The Friends of the Pacific Beach Library (FOPBL) exists to support the operation of the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library. The Friends, through volunteer services, assists library patrons, hosts special events, operates a used book sale, and provides financial support for acquisitions and community activities.

Chartered under the auspices of the Friends of the San Diego Public Library, the Friends of the Pacific Beach Library is an official §501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization. As such, donations made to the Friends are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law under Internal Revenue Service tax regulations.

The Friends of the Pacific Beach Library meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. in the Library's Meeting Room/Gallery. Meetings are held every month except July, August and December.

Please feel free to explore this web site to learn about the services provided by the Friends and by the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library itself.

Painted Desert, paintings of Mid-Century Modern residential architecture by noted artist Michael Wheelden will be on exhibit in the Taylor Gallery/Community Room of the Pacific Beach Library from November 15, 2011 through February 25, 2012. Admission is free.

Support your library while shopping for bargain books, VCR and DVD movies, audio books, music CDs, bicycles, and an occasional special treasure. The Friends' Book Sale is conducted outside the library, on the Cass Street Plaza, on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM every week.

Bikes To Books

Do you own a bicycle that you no longer want or need? Are you looking for an inexpensive bicycle to kick around town on? If so, please consider participating in the Friends of the Pacific Beach Library's Bikes to Books program!

One of our FOPBL members is skilled in the art of bicycle repair and reconditioning, and has donated his services to benefit the PB Friends and the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library.

If you have a bicycle that you no longer need, please call the PB Library (858–581–9934) to arrange a day and time to drop off your bike as a tax-deductible donation. Your bike doesn't have to work, it can be missing pieces, or it can just be parts in a cardboard box. Our skilled bicycle mechanic, Jim, will make it whole and functional. It will then be sold with all proceeds going to benefit the Friends of the PB Library and the PB library itself.

Alternatively, if you are in the market for an inexpensive, reconditioned bike, the bicycles that Jim repairs will be offered for sale in the front courtyard of the PB Library on Wednesdays and Saturdays as part of the twice-weekly outdoor Book Sale. Prices typically range from $45 to $75 (cash only, please) depending upon the features present on the bicycle, with all proceeds going to the PB Library. You will have an opportunity to try out your bike before purchasing it.

Donate or purchase a bicycle from the Friends of the Pacific Beach Library, and turn that donation or purchase into books or other equipment in support of your library.

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Zumba combines a high-energy cardiovascular workout with pulsating Latin music into a fun, calorie burning experience. It incorporates many dance styles including Merengue, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Belly Dancing, Flamenco, and more. The best part about Zumba is that no experience is necessary to join in the fun! People of all ages, fitness levels, and dancing abilities can have a blast while getting a good workout at their own level. With at least one foot on the ground at all times, Zumba Gold is perfect for beginners, boomers, active seniors, and new mothers! If you have any physical or health issues, please consult your physician before trying Zumba Fitness or any other exercise. A waiver must be signed before class. Zumba Gold will repeat on the 4th Saturday of every month at 10 AM.

Stories and songs and a craft . . . oh my! Pajama Storytime and Craft is held every Tuesday evening. Recommended for children 3-7.

The PB Book Discussion Group welcomes you to join us on the first Wednesday of every month. At February's meeting we will discuss Moloka'i by Alan Brennert. Copies are available for check-out at the PB Library's Circulation Desk. March's selection will be In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson.

Stories and songs for preschoolers (ages 2-5). Preschool Storytime is held on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th Thursday of every month in the Youth area of the library.

With fun poses for parents and kids, Toddler Yoga also includes stories and a bit of singing! Toddler Yoga is held on the 1st Thursday of every month. Please bring your own towel or yoga mat.

Children can practice their literacy skills by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. Wagging Tales meets on the first Saturday of every month at 10:30 AM, and is held in the Children's Area.

The Friends of the Pacific Beach Library's annual Library Music Series features a free concert at the Taylor Library on the second Wednesday of each month. Admission is free; donations are gladly accepted. (==> Click Here <==) to visit the Friends of the Pacific Beach Library Concert Webpage for details about the Free Concert Series, including a schedule for the 2011-2012 concert season.

High energy dance and movement class for children (18 months to 5 years). Toddler Dance will repeat on the second Thursday of every month.

In this FREE seminar for parents, learn how to balance love and discipline for toddlers through teen years.

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Zumba combines a high-energy cardiovascular workout with pulsating Latin music into a fun, calorie burning experience. It incorporates many dance styles including Merengue, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Belly Dancing, Flamenco, and more. The best part about Zumba is that no experience is necessary to join in the fun! People of all ages, fitness levels, and dancing abilities can have a blast while getting a good workout at their own level. Zumba is fun and effective, using interval training combining fast and slow rhythms for an effective aerobic workout while at the same time targetting your legs, abs, glutes and arms. If you have any physical or health issues, please consult your physician before trying Zumba Fitness or any other exercise. A waiver must be signed before class. Zumba will repeat on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 10 AM.

You don't need to be a chef to be a great cook. Whether you're an urban farmer, farmers' market regular, or savor the flavors of fresh, local,or seasonal cuisine, join award-winning co-authors Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko as they share simple tips for homegrown and homemade cooking, from preserving the harvest to stocking the pantry to building local community around your kitchen table. Food will be available to sample.

Interactive musical activities for babies and children (ages newborn to 5 years) and the adults who love them. Music Together is held on the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Learn of ElderHelp of San Diego's variety of programs and services for seniors in need: The Shared Housing program, Case Management services, Volunteer Resources, and Information and Referral services. You will also learn of ElderHelp's volunteer opportunities. There is always a need for volunteers to help deliver services such as grocery shopping, providing transportation to doctor appointments, helping with garden projects, or providing friendly home visits. If you or someone you know is in need of services or interested in volunteering to assist our local seniors in need, please join us for this helpful information session.

They say you can't judge a book by its cover . . . so get recommendations from readers who've ventured Under the Covers! Come prepared to briefly discuss a book that you've enjoyed; everyone else will do the same, so by the end of the night you'll gather an eclectic list of great titles to read. Under the Covers is held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Monta Briant, local mommy and author of Baby Sign Language Basics and Sign, Sing, and Play will sign stories and lead us in songs, fingerplays, and games and share tips on using sign language as an early communication tool with preverbal babies and toddlers. Sign-A-Story Circle Time is held on the 4th Thursday of every month, except November and December.

Pacific Beach / Taylor Branch Library
4275 Cass Street
San Diego, CA 92109