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The library will be closed on May 26, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day.

One Book, One Coast

Through May 31, 2026

We are participating alongside more than 130 library systems across California, Washington, and Oregon in One Book, One Coast 2026, the West Coast’s largest community reading program! This year, we are reading They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, a powerful story about family, identity, and what it means to be American. Enjoy unlimited eBook access on Libby through June 6 in English and Spanish. Also available on Hoopla.

Request a copy of the book here.

The library will continue to host programs in May to deepen understanding of Japanese American culture and lived experiences through discussions, performances, and interactive learning opportunities. Please visit the page on our website for more information.

More Information

Kids Book Club:

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Monday, May 4 and 18 at 3:30 PM

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. Retold by Martin Woodside, and illustrated by Karl James Mountford.

Calling all 4th-6th graders! Join us for our special book club just for you!

May 4th – Kickoff event! Pick up your book, enjoy fun activities, and grab some snacks.

May 18th – Book discussion with more snacks and activities!

Free copies of the book, while supplies last! Don’t miss out on the fun and come read, discuss, and connect with fellow young book lovers!!

Take 5 & Read to Kids Storytime with a Celebrity Reader

Wednesday, May 6 at 10:30 AM

Join us for a special Take 5 & Read to Kids event featuring a guest Celebrity Reader! Enjoy a lively, engaging storytime designed to spark imagination, build early literacy skills, and inspire a lasting love of reading.

Perfect for families with young children, this is a storytime you won’t want to miss. Come share the joy of books together!

Saturday Storytime + Craft

Saturday, May 9 at 11:00 AM

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the library with a cozy storytime full of heartwarming tales about love, family, and caring connections. Little ones will enjoy stories that spark creativity and bring smiles.

After storytime, stay for a fun, hands-on craft where kids can create a special Mother’s Day keepsake to share with someone they love.

Chess with Ron Merson

Wednesday, May 20 at 3:00 PM

Youth are invited to join Library Board Member Ron Merson for a fun and engaging chess class at the library. Players will learn basic strategies, improve their skills, and enjoy friendly games in a welcoming environment. All experience levels are welcome, making this a great opportunity for young players to learn and play together.

Saturday Storytime + Craft

Saturday, May 23 at 11:00 AM

Dive into a shell-ebration of all things turtles at the library! Join us for a fun and engaging storytime featuring tales about these slow-and-steady creatures, perfect for sparking curiosity and imagination in young listeners.

After the stories, stick around for a hands-on craft where kids can create their own turtle-inspired masterpiece to take home.

One Book, One Coast: Togen Daiko

Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 AM

Enjoy an energetic performance by Togen Daiko that the whole family can experience together. This Japanese American drumming tradition, known as Buddhist Taiko, combines rhythm, movement, and cultural storytelling for a fun and engaging program for all ages.

Chess with Ron Merson

Wednesday, May 20 at 3:00 PM

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Strum and learn Ukulele. Saturdays May 2, 9, 16, 23.

OBOC: Strum & Learn Ukulele Class

Saturdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 at 11:00 AM

Starting this Saturday, join us to learn how to play the ukulele in a fun and welcoming class for all skill levels. Along the way, discover the instrument’s meaningful history and its connection to the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II.

If you need to borrow a library ukulele, please register using the button below.

If you are bringing your own instrument, registration isn't required.

Nail Polish Flower Adult Take and Make Kit Available starting May 8

Adult Take & Make: Nail Polish Flowers

Available starting Friday, May 8.

Looking for a relaxing and creative activity? Pick up a Nail Polish Flower Adult Take & Make Kit starting Friday, May 8. Design your own vibrant flowers and enjoy a fun craft at home. Available while supplies last.

Poetry Open Mic 2nd Saturday of the Month at 12 pm.

Poetry on Eighth

Saturday, May 9 at 12:00 PM

Enjoy live poetry every second Saturday of the month. Bring a poem, a short piece, or a favorite to share, or just relax and listen. All are welcome. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a 3-minute limit per reader.

Garden to Table Series - Some Like It Hot: Mastering Pepper Production

Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 PM

Spice up your garden with homegrown peppers! From sweet bell peppers to zesty jalapeños and fiery habaneros, discover the colorful world of pepper growing in Ventura County. Our Master Gardener instructor, Terry Garman, will share proven techniques for successfully growing peppers in our Mediterranean climate, ensuring you'll harvest a rainbow of peppers from your own garden.

Learn essential skills for pepper success, including variety selection for our climate, proper growing conditions, and timing tips for both sweet and hot peppers. We'll cover the complete growing cycle - from seed starting through harvest - plus expert guidance on common challenges, proper harvesting methods, and simple preservation techniques. Whether you're craving fresh salsa or stuffed bell peppers, we'll help you grow the perfect peppers for your favorite dishes.

Walk-ins welcome!

Tuesday Book Club May 19 Satisfaction Cafe

Tuesday Book Club: Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang

Tuesday, May 19 at 5:30 PM

Love books and conversation? Join us for the Tuesday Book Club on May 19 at 5:30 PM as we discuss Satisfaction Cafe by Kathy Wang. Enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation, connection, and great reading. All are welcome.

Community Talk at the Agriculture Museum with Dr. Lily Tamai on May 20.

OBOC: Community Talk

Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00 PM

Santa Paula Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave, Santa Paula

Join us for a compelling talk led by Dr. Lily Tamai, Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies at California State University Channel Islands, exploring the lived experiences of Japanese Americans in Ventura County. Hosted by Blanchard Community Library in collaboration with the County of Ventura Library, CSUCI, and the Museum of Ventura County.

Following Executive Order 9066 in 1942, nearly 125,000 Japanese Americans, most of them U.S. citizens, were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in camps. This program provides local context, focusing on Ventura County’s Japanese American community, and explores these experiences through George Takei’s They Called Us Enemy.

Community partners: Ventura County Japanese American Citizens League, CSUCI Broome Library, CSUCI Asian Asian American Pacific Islander Association, and the Chicano/a Studies de CSUCI.

One Book, One Coast: Togen Daiko

Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 AM

Experience the powerful rhythms of Togen Daiko in a dynamic live performance at the library. Rooted in “Buddhist Taiko,” a Japanese American style developed in North America, this unique form of drumming blends tradition, culture, and spiritual expression. Through music and movement, Togen Daiko delivers an engaging and unforgettable performance for all ages.

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Level-Up English skills with tutor with student

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes / Clases básicas de inglés para hablantes no nativos

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM

Blanchard Community Library offers ESL classes twice a week to support adult learners. These classes are designed for individuals with little to no English and focus on building confidence and practical language skills.

Contact 805-525-3615 Ext: 3 for more details

La Biblioteca Comunitaria Blanchard ofrece clases de inglés como segundo idioma dos veces por semana para apoyar a los estudiantes adultos. Estas clases están diseñadas para personas con poco o ningún conocimiento de inglés y se enfocan en desarrollar la confianza y habilidades prácticas del idioma.

Para mas información llamar al 805-525-3615 Ext: 3

Literacy and Civics Circle

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:00 PM

Are you ready to take the next step toward U.S. citizenship? Join the Blanchard Community Library's Literacy and Civics Circle! Prepare for the citizenship test and practice for the interview in a welcoming and supportive environment. You'll receive free resources, expert guidance, and the confidence you need to succeed.

Contact 805-525-3615 Ext: 3 for more details

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Volunteer Opportunity: Become an Adult Literacy Tutor

Ongoing

Are you passionate about education and helping others succeed? Become a volunteer literacy tutor and empower adults in our community to improve their reading, writing, and communication skills.

Contact 805-525-3615 Ext: 3 for more details

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Lego in the Library: Mondays 1:30 - 4:30 PM

Building English Skills Together Book Discussion Tuesdays at 1 pm

Check It Out

Blanchard Seed Library

Available Now!

Ready to get growing? Visit the Blanchard Community Library Seed Library and discover a variety of seeds perfect for the season. From fresh veggies to colorful blooms, it’s a great way to start or expand your garden.

At the Library

The Santa Paula Society of the Arts presents the 87th annual Art & Photography Exhibit

Through May 14, 2026

The Blanchard Community Library is pleased to host the 87th Exhibit!

Art categories in the show include:

Oil/Acrylics, Pastels, Watercolors, Mixed Media, and Photography.

The public is invited to view the exhibit during library hours from April 21 through May 14, 2026.

The public and participating artists can vote for their favorite art in each category to win the Peer’s Choice and People’s Choice Awards. Ballots are available from the SPSA docent at the library until May 9th at 5 pm.

One ballot per person.

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May 2026 Newsletter