Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
Library technician Tina Garcia is passionate about books.
Mateo Arreola said it's nice he can play games on the computer.
The Osorio family enjoys spending time together at the library.
Edwin Martinez and his sister Delilah like the fun activities.
Ezekiel Juarez and Eli Cruz come for the "Snacks in the Stacks."
Kids participating in story time led by library associate Suzanne Beard.
The Kern County Library Wasco Branch has an exciting lineup of free fun activities for January and February for young and old.
The fun begins on Jan. 23, with an adult project program where participants will use their imagination to make placemats. Registration is required, and one can sign up by emailing kewasco@sjvls.org or calling 661-758-2114.
On the 30th, they will host a family craft event to design coffee mugs beginning at 4 p.m. Also, on the 30th, there will be a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program at 5 p.m.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, a family board night at 5 p.m. will be hosted. On the Monday the 13th, adults can make heart-shaped pillows for Valentine's. Registration is required for this.
On Tuesday, Feb. 14, there will be a family craft event to make heart-shaped sachets starting at 4 p.m. The youth will make heart-shaped pencil toppers. Registration is required.
A Lego building activity will take place on the Tuesday the 21st at 4 p.m. This is a teen program where they will create night lights out of a mason jar with jewels and LED lights inside.
On the Tuesday the 28th, family story time and crafts will start at 4 p.m.
Other regular activities take place monthly, such as every Monday and Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m, Snacks in the Stacks for ages 2 to 18.
Family story time and crafts take place every Tuesday at 4 p.m., with movies on Mondays at 3 p.m.
Library technician Tina Garcia, who has been with the branch for 44 years, said libraries play an essential role in a community bringing knowledge and a wealth of resources.
She believes libraries provide a special place for learning.
"Those who can't afford books for their children can come and pick them up here in a quiet place to study, hang out and read."
Garcia said that reading helps sharpen your mind and makes you smarter all around.
She has always had a love of reading.
"That is what is close to my heart and what inspired me to take on this career and why I have stuck around for so many years."
She points to the many services the library provides.
"There is computer access, help with job search and resume building, printing and faxing service for a minimal fee, arts and crafts, movies, books in Spanish and story time, to name a few," Garcia said.
Some genres for kids and adults are fiction, non-fiction, picture books for beginner readers, western, anime, space, dinosaurs, wild animals, fantasy, science, adventure, mystery, romance and autobiographies.
If they do not have a book at the Wasco branch, they can get it for you through the San Joaquin Valley library system.
The staff of three, including library associate Suzanne Beard and departmental aid Shellie Ornales, who has been there for almost 20 years, say they will go the extra mile to help find what readers need, whether for school or recreational.
"We are all very helpful and friendly," Garcia said.
Occasionally they give free books away to help children and families build their home libraries.
All that is needed to get a free library card is a California ID. Youth under 18 need an adult willing to take financial responsibility in case of a lost or damaged book.
"The library is just more than checking out books. It is also a hub for information. We invite the public to visit us and take advantage of all we have to offer," Garcia said.
The library, 1102 7th St., is open Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 661-758-2114. To check out the full schedule of events, visit their Facebook page at KE Wasco Branch.
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