This has been some year hasn't it? Anyone remember the "murder hornets" from a few months ago? No? Well the Friends of the Library do, as well as all the plans we had for the year. Things sure haven't gone as expected. But we're back and still working to support our Library. Even if book donations and sales don't all happen this year (we still need to figure out how to be able to do that safely).

It's open again you know. But like everything else, still not back to normal. It's here to support the community as one of the Branches of the Kern County Library system that have reopened (one of the seven out of 24 in the system). And you can now start getting books again. The Library's new hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday noon to 6 p.m.

For now, we are only offering curbside pick up of the books you order. You can order your books through the online system (www.kerncountylibrary.org/) or by calling the Library at (661) 822-4938. These books don't even have to be ones at our branch, you can get them from libraries all through the San Joaquin Valley System. Yes, you will need a library card, but you can get one online or by calling the branch. (And don't forget all the resources you can access like streaming movies and shows, and checking out audio books.)

When you're notified that your book is in, you can request curbside pickup and get your books brought out to you. Just for safety, when you do return your books use the outside dropoff, and the books go into a 72 hour quarantine to make sure that the next user is safe, too.

So now you can get to reading. And speaking of reading, did you realize the Summer Reading Challenge is still going on? It's in a virtual format, but you can still get in on the PRIZES, which are being purchased by the Friends of the Library from local business so we can support the businesses that have been supporting us.

You can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge either online or by calling the Library. You can also sign up your whole family. And for the little ones taking part in a virtual storytime can even count as a book they've read.

Photo provided

If you'd like to learn more about Grab Bags call the Library at (661) 822-4938.

And did you know that adults can participate too? (I'm signed up, you should too.) So everyone, children, teens and adults can participate and earn prizes. All you have to do is read 10 books or spend 10 hours reading between June 1 and Aug. 5. And wouldn't that be a good way to spend your time this summer?

So go and sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge, you don't even need a Library Card. And if you need any help getting books to read, the Library is here waiting for you with curbside pickup and interlibrary loans (if needed). So visit the Library's website (www.kerncountylibrary.org/) or call (661) 822-4938. And if you call, ask about the Grab Bags.