por Sue Hotz

New beginnings in a new year: Helping us “Build for the Future,” will be the San Diego Public Library System’s new director, Misty Jones, who, following the July 1 retirement of Deborah Barrows, has served as its interim director.

Misty has extensive leadership experience in all aspects of library management, and played an essential role in the decision making process for the design and function of our new San Diego Central Library. She has 12 years of library management experience, holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Southern California and is the President-elect of the California Library Association.

“I am excited about leading the San Diego Public Library. I’m already actively working with staff, the City and the community to collaboratively create the library of the future,” she said.

The SCFOL Board welcomes Misty and looks forward to working with her in developing the plans for our new Branch Library. Read more on the library’s website.

New SCFOL board: At the annual general membership meeting of SCFOL, the following SCFOL board members were approved to serve in 2015: President Judy Williams, Secretary Evie McGhee, Treasurer Jerry Hotz, Members-At-Large: Margrette Carr, Bobbi Dennis, Joan Hayes, Sue Hotz, and Jim Shields. We thank them for volunteering and their interest in our community. As we look toward the future, there are many volunteer opportunities available both within the library and SCFOL as a committee chairperson or committee member. Please contact Judy Williams to learn how you can become involved.

New adult programs: We’re three weeks into 2015, and it’s time to make good on your New Year’s resolutions. No. 1 on many lists is to exercise more. Added to our already extensive list of exercise programs will be Mondays at 9:30 a.m., “T’ai Chi Chuan” with local instructor Sifu Mario Mayorga. The movements in T’ai Chi develop mindfulness, using conscious breathing with soft graceful movements that are low impact and easy on the joints. Movements improve strength, balance, coordination, lower stress hormones, and enhance cardiovascular health. Sifu Mario is co-owner of 5 Elements Martial Arts & Wellness Center on Mission Gorge Road. Since 1993, he has trained in many forms of martial arts and taught these skills to San Diegans through private lessons and in our public schools. Come and meet Mario, and learn a new wellness skill.

Art: Jan. 6 – Feb. 5: “Safari Art Circle with Hazel Ross” is on exhibit. Artist demonstration and reception is Jan. 17 at noon. Our art coordinator, Barbara Stewart will be showing her art in February.

Oasis: Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. is “Learned Optimism in Work and Life” with Kelley Rogers.

Authors: Jan. 23 at 2 p.m.: Layla Fiske, author of “The Fig Orchard,” and on Feb. 27, Dylan Yates, author of “The Belief In Angels,” will speak. Jan. 24 at noon Jade Cepura teaches us about “The Mexican Gray Wolf: A Journey to Recovery.” He is a local student and volunteers at both the library and the California Wolf Center in Julian. Go to sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org for program updates, and other “Just for Fun” activities.

Youth programs: Tuesdays at 4 p.m., yoga; Wednesdays at 2 p.m., school-age storytime; second and fourth Wednesdays at 3 p.m., K-3 Steam2 Academy; Thursdays at 4 p.m., age 6 and up Lego Club (see website); Thursday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m., MTRP’s Linda Hawley tells about “Kumeyaay Life Before 1769”; Fridays at 10 a.m., preschool storytime; second Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Spanish storytime. Certified teachers help with homework on Monday – Friday starting at 3:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

New library hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The library will be closed Jan. 19 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. The next used book sale is Saturday, Feb. 7. Together we can make it a great new year!

—Sue Hotz is a board member of the San Carlos Friends of the Library.