Good news about the library

Members of American Association of University Women were happy to hear the Tehachapi Library, 212 S Green St., will open for in-person use on April 21.

Librarian Veronica Wilson shared this news when she spoke to AAUW at their April meeting. Masks and social distancing will be required, but there is excitement about resuming many of the programs that have been offered in the past.

Veronica Wilson graduated from Tehachapi High School and continued her education at Bakersfield College before receiving a Master’s degree in English from California State University, Bakersfield. She served as an adjunct professor of English at CSUB for five years. When the library position in Tehachapi opened up, she eagerly applied for the job and was hired.

“I’ve always loved books and have been a reader from early childhood. The library was my ‘hide-out’ and I often walked there. Being a librarian is a dream job for me,” Wilson said.

The library has a 3D printer and recently acquired several pieces of equipment to enhance the ability to reproduce items. A sewing machine has also been purchased which opens up new possibilities for creating items. Wilson is anxious to resume programs which teach teens and adults to use this equipment. Many other programs will be continued as the library returns to normal operations. These include the Teen-age Book Club where 15 to 30 teens gather each Friday; Summer Reading for kids, teens and adults; and Story Hour.

AAUW members expressed they appreciated borrowing e-books from the Libby app during the COVID shutdown. Wilson noted that there has been a huge uptick in the use of digital services. The library offers a wide-range of programs which were unimaginable 20 years ago.

AAUW is now accepting dues of $102 for the 2021-22 membership year. Both women and men with a two-year or higher degree are eligible to join. Information about Tehachapi Mountain Branch AAUW may be found at http://www.tehachapimountain-ca.aauw.net. Call (661) 972-6508 if you’re interested in joining.