Author to Mark Library’s First Birthday

Victor Villasenor, son of Mexican immigrants, is a Pulitzer-nominated author.

By Bobbi Zane

Atalk by best-selling author Victor Villasenor will mark the first anniversary of the opening of the new Julian library.

The centerpiece of a celebration that includes a reception, entertainment and an opportunity to meet new librarian Jon Noland, the event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the library.

Villasenor, son of Mexican immigrants, is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated author whose works reveal the struggle to find common ground between the cultures of his Mexican-Indian-European ancestors and his family’s newly adopted American homeland. One of his most notable books, “Rain of Gold,” traces the trails his grandmother and her children followed from Mexico to the United States during the Mexican revolution.

Villasenor has deep roots in the San Diego area; he was born in Carlsbad and lived most of his life on a ranch he owns in Oceanside. His most recent book, “Burro Genius,” published in 2004, garnered a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize for literature last year. The book recounts his story of growing up in the San Diego area, the frustration of growing up Latino in an American school system that had neither the understanding nor the resources to deal with Hispanic students. It details how he overcame extreme dyslexia, a learning disability that makes it difficult for children to learn to read.

The library celebration is presented by the Friends of the Julian Library, a group of dedicated volunteers who had the initial vision of building a new library to replace one housed in the tiny Witch Creek School building. The Friends raised more than $1 million to match grants from the state of California and others in order to build the library. The new structure was dedicated Sept. 14, 2004.

Spearheading the birthday event is Friends member Gary Gernandt.

Jon F. Noland, the recently appointed librarian who assumed direction of the facility in July, and Jose Aponte, director of the San Diego County Libraries, also will be on hand for the celebration. Classical guitarist Victorian Rose will provide entertainment.

The free event is open to the community.