Library Corner

By Avonelle Box

October, the time between summer vacations and holiday planning.

Autumn, described by Webster’s dictionary as a time of full maturity.

In the farming communities, “all hauled in,” meaning ready for winter.

Ramona heartily welcomed Katherine Powell to the seemingly long-awaited branch librarian post last month. Here’s a bit of background to that soft, warm voice at the end of your telephone call: Because of her husband’s career, they have traveled and previously lived in Southern California, Texas and Wyoming but have been happily residing in Valley Center for the past year. They have three children: No. 1 and No. 2 are “full maturity” and successfully employed, and at home is their 9-year-old daughter, who attends elementary school.

The Preschoolers story time and craft program continues at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays (Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26). Come and enjoy the Fall Storytime Fun with Julie Fuller.

The Bilingual Story Time, a time for both Spanish and English families, meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday (Oct. 10 and 24). Come and enjoy this hourlong program of stories and crafts.

To hear delightful stories read to you by grandmother Donna Sheldon, come each Thursday (Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Adult Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 18, the third Tuesday, in the library. The selection for discussion this month is “No Angel” by Penny Vincenzi. Enjoy reading the latest literary selections? Come join the discussion group!

A special Family Halloween Program at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 will feature “Halloween Cat Lady,” Mary Beach, sponsored by the Friends of the Ramona Library. Families are encouraged to come in costume and participate in the parade, along with holiday stories, songs and crafts. Come ready for fun!

The San Diego County Library Literacy Program, called Libraries Empower All to Read Now, or LEARN, is implemented to aid anyone needing help with reading or writing skills or for those want to volunteer to help adults improve these skills.

The program was launched in July 2005 and includes adult literacy and family literacy services. The services will be available at the Ramona Library, but the San Diego County Library Literacy Center is located in the El Cajon Branch Library. For details, call literacy coordinator Amanda Schukle at the literacy center at (619) 588-3740, or toll-free:

(888) 466-0668; or e-mail to Learnstaff@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Attention computer illiterates or neophytes: Mr. Spring is available at the library from 10:15 to 11 a.m. on Mondays to help you learn how to e-mail, surf the Internet, use the library catalog and databases, or understand “computerese.” Call the library at (760) 738-2434 to arrange an appointment.

The “Friends” Mini-Book Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, in the Community Room. Tables laden with best-sellers will feature paperbacks for 25 cents and hardbacks for $1. The collectors’ table will offer first editions and a variety of special interest books for $5 each. All proceeds from the book sale benefit the library’s programs for children and adult.