Many things are happening at the library
By SR Friends of the Library
Parking lot expansion
Work continues on the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library parking lot expansion. The upper lot has been paved and should be ready for use soon, following which work will begin on the lower lot. However, the upper lot is currently completely blocked. The only available on-site parking is in the lower lot, including a couple of spaces reserved for those with handicapped license plates or placards. From the lower lot, the library may be reached by the stairs or via a new paved sidewalk that can be entered at the near end of the lower lot.
Those who are physically able are encouraged to utilize the overflow parking along Meanley Drive, which also includes more than 30 spaces in the water department parking lot and can be accessed from Meanley Drive just before entering the small round-about. Map and directions: srfol.org/lib-loc-hours.htm.
For those accessing the library during the evening, it should be noted that the lights in the parking lot, on the side patio and along the walkway connecting the library to Meanley Drive, are currently non-functional. The City is working to restore lighting. In the meantime, it is advisable to use a flashlight (many cell phones have a flashlight app).
As part of the parking lot construction, more than 40 trees (palm and eucalyptus) have been removed, including, more recently, removal of a number of large, mature trees between the lower lot and Scripps Lake Drive. Official plans include landscaping of the affected areas with planting of native and drought tolerant trees and shrubs.
Grace’s Book Nook: 31 years serving SR
Grace’s Book Nook bookstore has been in operation for 31 years and served its first customers on the opening day of the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library on March 13, 1993. The Book Nook, as it was originally known, was the inspiration of the late Grace Roos, who chaired the early book sales during the storefront library days. Roos served as the first manager of the Book Nook, which was renovated and renamed in her honor shortly before her death in 2007.
Grace’s Book Nook has served the Scripps Ranch community by “recycling” gently used books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks donated by community members into new books and programs for the library. The Book Nook is staffed by volunteers and has been the largest fundraising endeavor of the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library, generating more than $300,000 since its inception in support of the library. The Book Nook is open Mondays through Saturdays during library hours, beginning 30 minutes after the library opens until 30 minutes prior to closing.
Stock is updated almost daily. In addition to bargain books day in and day out, the Book Nook holds special “pop-up” sales on the second Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., during which the shopping area is expanded. Look for the special semiannual mega sales twice a year, featuring the popular Big Yellow Bag special.
If you’re interested in exploring volunteer opportunities with Grace’s Book Nook, email booknook@srfol.org.
Donate books
The Library and Grace’s Book Nook welcome donations of gently used books and media. At this time, the Book Nook is especially seeking donations of fiction and nonfiction for adults, but any and all types of books for all ages are always welcome. Receipts acknowledging your tax-deductible donations are provided.
During the parking and access challenges posed by the current parking lot expansion project, it’s suggested that you call the library – (858) 538-8158 – in advance to discuss the logistics of donating, especially if you’re donating large numbers of books. It may be advisable to try to avoid the later afternoon hours on weekdays as parking is especially impacted then. A staff member or volunteer may be available to assist in transferring your donation to the library.