Join us for a festive afternoon of music at our Holiday Music Concert on Saturday, December 6, from 3:00–4:00 p.m in the Community Room. This joyful program will showcase talented students from the Emeritus Piano Program at the San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE), led by acclaimed pianist and educator Helena Wei. A distinguished faculty member and Assistant Program Chair, Helena brings decades of performance and teaching excellence to the stage. The concert will feature a rich musical journey—from classical masterpieces to jazz ensembles—performed by piano soloists, chamber groups, guitar ensembles, and more. It’s a wonderful way to usher in the holiday season, and all are welcome!

Monday Closure

The Scripps Miramar Ranch Library is now closed on Mondays due to City budget constraints. The library will also be closed for the Christmas–New Year’s holiday from Wednesday, December 24, through Thursday, January 1. For a list of libraries that remain open on Mondays or during the holiday break, please visit the SRFOL website.

Grace’s Book Nook

Grace’s Book Nook—our library’s used bookstore—offers great finds for all ages and interests, including books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, greeting cards, and a lovely selection of Christmas cards. Many items are in giftable condition, making the Book Nook the perfect place to pick up stocking stuffers and holiday treasures. Don’t miss this month’s 2nd Saturday Sale on December 13, from 10 am–2 pm. Your tax-deductible donations of gently used books are always appreciated and help support our library.

• Bilingual Storytime: Every Wednesday, 10–10:30 am, for toddlers and preschoolers. Storytime with Señor Roberto is now bilingual (English/Spanish)!
• Kamishibai StoryBox Theatre: Friday, December 5, 10–10:30 am. An engaging, family-friendly storytime for all ages, presented by Write Out Loud San Diego.
• Family Board Game Afternoon: Saturday, December 20, 2–4 pm. Children ages 2–17 and their families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of games, in partnership with Toy Hermit.
• Craft Workshop: Tuesday, December 23, 5:00–7:15 pm. Create an inspiring New Year’s vision board to set your intentions for 2026! All materials provided.
• Craft-to-Go: Pick up a craft-to-go kit (while supplies last) and enjoy a fun project at home! Sponsored by SRFOL.

Fun & Games for Seniors – Mahjong

Every Thursday, 10 am–12 pm, Community Room. Enjoy a friendly morning of Mahjong and socializing.

Holiday Garland Workshop

Get into the spirit of the season at a festive workshop with talented crafter Robert on Tuesday, December 16, from 5–7:15 pm. Create a beautiful holiday garland for your table or mantel using deco mesh, burlap, and ribbon. All materials are provided (while supplies last), and participants are welcome to bring additional items to personalize their creations.

For adults of all ages; teens welcome with an accompanying adult. Registration is encouraged. Sponsored by SRFOL.

Jane Austen 250th Birthday Dance Party – Costume Flashmob & English Country Dance

Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in true Regency style! Don your finest period attire and join dance hosts Ellen Riley and Ellie Konitshek from the San Diego English Country Dancers for a lively introduction to English Country Dance. Enjoy demonstrations of dances featured in Austen’s works, followed by a beginner-friendly lesson where you can try the dances yourself.



Period costumes are strongly encouraged for this festive dance party. Registration recommended.

Library Closure Update



The planned closure of the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library for roof and HVAC replacement, now expected to last 6–8 months, has been postponed again and is now projected to begin in February. Work on the lower parking lot, which has been on hold for over 18 months, is expected to resume at the same time.

This month, the group is reading Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. Join the discussion on Thursday, December 4, from 12:30–2 pm in the Seminar Room. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch. New members are always welcome! Next month’s selection is James by Percival Everett. Copies of both books are available at the circulation desk.

This month's recommendation comes from Brooklyn Huffman, Library Assistant III, Oak Park Library.

Brooklyn recommends: Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson

“A highly publicized tragedy leaves the Freemans' world upended when their home is burglarized, their son, Baz, is murdered, and a cherished family heirloom—affectionately known as “Old Mo”—is destroyed. At just ten years old, frozen in fear, Ebby, Baz’s younger sister, witnessed something she still can’t fully remember. Now an adult, haunted by guilt and recurring nightmares, Ebby struggles to move forward, becoming withdrawn from her family, friends, and even the fiancé she once...”. To read Brooklyn’s full review, check out the November 16th, 2025 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Reviewed Book

Good Dirt, by Charmaine Wilkerson

Book:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1846229

Ebook:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1931234

Large Print:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1866898

*****

Similar Titles

Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson

Book:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1655435

(also a streaming series on Hulu)

*****

Horse, by Geraldine Brooks

Book:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1818698

Large Print:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1690772

Ebook:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1890559

*****

Queen Sugar, by Natalie Baszile

Book:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1818792

Large Print

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C285983

(also a series on the Oprah Winfrey Network / OWN)

*****

Down in the Delta (film, directed by Maya Angelou)

DVD:

https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1695656

Recommended Reads is an ongoing partnership with The San Diego Union-Tribune. Every other week, Behind the Desk goes in-depth on the books we recommend. Read the Sunday Paper to see our most recent reviews or view our past archive on the SDPL website: sandiego.gov/sdplreviews