Featured Article

  • Big Changes Ahead for the E.P. Foster Library

    The E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura will temporarily close beginning March 23 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.

    You’ll find updates on construction timelines, frequently asked questions and press releases at https://www.library.venturacounty.gov/locations/foster/construction-updates

    After February 16th, any unfilled holds currently set for pickup at the E.P. Foster Library will be automatically routed to the Saticoy Library, 1292 Los Angeles Avenue, Hours: M-Th: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Friday: Closed; Saturday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; Sunday: Closed. Phone: (805) 626-READ

    Easily update your holds pickup location in the new MyVCLibrary app, online, via chat, or by calling (805)626-READ

  • Friends of the Library Bookstore in E.P Foster Library

    Half Price Clearance at Friends’ Bookstore in E.P. Foster!

    Monday through Saturday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm

    In view of the upcoming renovations to E.P. Foster, the Friends’ bookstore is holding a half-off sale. Bookstore will close at this location on March 9.

    The Friends will continue to hold periodic outdoor sales and sell on eBay https://www.ebay.com/str/venturafriendsofthelibrary Our Ebay store adds new inventory daily including large lots of books and TV series on DVD collections.

    We are working on several creative ideas to make our wonderful donated books available for sale during the 16 months of the library renovations.

  • Ventura County Library and the Rotary Club of Ventura present a month of peace-building activities in March!

    Rotarians approach peace not as the absence of conflict, but as “positive peace”—strengthening communities by addressing root causes such as poverty, lack of education, and limited access to opportunities.  In March, E.P. Foster, Avenue, Saticoy and Hill Road Libraries  host peace-themed book displays in keeping with the Rotary Club’s mission to foster positive change and peace.
    Origami peace dove craft sessions with take-home kits will be offered  March 5 at 3:30 pm at Hill Road Library; March 10 at 4:00 pm at Saticoy Library and March 12 at 2:30 pm at Avenue Library.

  • Master Gardeners Learning Series: Bird-Friendly Gardens

    Hill Road Library
    Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 to 5:45 pm

    Create outdoor spaces that attract, support, and nurture local bird populations. Participants will learn how to transform ordinary gardens into vibrant ecosystems hosting a variety of bird species throughout the year. Presented by Certified Master Gardener Kat Baker.
     

  • Snow White Storytime

    E.P. Foster Library Topping Room Saturday, March 21, 11:00 am to noon

    Enjoy a special reading of the beloved tale of Snow White, followed by a mini dance performance with Ventura County Ballet and a take home craft. Don’t miss this enchanting experience for young readers and their families!

  • Master Gardeners Series: Secrets of Growing Perfect Tomatoes

    Avenue Library Meeting Room
    Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 to 7:00 pm

    Discover why Ventura County’s Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect place to grow these beloved fruits! Whether you dream of juicy beefsteaks for the perfect sandwich or sweet cherry tomatoes for snacking, our Master Gardener instructor, Terry Garman, will guide you through proven growing techniques for our local climate.

    From selecting the right varieties to mastering support methods and natural pest management, we’ll cover the complete growing cycle – seed starting through harvest. Get expert tips on common challenges, succession planting for continuous harvests, plus simple cooking and preservation methods.
    Link to Register: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=47331 Walk ins Welcome!

    Please use side entrance on Simpson Street, as the library is closed.

    If you have gardening questions, please email our free Master Gardener Helpline at mgventura@ucdavis.edu

  • Big Changes Ahead for the E.P. Foster Library

    Nancy Schram, Ventura County Library Director announces Big Changes Ahead for the E.P. Foster Library

    “The E.P. Foster Library in Downtown Ventura is preparing to turn the page to an exciting new chapter!

    Following the announcement of a $13 million renovation project, the City of Ventura and Ventura County Library have confirmed that preparations are officially underway to launch this long-anticipated effort. This renovation will reimagine the historic library as a modern, accessible community hub, designed to better serve residents year-round. Once complete, the updated facility will not only enhance traditional library services but will also play a vital public-safety role by operating as a cooling center during extreme heat events. Construction is slated to begin this Spring, with project completion expected by Fall 2027. To help keep the community informed, Ventura County Library has created a dedicated information page, including a Frequently Asked Questions section, that will be regularly updated as work progresses. Please visit this at: https://www.library.venturacounty.gov/locations/foster/construction-updates