Due to ongoing major repairs and infrastructure upgrades at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, a number of previously scheduled events, programs, and activities have either been postponed to a future date, canceled, or relocated.

Although we are doing our best to notify patrons about all changes in advance, occasional updates may occur without prior notice. Beginning April 1, 2025, and continuing at least through May, we strongly encourage anyone planning to attend a library event to call the library at 858-538-8158 on the day of the event. When you call, please confirm the event’s date, time, and location, as these may differ from earlier announcements. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of improvement and transition!

Our library offers a wealth of great programs for children, teens, and families.   Programs sponsored by SRFOL are highlighted. For complete details and updates, check our website.

📖 Storytime: Every Wednesday and 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 10–10:30 am; for toddlers and preschoolers.

🌼 Flower Pounding with ArtReach: Thursday, May 1, 3–4 pm; ages 8+. Create a photogenic print on fabric using flowers’ natural pigments.

⚔️ Star Wars Craft: Mon, May 5, 3:30–5 pm – Ages 6+

Celebrate Revenge of the Sith with an LED lightsaber card craft – while supplies last!

🦋🐦 Decorate a Butterfly House or Bird Feeder: Wednesdays, May 7 (butterfly house) and May 20 (bird feeder), 4–6 pm. Join us in the courtyard (weather permitting). Wear clothes that can get paint on them!

🎨 Family Art Project – La Catrina Dolls: Thursday, May 8, 3 pm. Enjoy a free make-it-and-take-it workshop with visual artist Stacie Greene.

🌙 Pajama Signing Story Time: Tuesday, May 13, 6–6:30 pm. Cozy up for a fun evening of stories and sign language!

✂️ Craft Program with ToshWerks: Ages 8+. While supplies last.

• Wed, May 14 – DIY Forest Terrariums
• Wed, May 28 – Lucky Cat Keychains

🖌️ Art Class with Art Smarts: Wednesday, May 21, 4–5 pm; for ages 5–17.

🎲 Family Board Game Afternoon: Saturday, May 24, 2–4 pm; for children ages 2–17 and their families. In partnership with Toy Hermit.

🎭 Kamishibai StoryBox Theatre: Tuesday, May 27, 6–6:30 pm; all ages. Presented in partnership with Write Out Loud San Diego.

🤖 Intro to Robotics: Sat, May 31, 2–5 pm – Ages 8–13

Dive into beginner-friendly engineering concepts and 3D modeling using Onshape! No prior experience needed.

• Bring a personal laptop if possible.
• Online registration required: sandiego.librarymarket.com

Mindful Meditation in the Courtyard 🧘‍♀️🌿

Take a break and recharge! Join us every Monday at 1:00 pm in the library’s peaceful courtyard for instructor-led mindful meditation. Relax, breathe, and let go of stress in a serene setting. Sponsored by the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library (SRFOL).

Heart Health: Know Your Numbers and Protect Your Heart

Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Location: Community Room - Scripps Miramar Ranch

Join us for an informative session on how to take action by knowing your biometric numbers and implementing lifestyle changes to protect your heart and live stronger and longer.

Presented by: Sonia Cervantes, Certified Health Coach, Nutritionist, & Therapeutic Chef

Fun & Games for Seniors

Date:

• Tuesday, May 27, 2025 | 12:30pm - 3:00pm
• Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

Location: Community Room - Scripps Miramar Ranch

Join us for a fun-filled time with games, activities, and plenty of opportunities to socialize. It's a great way to stay engaged and enjoy some lively company!

After several weeks of closure due to fire suppression system upgrades, Grace’s Book Nook is expected to reopen this month—possibly earlier than planned! If final inspections go smoothly and cleanup proceeds quickly, our beloved used bookstore will be welcoming visitors again soon. Until then, you can browse an expanded selection of bargain-priced books, DVDs, and CDs on ten carts near the Circulation Desk and Children’s Area—many items just 25¢ or 5 for $1. This is especially handy since the adult fiction and DVD sections will be temporarily inaccessible during the next phase of construction. Once reopened, access to the Book Nook will be via a detour through the courtyard, as interior access will be limited.

The shelves will be freshly restocked with recent donations, and our dedicated volunteers are eager to help you find your next great read—whether it's fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, puzzles, greeting cards, or even duck food! Don’t miss our 2nd Saturday Pop-Up Sale on May 10 from 10 am–2 pm in the Book Nook and Seminar Room. (Note: the May 21 pop-up has been canceled.) Tax-deductible donations of gently used books are always welcome—please bring them to the circulation desk during library hours. For large donations or questions, visit www.srfol.org or email booknook@srfol.org.

Fire Suppression System Work Underway

From March 3 through August 1, 2025, the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library is undergoing a critical safety upgrade: replacing and improving the fire suppression (sprinkler) system. Work will occur in phases, and areas under construction will be temporarily closed to the public. All other areas will remain open as usual.

Areas Closed by Phase

Phase 1: Completed

Phase 2: In Progress

Dates: April 1 – May 23

Areas Closed: Community Room; Seminar Room; Grace’s Book Nook

Phase 3:

Dates: May 26 – June 20

Areas Closed: Great Hall; Reference Area; Tower Room

Phase 4:

Dates: June 23 – July 11

Areas Closed: Children's Area

Phase 5:

Dates: July 14 – August 1

Areas Closed: Front Desk; IDEA Lab; Staff Area; Courtyard

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to make the library safer and better for everyone! And if you're wondering how to check out books during the phased closures, we’ve got you covered—visit How to Check Out a Book for clear instructions.

This month, the group is reading The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Join the lively discussion on Thursday, May 22, from 12:30–2 pm at the library—most likely near the cozy fireplace area. New members are always welcome!

Looking ahead, June’s selection will be Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper. Copies of both books are available at the circulation desk—pick one up and join the conversation!

This month's recommendation comes from Steven Torres-Roman, Librarian II, Humanities Section - Central Library.

Roman recommends: Starter Villain by John Scalzi:

“When his estranged, wealthy Uncle Jake dies, Charlie finds himself the inheritor of Jake’s businesses – and his multi-trillion-dollar supervillain empire, complete with secret volcano headquarters. After a failed assassination attempt and a meeting where the other world-class villains attempt...”. To read Roman’s full review, check out the April 6th, 2025 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Check out the book here:

Reviewed Book

“Starter Villain,” by John Scalzi

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1752596

Playlist

“Soon I Will Be Invincible,” by Austin Grossman

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1239128

“How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying,” by Django Wexler

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1802006

“Vicious,” by V. E. Schwab

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C576939

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