By K. Moscar

Having lived in the neighborhood since 1956, I have seen a lot of changes. One of the best changes was when the library opened. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in March 1964, and the doors opened for service in March 1965.

The Friends of the Library for the Allied Gardens/Benjamin library branch are hosting a big birthday bash to celebrate. The event will be held at the library (5188 Zion Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 6.

If you’re coming from Kaiser Hospital (Mission Gorge Road and Zion Avenue), take Zion up the hill. The library is on the left side of the road, just past Ascension Lutheran Church, in the block before you reach Waring Road. If you’re coming up Waring Road from Interstate 8, turn left onto Zion, just past the shopping center. The library will be to your right.

Please come join in the festivities and help us celebrate this wonderful occasion. The festivities include games, munchies, readings for the younger ones, information about Mr. Edwin Arthur Benjamin, how our library “came to be” and much more.

Neighborhood trivia

Ascension Lutheran Church started out in the Sparklett’s building on Mission Gorge Road with folding chairs for seating that had to be set up and put away at each service. Then it moved to a temporary location on Zion Avenue before moving to its present location.

Did you know we had a little waterfall in the neighborhood?

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, most of the neighborhood junior high students (I think they call it middle school now) had to ride these stinky, smelly Willingham buses all the way across town to Montgomery Junior High School in Linda Vista.

At the corner of Twain Avenue and Mission Gorge Road, we had three service stations (you know, the kind where the attendant, or owner would pump your gas, check your oil, wash your windshield…) and no car dealers.

I miss Rory’s very much. They had the best burgers ever.

We even had a Boll Weevil for a few years — a great place to go shoot pool.

Before most of this, I remember when Interstate 8 was a “highway” through the valley, which was filled with stables, corn fields and dairies; you sometimes had to take a deep breath to get through part of it.

What is now San Diego Mission Road used to be the end of Friars Road.

Summer book sale

You can always get some fabulous deals at our book sales. The next one will be held at the Allied Gardens/Benjamin branch’s community room from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 25.

Special Presentations for Adults:

“The Water Conservation Garden.” Tuesday, May 19 at 2 p.m. We have had a long, dry winter. Local expert Pam Meisner, aka Ms. Smarty Plants, will give a free presentation on how to make your garden lush, charming and drought tolerant.

“Introduction to Genealogy Workshop.” Tuesday, June 9 at 1 p.m. Learn how to research your family tree. This two-hour workshop will give you the tools you need to discover your family history.

“Natural Solutions to Stress Reduction.” Thursday, June 11 at 2 p.m. The Foundation for Wellness Professionals will present this free workshop.

Ongoing programs for adults:

Zumba: Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.

Hatha Yoga: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Fitness Fun for Older Adults: Fridays at 11:15 a.m.

Healthy Back Yoga: first and third Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Book Club: second Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

Mystery Class: Thursdays at 1 p.m.

“Read to the Rhythm” summer reading programs for children

Tuesday, June 16: “Raise a Ruckus” with Hullabaloo. Children can’t help but get up and dance to this delightful acoustic music that entertains kids and families.

Tuesday, June 23: “Giggle, Giggle, Quack and Hand Rhymes” with Literature Comes to Life. You’ll be dressed up as cows, pigs, ducks and more in this lively, audience participation program.

Tuesday, June 30: “Little Red Riding Hood” with Little Catbird. Enjoy this mix of storytelling, music and puppets.

Ongoing children’s programs:

Brilliant Babies Storytime (recommended for ages 0-18 months): Tuesdays at noon (except June 2 and 9)

Toddler/Preschool Storytime (ages 2-5 years): Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (except May 21, 28, June 4 and 11)

Kids’ Yoga (ages 2-8 years): Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. (except June 11)

Kids’ Yoga (ages 2-8), Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (beginning June 15)

Join us

The Benjamin Friends of the Library meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. Join us to support the library; memberships start at $5 or $10, and new members are always welcome.

—K. Moscar is a volunteer with the Benjamin Friends of the Library.