablets.

The homework help program Roots to Grow is offered by appointment. High school students can earn volunteer credit for assisting younger children in their studies. Students wishing to volunteer as a helper or to come in for help should contact the library in advance to express their interest.

Patrons who cannot find a book at the library may utilize the free Zip Books program to have the book ordered and sent to them. Zip Books is another way to request books not owned by the Riverside Public Library. The book is shipped directly to the patron using Amazon Prime. Once delivered to the patron, the book will be recorded by the library as being checked out. The book must be returned to the library two weeks from the date of delivery.

To get started, fill out the form at rivlib.com (click on the Zip Books tab) or download the form and give it to a library staff member. Check the amazon.com website beforehand to make sure the book is available.

Public computers are available for use at the library. Saving is possible with the use of a removable drive such as a USB. The library has an AWE computer for young children to use. It is preprogrammed with educational games and activities and is not attached to the Internet.

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Sign up for a new Riverside County Library System library card at the Canyon Lake Library between Sept. 1 and Sept. 22 and receive a small gift.

The Canyon Lake Library will be celebrating Banned and Challenged Books Week Sept. 22 through Sept. 28. Established by the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom, this is a great time to visit the library and appreciate, discuss and discover controversial literature.

All library programs are free. A library card is required to borrow items and to use many of the digital offerings on the Riverside County Library System’s (RCLS) website. The first library card is free; replacement cards are $1. There is no minimum age for a library cardholder; however, a legal guardian’s signed permission is required for a juvenile card.

​The Library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day and on Friday, Sept. 13, for All Staff Day. The library is a collaboration with the City of Canyon Lake and the Riverside County Library System. Cards and returns from other affiliated libraries are honored.

The library is located inside the City Hall building at 31516 Railroad Canyon Rd. For more information, call 951-244-9181.