The grand opening of the new Pleasant Hill Library is scheduled for July 30. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m. The state-of-the-art facility includes more than 50,000 new books and boasts new technology including robots, sewing machines, a 3-D printer and a laser cutter.
The celebration will include opening remarks, tours of the new library, a scavenger hunt and afternoon storytime. Enjoy live music on the outdoor stage from the West African Highlife Band. Circus performers including jugglers, acrobats and clowns will be on hand from Circus Bella, and several Disney princesses will be in attendance.
In the craft tent, guests will be able to decorate their own canvas tote bags. Morning refreshments will be provided by Rooted Coffee Co., a family-run local business. They have crafted a special opening day coffee blend that will soon be available in the Friends of the Library bookstore.
Guests can scan their library cards and enter a drawing for a chance to win $100 through the Pleasant Hill Perks program. For those who don’t have cards, staff will be on hand to sign you up.
Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, the number of people allowed inside the library at any one time will be limited. Parking in the library lot and surrounding neighborhood is limited, and visitors are encouraged to carpool, use ride share, ride bikes or walk. For those who decide to bike, Bay Area Bike Project will host a free bike valet.
Grand opening festivities will take place from 10 a.m. till noon, but the library will be open till 5 p.m. for visitors who prefer to avoid crowds. The new library is at 2 Monticello Ave. (at Oak Park Boulevard in Pleasant Hill.
Reading prizes: Summer Reading is nearly over, and congratulations to everyone who finished. The last day to submit your finished passport is July 30. Every finisher regardless of age will get a free book and entry into branch-level and countywide drawings with the chance to win prizes including a hiking backpack, board games, sensory toys, binoculars and an Oculus Quest 2. Return your passport to any Contra Costa County Library branch for your chance to win.
National Night Out: The Antioch, Concord and Hercules libraries will participate Aug. 2 (times vary) in this year’s National Night Out events. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and better places to live in.
Many local organizations will be on hand to share information about how to get involved. Enjoy live music, library tours, giveaways, snacks and more. Check the individual library event descriptions for more information.
Cinderella show: Cinderella wants to attend the ball and dance the night away. Unfortunately, her stepmother and awful stepsisters conspire against her, and it’s up to her fairy godmother to get her to the ball. Will Cinderella get to dance the night away? Will the prince find the foot that fits the glass slipper? Join this fun puppet show at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 2 in the Pinole Library’s main room.
Reptile show: The East Bay Vivarium`s menagerie of creepies, crawlies and critters is coming to El Sobrante Library at 12 p.m. Aug. 3. You may encounter a tarantula, scorpion, frog, lizard, giant tortoise or a giant boa. For program information or to register for Zoom events, visit ccclib.org/events.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about the Contra Costa County Library system’s services and programming or account information, contact the library via online chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to 925-290-7627.
Brooke Converse is the Contra Costa County Library system’s public information officer and can be reached at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us.
