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.
Saturdays, June 13 & July 11, 8:30 am to Noon
Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market
Look for us on Main Street, near the Mission
Monday, June 8, 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
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.
E.P. Foster Library Renovation
The E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura is temporarily closed for renovation. So far, asbestos remediation has been completed successfully and environmental testing has confirmed the space is clear and safe. This means workers will soon begin jackhammering the building’s flooring for old pipe replacement as well as making way for installation of a modern air conditioning system. The project remains on track, and the community can look forward to a safer, more comfortable library in 2027.
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
Summer Reading 2026
The Summer Reading Program at Ventura County Library
begins on June 1.
This year’s theme is “Plant a Seed – Read”.
Beginning June 1, you can register at ventura.readsquared.com and then Read, Complete Activities, Earn Points and Prizes.
Summer Reading Program event
Monday, June 8 –
The Mobile Library will make an appearance
on Main Street, in front of E.P. Foster Library,
at 10:00 am for storytime and to register summer readers.
At 1:00 pm, the Gamez on Wheelz game truck and Kona Ice will appear for a Family Gaming event!
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.
Making Art at the Library
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.
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, 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.
Master Gardeners Learning Series 2026
Amazing Succulents
Hill Road Library
Tuesday, June 2, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
earn everything you need to know for happy cacti, indoors or out, and meet fellow garden enthusiasts in the area.
This event is free and open to the public. No registration required; walk-ins welcome!
Beat the Heat: Summer Vegetables You Can Still Plant Avenue Library, Wednesday, June 3, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Learn which warm-season vegetables thrive when planted in June in our Mediterranean climate and discover varieties that can handle our summer conditions. Link to register: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=48916 Walk ins welcome! As the library is closed at the event time, please enter through the side door entrance on Simpson St.
Introduction to Hydroponics
Saticoy Library
Saturday, June 6, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Discover the basics of hydroponic gardening in this 90 minute class designed for beginners with limited growing space. Learn about both commercial and DIY hydroponic systems.Register ahead at the link: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=48972
Little Lab at Hill Road Library
Hill Road Library Patio
Tuesday, June 2, 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
Maker Lab – Lego Challenge at Hill Road Library
Thursday, May 28, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Lego Play at Avenue Library
Wednesdays, 2:00 to 4:30 pm
Discover Science – Play Doh Circuits
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.
Hill Road Library May Book Club selection:
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Tuesday, May 26, 4:00 pm
June selection: Tilt by Emma Pattee
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
Movie Matinee
Avenue Library Meeting Room
Saturday, May 30, 12:00 to 2:00 pm
The Wild Robot
Children and their families are welcome to enjoy a free movie at the Avenue Library. Snacks provided, while supplies last.
Movie Mondays at Hill Road Library
Hill Road Library Monday, June 1, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Join us this summer for Movie Mondays at the Hill Road Library! We will show a family-friendly movie at 3pm on Mondays during June and July.
Movie selection for June 1st: Zootopia 2 Movie selection for June 8th: GOAT
