Category Archives: Current Events

BOOK SALES

Regular book sales open to the general public take place every Saturday from 9:00 to 11:30 am in the community room.  Books are also available for sale in the library’s lobby whenever the library is open.  There are no better bargains for book lovers!

The members-only First Friday book sale will take place on Friday, May 5 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the library’s community room.  Join the Chico Friends of the Library and enjoy the calmer, less crowded atmosphere to browse the many books, media, and other materials  for sale.

CFOL  ANNUAL  MEETING

On Tuesday, May 16  at 7:00 pm the CFOL will hold its annual meeting in the library’s community room.  After a brief business meeting featured speaker Dan Barnett will share anecdotes from his thirty years of book reviewing.  Everyone is invited to attend .

ROB ATKINSON ANNUAL CUPCAKE FUNDRAISER A BIG SUCCESS

Each year, the Century 21 Jeffries Lydon Real Estate office in Chico sponsors a cupcake sale in honor of long-time CFOL member and book sale volunteer Rob Atkinson.  The sale supports the many contributions of Chico Friends of the Library to the Chico branch.  This year’s fundraiser surpassed previous years’ with a total of more than $3700.  Such generous community support is greatly appreciated.

CONSTRUCTION FOR”MAKER SPACE” BEGINS SOON

Your CFOL will make significant contributions to the new “Maker Space” to be built in the center of the library.  Devices such as 3-D printers, a button maker, sewing machines, typewriters, and an Ellison die-cut machine will be available for public use.  There will also be space for tutoring, book discussions, Fandom Club, computer lab and other programs.  Your CFOL will purchase materials as well as storage cabinets and work surfaces, while Butte County will construct the surrounding walls.  Talk to library staff to share your ideas for additional devices and programs.

CFOL CONTRIBUTES TO “LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES”  (LFLs)

With over 50,000 registered LFLs in the United States, this international phenomenon makes books freely available to all on a “take a book, return a book” basis.  Located in a variety of settings, from storefronts to residential areas and public parks, each LFL holds about a dozen books.  Butte County Library sponsors several LFLs in Chico, with community groups and residents sponsoring others.  Your CFOL maintains a large selection of books that have been donated to the book sales for LFL stewards to choose from to refill their LFL as needed.  Eventually the “take a book, return a book” process should lead each LFL to be self-sustaining.  Outlying neighborhoods that do not have a nearby library branch especially benefit from this collaboration between communities, CFOL, and Butte County Library.

LOOKING AHEAD

Summer reading programs for children, youth, and adults will take place throughout June and July.  Your CFOL will contribute in a variety of ways to “Reading by Design,” this year’s theme.  For more information contact staff at the Chico branch.

CESAR  CHAVEZ  DAY

In honor of Cesar Chavez, civil rights activist and champion of fair wages and working conditions for workers who harvest the nation’s food, the Butte County Library system was closed on March 31.  In addition, there is no CFOL book sale on Saturday, April 1.  Regular book sales to the public resume on Saturday, April 8 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. The CFOL members-only “first Friday” book sale this month will be on April 7 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  All sales take place in the Chico branch library’s conference room.

In the meantime, you can slake your thirst for excellent bargains in used books by browsing the “for sale” shelves in the library’s lobby whenever the library is open.

DID  YOU  KNOW?

Your CFOL partially or fully funds numerous activities throughout the year.  Whether for children, teens, or adults, CFOL support has been vital to the enriching and vital enhancements to the Chico branch library.  Here are some highlights of recent and ongoing examples of CFOL involvement.

• books, magazine subscriptions, and media purchases
• remodeling and upgrades in facilities, furniure, and technology
• sponsorship of special programs throughout the year, especially during the December holidays
• sponsorship of summer reading programs’ materials and events
• participation in activities to promote literacy such as the Trivia Bee for Literacy
• provision of books and art supplies for the 8 weekly children’s story times

SEE  YOUR  CFOL  AT  WORK

The CFOL Board of Directors meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Chico branch library’s conference room.  The public, whether members of CFOL or not, are invited to attend meetings and to be inspired by the dedication of this group.  If you are not yet a member, you and your friends are encouraged to join CFOL, whose support is indispensable to enhancement of library services.

BOOK SALES

The widely popular CFOL members-only used book sale takes place this month on Friday, March 3  from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Chico branch  library conference room.  Sales to the general public are held Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30 am.  Take advantage of these opportunities to purchase gently used books, magazines, and other materials at greatly discounted prices.  If you cannot attend the book sales, there are additional books for sale daily in the library’s lobby for a mere 50 cents per item.

SPREAD THE WORD  —  ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAIN TO REPLACE A LOST OR DAMAGED LIBRARY CARD FOR FREE

To celebrate the completion of the Chico branch addition of automated self check-in and self check-out equipment, replacement of lost or damaged library cards will be free through March 5.  Use of your library card allows you to save time and increases efficiency when checking out your items, accessing your account, and using a library computer.  Just bring a picture ID to the Circulation Desk to receive a new card.

FRIENDS AND VOLUNTEERS FETED AT ANNUAL  APPRECIATION POTLUCK LUNCHEON

On February 23 CFOL and library volunteers were recognized for their commitment to maintaining and enhancing the many services and resources of the Chico branch library.   In the past year nearly 13,000 volunteer hours were logged by the dedicated and hardworking volunteers, and more than $62,000 were raised by the CFOL book sales.  Currently there are more than 100 library volunteers, nearly 50 book sale volunteers, and  approximately 30 teen volunteers.  Since the early 2000’s volunteers have logged an aggregate of more than 125,000 hours in service to the Chico branch library.  Several volunteers have personally achieved more than 4000 hours each.  If you and your friends and neighbors wish to join this volunteer corps, see library staff at your Chico branch.  Library patrons sincerely express their appreciation for our extraordinary volunteers.

BOOK SALES

The widely popular CFOL members-only used book sale takes place this month on Friday, February 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Chico branch  library conference room.  Sales to the general public are held Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30 am.  Take advantage of these opportunities to purchase gently used books, magazines, and other materials at greatly discounted prices.  If you cannot attend the book sales, there are additional books for sale daily in the library’s lobby for a mere 50 cents per item.

PROJECT COMPLETION CELEBRATED

A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of the extensive project to reconfigure the interior of the Chico branch library and add new and upgraded automation equipment.  Library staff have heard many positive comments on the spacious look and feel of the library and the efficiency of the new equipment.  Many have also noted how easy it is to learn to use these devices.  “Tutoring” from library staff and volunteers is always available for those who are hesitant to try it out.

SPREAD THE WORD

To celebrate the completion of the Chico branch addition of automated self check-in and self check-out equipment, replacement of lost or damaged library cards will be free through March 5.  Use of your library card allows you to save time and increases efficiency when checking out your items, accessing your account, and using a library computer.  Just bring a picture ID to the Circulation Desk to receive a new card.