Looking Back: August Semiannual Book Sale



Thank you to all the enthusiastic customers and dedicated volunteers who helped make last month’s Semiannual Book Sale such a success! The energy, community spirit, and love for books made the day truly special. If you missed the big event—or simply want more great finds—remember that Grace’s Book Nook, our used bookstore, is open Monday–Saturday during library hours with amazing bargains every day.

Coming Up: 2nd Saturday Sale



Mark your calendars! Our next 2nd Saturday Sale is set for September 13, 10 am–2 pm. This month’s sale will be extra special as shoppers will once again have the chance to fill the ever-popular big yellow bag for one low price. Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to stock up on books for yourself, friends, and family—at unbeatable prices!

Although offerings are a little pared down this month due to scheduling issues related to the upcoming library closure date, there are still some wonderful programs for children, teens, and families.

(Highlighted programs are sponsored by SRFOL. Additional programs may be added—check our website for updates.)

Storytime

Every Wednesday and 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 10–10:30 am

Toddlers & preschoolers

Storytime includes books, songs, egg shakers, and sign language.

Afternoon Craft

Every Thursday, 4 pm

Ages 8+

Drop in for a surprise pop-up craft activity. No registration required; while supplies last.

Kamishibai StoryBox Theatre

Tuesday, September 23, 6 pm

All ages

Presented by Write Out Loud San Diego, this engaging Storytime brings to life Kamishibai—a Japanese tradition of dramatic storytelling using a wooden theatre and illustrated cards.

Family Board Game Afternoon

Saturday, September 27, 2–4 pm

Ages 2–17 & families

Play award-winning board games in a fun, interactive setting! Each session features different games, so there’s always something new. In partnership with Toy Hermit.

Author Talk: Wanjirũ Warama

📅 Tuesday, September 16, 2025

🕓 4:00–5:00 pm

Author Wanjirũ Warama was born in rural Kenya when the country was still a British colony. Having grown up in a world without books, she is now dedicated to writing biographical and historical works that enlighten, entertain, and inspire readers.

A lifelong supporter of libraries, she has been a member of the Friends of the San Diego Public Library since 2002, as well as the County Library System, the Rotary Club, and other community organizations.

✨ Explore her latest works: The British vs Kenya’s Mau Mau and The Colonial Farm

🔗 Learn more at WanjiruWarama.com

🎲 Fun & Games for Seniors

📅 Tuesdays, 12:30–3:00 pm

📅 Thursdays, 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Enjoy a friendly atmosphere and a variety of board games. Open to all and free of charge.

Holiday Closure



All San Diego Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, September 1, for Labor Day. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, September 2.

With the fire suppression system replacement complete, the library is preparing for the next major phase of overdue maintenance: replacing the roof and HVAC system. This will require a complete closure for at least 8–10 months, beginning sometime this fall (exact date to be announced). Parking also remains limited. Please check the SRFOL website for the latest updates as they become available.

This month’s selection is The In-Between by Hadley Vlahos. Join the discussion on Thursday, September 25, 12:30–2:00 pm in the Seminar Room. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch! New members are always welcome.

Looking ahead, October’s book will be Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. Copies of both titles are available at the circulation desk.

This month's recommendation comes from Angie Stava, Catalog Librarian II, Central Library.

Stava recommends: Behind the Red Velvet Curtain: An American Ballerina in Russia by Joy Womack



“Like many American girls, Joy Womack grew up practicing ballet, but unlike most, she was quite talented – and ambitious. After spending her teens devoted to dance, Joy became the first ever American to sign a contract with the Bolshoi Theatre. It sounds like a fairy tale, but Joy’s memoir gives an inside look at how anxiety and ambition drove her to the brink. She calmly describes performing on a broken ankle, sawing a...”. To read Stava full review, check out the August 10th, 2025 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Stava's Comments -

Why did you select this title?

The physical and mental demands of ballet are notorious - I had to learn more about someone who was so driven they could become the first American to join the Bolshoi.

What is your favorite part of the book?

When Joy starts to question her own negative internal monologue and self-destructive habits, it made me pleased to see her grow and mature.

Reviewed Book

“Behind the Red Velvet Curtain: An American Ballerina in Russia,” by Joy Womack

Book:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1856735

Playlist

“Bolshoi Confidential: Secrets of the Russian Ballet from the Rule of the Tsars to Today,” by Simon Alexander Morrison

Book:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C382561

“Don’t Think, Dear: On Loving and Leaving Ballet,” by Alice Robb

Book:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1718029

“Diaghilev’s Empire: How the Ballets Russes Enthralled the World,” by Rupert Christiansen

Book:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1705884

“Like a Bomb Going Off: Leonid Yakobson and Ballet as Resistance in Soviet Russia,” by Janice Ross

Book:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C331112

Recommended Reads is an ongoing partnership with The San Diego Union-Tribune. Every other week, Behind the Desk goes in-depth on the books we recommend. Read the Sunday Paper to see our most recent reviews or view our past archive on the SDPL website: sandiego.gov/sdplreviews