By Heather Pisani-Kristl

Live Music at the Library

The theme of San Diego County Library’s summer reading program is “Read to the Rhythm,” and customers will have a lot of opportunities to hear free live music at La Mesa Library during July and August.

At noon on Saturday, July 11, the Lilly Jazz Project will return with the history of jazz greats and a live saxophone performance by local resident Dar Lilly. Two weeks later, taiko drummers from the Buddhist Temple of San Diego will raise the roof with thunderous percussion. The taiko event takes place on Saturday, July 25, at 1 p.m. and it is guaranteed to be both loud and invigorating!

If big bass drums are too tough on small ears, children from preschool through fifth grade can make kid-sized noise at our Make an Instrument craft sessions on July 8 and July 29 at 10:30 a.m. All supplies to make unique noisemakers are provided.

For youths in middle and high school, we offer the extremely popular craft of Shrinky Dinks. Teens can design keychains or zipper pulls using markers, plastic and a toaster oven that rapidly shrinks their drawings. This event takes place on July 9 at 4 p.m., but teens must register in advance by calling 619-469-2151. Additional summer programs for all ages are listed online at sdcl.org/branch-calendars.html. 

Hot Summer Reads

If you’re looking for a beach or backyard book, you can’t go wrong with two high-profile titles published this summer. Readers of “Sex and the City” author Candace Bushnell will be interested in her latest novel, “Killing Monica.” This is a humorous look at an author’s life spinning out of control when her fictional character gains massive popularity.

If you were spellbound by Laura Hillenbrand’s “Unbroken,” the true story of an American airman’s survival in a World War II prison camp, try “No Better Friend: One Man, One Dog, and Their Extraordinary Story of Courage and Survival in WWII” by Robert Weintraub. The title hints at the outcome, but unlike “Unbroken,” this historical event took place among British prisoners of war in Indonesia. Both books are available for request at the library. 

Read to Win

Customers are asking: are you giving away limited-edition library tote bags during the Summer Reading Challenge? Yes, we are, along with earbuds, toy microphones and more. The catch is that you have to read, but you’re doing that right now, aren’t you? To qualify, register online at sdcl.org or visit the library to enroll in the Summer Reading Challenge. Upon completion of 10 books or 10 hours of reading — depending on how busy you are — you’ll receive your choice of prizes while supplies last. The Reading Challenge runs through Aug. 31 and is free and open to all ages. 

News from our Friends

The 2015-16 fiscal year has begun, and the Friends of La Mesa Library will be funding books, magazines and special library events for La Mesa customers. If your family enjoys Barron’s and Investor’s Business Weekly, the latest James Patterson novel, preschool yoga or teen after-hours events, you’re enjoying the proceeds from book sales at the Friends of La Mesa Library bookstore. Funds raised at the library bookstore directly benefit our library’s customers, so think of us when you’re looking for a gently used book. The bookstore is staffed by volunteers seven days a week from 1 to 4 p.m. Call the library at 619-469-2151 to confirm hours.

—Heather Pisani-Kristl is the manager of the La Mesa branch of the San Diego County Library. Call the library at 619-469-2151, visit in person at 8074 Allison Ave. or get information online at sdcl.org.