LAKE COUNTY
Lake County Library celebrates 50 years as a system
This July, the Lake County Library is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a countywide library system. The rich history of our libraries showcases the power of community, stretching back much further than five decades.
County Librarian Christopher Veach remarks, "What I love most about our library system is they all got their start because people got together and decided they wanted a library."
A legacy of community effort
In 1906, civic-minded citizens in Lakeport formed a library committee to establish a town library. With about 80 volunteers, they rented, painted, and refurbished a small space, opening the first library in the Board of Trade rooms in the Levy Building in 1907.
As the library grew, local groups like the Lakeport Ladies' Town Improvement Club successfully petitioned Andrew Carnegie, famous industrialist, for an $8,000 grant. The new library, completed in February 1918, still stands proudly in Library Park today.
Similar grassroots efforts led to the establishment of the other present-day libraries in Middletown, Clearlake, and Upper Lake.
Formation of the County library system
In the early 1970s, work began on creating a unified county library system, integrating the libraries in Lakeport, Middletown, Clearlake, and Upper Lake. Lake County was the last in the state without a countywide library service. Sponsored by a federal grant through the State Library, the Lake County Library project demonstrated the benefits of a county library system, also introducing the first bookmobile.
In 1974, Lake County residents voted, with 65% voting yes, to establish the county library system, approving a property tax of 12 cents per $100 assessed valuation, which still funds our libraries today.
Celebrating 50 years
To celebrate this golden anniversary, the library invites the public to share their library memories on our website or at any branch on our memory display. Photos, pictures, and written statements will be showcased both online and at our libraries.
Residents can read statements from former library staff members, such as the first County Librarian, Stephen C. Klein, as well as members of the public. There are also historical photographs showing the library system over the years.
Additionally, commemorative fifty-year anniversary library cards will be available at all locations, while supplies last. Join us at various library events and clubs throughout the year to mark this milestone.
For more information, visit our website at Library.LakeCountyCA.gov. Celebrate with us and be a part of Lake County Library's rich history.
—Submitted
KELSEYVILLE
IMPORTANT UPDATE: July 7 Fiddlers Jam cancelled
After much careful deliberation, it has been decided that the July 7th Fiddlers Jam will be canceled.
This is due to the excessive heat forecasted for this week. We want everyone to stay safe and be cautious when planning any outdoor activities.
Thank you for your continued support and participation in our events.
We hope to see you in August.
—Submitted
LAKE COUNTY
Beating the Heat: Options for Lake County residents
The National Weather Service's (NWS') Eureka Office has issued an Excessive Heat Warning and advises increased risk of heat-related illness is expected in our region, with the highest temperatures (100 - 110 degrees in some portions of Lake County) continuing throughout the weekend. With high temperatures expected to persist throughout the week, many members of our communities will be seeking opportunities to escape the heat.
Staff from the Lake County Library system and County-operated Peer Support Centers want to ensure members of the public know their facilities' doors are open during normal business hours except on Thursday, July 4, when County-operated facilities will be closed for the Independence Day holiday.
Shopping at local businesses and eating at local restaurants with air-conditioned facilities during the warmest hours of the day can also be great ways to support your communities while cooling off!
Additionally, other non-governmental organizations may also make their facilities available to the public during this Excessive Heat Warning. Information for those facilities will be updated on webpages of the Lake County Office of Emergency Services at Ready.LakeCountyCA.gov.
Stay Safe During Warm Weather!
County officials and the National Weather Service urge residents to stay safe! Residents can find information on local facilities that will be open to the public for this Excessive Heat event.
Here is some information from https://www.ready.gov/heat on recognizing the signs of heat-related illness and making safe choices during hot weather:
—Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day;
—If air conditioning is not available in your home, go to a cooled facility, like Lake County's Library Branches and Peer
—Take cool showers or baths;
—Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing;
—Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home;
—If you're outside, find shade and wear a hat wide enough to protect your face;
—Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (don't wait until you're thirsty!);
—Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible;
—Check on family members, older adults and neighbors;
—Consider pet safety – if they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade;
—Remember, asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet's feet;
—Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke;
—Remember, heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.
—Submitted
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