Artist Jill Roberts & Anza Librarian Kay Mackay Collaborate on Project

Temecula CA

06 June, 2022

1:46 PM

Description

Local Muralist Jill Roberts and Librarian Kay Mackay cooked up ideas around the campfire to create a sizzle for the Anza Valley Community Library's Summer Reading Program. Mackay asked, "What can we do to get families in Anza to enjoy our library when so many people don't even know we have a local library? Sadly, we have this beautiful FREE resource and it's not being used to its full potential." When the Riverside County Library announced their Summer Reading Program "READ BEYOND THE BEATEN PATH" with a CAMPING THEME, Mackay ordered a five-foot canvas tent/cabin to be the centerpiece of the reading program. Mackay contacted Roberts to ask her to paint on the tent, after seeing her Facebook photos of a mural she painted with romping dogs and cats at a Palm Desert veterinary clinic. Roberts was excited about the proposal and believes that reading is fundamental. "Once you learn to read, an exciting new world of learning opens up! I remember as a child being excited when my mom introduced me to the local bookmobile. I was astounded seeing hundreds of colorful books on the shelves inside a bus! I couldn't wait to finish each stack of books to go back and get more." "I have to admit it was several years after moving here that I finally found out that Anza has its own library. Since then, I have visited our library to use the computers and internet when mine was out. I went there when it was hot to be inside the AC to read. I've met some wonderful local people at the library too. It really is a hidden resource that more families in Anza need to know about." Located inside Hamilton High School on Mitchell Road, the library is a big open space with its own dedicated entry on the East side of the building next to the baseball field. Riverside County shares space with the high school library bringing a safe, air-conditioned, updated space full of excellent resources, including books, audibles, computers, internet, a book club, educational programming and much more to the community. A recent grant purchased hundreds of new books and educational tools for the children's area. Mackay stated, "When we see a programming need, the county provides the resources or the Friends of the Library volunteers raise money through local charities. For instance, do you want to start a chess club? Let us know!" The 6-week program kicks off with an ICE CREAM SOCIAL at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 11. Children and teens are encouraged to bring adults for registration. June 11, Saturday, 11:00 am– ICE CREAM SOCIAL on Registration day, come in to sign up for the Summer Reading Program. Check out Anza Library's FREE resources, books, activities and programming for the community.June 14. Tuesday, 5:15 pm– BULLET JOURNALING for teens and adultsJune 16, Thursday, 10:15 am– CAMPING AT THE LIBRARY. Bring in and leave your stuffed animal for a week-long stuffed animal camping trip.June 23, Thursday, 10:15 am– WATER PROTECTORS. Children's program.June 30, Thursday, 10:15 am– MOUNTAIN FACTS. Children's programJuly 7, Thursday, 10:15 am– DESERT. Children's programJuly 14, Thursday, 10:15 am– FOREST. Children's programJuly 19, Tuesday, 5:15 pm– ROCK PAINTING. Teens and adults.July 21, Thursday, 10:15 am– PARKS. Children's programJuly 23, Saturday, 11:00 am– SUMMER WRAP UP. CELEBRATION All ages END OF SUMMER PRIZE DRAWING TICKETS can also be earned through weekly online/ virtual events/ activities and logging books and minutes read through the Summer Reading Program. NO COMPUTER? Come to the library and use one of ours. "Reading off the Beaten Path… by Scouting out the Anza Valley Library off the Beaten Path!" For information, contact the Anza Valley Community Library at (951)763-4216 or visit 57430 Mitchell Rd. Anza, CA 92539. Summer hours are now Tuesday, Wednesday 3 - 7 pm; Thursday 10 am - 2 pm; Saturday 10 am - 2 pm. Jill Roberts is a professional muralist/painter www.jillrobertsart.com And a branding graphic designer and web designer. www.tenaciousbranding.com