By Sue Hotz

SPRING TURNS INTO SUMMER at the San Carlos Branch Library. School is out, summer programs are in place, and the Americans with Disabilities Act upgrade construction will soon be completed! Gushing rainwater and the discovery of an unmarked low voltage line stalled the resurfacing of the parking lot. We’re hoping for a used book sale on June 27, or the first available Saturday. There will be no book sale on July 4. All libraries are closed July 3 and 4. Check the website for updates: sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org. We again thank our patrons for their support during construction.

WELCOME ERIN MOORE, our new part-time youth services librarian. A native San Diegan with an impressive library resume, Erin has served at almost all of the city branch libraries in a variety of positions — from library aide to North Clairemont Branch Manager and most recently at our Central Library’s Denny Sanford Children’s Library.

“I am excited for the opportunity to provide service to children and teens in a branch capacity,” Erin said. “I believe strongly that neighborhood libraries nourish a sense of belonging in communities, and am grateful to serve in San Carlos.”

You can find Erin at the library on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SWING, SHIMMY AND SWAY while you “read to the rhythm” during our 2015 Summer Reading Program. The city-wide Summer Reading Program is open to everyone and runs from June 15 to Aug. 15. Register online at sandiegolibrary.org to track your progress and win prizes. Children up to age 11 can win a prize for reading 10 books or 10 hours; young adults ages 12 through 18 can win a prize for logging 10 hours of reading; adults over the age of 18 can win a prize for finishing three books.

It’s a fact: children who read at least six books during their summer break score higher in both reading and math when they return to school. Children who are read to and see their parents read will read more themselves. Libraries have materials that cover a world of subjects and support life-long learning. The California Library Association has challenged California libraries to sign up 1 million people for the Summer Reading Program. Pick up our Summer Reading Program brochure at the library or on our website.

YOUTH: SHOUT, SING AND STOMP to the rhythm of a variety of free family entertainment offerings scheduled for your enjoyment every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m., June 17 through Aug. 12. These programs pre-empt our school-age story time. The first show stars “Twinkle Time,” a colorful, high-energy pop concert fusing education, language, arts and pop culture. On June 24 we’ll feature “Little Cat Bird, Red Riding Hood,” original songs that mix folk, pop, jazz, and blues. On July 1, we have “Michael Mezmer Phenomena,” optical illusions, hypnotic suggestions, science and magic. On July 8: “Wild Wonders Animal Show,” fun furry, feathered, and scaly teachers. For July 15, “Magician Justin Rivera,” blends comedy and magic.

FREE SUMMERTIME CRAFTS. We continue to present story times on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Fridays at 10 a.m. and the second Saturday of the month 10:30 a.m. throughout the summer. STEAM2 and Jr. Space Maker Legos programs will return in September. San Carlos Friends of the Library underwrites the cost of youth programs with an annual donation of $6,000 to the city’s matching fund to cover the total program cost of $12,000.

ADULTS: Enjoy the lazy daze of summer by perusing the artwork of Barbara Peterson’s adult art class through July 2. The artist reception is June 20 from noon to 2 p.m.

Beginning July 7, Lyna Nath’s expressionist oil, watercolors and ink drawings will be displayed in the Winer Community Room and Art Gallery.

Read “Billy Bathgate” by E.L. Doctorow for the July 9 Librarian’s Book Club at 12:30 p.m.

Hear historian and author Nancy Carol Carter on June 26 at 2 p.m. tell us about “Before 1950: The Early History of Balboa Park.”

Attend an OASIS class on July 19 at 1 p.m. with Steve Cassedy discussing “Yiddish Culture in the Era of Mass Immigration.”

We offer many just-for-fun activities—details are on the website, or pick up a calendar at the library. San Carlos Friends of the Library donates $7,500 annually to the city’s matching funds for adult programs. This covers the total program cost of $15,000.

—Sue Hotz is publicity chair for the San Carlos Friends of the Library.