Friends of the Library Bookstore in E.P. Foster Library is now closed due to library renovation.
We are no longer accepting donations of books at that location. Donations may be made at Avenue, Saticoy and Hill Road libraries.
We also accept donations at our warehouse (download map)
Monday & Tuesday and Thursday & Friday 9-11am. We will help remove book donations from donor’s car.
The Friends will continue to hold periodic outdoor sales and sell on eBay and are working on several creative ideas to make our wonderful donated books available for sale during the 16 months of the library renovations.
Look for our Pop-Up Sales.
2nd Saturdays, 8:30 am to Noon
Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market
Look for us on Main Street, near the Mission
Saturday, November 7
Next large book sale at the Vons at Telegraph & Victoria
You can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/2nd_look_books_ventura/
Please check out our Ebay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/venturafriendsofthelibrary
Master Gardeners Learning Series: Demystifying Bulbs
Hill Road Library Tuesday, September 15, 5:00 to 6:00 pm
This beginner-friendly presentation demystifies bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes: how they grow, how to plant them, and how to help them thrive in containers or in the ground. This talk focuses on ornamental flowering plants and does not cover edible crops. Taught by certified Master Gardener Rose Li
(Optional) Link to Register: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=49235
Garden to Table Series – Mastering Mediterranean Herbs
Avenue Library Meeting Room Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Discover how rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, basil, and more can thrive in Ventura County’s ideal climate — from planting and pest management to harvesting and preserving at peak flavor. Link to Register: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=49225
E.P. Foster Library Renovation
The E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura is temporarily closed for renovation.
On the construction front, significant milestones have already been reached. Asbestos remediation was completed, a critical step that cleared the way for demolition, and HVAC ductwork installation is now officially underway.
In the meantime, the Mobile Library will continue making weekly Monday stops in front of the library from 10 am to 1 pm. Easily update your holds pickup location in the new MyVCLibrary app, online, via chat, or by calling (805)626-READ
You’ll find updates on construction timelines, frequently asked questions and press releases at https://www.library.venturacounty.gov/locations/foster/construction-updates
You can also follow the renovation’s progress through photos by clicking on the link titled ‘Through the Lens: E.P. Foster Library’s 2026 Renovation Journey,’
One County One Book 2026
This year’s community reading selection is:
Daughters of the Sun and Moon by Lisa See.
In 1870, three Chinese women arrive in the small, dusty, and violent pueblo of Los Angeles. . . . Each woman has her own desires. Dove wants to love and be loved, Petal desires freedom, and Moon seeks justice. . . Set during a period of rampant anti-Chinese sentiment in Los Angeles, Daughters of the Sun and Moon is a grippingtale of an exhilarating but tumultuous society in a fever pitch, and three women who must navigate its unique challenges.
Print editions will be available to borrow at Ventura County Library branches. Digital eBook and eAudio editions will also be available.
More information: https://www.library.venturacounty.gov/events-programs/one-county-one-book
The Hill Road Book Club will discuss the book on Tuesday, September 29, 4:00 to 5:00 pm.
This year’s program will conclude with a special event featuring author Lisa See in the Pavilion at the Museum of Ventura County Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 pm
No reservations are required, and the event is free and open to the public.
Storytimes
Saticoy Library Tuesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 am
Avenue Library Tuesdays, 4:00 to 4:30 pm
Hill Road Library Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:00 am
Mobile Library at Main Street in front of E.P. Foster Library Mondays at 10:30 am
Paws for Reading
Hill Road Library Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Avenue Library Thursdays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome!
Maker Lab at Hill Road Library
Hill Road Library
Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Lego Challenge
September 10, 17, 24
Appropriate for ages 5+
Little Lab at Hill Road Library
Hill Road Library Patio
Tuesday, September 1, 10:30 to 11:30 am
First Tuesdays — Children will have the opportunity to create, explore and experiment with sensory activities, process art, constructive play, and more!
Many activities will involve water, paint, and other messes, so please dress your children appropriately! This event is designed for children aged 3-7
Lego Play
Saticoy Library, Mondays, 2:00 to 5:00 pm
Children’s Craft Corner
Avenue Library, Saturday, September 5, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Children and teens are welcome to get creative at Avenue Library’s Craft Corner every first Saturday of the month.
Hill Road Library Minecraft Club
Hill Road Library
Monday, August 24
3:30 to 5:00 pm
Play Minecraft in-person at the Hill Road Library!
Children will be able to play cooperatively on a library server and participate in challenges or free creative play. Laptops are limited and children will be able to participate on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up begins at 3:15 and gameplay begins at 3:30.
Hill Road Library Chess Club
Saturdays, 11:00 am to noon , September 5, 12, 19 & 26
Our teen volunteers are here to help you learn, practice, and improve your game. Players of all skill levels are welcome! Hill Road Chess Club is for children and teens ages 5-17.
Game On! Uno for All
Hill Road Library
Sundays, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Sundays at the Hill Road Library we break out the UNO decks! Bring your friends, family, favorite opponents, and GAME ON!
Making Art at the Library
Adult Collage Lab at Saticoy Library
Every fourth Saturday of the month, 2:30–5:00 PM
August 22 -Saticoy Library opens its doors to collage enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Supplies are provided; however, you may bring your own.
Adult Collage Sunday at Hill Road Library
Sundays, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Collagers, scrapbookers, and junk journalists are all welcome! Supplies will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own. Whether you’re joining us from E.P. Foster or attending for the first time, we hope you find some friendly faces and a good crafty time. See you there!
Avenue Collage Guild
Third Saturdays, August 15, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Join us for a creative and inspiring collage session!
All skill levels welcome—bring your imagination and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Connect, create, and share your art with fellow collage enthusiasts. Materials welcome, but not required.
Wise Owls Book Club
Hill Road Library
Tuesday, August 18, 5:00 to 6:00 pm
Wise Owls is a Book Club for adults that enjoy reading children’s literature.
Our Summer selection is Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Book Club selection. For more information or to join the mailing list for this Book Club please email Linda.Cherry@Ventura.org
Hill Road Library Book Club
September Book Selection
Daughters of the Sun and Moon by Lisa See
Tuesday, September 29, 4:00 to 5:00 pm.
Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Book Club selection. For more information or to join the mailing list for this Book Club please email Linda.Cherry@Ventura.org
