Canyon Lake Library gets new branch manager

After long-time Canyon Lake Library Branch Manager Amanda McLaughlin was relocated to the Lakeside Library in Lake Elsinore, Kim Pike has taken her place and has set up the library with a variety of events and programs for the new year.

“The new staff has settled into the new location in the Canyon Lake Town Center and are looking forward to seeing both new and current patrons,” Kim said.

Kim Pike

Existing programs include Toddler Storytime and two book clubs. Storytime is on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Librarians Miss Ginny and Miss Gretchen read their favorite stories and provide story-matching crafts.

The Adult Book Club meets monthly on the last Monday of the month between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Multiple different genres are included and books can be ordered from the library ahead of time. The Jan. 31 meeting will be discussing the book, “A Year in Provence.”

The Joy of Reading Book Club is a registered-only book club that is currently at capacity. It meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There are several new programs starting in January. The Bilingual Toddler Storytime will be led by Miss Allison on the first and third Saturdays of the month and will feature a story read in both English and Spanish and will include creating a craft.

Homework Help is available every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Helpers include high school students (available for volunteer credit), volunteers and library staff. Those wishing to volunteer need to just apply at the library’s front desk.

The Tales for Tails program encourages children to read to Maya, a Read With Me therapy dog. Maya will be at the library from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every second and fourth Monday of the month, starting Jan. 24.

The library will be celebrating National Sticker Day (one day early) by giving away free stickers on Jan. 12.

The new library facility contains a conference room available for $25.00 an hour (501(c)3 organizations get the first two hours free), Kim said. Maximum capacity is 20 people. Reservations can be made on the rivlib.net website.

“The library would like to add more programs,” Kim said. “Do you want to start a club? Are you interested in genealogy or Dungeons and Dragons? What about gardening or quilting? Please send your program requests to me at
infocnl@rivlib.net.”