“People flock in, nevertheless, in search of answers to those questions only librarians are considered to be able to answer, such as 'Is this the laundry?' 'How do you spell surreptitious?' and, on a regular basis, 'Do you have a book I remember reading once? It had a red cover and it turned out they were twins.'” ― Terry Pratchett, Going Postal

Librarian's Corner

February is a month to love―and this month we invite you to take a chance and "fall in love with a book!" Our staff has compiled a selection of favorites and they are wrapped and ready for your blind date with a book. All we ask is that you read the first 100 pages...and maybe you'll fall in love! Whether you are looking for a steamy romance or are drawn to Valencrimes, we've got something for every reading taste.

Kids will enjoy the "Love Your Library Scavenger Hunt" and the

"I Spy Valentine's" search. Prizes are given for completed activities.

And there's no better way to say I Love You, than with paper, paste, and sticky glue. Stop by the Maker Space and make a valentine for your special someone. We have all the supplies you need to unleash your creativity.

While no one really loves preparing their income tax, having them prepared by professionals for free is indeed something to love.The AARP will be at the library to prepare taxes―by appointment. You don't need to be a senior citizen to qualify for this free program. Please call (916) 672-1182 to schedule an appointment.

If you're looking for support growing roses of red and violets of blue, you can get gardening advice at the monthly UC Master Gardeners Workshops. And while you're there, check out non-GMO seeds for your garden at the Seed Library located inside the main room.

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask about the ZIP Book express delivery program and see if your book qualifies for an Amazon Prime delivery―right to your door! This service is free and is funded by a grant from the California Library Association.

There is so much more to discover at the library this month. Here is a brief summary of the library programs and events. Please visit the Events section for detailed information:

• AARP FREE Income Tax Preparation
• NEW: Hiragana Japanese Writing Class ages 5-8
• Hoopla & Libby Digital Library Information Hour
• UC Master Gardeners Workshop: Water Efficiency In Your Backyard

The Tax-Aide Program offers free federal and state tax preparation. This service is offered by appointment only and is sponsored by the IRS and AARP. The service is available to all taxpayers with no age or membership restrictions. All returns are filed electronically and refunds are available by direct deposit. Appointments may be made by phoning (916) 672-1182. Please do not call the library to schedule an appointment. The Tax Aide volunteers cannot do returns with farm or rental property income, home offices or foreclosures/loan modifications. 

NOTE: Appointments are filling up fast. Please don't wait to schedule your appointment to ensure availability.

February Events

Saturday, February 11, 10:30-11:30

The UC Master Gardeners of Placer County will lead this in-person workshop.

Are you a hands-on gardener eager to learn tips and resources for maximizing your water efficiency? Although we may be a bit soggy now, we will certainly return to a very hot and dry summer weather pattern soon. Participants will come away with water-wise ideas and visuals for transforming your landscape while conserving water.

Please call (916) 824-2905 to reserve your place. Drop-in OK.

Let's Learn Hiragana

Thursday, February 2nd & 16th, 3:30-4:30 pm

What is Hiragana?

“What is hiragana? Hiragana is one of the primary syllabary components that form the Japanese alphabet. Register today to begin your adventure in learning to write in Japanese!”

Ages 6-9

 Please call us at (916) 824-2905 to reserve your place.

Hoopla/Libby Digital Library Information Hour

Thursday, February 9, 10:30 - 12:00 pm

Instantly read, listen, and watch all of your favorite eBooks, audiobooks, music, and movies using the Libby and Hoopla digital libraries. Supercharge your library card and access these resources 24/7 via Apple, Google Play, Roku, Amazon Prime, and Chromecast.

Come to our workshop and learn how to make the most of these free subscriptions. We will help you set up your accounts and guide you through the basic steps. You will need to bring your phones and tablets and know your app store passwords to set up an account.

Please call the library to reserve your place at (916) 824-2905.

 Drop-in OK.

Spice Club

Tuesday, February 28th, 6-6:45 pm

Region: North America: Spotlight on

Contemporary Native American Cuisine

What is called "new Native American cuisine,” or “indigenous cuisine” is an effort by Native American Chefs to revitalize native food cultures in contemporary kitchens. We will explore the trends and recipes from the luminaries of Native American cuisine. Our spotlight will be on manoomin, a hand-harvested wild rice from the Oglala Sioux region of Minnesota.



What is Spice Club?

Each month, we explore a different region of the world through the lens of spices, spice blends, and ancient grains–learning how individual spices and ancient grains have shaped the culture and cuisine for the region.

We will provide recipes, edible samples and spice packets.

Spice up your learning and your life by joining the Spice Club!

Reservations are required and space is limited.

Saturday, February 18

10:30 am - 12 pm

Lego Zip Line Building Challenge!

Your mission is to build a zip line container for your lego person that can go from one end of the zip line to the other without falling apart. This event is free and all materials are provided. Please arrive ten minutes early so that we can start promptly at 10:30. Reservations are required and children must meet the age requirements. Sorry, no drop-in.

Ages 6-12

Please RSVP to reserve your place by calling (916) 824-2905.

Manga Club!

If you love anime films and manga books then this club is for you!

Each month, we talk about our favorite manga books and learn about the latest trends in this genre. We play games, make art, watch anime films, and definitely laugh a lot! Please join us and bring a friend―the more the merrier. Snacks are provided.

Ages 11-15

Please RSVP to reserve your place by calling (916) 824-2905.

Lend a Hand, Lend a Heart, Read to a Dog!

Saturday, January 28th, 10:30-11:30 am

Why read to a dog?

• Reading to a dog builds confidence in emerging readers.
• Reading to a dog builds public speaking skills.
• Reading to a dog reduces stress.

And it's downright fun! Our furry friends love to hear stories and don't make judgments if any mistakes are made. Bring a favorite book from home or select one from our collection and join us for an hour of reading fun!



Reservations are not required. Drop-In OK

Japanese Storytime with Malie-San

Wednesdays 10:30 am

On Wednesdays, we will be hosting Japanese storytime with our

guest reader Malie-san. This session is aimed for children 2-5.

After the story, there will be time for children to craft and play. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to get yourself settled before the story starts.

Reservations are not required. Drop-in OK.

ルーミス図書館にて日本語ストーリータイムが開催されます。

みなさんにお会い出来るのを楽しみにしています！

Join us for Preschool Storytime every Friday at 10:30 am. Please arrive 10 minutes early to get yourself settled before the story starts.

Browse the library after storytime and bring home a take-and-make craft kit to extend the fun at home.

Reservations are not required. Drop-in OK.

Let the library come to you 24/7 with a HOOPLA Digital account. Go to HooplaDigital.com and look for the Loomis Library. You will need a Loomis Library card to sign up for an account.

Don't have a card?

You can get one here.

Accessing great titles has never been easier. Take hoopla to the big screen with...

With thousands of music titles available for streaming hoopla's got something for everyone. Lullabies and sing-a-longs for little listeners, trending tunes for teens, and hit music adults love - 24/7, without fees, commercials, or waiting. The hoopla app also allows patrons to shuffle or repeat songs, creating a more personalized listening experience. Click here for instructions on how to shuffle music on hoopla.

A new month means that your HOOPLA Digital checkouts have been reset. Check out the amazing February collection of movies from new releases to timely topics and more. FREE with your library card!

Don't have a HOOPLA account?

Follow the steps here to create one:

https://loomislibrary.org/hoopla/

Get the BEST of Both Worlds with Hoopla and Libby Digital Libraries.