Take advantage of all the library has to offer

Need to use a computer? Want to learn to crochet or knit? Need homework help? Want to join a Book Club? Looking for programs for your children? The Canyon Lake Library offers all this and more. The library’s programs are free; however, a library card is needed to check out items. Library cards are free. Replacement cards cost $1.

Roots to Grow is a free homework help program held on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. High school students can earn volunteer credit for assisting younger children with their studies. Students who wish to participate should contact the library in advance to express their interest. Professional reading help is now also 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 also has an AWE computer for young children. The computer is preprogrammed with educational games and activities and not attached to the Internet.

Tech Time is a program in which patrons ages 18 and older of any skill level may have their questions about the Internet, tech, or their devices answered by the Tech Tutor, an expert with more than fifteen years of experience in the field. Interested patrons should make a Saturday appointment at the library. Patrons are encouraged to bring in their devices, such as laptops, smartphones, or tablets, to their appointment.

The Knitting and Crochet Crafters program will meet on Jan. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The part-social, part-educational program is open to crafters of all skill levels. Loaner tools and supplies are available for newcomers. This time of year, the members of the group are busy making warm garments for those who need them. The group creates and donates hats, shawls, pillows and more to organizations that help veterans, the homeless and the terminally ill.

Toddler Story Time will meet on Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. in the Kid’s Cove in the library. Toddler Story Time is led by volunteer Gretchen Blackford and includes a craft, a story, interactive songs and opportunities for children ages three and younger to use their growing vocabulary and experience social interaction with other children.

Miss Ginny’s Preschool Story Time will meet today and on Friday, Jan. 24, at 11:30 a.m. The program is led by Librarian Miss Ginny and features Mr. Bill on the piano and interactive songs at each meeting. The program for kids ages three to five meets every other Friday and includes an interactive story, music and movement activities.

Play Day will meet on Monday, Jan. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will feature fun with poinsettia plants. Play Day is a free-form party for parents and their children. Toys are provided along with a craft, music, a story and light refreshments.

The Adult Book Club will meet on Monday, Jan. 27, at 4 p.m. January’s book selection is “Being Mortal: Medicine & What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande. Newcomers are always welcome and copies of the month’s selection are available at the library. The library provides discussion questions relating to the book and light refreshments at each meeting.

Boy Scout Troop 2011 is collecting e-waste at the library through Mar. 6. Residents who have small electronics to recycle are asked to drop them off at the library. The proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Troop’s summer camp transportation costs. Items accepted include inkjet and laser printer cartridges, cell phones, tablets, eBook readers, PDAs, video game consoles, handheld video games​, etc. Large electronics such as printers, computers and televisions cannot be accepted.

The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Book drops will be available during this time for patrons who need to return items.

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