Friends’ Bookstore in E.P. Foster closed for renovation
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 through 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.
Saturday, April 25, May 9, 8:30 am to Noon
Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market
Look for us on Main Street, near the Mission
Mondays, May 4,11 & 18, 10 am – 2 pm
Adjacent to the Mobile Library on Main Street in front of E. P. Foster Library
We’ll have Children’s books and paperback fiction
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
E.P. Foster Library Renovation
The E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura is temporarily closed for a $13 million renovation to transform the facility into a modern, accessible space for the community and install a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2027.
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 Tune in to Ventura Voices, the City of Ventura’sPodcast and listen to Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram share details about the upcoming E.P. Foster Library renovation project.
Adult Collage Lab at Saticoy Library
Every fourth Saturday of the month, Saticoy Library opens its doors to collage enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Join us for our inaugural session on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 from 2:30–5:00 PM for a self-directed creative experience. Supplies are provided; however, you may bring your own.
Ventura County Library invites the community to take part in One Book, One Coast, a shared reading experience connecting library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington.
Pick up the book selection They Called Us Enemy,
a powerful graphic memoir by George Takei, reflecting on civil liberties, democracy, and what it means to be American, at any library branch. George Takei will appear for a special author talk and book signing on Sunday, May 31 at 2 p.m. at East Los Angeles Library. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, allowing readers across the region to participate together. Register for the One Book One Coast Author Talk with George Takei on May 31 at 2pm.
Ventura County Library, in collaboration with the Blanchard Community Library and the Museum of Ventura County, will also host a community talk with Dr. Lily Tamai designed to bring community members together in conversation. Wednesday, May 20, 6:00 pm, at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula (926 Railroad Avenue). Dr. Tamai is an Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies at CSUCI.
May the Fourth – Star Wars Day!
Hill Road Library
Monday May 4, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Screening of Star Wars: A New Hope.
Make light-up LED greeting cards with light sabers! May the Fourth Be With You!
Master Gardeners Learning Series
Gardening Tools: Tool School – Basic to Brilliant
Avenue Library, Wednesday, May 6, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
You’ll discover the tools every gardener needs, explore high-quality options, and even learn how to create your own gardening wish list with tools that match your unique needs.
Link to register: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=48915
Walk ins Welcome! As the library is closed at the time of the event, please enter through the side door on Simpson St.
Raised Bed Gardening
Hill Road Library
Tuesday, May 12, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Learn about types of raised beds, guidelines for planting various raised beds, and important tips on soil and irrigation for your setup. There will also be a demonstration of building a raised bed. Walk-ins welcome!
Set against the backdrop of beautifully curated gardens and natural spaces, Books, Birds, and Blooms invites guests to explore a series of inspiring outdoor sanctuaries while celebrating the vital role libraries play in enriching lives. Attendees will experience a setting with 280-degree ocean views, artist and pottery studios, native plants, nesting birds, the mobile library, a book giveaway, refreshments, and opportunities to connect with fellow supporters of literacy and lifelong learning. Tickets are priced at $40.For more information or to purchase a ticket, please visit https://vclibraryfoundation.org/ Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Ventura County Library System, helping to fund essential programs and services.
Ventura Friends of the Library will have books for sale on related topics in the parking lot at Community Presbyterian Church, 1555 Poli Street during the event.
Hill Road Maker Lab April 2026
Thursdays, April 2, 16, 23 & 30, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
April 2, 23 & 30: Lego Challenge
April 9: Binary Bracelets Binary code is the “language” that computers use to communicate. Each pattern of ones, zeroes, and spaces represents a different letter, number, or symbol. We will make bracelets with your name or nickname written in binary code! Recommended ages 6-16
Stop Motion Animation Club April 16
Stop motion animation is a filmmaking technique that makes inanimate objects appear to move on their own. Come and make a short film with us! Class will begin promptly at 3:30 PM. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate late arrivals. This program is designed for children ages 8+
Little Lab at Hill Road Library
Hill Road Library Patio
Tuesday, May 5, 10:30 to 11:30 am
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
Discover Science – Play Doh Circuits
Hill Road Library Patio
Saturday, April 18, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the Foothill High Discover Science team for hands-on science learning and fun! Learn about the basics of circuits and electricity by making Play-Doh circuits!
Appropriate for grades k-5 and families.
Minecraft Gaming at the library
Mondays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
April 13 & 27
Hill Road Library
An in-person Minecraft program where we play on the same server together.This program is limited to participants ages 5-17 years old.
Space is limited. First come, first served.
Questions about the event,
please call 805 626-READ
Game On! Board Games 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!
Family Stay & Play
at Avenue Library
Families are welcome to play board games and puzzles at the Avenue Library during open hours.
April Book Club selection: Dinners With Ruth
by Nina Totenberg
Tuesday, April 28, 4:00 to 5:00 pm
Selection for May: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore Tuesday, May 26, 4:00 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
