Julian Library Offers Programs for the Community
By Amber Ward

Sue McIntosh, Chair Fitness Program Instructor, leads the class in warm-up with neck stretches. Photo by amber Ward

The Julian branch of the San Diego County Library offers a host of programs to the community.

Its mission is to provide resources to meet the information, recreational and cultural needs of the library community and to actively promote reading and life-long learning.

The Julian Branch Library was completed in fall 2004. The library serves as the information hub of the community. It offers residents a place to gather, and students a place to further their education.

The library's target audience for programming is students, their families and caregivers, and the entire community with their own education and recreational interests. Since the library is located on the Julian High School campus, it offers a Homework Center that is accessible by students of all ages.

The Community Room at the library gives residents a place to gather and to enjoy library-sponsored programs. It is host to several programs throughout the year, and is open to community groups and also used to display exhibits.

In order to foster "life-long learners" the library has implemented several programs. Programs consist of a variety of topics and activities. The library is creatively adorned with beautiful stained glass murals and sculptures, paintings and several photographs all done by local artists and also features a "Local Authors" section.

In support of local artists and authors the library will host: "Jewelry Making" in January, taught by the owners of Mountain Beadworks; and "Writer's Workshop" at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9 for those focused on improving their writing skills.

Another way that the library fosters "life-long learners" is through its computer access. Classes aimed at enhancing computer literacy for all ages are provided, including Internet and adult computer classes. At 10 a.m. Thursdays, the library sponsors an ongoing computer class that is slow paced and offers individual attention.

The Julian Library also provides a Story Time area with an attractive decor for preschool story times and one-on-one parent/child story times. There is an age appropriate collection of picture and board books to cater to parents and to support preschool story times. "Preschool Story Time" is held at 11 a.m. Wednesdays and includes a "Bi-Lingual Story Time" that is offered at 1 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month.

January is "Self-Improvement Month" and the library will continue to offer its "Fitness in a Chair" program at 9 a.m. on Fridays, Jan. 5, 12 and 19. The last Friday of the month will be dedicated to a "Good Morning Yoga" session led by instructor, Karen Mills.

This month, for the first time, the Julian Library will be partnering with Palomar College offering a "College Success Skills" course. It starts Jan. 17 and is held from 5 to 7:50 p.m. on Wednesdays. This is a class recommended for both new and re-entry college students. Registration will be available at the library from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 13 or visit www.palomar.edu to sign up.

If you have any questions or would like more information on the library programs call 760-765-0370. A schedule of all monthly programs is available at the library check-out counter.