This Sunday, May 20, 2012, an annular eclipse of the Sun will be visible from many parts of California. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun, creating the appearance of a "Ring of Fire."

The pinhole projector is a great way to view the eclipse.   Remember: never view the sun with the naked eye or with any optical device!

Sites for futher study: NASA Eclipse Web Site
Wikipedia: Solar eclipse of May 20, 2012
Space.com's Annular Solar Eclipse coverage

Guitarist Chaz Prymek will perform at the Ojai Library on Sunday, June 3 at 1pm. 

Chaz plays American Primitive Guitar, a genre created by John Fahey in the 1950s. 

American Primitivism is a blend of blues, classical and folk styles combined with country blues finger-picking techniques.  Chaz also performs under the name Lake Mary.

The Ventura County Libraries have two exciting Summer Reading Programs held from June 10 through August 12, 2012: Dream Big for grades K-6 and Own the Night for grades 6-12.  Teens also may volunteer at their local library branch to help run the programs.

Mr. Nifty, balloon artist extraordinaire, is the featured performer at the kickoff program in each library branch. See our kickoff program schedule for a library near you and our Kids' & Teen Events Calendar for all events!

All aspects of the Summer Reading Program are open to youth of all ages and are free of charge! In addition, each branch library has planned storytimes, events, games, and demonstrations.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is observed nationally to recognize the contributions people of Asian and Pacific heritage have made to American culture.

Join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.

Enjoy websites explaining the significance of the month, Asian American History (take the quiz), along with biographies of notable Asian Americans and more. Don't forget, you can use our eLibrary resources too!

Public libraries across the country, including Ventura County Libraries, have seen usage numbers go up in the past few years as funding has remained stagnant or decreased. Communities rely on libraries more than ever for a diverse list of programs and services - making the library a true community center.

geek /verb/ 
    1. To love, to enjoy, to celebrate, to have an intense passion for
    2. To express interest in
    3. To possess a large amount of knowledge in
    4. To promote

The people who work at your local library are amazing. Why don’t you ask them what they geek? You might be surprised by what you learn.
What do YOU geek?

"Libraries ... are being asked to perform a number of functions that most people probably don't associate with libraries. They really are supporting and complementing the work of other public agencies,”
 -- Larry Eichel, The Pew Charitable Trusts, in a recent article.

Libraries can do amazing things with small budgets, but they need your support! Start the conversation in your community!