Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter, but without the built-in structure of work, many find themselves searching for a renewed sense of purpose. In this engaging workshop, Certified Professional Coach Virginia B. Berger, MA, will explore the importance of purpose in retirement and guide participants in developing strategies to create a fulfilling and meaningful next stage of life. Join us in the Community Room at Scripps Miramar Ranch Library on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 3:00–4:30 pm to discover how to navigate this transition with clarity and intention.

Our library offers a wealth of great programs for children, teens, and families.   For complete details and updates, check our website. Highlighted events are sponsored by SRFOL.  

FIRST Robotics: Intermediate Level 

📅 Saturday, March 1 | 10:00 AM 

Students ages 8-16 will engage in an exciting, hands-on robotics program to help them prepare for First Lego League (FLL) or First Tech Challenge (FTC) competitions. Instructors will provide materials and guide students in designing, building, and programming robots using laptops. Participants are welcome to bring their own laptop or Chromebook. The session includes an engaging presentation followed by hands-on exercises. No prior robotics experience is required, but it is preferred. 

Chess Club 

📅 Saturdays, March 1, 15 & 29 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

Come play chess with local families! Level UP Enrichment is hosting a FREE chess club, providing boards, pieces, and an expert instructor to help improve your game. If time and interest allow, the coach may present games and puzzles. Parents must be present at all times and are encouraged to play along. Recommended for ages 6-12, but open to all! 

The Griffins of Elderwood Read-Aloud 

📅 Tuesdays | 3:00 PM 

Join local author Janet Racciato as she reads from The Griffins of Elderwood book series. Follow Chiara as she and her friend Zae battle wyverns—small, deadly dragons threatening their town. Recommended for ages 8 and up. 

Storytime 

📅 Every Wednesday & 1st & 3rd Thursdays | 10:00 AM 

Enjoy books, songs, egg shakers, and sign language in this fun-filled Storytime, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. 

Clay Canes with ArtReach 

📅 Wednesday, March 6 | 3:00 PM 

Create beautiful patterns and designs using colorful polymer clay. Learn the art of making “canes” by cutting and slicing intricate sculptural designs. Perfect for making jewelry and small decorative items. 

Mini Movers & Music 

📅 Sundays, March 10 & 24 | 11:30 AM 

This high-energy class is perfect for little ones who love to move! Through creative movement, fun music, and dance games, kids will develop motor skills, rhythm, and age-appropriate dance moves. Each session has a new theme for non-stop excitement! 

Pajama Signing Storytime 

📅 Monday, March 11 | 6:00 PM 

Wear your pajamas and bring a stuffed animal for this cozy Baby Sign Language (ASL) Storytime with Jennifer Duncan of Signs at Play. Enjoy a bedtime story while learning ASL signs to enhance early communication. 

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Party with Ralph’s World Music 

📅 Tuesday, March 12 | 10:00 AM 

Celebrate the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program with a musical singalong featuring Ralph’s World Music! Enjoy fun activities and connect with library resources for little ones. For children under 5 and their caregivers. 

Craft Program with ToshWerks 

📅 Tuesdays, March 12 & 26 | 4:00 PM 

Join local artists ToshWerks for a hands-on DIY craft project. Recommended for ages 8 and up. All supplies provided, but online registration is required. 

Art Class with Art Smarts 

📅 Tuesday, March 19 | 4:00 PM 

A fun and exciting one-hour art class for ages 5-17! Supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Family Art Project: Abstract Art of Alma Woodsey Thomas 

📅 Wednesday, March 20 | 3:00 PM 

Learn about African American artist Alma Woodsey Thomas, known for her vibrant colors and abstract designs. Visual artist Stacie Greene will introduce Thomas’s famous work The Eclipse and guide participants in creating their own warm-colored sun representations. 

Spring Into STEAM: Forensic Investigators 

📅 Friday, March 22 | 3:00 PM 

Ages 6-12 will become detectives in this hands-on STEM workshop! Learn forensic science techniques like powder classification, pH soil testing, and chromatography to solve a mystery. Presented by The Fleet Science Center. 

Family Board Game Afternoon 

📅 Friday, March 22 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM 

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of board games for ages 2-17 and their families! Each session features a rotating selection of award-winning board games, so no two events are the same. In partnership with Toy Hermit. 

Kamishibai StoryBox Theatre 

📅 Monday, March 25 | 6:00 PM 

Experience the magic of kamishibai, the Japanese tradition of dramatic storytelling with a wooden theatre. Presented by Write Out Loud San Diego, this engaging family-friendly Storytime brings stories to life through vivid illustrations and narration. Fun for all ages! 

The library will be closed all day on Monday, March 31, 2025, in observance of Cesar Chavez Day.

The library’s fire suppression system, roof, and HVAC equipment will undergo repairs in April, impacting several programs and events. Due to this construction, the April 13th concert featuring Dave Chamberlin & Friends has been cancelled but will be rescheduled for the 2025-2026 season. Additional concerts in the 2024-2025 season may also be affected, so please check the SRFOL Concert website for last-minute cancellations and schedule changes.

In addition, Grace’s Book Nook will be closed for all or most of April due to the repairs. Now is the time to stock up on books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, greeting cards, and puzzles at bargain prices! Don’t miss the Second Saturday Sale on March 8, from 10 AM to 2 PM, featuring an expanded shopping area and an outdoor sale with books for just 25 cents each. Regular hours are Monday and Tuesday, 12:00–7:30 PM, and Wednesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM. Shop throughout March before the temporary closure!

This month, the group is reading TransAtlantic by Colum McCann. Join the discussion on Thursday, March 27, from 12:30–2:00 pm in the library’s Seminar Room. Feel free to bring your lunch! New members are always welcome. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. The full list of our 2025 selections will be available soon on the SRFOL website.

This month's recommendation comes from Robert Surratt, Manager of Access Services, Central Library. Surratt recommends: Harlem World: How Hip Hop’s Super Showdown Changed Music Forever by Jonathan Mael.

“Before Kendrick Lamar versus Drake, before Jay-Z versus Nas, there was the Fantastic Romantic Five versus the Cold Crush Brothers at the Harlem World nightclub in 1981. In Harlem World: How Hip Hop’s Super Showdown Changed Music Forever, author Jonathan Mael explores the early phenomenon of rap and hip hop—from its community room beginnings and summertime park jams to...”. To read Surratt’s full review, check out the February 9, 2025 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Check out the book here:

“Harlem World: How Hip Hop’s Super Showdown Changed Music Forever,” by Jonathan Mael

Similar books:

“Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop,” edited by Johan Kugelberg, photographs by Joe Conzo

“Yo!: The Early Days of Hip Hop 1982-84,” by Sophie Bramly

“LL Cool J Presents The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness,” by LL Cool J, Vikki Tobak, and Alec Banks

“Together Forever,” by Glen E. Friedman

“Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation,” by Jeff Chang

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