Summer Reading Programs at the Library

From June 14–July 31, the Colusa County Free Library is offering our annual summer reading programs for children ages 0– 5 and ages 6–12.  Our theme this summer is Reading Colors Your World!   

We’ve lined up crafts, games and books that will help launch your child’s mind and imagination and encourage a love of reading. The program is simple; once a week you or your child will pick up a reading kit at the library branch of your choice. These kits will encourage your child to explore the world around them through color, art and reading. Each kit will include all of the materials for an at-home project, several self-guided activities, fun facts and information, prizes and more. 

Each week a digital story time and other supplemental activities will be posted on the library Facebook page to support the weekly themes! While picking up the reading kit, families are welcome and encouraged to check out reading materials.  

You can register your child/children through the google forms, linked below, or by calling 530/458-0379. 

Little Rainbows, ages 0-5: https://forms.gle/3Akrd3ZaUWhAw6v77

Reading Colors Your World, ages 6-12: https://forms.gle/P1jLVygpKk2hshqV8

"THE COLORS OF COLUSA MARY WINTERS MEMORIAL MURAL"

The main branch of the Colusa County Free Library is excited to announce the “Colors of Colusa County Mary Winters Memorial Mural,” set to be painted by local artists Sierra Reading and Ross Roadruck this summer!

Each beam beside our Library door will be painted a color that is representative of the palette of Colusa County. Public photo submissions of Colusa County  were collected between April 15th and May 7th to be used in identifying the represented colors!  The colors depicted throughout these photos will be selected for the palette used in creating the upcoming mural, with each color representing a different area of the county. Colors will be selected from images from across the entire county - from Stonyford to Grimes; Princeton to Arbuckle; and everywhere in between. Colusa County is vibrant and diverse in its beauty, and the color options are limitless.

Currently the photo selections are under review by the artists, Library Director, members of the Winters family, Friends of the Library and Public Art Fund representative Cynthia White and County Board of Supervisor Denise Carter.  

To read more about the mural, and the legacy of Mary Winters, click here. 

LIBRARY SERVICE

Since mid-March 2020, the Colusa County Free Library has been working diligently to provide continued services to the community despite the physical closure of our libraries as a result of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. We have been thankful for your support and understanding as we have navigated unchartered territory, learned new skills, offered new digital lending platforms, and implemented digital programming for the first time. Simultaneously, we have been planning for both when the library would open its doors, and how to open safely. The well being of our community has been the top consideration in every decision we have made. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

You can now visit our seven library locations with limited occupancy. The public will be able to visit and browse any of the locations for up to one hour. 

Patrons can continue to use curbside service at all locations, and computers are still limited to school and personal or professional needs, no gaming.

Are face coverings required?
Yes. All patrons and staff are asked to wear CDC recommended masks, at all times. If you cannot wear a face-covering during your visit, you are welcome to use our curbside service.

What safety measures are in place at the library?
Public health and safety are our priorities. Please be advised that a few things have changed to help reduce contact and slow the spread of COVID-19. We have implemented the following safety measures:

• Face coverings are required at all times for anyone two years or older
• We are practicing social distancing – observe all signage and markers
• Libraries will have limited occupancy and seating to ensure proper social distancing 
• Library visits are limited to one hour per patron
• Hand-sanitizing stations are provided for use prior to entry, and frequent hand-washing is encouraged
• Staff conduct daily health checks
• High-touch surfaces will be disinfected regularly

Please keep yourself and others safe by:

• Staying home if you’re experiencing symptoms of any illness
• Wearing a face covering that covers your nose and mouth, which is required for all patrons two years or older
• Washing or sanitizing your hands frequently
• Maintaining at least six feet of distance from staff and other patrons
• Respecting social distancing guidelines and limiting your visit to one hour
• Following the instructions of the library and security staff

Are there limits on the number of people allowed into the building?
Yes. Our occupancy is limited to ensure that all can maintain social distancing following public health orders. Thank you for your patience.

How do I return items?
Patrons can return library materials during our hours of operation in designated bins. Book drops are also available. Returned items will be placed in quarantine for 24 hours and will not be checked in immediately. Items may take up to a week to be removed from your account.

Can I drop off donated materials?
The library is not accepting donations at this time.

What services are available?
The following in-person services are available:

• Curbside pickup and returns
• Computer use and printing
• Photocopying and faxing 

The following virtual services are available:

• Virtual Story Times in English and Spanish
• Fun challenges and simple at-home projects for kids on the library Facebook page
• Databases, eMaterials, and online assistance can be found in our eLibrary 

What in-person programming is available?
Each week, we offer many grab and go programs, such as Raising a Reader, STEAM and Sensory kits and Crafternoon supplies. In-person programming is not yet available at the library.

What if I don’t feel comfortable coming into the library?
Please feel free to continue using curbside pickup and return service and join us for our virtual programs.

We anticipate many changes to our policies and procedures in the upcoming days, weeks, and months. Directives are changing daily, and we are doing our best to provide the best service possible to all of Colusa County. In the meantime, we encourage you to use our digital library resources, which will continue to be available at any time to all library patrons. On our eLibrary page, you will find links to several databases that offer eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, journals and access to the New York Times newspaper.

Branch hours and contact information

Main branch Colusa, 458-7671

• Monday: Closed for appointment based access for high-risk patrons
• Tuesday 10:00-6:00
• Wednesday 10:00-5:00
• Thursday 10:00-6:00
• Friday 10:00-5:00
• Saturday 10:00-2:00

Arbuckle, 476-2526

• Monday 1:00-6:00
• Tuesday 10:00-3:00
• Wednesday 1:00-6:00

Grimes, 437-2428

• Tuesday 2:00-6:00
• Thursday 2:00-6:00

Maxwell, 438-2250

• Tuesday 1:30-6:00
• Wednesday 1:30-6:00 
• Thursday 1:30-6:00

Princeton, 439-2235

• Monday 8:30-1:00
• Tuesday 8:30-1:00
• Wednesday 8:30-1:00

Stonyford, 963-3722

• Friday 10:30-2:30

Williams, 473-5955

• Tuesday noon-6:00
• Wednesday 1:00-6:00
• Thursday noon-6:00

For questions related to the County’s response to Covid-19, please visit: 

Colusa County Department of Public Health
California Department of Public Health
State of California Guidelines

New York Times

The California State Library is pleased to offer the New York Times online to California public libraries! This offer features direct access to nytimes.com from 1851 to right now, including:

• All regular newspaper content (articles, editorials, etc.)
• All multimedia, including video, photography, VR features and all new multimedia to come
• Spanish and Mandarin Chinese versions of nytimes.com
• Personalized access, including e-mail newsletters such as California Today, mobile apps* for phones and tablets, with customizable news feeds, and article recommendations based on topics you most commonly read about.

The State Library is supporting this resource for California public libraries for at least the next 18 months. You can sign up using the link above and a current email address. Registration is required, but is very simple. Enjoy!

Career Online High School

Colusa County Free Library’s Career Online High School (COHS) offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate online.

The Library’s pilot program provides a limited number of free enrollments to qualified adult learners who are looking to advance their careers, prepare for workforce entry or continue their education. Career Online High School through the Colusa County Free Library is open to all eligible County residents.

Applicants who successfully complete an online self-assessment and prerequisite course, followed by an in-person interview, will be considered for enrollment.

Once enrolled, COHS pairs each student with an online academic coach, who provides the student with an individual career path, offers ongoing guidance, evaluates performance and connects the student with the resources needed to master the courses. Students will be given up to 18 months to complete the program.

If you are interested in the program, please contact County Librarian, Stacey Zwald Costello at 530/458-0372.

Branch Contact Information & Hours of Operation