Help the Library help the community and get a free book in the bargain.

Mariposa County residents are invited to participate in an exciting and unusual hands-on learning experience thanks to a $2,400 grant from the California State Library and the California Center for the Book that was recently awarded to the Mariposa Library.

The aptly named Book-to-Action program takes the idea of a book club one step further by facilitating community service projects based on the topic of the selected book.  Mariposa Library chose The Soloist by Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez. In this touching true story, Lopez describes his friendship with a talented musician with a once-brilliant future whose mental illness relegated him to the streets of Skid Row.

Participants in the program will receive a free copy of the book to read and will join in a discussion led by Pastor Ginger Foster from the United Methodist Church. They will then have an opportunity to help with two different service projects:

*building a cold frame (insulated “pod”) and other season extenders for the Manna House garden; and/or

*laundering blankets and disinfecting bed pads for the Open Arms homeless shelter.

The long-term goal of the project is to raise awareness and promote understanding of Mariposa County’s homeless population and to expand the dialogue about potential viable solutions.

The discussion will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors’ room.  The dates of the community service projects will be announced at a later time. Anyone interested in taking part in the program may sign up and receive a book at the Mariposa, Red Cloud or El Portal Library.  Supplies are limited to those serious about participating.

Book to Action is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

For more information about the program, call the Library at: 209-966-2140 or email: karen.dusek@mariposalibrary.org.