The Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library (SRFOL) exists to support the operation of the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. The SRFOL, through volunteer services, assists library patrons, hosts special events, operates a used book store (Grace's Book Nook), and provides financial support for acquisitions and community activities.

The SRFOL is an officially chartered, §501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization. As such, donations made to the SRFOL are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law under Internal Revenue Service tax regulations.

Please feel free to explore this web site to learn about the services provided by the SRFOL and by the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center itself.

The 17th Annual Writing for Literacy Student Essay Contest is open to 4th, 8th, and 10th grade public, private, and parochial school students. Citywide finalists will receive cash prizes and laptop computers (last year two Scripps Ranch students were citywide winners!). The deadline for the essay contest is 3:00 pm on Friday, December 20. Complete information about the contest may be obtained from your teacher, at the library, or by (==> Clicking Here <==).

Grace's Book Nook is all decked out for the holidays with an updated inventory of nearly-new books at bargain prices plus a great selection of greeting and note cards. In addition, copies of Richard Lederer's newly published books, American Trivia and Hilarious Holiday Humor, are on sale in Grace's Book Nook. These books make great gifts, and Richard is very generously donating all profits from book sales to benefit our library.

Your tax-deductible donations of books and media are always welcome; we'll find them new homes as we "recycle" them into new acquisitions for our library.

Show your support for our library by joining the Friends of the Library. Memberships start at only $5. The discounted cost of an individual lifetime membership (now reduced to $250 from $500) in celebration of the opening of the new San Diego Central Library has been extended through the end of the year. There's never been a better time to become a Life Member! Click on How to Join SRFOL in the navigation bar on the left side of this web page for a membership form.

Book Discussion Group

The traditional potluck dinner meeting will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 4, at which books for 2014 will be selected. Come prepared to suggest a couple of your favorite titles, and bring a dish to share. Looking ahead, the book for January, chosen at last year's event, will be Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux.

Grace's Book Nook: Special Sale!

Grace's Book Nook is all decked out for the holidays with an updated and enlarged inventory of nearly new books at bargain prices. Don't miss our special weeklong pre-holiday sale with 20 percent off on our entire stock of nearly new books, CDs, etc. from Wednesday, December 4, through Tuesday, December 10. All month long shop at the Book Nook for stocking stuffers and holiday reading—at amazing bargain prices—open during library hours. We welcome your tax-deductible donations of books and media, for which we'll find new homes as we "recycle" them into new acquisitions for our library.

Music Program

"The Pleasure of Your Company" music series presents The San Diego Chamber Music Society Brass Ensemble on Sunday, December 8, at 2:30 pm performing a program of traditional carols, popular holiday songs and contemporary holiday jazz arrangements. There is no charge for the concert, which is sponsored by Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library (SRFOL), although donations are appreciated. Meet the musicians at a complimentary post-concert reception.

Richard Lederer Update!

In case you missed Richard Lederer's performance at our library last month, he will return for a book signing on Sunday, December 8, following the free hour-long holiday concert. Any of his books about language, history, and humor would make a great gift. In addition to books for adults and teens, he?s also written a number of books sure to appeal to kids of various ages. Dr. Lederer, a true friend of our library, will donate all profits from sales of his books to benefit our library. Don't miss this holiday shopping opportunity while supporting our library!

Carols in the Courtyard

On Tuesday, December 10, at 5:30 pm, SRFOL presents "Carols in the Courtyard" featuring the Scripps Ranch A Capella Singers garbed in Dickensian attire. Munch on cookies and sip hot cider while enjoying the holiday music.

Film Forum

The free monthly film series sponsored by SRFOL continues on Wednesday, December 18, at 7:00 pm with the screening of "The Willow Tree" (Farsi with English subtitles). Well-known film appreciation instructor Ralph DeLauro will introduce the film and moderate the post-screening discussion, focusing on the techniques used by the filmmaker to tell his story. Popcorn will be served.

Student Essay Contest

The 17th Annual Student Essay Contest is underway. Open to all 4th, 8th, and 10th students served by the San Diego Public Library system, this program is a partnership among Friends of the San Diego Public Library, San Diego Public Library, San Diego Unified School District Library Media Teachers, KPBS and the One Book, One San Diego program, and Computers 2 SD Kids. School winners will be announced in January. City-wide winners will be recognized in May at a ceremony at the new San Diego Central Library. Top prize winners receive monetary awards and laptop computers. For entry forms and additional information, or contact your teacher, librarian or Sandra Hoyt, SRFOL Essay Contest Coordinator, at [sandyego@sbcglobal.net]. Entry receipt deadline is 3 pm, Friday, December 20, at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library.

Children's and Teens' Programs

Mark your calendar for twice monthly free programs, sponsored by SRFOL, recommended for children ages 4-11. Come laugh and be amazed by "Magic Show" with Alakazam on Thursday, December 5, at 3:00 pm. Then on December 12 at 3:00 pm we'll be "Making a Gingerbread House." This is a limited attendance event; please line up and tickets will be handed out. Teens (ages 12-18) are invited to express themselves with body art at a special Teen Entourage event featuring henna "tattoos" with Crescent Moon Designs on Friday, December 6, 3:00-5:00 pm; sign-up and permission forms are required prior to the event; check at Youth Librarian's desk. Regular programming continues as follows: Scripps Ranch Homework Help for ages 4-11, available on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 pm (first come, first served; please call ahead to assure that volunteers are available); Ruff! Ruff! Read with Finnegan on the first and third Saturdays of the month (December 7 and 21) at 10:30 am; Library Chess Club on Mondays and Thursdays at 4:00 pm, Brilliant Babies lapsit program on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm; Toddler/Preschool Storytime on Thursdays at 10:00 am; and Chinese Storytime on Fridays at 3:30 pm. Check at the library for program updates.

Gift Opportunity

Looking for the perfect alternative gift? Request a holiday bookplate form at the Library's front desk. Your tax-deductible donation buys a book in an area selected by you for the Scripps Ranch Library, and a special bookplate is placed in the book to recognize your gift recipient, who will receive a letter letting him or her know about your thoughtfulness. What a wonderful Hanukkah, Christmas, birthday, or teacher's gift for readers of all ages!

Zumba!

SRFOL sponsors three free Zumba classes each week. On Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm and Fridays from 4:00-5:00 pm, Zumba Fitness combines a high-energy cardiovascular workout with pulsating Latin music into a fun, calorie burning experience for people of all ages, fitness levels and dancing abilities. Beginners and those who prefer a slightly slower pace, while having fun and burning calories, may want to try the popular Zumba Gold class on Mondays from 9:30-10:30 am.

The free monthly film series sponsored by SRFOL continues with a screening of The Willow Tree. Majid Majidi's glistening tone poem is a soulful metaphor for life's second chances and a visionary parable of sight and insight. Blind since childhood, a tormented university professor has his sight restored by a miracle operation. The dazzling new world of sight and color floods him with ecstasy, but also plunges him into a labyrinth of confusions and temptations. Eager to claim his lost life but unable to take the next step, he is inflamed with possibility and paralyzed with egoism. (Farsi with English subtitles)

The film will be introduced by Ralph DeLauro, co-founder of Cinema Under The Stars and founder of the Central Library's film series. Following the screening, Ralph will moderate a discussion with the audience focusing on the techniques used by filmmakers to tell their story. Mr. DeLauro, who has taught film appreciation classes through the SDSU Extension and OASIS programs, says, "We would like the filmgoers to appreciate what lies behind the surface story—the construction of the film and how it was put together for emotional impact." The film series is intended for adults and teens only, please. Popcorn will be served.

Finnegan, a certified therapy dog with San Diego Love on a Leash, will be at the Scripps Ranch Library from 10:30 - 11:30 am on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. Finnegan loves to hang out with kids and listen with his soft, fluffy ears as they read to him. He also enjoys being petted.

We hope you will join us in the new year for The Sophisticados. This dynamic guitar duo plays acoustic Latin, jazz, Brazilian, and contemporary music. Hear their fiery flamenco, sultry Samba, and blissful Bossa. This amazing duo has played all over San Diego at restaurants, weddings, parties, wineries, and festivals to the delight of all who hear them. This concert will be held in the Community Room of the Scripps Ranch Library Center. Meet the artists at a complimentary post-concert reception. A donation of $5 per person is requested but not required. (==> Click Here <==) for details about the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library Music Program.

The Scripps Ranch Book Discussion Group invites you to join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month. At January's meeting we will discuss Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux. Copies are available for check-out at the library. The book discussion will be held in the Seminar Room of the Scripps Ranch Library Center. (==> Click Here <==) for details about the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library Book Discussion Group and for notification of any last-minute changes.

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Zumba Gold combines a lower-impact cardiovascular workout with pulsating Latin music into a fun, calorie burning experience. It incorporates many dance styles including Merengue, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Belly Dancing, Flamenco, and more. The best part about Zumba is that no experience is necessary to join in the fun! People of all ages, fitness levels, and dancing abilities can have a blast while getting a good workout at their own level. With at least one foot on the ground at all times, Zumba Gold is perfect for beginners, boomers, active seniors, and new mothers! If you have any physical or health issues, please consult your physician before trying Zumba Gold or any other exercise. A waiver must be signed before class. Zumba Gold is FREE and no pre-registration is required—just show up and party yourself to fitness! Zumba Gold will be held every Monday at 9:30 AM for one hour.

A traditional storytime for toddlers and preschoolers is presented every Monday at 11:00 AM by a delightful couple and their fun-loving pug dog, Mr. T. Look for Mr. T in the Children's Reading Area.

Tai chi and qigong provide a balanced, low-impact workout for your mind and body. You'll learn how to breathe and move for maximum impact, while improving balance, coordination, flexibility, and memory. We're slowly learning the Yang Family Long Form tai chi from Grand Master Parker Linekin, along with traditional qigong exercise sequences. Attendees range from experienced practitioners to brand-new beginners, and we welcome you to join us. FREE to members of the Scripps Ranch Civic Association; suggested $3 donation for others. Sessions will be held every Monday (library holidays excluded) at 1:30 PM for one hour in the library's Community Room. Questions? Please contact Lynn Owens, lyndaowens@san.rr.com.

Aspiring young chess players are welcome to participate in the Library Chess Club in the Young Adult Area at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library.

Join this informal knitting group every other Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the library's Seminar Room. All levels of knitters are welcome to come together to share knitting projects and just have fun. All you need to do is show up with your yarn, needles, and enjoy. All ages are welcome.

Homework Connection is offered most Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 3 to 5 pm. Do you have a homework question? Come and ask a volunteer for help. First come, first served. Please call ahead to assure that volunteers are available.

A baby lapsit program for 0-12 month-olds with their special adults. Includes rhymes, songs, bounces, tickles, movement, and sharing a book with their favorite grown-up.

Seniors have unique health challenges. Therefore, a new style of Hatha Yoga based on geriatric science and research was created to meet these challenges and needs. Silver Age Yoga is designed so that seniors can safely participate at their level of comfort. As a result, seniors become more involved and engaged because they are feeling better. Silver Age Yoga meets in the library's Community Room.

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Zumba Fitness combines a high-energy cardiovascular workout with pulsating Latin music into a fun, calorie burning experience. It incorporates many dance styles including Merengue, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Belly Dancing, Flamenco, and more. The best part about Zumba is that no experience is necessary to join in the fun! People of all ages, fitness levels, and dancing abilities — including beginners, boomers, active seniors, and new mothers — can have a blast while getting a good workout at their own level. Zumba Fitness is fun and effective, using interval training combining fast and slow rhythms for an effective aerobic workout while at the same time targeting your legs, abs, glutes and arms. If you have any physical or health issues, please consult your physician before trying Zumba Fitness or any other exercise. A waiver must be signed before class. Zumba Fitness is FREE and no pre-registration is required, so just show up and party yourself to fitness! Classes are held every Wednesday at 5:00 PM and every Friday at 4:00 PM.

Storytime for preschoolers (ages 3-5) is held every Thursday at 10:00 AM at the Scripps Ranch Library in the Children's Reading Area.

Chinese Storytime for School-Aged Children is held every Friday at 3:30 PM at the Scripps Ranch Library. This weekly event is hosted by Areana Chen, an accredited teacher who currently teaches at North County Chinese School. Co-hosting Chinese Storytime is Areana Chen's son, Alwin Hui, who is a student at Scripps Ranch High School.

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Zumba Fitness combines a high-energy cardiovascular workout with pulsating Latin music into a fun, calorie burning experience. It incorporates many dance styles including Merengue, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Belly Dancing, Flamenco, and more. The best part about Zumba is that no experience is necessary to join in the fun! People of all ages, fitness levels, and dancing abilities — including beginners, boomers, active seniors, and new mothers — can have a blast while getting a good workout at their own level. Zumba Fitness is fun and effective, using interval training combining fast and slow rhythms for an effective aerobic workout while at the same time targeting your legs, abs, glutes and arms. If you have any physical or health issues, please consult your physician before trying Zumba Fitness or any other exercise. A waiver must be signed before class. Zumba Fitness is FREE and no pre-registration is required, so just show up and party yourself to fitness! Classes are held every Wednesday at 5:00 PM and every Friday at 4:00 PM.

Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center
10301 Scripps Lake Drive
San Diego, CA 92131