CL Library celebrates Banned Books Week

The Canyon Lake Library is celebrating Banned and Challenged Books Week through Sept. 28. Established by the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom, the annual event celebrates the freedom to read and spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers and readers of all types in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

The library will have free informational bookmarks to give out in celebration. It’s a great time to visit the library and appreciate, discuss and discover controversial literature.

September is Library Card Sign Up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. Library cards are free, replacement cards cost $1.

Patrons who sign up for a new library card at the Canyon Lake Library in September will receive a free lunch tote and “Toy Story 4” posters and coloring pages. Patrons may also make their own Forky toy at the Maker Space table in the library.

Miss Ginny’s Preschool Story Time will meet today, Sept. 27, at 11:30 a.m. The class will be making puppy puppets in celebration of National Dog Month. 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, Sept. 30, at 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, Sept. 30, 4 p.m. The selected book is “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett. Both clubs welcome newcomers. Copies of this month’s selection are available at the library.

The Junior Book Club for kids in 4th through 7th grades will meet on Oct. 25 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The selected book for October is “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Steward. October’s Junior Book Club Meeting will feature a special Murder Mystery activity. Space is limited.

Toddler Story Time will meet on Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. in the Kid’s Cove in the library. 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 free 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.

Roots to Grow is a homework help program held on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. High school students can earn volunteer credit for assisting younger children in their studies. Students wishing to come in for help should contact the library in advance to express their interest.

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’s AWE computer for young children is preprogrammed with educational games and activities and not attached to the Internet.

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 Canyon Lake Library will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14, in observance of Columbus Day.