Huntington Beach Public Library Monthly Newsletter

Message from the Manager

Dear library community,

As we continue our Summer Reading Program into August, there are still opportunities to join, earn prizes, attend programs, and find excellent books to read that suit your interests. The reading challenge ends on August 13, so make sure to enroll and get reading! Already this summer we have exceeded previous enrollment in our annual reading program and are looking forward to finishing strong.

Some highlights of Community and Library Services August events include a cool exhibit at the Art Center titled Art Reclaimed, a campout in Central Park with the recreation team August 19-20, and a Tiny Art Night gala at Central Library on August 10, as well as all of our regular events like storytime and book clubs. All of the library’s special and ongoing programs and events are listed on the calendar on our website. Following us on Facebook and Instagram are excellent ways to stay in the know as well.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of your summer. Stay cool and come visit us at one of your local library locations.

Jessica Framson

Library & Cultural Services Manager

Currently reading: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, and Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

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August Events for Adults

Summer is drawing to an end, and you know what that means...

We’ll be picking a winner for our annual Summer Reading Challenge Huntington Beach Parking Pass drawing! Log the 5 books you read between June 24th and August 13th before the end of the day on August 13th to enter into a raffle for the parking pass. Even if you aren't the drawing winner, you'll still walk away with a free book coupon to the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale! 

Picking up your Summer Reading loot? While you’re visiting us, ask about joining a book club, sign-up to attend our Mini Book Keychain craft session, or register for the Pop-Up DIY Ice Cream for adults class. Learn more and register at hbpl.libcal.com/events or click the PDF below!

View all of the classes and events above on our calendar, and register to let us know you're coming!

August Events for Teens

The 2023 Summer Reading Challenge continues this month through August 13th - it's not too late to participate! This year, there's a special prize for teens who complete their reading challenge: a ticket to an after-hours End of Summer Party at the Central Library with karaoke, games, crafts, pizza, raffle prizes, and more. Don't miss out!

Our other monthly events include another Teen Yoga session, and the return of our popular Teen Clothing Swap on August 11th at the Oak View Branch Library, and August 12th at the Central Library.Teens ages 13 to 18 may donate gently used clothing items in good condition, then come "shop the swap" to take home new-to-you pieces to refresh your wardrobe!

Clothing donations will be accepted at the Central Library between August 1st and August 8th. It's a great time to clean out your closet in preparation for the new school year - but please make sure to review our event guidelines and list of accepted items before submitting your donations. Every teen who donates will get to take home extra items when they shop at the swap later this month!

Want to see what else is happening for teens this month? Check out the online calendar by clicking the button below!

August events for children & families

The 2023 Summer Reading Program is coming to a close on Sunday, August 13. Visit any HBPL location or head online to hbpl.beanstack.com to log your reading and activate your prizes. Prizes will be available for pick-up at all HBPL locations until Sunday, August 21, or while supplies last. For full details, check out the Summer Reading Program website.

As we close out the 2023 Summer Reading Program, there are just a few more fun special events for families! First, we'll celebrate our final Bookapalooza! Party of the season on August 2, highlighting the science & magic fun of the beginning reader series, Zoey & Sassafras. Register for the event by clicking the Bookapalooza icon in our featured events section below.

You have just a few more days to submit your entry for the library's Tiny Art Contest! Entries may be a maximum of 4 inches by 4 inches, and may be submitted at any HBPL location through Saturday, August 5. Curious about other's creations, or looking for a fun way to introduce your little ones to art galleries? Join us at the Tiny Art Gala on Thursday, August 10, from 6 to 8pm in the Central Library C&D Roo!. See the mini masterpieces that others have submitted and vote for your favorites. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees are invited to dress to impress. Registration for the Tiny Art Gala is recommended, but not required.
 
After the summer fun comes to an end, the Children's Library at Central will be taking its annual Summer Program Break. The Summer Program Break will run from August 14 through September 9. During program breaks, many regular programs for children are put on pause to give library staff time to evaluate the past few months and start planning for the new season. Storytime, LEGO Club, Wise Owl Book Club, Tween STEAM Team, and more will be on pause at the Central Library during the break. Limited family programs will still be available at HBPL Branch Library locations, so be sure to click the August Children's Calendar button below to explore what's happening for children and families at all of our library locations.

View the full calendar of activities for children & families using the button below. Thanks for joining us this summer at HBPL!

August at our Branch Libraries & Literacy

The Banning Branch is keeping you busy through the summer with crafts every week! Stop by Thursdays at 2:00pm for a new craft for elementary aged children. For adults, we have our monthly book club going strong. If you’re looking to connect with other readers or just have an excuse relax in the air conditioning, come check it out. Drop-ins are always welcome.

With heavy hearts, we are saying goodbye to our wonderful Erin the Librarian who has been instrumental in bringing our Main Street Branch Library back to life. As we transition to a new Branch Librarian, please be on the lookout for new faces along with familiar ones at the branch and check our calendar for updates on new and exciting programs.

Summer isn’t over yet! Our intrepid readers in the Murphy Branch Book Club will meet on August 2 to discuss Dear Edward and new members are always welcome - registration is recommended. Join us at Murphy for a Bookapalooza! Pete the Cat Party! With many different theme games and activities, this event will take place on Monday August 7 from 3-4pm.

Oak View Branch Library continues with a jam-packed summer schedule during August! Come and enjoy some silly activities, games, and snacks at our Bookapalooza! Pete the Cat Party on Thursday, August 3 at 4pm. Join us for Fun with Friends during the last three Wednesdays of August at 10 am. Visit the Community Museum of Objects that Tell Our Story on Thursday, August 17 between 4pm-8pm. Check the Oak View Branch Library calendar for all our August programs with something for everyone in the family!

Do you, or someone you know, want to prepare for the Citizenship Interview and Test? Adult Literacy will be offering free 10-week Citizenship classes at Central Library starting early September. Wednesday morning or Sunday afternoon sessions available. Classes are open to the public, and registration is required. Click here to register or contact Literacy at 714-375-5102 or literacy@surfcity-hb.org for more information.