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Meet our New Branch Manager, Zeina Guoin
Hello Scripps Miramar Ranch community!
I’m honored to join you as the new Branch Manager. With over 33 years in library services, I’m passionate about connecting communities, expanding access to technology, and creating programs that meet the diverse needs of our patrons.
My background includes leadership roles at libraries in Orange County, Mission Viejo, and Saddleback College, as well as with OCLC and the American University. For the past 11 years, I’ve served in the San Diego Public Library system, most recently as Branch Manager at Serra Mesa.
I look forward to collaborating with the Friends of the Library, local organizations, and residents to build on the wonderful work happening here. Outside of work, I enjoy history, travel, and time with my 21-year-old son.
I’m excited to work together to make our library an even stronger hub for learning, connection, and inspiration.
— Zeina Guoin
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Meet Our Reference Librarian: Robert Lanuza
I’ve been part of the public library system for more than 13 years, and I’m delighted to serve as the full-time Library Assistant III here at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library. I love helping patrons discover the information they need, and I also enjoy bringing my passion for crafting and decorating into the library through seasonal adult craft programs. Some favorites have included wreaths, door swags, centerpieces, and festive wall décor.
I’m also active in children’s programming, coordinating fun and meaningful cultural celebrations such as Diwali, Día de los Muertos, Holi, and our always-popular Halloween Craftakular. Before coming to Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, I led a thriving book club with more than 25 regular members, and I’m excited to build something similar here.
I’m grateful to be part of this vibrant community and look forward to celebrating the holiday season with all of you!
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Meet Our Library Assistant: Dr. SundaraaRajan “John” Devarajan
I joined the San Diego Public Library system in April 2022 and am excited to be one of the newest staff members at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library.
Before coming here, I spent more than 37 years in higher education as a professor of communication, mentoring graduate and doctoral students, publishing widely, and contributing to international organizations such as UNESCO and the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization.
I look forward to bringing my experience in teaching, research, and community engagement to my role here, supporting patrons and helping our library continue to thrive as a welcoming space for learning and discovery.
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Meet Our Library Assistant: Cindy Marshall
I’m excited to return to the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, where I first began my career with the San Diego Public Library in 2001. Over the years, I’ve worked in more than 30 branches across the city and most recently served at the Rancho Bernardo Library.
My husband and I have lived in Scripps Ranch for nearly 30 years, and we’re proud parents of two grown daughters and new grandparents to our granddaughter, Riley. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, gardening, hiking with our dogs, and spending time with family and friends.
It feels like I’ve come full circle, and I look forward to starting this new chapter back in the community I call home.
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Meet Minoo Hadidi
I’m delighted to be helping out part-time on a temporary basis at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library—a place that has felt like home since I moved to the neighborhood in 2001. As a long-time resident, I raised my two daughters here and have cherished being part of this wonderful community.
With many years of library experience, I’m especially passionate about youth services, community programming, and helping people discover the information and resources they need. It’s a privilege to serve the Scripps Ranch community, and I look forward to supporting our library’s role as a hub for learning, connection, and growth.
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Coming Up: 2nd Saturday Sale
Make Grace’s Book Nook—our used bookstore inside the library—your go-to destination for great bargains on nearly new books and media! Open Tuesday–Saturday during library hours.
Don’t miss this month’s 2nd Saturday Sale on October 11, 10 am–2 pm. Smart shoppers: take advantage of the extra time before the library’s closure to stock up on reading material for the months ahead!
Doing some fall cleaning? We gladly accept your tax-deductible donations of gently used books. Every purchase and donation helps support our library.
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This month’s schedule includes fewer children’s programs due to several factors, including uncertainty about the timing of the upcoming library closure, which affected the City’s funding process, as well as the current vacancy in our Youth Services Librarian position. Additional programs may be added, so please check our website for the latest updates.
(Highlighted programs are sponsored by SRFOL. Additional programs may be added—check our website for updates.)
Bilingual Storytime (English/Spanish)
Every Wednesday, 10:00–10:30 am
For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
Community Room
Diwali Celebration
Thursday, October 16, 4:00–5:00 pm
All ages welcome
Community Room
Día de los Muertos & Halloween Craftakular
Tuesday, October 21, 5:00–6:00 pm
All ages welcome
Community Room
Family Board Game Afternoon
Saturday, October 25, 2:00–4:00 pm
(held every fourth Saturday of the month)
Ages 2–17
Children’s Area
Craft to Go
Grab a craft kit while supplies last! We currently still have some Owl Craft Kits available. Craft kits are available at the YSL desk in the Children's area. A big thank you to Ms. Minoo for creating these fun kits for our young crafters.
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🎲 Fun & Games for Seniors
📅 Tuesdays, 12:30–3:00 pm
📅 Thursdays, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Enjoy a friendly atmosphere and a variety of board games. Open to all and free of charge.
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Library Closure Update
The latest information indicates that the planned closure of Scripps Miramar Ranch Library for roof and HVAC replacement is now expected to begin in December or January and is projected to last at least 8–10 months. Additionally, work on the lower parking lot, which has been on hold for the past 18 months, may resume in October.
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Due to a mix-up at the library, copies of our October selection, Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, were not set aside for us.
To accommodate this, we will hold our annual potluck and 2026 book selection meeting in October, and plan to read Norwegian Wood in December.
Join us in the Seminar Room at 12:30 pm on Thursday, October 23.
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This month's recommendation comes from Jeremy Davies - Branch Manager / Librarian III, Tierrasanta Library.
Jeremy recommends: The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk
“Have you ever found a book so unsettling and beautiful that you simultaneously can’t put it down and long for some resolution? That is how I felt while reading Tokarczuk’s masterful, award-winning tome. Set primarily in eighteenth century Poland, this fictional tale centers around the real-life Kabbalistic iconoclast Jacob Frank. Through increasingly heretical teachings and practices, he cultivates a dedicated following among European Jewish and Christian peoples....”. To read Jeremy’s full review, check out the September 21st, 2025 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Reviewed Book
“The Books of Jacob,” by Olga Tokarczuk
Book:
https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1655437
*****
Playlist
“Olga Tokarczuk, Nobel Prize in Literature 2018: Official interview”
YouTube, Nobel Prize – official YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-WKofYuJGM
*****
“Drive Your Plough over the Bones of the Dead,” by Olga Tokarczuk
Book:
https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1245540
*****
“The Empusium,” by Olga Tokarczyk
Book:
https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1825509
Large Print:
https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C1853676
*****
“Tevye the Dairyman and the Railroad Stories,” by Sholem Aleichem
Book:
https://sandiego.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S161C723769
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
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10301 Scripps Lake Drive
San Diego, CA 92131
858–538–8158
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