The long-awaited fire suppression system replacement project at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library is now underway. The next phase, beginning March 31, will temporarily close the Community Room, Seminar Room, and Grace’s Book Nook for the entire month of April through the first three weeks of May. During this period, all events typically held in these spaces will either be canceled or, for some children's programs, relocated to the storywell or other areas within the children's section of the library. We appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our facility!

Our library offers a wealth of great programs for children, teens, and families.   For complete details and updates, check our website.

✨ Storytime – Every Wednesday & 1st & 3rd Thursday @ 10 AM

A lively storytime featuring books, songs, egg shakers, and sign language, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

🎨 Flower Pounding with ArtReach – Thursday, April 3 @ 3 PM

Discover the art of natural pigment printmaking! Kids will press fresh flowers into fabric to create beautiful, nature-inspired designs. Supplies provided while they last.

🌙 Pajama Signing Story Time – Tuesday, April 8 @ 6 PM

Snuggle up for bedtime stories with Baby Sign Language (ASL)! Led by Jennifer Duncan of Signs at Play, this cozy session encourages little ones to wear pajamas and bring a stuffed animal.

🖌️ Craft Program with ToshWerks

• Nature Buttons – Tuesday, April 9 @ 4 PM
• International Game Experience – Tuesday, April 23 @ 4 PM
• Kids (ages 8+) can enjoy hands-on craft projects with local artists. All supplies provided while they last.

🌸 Family Art Project: Spring Flowers – Thursday, April 10 @ 3 PM

Celebrate spring by making flower collages using recycled materials! Visual artist Stacie Greene will guide participants in creating unique floral designs.

🎭 Art Class with Art Smarts – Tuesday, April 16 @ 4 PM

An exciting, one-hour art class for ages 5-17, featuring the theme "Otomi"—inspired by vibrant Mexican folk art. Supplies provided while they last.

🎲 Family Board Game Afternoon – Saturday, April 26 @ 2-4 PM

Enjoy an afternoon of award-winning board games for kids (ages 2-17) and their families! With new games each session, there's something for everyone. In partnership with Toy Hermit.

📖 Kamishibai StoryBox Theatre – Tuesday, April 22 @ 6 PM

Experience the magic of Japanese storytelling with "StoryBox," a dramatic performance featuring illustrated story cards and a wooden theatre. Presented by Write Out Loud San Diego.

Volunteer Luncheon

A heartfelt thank you to JoAnn Sloan, a dedicated board member of the Friends of the Library, for organizing such a wonderful volunteer appreciation luncheon. Her hard work and thoughtful planning made this event a truly special occasion, bringing together those who give their time and energy to support our library and its programs.

We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who serve our community, especially those who dedicate countless hours to Grace’s Book Nook, helping provide affordable books while supporting the library. Your contributions—whether through organizing books, assisting patrons, or helping with events—make a meaningful impact and help keep our library a vibrant and welcoming place for all.

A special thank you also goes out to the Friends of the Library board members, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our library continues to meet the needs of the community. Your dedication to fundraising, advocacy, and program support helps make everything we do possible. We appreciate each and every one of you!

Please be aware that several regular adult programs will be paused in April due to limited meeting space during the fire suppression system replacement project.

Mindful Meditation

Mondays | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Experience the benefits of mindful meditation, including reduced stress, lower heart rate, and improved well-being. Instructors from the Healthy Adventures Foundation will guide participants through meditative breathing, contract/relax exercises, and guided imagery. Learn how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine and take a break to refresh your mind. Join us for a moment of relaxation and connect with others in the community.

Grace’s Book Nook, the beloved used bookstore inside the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, will be temporarily closed throughout April and most of May due to the fire suppression system replacement project. While the store itself may be inaccessible, you can still shop for great deals! An increased number of book carts will be available inside the library during open hours, offering a rotating selection of bargain books at stock-up-and-save prices. Be sure to check back often, as new inventory will be added frequently!

Additionally, mark your calendars for our 2nd Saturday pop-up sale on April 12, from 10 AM to 2 PM, featuring an expanded selection of books. Another special pop-up sale is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, from 10 AM to 2 PM, with even more opportunities to find fantastic reads. More pop-up sales are in the works—stay tuned for updates!



While we always welcome your tax-deductible donations of gently used books, we kindly ask, if possible, that you hold onto them until Grace’s Book Nook reopens. However, we won’t turn down any donations in good condition. Thank you for your support, and happy book hunting!

Parking at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library remains a challenge, but there is some good news! After a year-long pause, work on the parking lot expansion project is expected to resume this spring. While the first phase of the project is complete and the upper lot has reopened, the lower lot is still closed to the public, and access from the overflow parking area on Meanley Drive remains blocked. Additionally, contractors’ vehicles have taken up some of the already limited parking spaces. However, the decrease in program offerings this month due to the fire suppression system replacement project may provide some relief in terms of parking availability.

We’re excited about the future completion of the expansion, which will add 47 additional parking spaces to the original 70, along with a second exit to the parking lot featuring a traffic light.

In the meantime, to avoid the busiest times, we recommend visiting the library during the following hours:

• Monday and Tuesday: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm or 3 pm; 6 pm - 8 pm

• Wednesday – Friday: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm or 3 pm; 5 pm - 6 pm

• Saturday: 3 pm - 4 pm to 6 pm



We appreciate your patience as we work through this project and look forward to the improvements ahead!

This month the group is reading Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig.  Join the discussion on Thursday, April 24, from 12:30–2 pm at the library—most likely in the fireplace area.  New members welcome!  Next month’s selection will be The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.  Copies of the books are available at the circulation desk. The full list of our 2025 selections is available on the SRFOL website.

This month's recommendation comes from Joel Bakker, Collection Development Librarian, Central Library. Bakker recommends: The Long Goodbye

by Raymond Chandler.

The Long Goodbye, Chandler’s penultimate novel, written while he lived in La Jolla, begins with Marlowe tentatively befriending Terry Lennox, a well-mannered alcoholic, and aiding Lennox in a no-questions-asked escape to Mexico. For his troubles, Marlowe finds himself entangled in the murder of,...”. To read Bakker’s full review, check out the March 16, 2025 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Check out the book here:

Reviewed Book

“The Long Goodbye,” by Raymond Chandler

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C789605

Playlist

“The Long Goodbye”(film, 1973; directed by Robert Altman, starring Elliott Gould)

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C171649

“Double Indemnity” (film, 1944; directed by Billy Wilder, screenplay by Raymond Chandler and Billy Wilder, starring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck)

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1830554

“The Big Sleep,” by Raymond Chandler

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C916722

“Red Harvest,” by Dashiell Hammett

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1045273

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

Fun for all ages at Family Board Game Afternoon – where laughter and friendly competition unite!