• Dinuba Branch: 150 S I Street, Dinuba. Contact (559) 595-7195
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 2 – July 31, from 12-1 pm
• Earlimart Branch: 780 E. Washington Avenue, Earlimart. Contact (661) 849-2525
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm
• Exeter Branch: 230 E Chestnut St, Exeter. Contact (559) 592-5361
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm
• Lindsay Branch: 157 N. Mirage Avenue, Lindsay. Contact (559) 562-3021
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 10:30-11:30 am
• Pixley Branch: 927 S. Center Street, Suite B, Pixley. Contact (559) 757-1010
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm 
• Strathmore Branch: 19646 Rd 230, Strathmore. Contact (559) 568-1087
  • Tuesday and Wednesday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm
• Tipton Branch: 301 East Woods Avenue, Tipton. Contact (559) 752-4236
  • Thursday and Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 3-5 pm
• Visalia Branch: 200 W. Oak Avenue, Visalia. Contact (559) 713-2703
  • Tuesday through Friday, June 16 – July 24, from 12-2 pm

According to the California State Library in summer 2025 213 branch libraries statewide served summer meals and library staff provided pop-up library and enrichment services at 367 community meal sites. More than 380,000 meals were served to youth at library meal sites and community meal sites with pop-up library and enrichment services.

Tulare County Library is an equal opportunity provider. The Summer Food Service Program is a program of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.

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Tulare County Library invites all ages to join this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and the many events offered. All Library Branches  host activities, performers, and presentations, including a magician, animal presentations, storytime, and more. Begin learning more about your Summer Reading Challenge on our Library webpage at tularecountylibrary.org/src. To check out Library events, go to the online calendar at tularecountylibrary.org/calendar or visit your local Branch’s social media page by going to tularecountylibrary.org/locations.

How to participate:

The Library challenges ages 0 through 5 to read or to be read 20 books. For everyone, ages 6 and over, their challenge is to read for 20 days. Upon signing up ages 17 and under receive a free book and adults receive a small prize.

Challengers who check in midway also receive a prize. When your Reading Challenge is complete, ages 17 and under collect a final prize and adults receive a free book. All completers are entered into a grand prize drawing. Sign up in person at one of our local branches, online at tularecountylibrary.beanstack.org/reader365 or via the Beanstack app.

The 2026 Tulare County Library Summer Reading Challenge is graciously funded and supported by the Friends of Tulare County Library and local branch Friends of the Library groups in Dinuba, Exeter, Ivanhoe, Lindsay, and Three Rivers. The Friends raise funds to support various programs offered by Tulare County Library. Interested in becoming a member? Visit https://www.tularecountylibrary.org/friends-library to find out more information about the Friends.

The Tulare County Library is an equal opportunity provider. The Summer Food Service Program is a program of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.

Tulare County Library serves all the residents of Tulare County with locations in 17 communities, an adult literacy center, Pop Up Tulare County outreach and bookmobile, and online at www.tularecountylibrary.org. Follow the Library on Facebookfacebook.com/tularecountylibrary or local branch pages, Instagram, @tularecountylib, or X at x.com/TulareCountyLib.

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Hosted at the Training Resource Center in Visalia, the SAR program features four stackable courses that build critical technical skills aligned with today’s production floor needs. The SAR program includes:

• SACA-201 Electrical Systems (June 1–24, Mon/Wed): Focuses on connecting, adjusting, operating, troubleshooting, and analyzing electrical circuits using basic components.
• PLC Basics (AM: June 2–25, PM: May 19–July 14, Tue/Thur): Provides a foundational understanding of programmable logic controllers and their functions.
• FANUC Robotics (June 30–July 28, Tue/Thur): Trains participants to set up and troubleshoot robotic programs using FANUC Handling Tool.
• SACA-202 Motor Controls (July 6–29, Mon/Wed): Prepares individuals to operate and manage electrical motor control circuits.

“This program teaches technicians four skills that matter on a production floor: electrical systems, motor controls, PLCs, and FANUC robotics,” said Bryan Medina, Smart Automation Robotics Director. “Trainees walk away with SACA credentials and a FANUC Handling Tool certification that prove they know what they’re doing. For technicians, that means real career skills and recognition. For employers, that means less downtime, fewer outside service calls, and a maintenance team that can actually solve problems.”

Participants will earn industry-recognized certifications through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance and gain hands-on experience with equipment from FANUC, positioning them for immediate impact in the workforce.

All classes are held at the College of the Sequoias Training Resource Center, located at 1233 N. Century Street in Visalia, and are designed to be accessible for both entry-level and professionals looking to upskill.

The College of the Sequoias Training Resource Center continues to support regional workforce development by delivering industry-relevant training that meets the evolving needs of employers across the Central Valley.

For more information or to register visit cos.edu/trainingcenter.

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The National Federation of State High School Association stated in a press release, “Girls’ flag football had the biggest gains in 2024-25…with 68,847 girls participating in the sport last year – an impressive 60% increase from the previous year.” In California, that translated to an 84% increase in participants in its second season, according to the CIF. VUSD is committed to expanding access for female student-athletes to participate in interscholastic athletics, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their connection to school. Girls’ flag football is launching at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and National Collegiate Athletic Associations (NCAA) Division I, II, and III collegiate levels this spring, and is slated as an Olympic sport in 2028 – creating hundreds of thousands of dollars in available scholarship opportunities for students across the state.

“We are excited to offer a sport that is rapidly growing across California and the nation.  A number of schools in our area have also shown interest in offering girls flag football and we look forward to building a competitive schedule for the upcoming school year,” added John Perez, Visalia Unified Director of Athletic Programs.

Expanding opportunities like girls’ flag football supports VUSD’s Forward 2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes ensuring every student is connected to at least one meaningful activity that fosters belonging and engagement. To gauge interest, three VUSD middle school teams came together during the 2025-26 school year, competing against each other. Interest far exceeded expectations with nearly 100 8th grade girls competing. In addition, all 8th through 11th grade girl students were surveyed with majority interest in flag football and beach volleyball in close second.

“We recognized an opportunity to truly listen to our students and provide something both meaningful and achievable – something we know they’ll embrace,” said Superintendent Kirk Shrum. “This isn’t just about adding a new sport; it’s about opening doors to scholarships, building lasting friendships, and shaping futures.”

Additional information regarding girls’ flag football team formation, coaching opportunities, and student participation will be shared with families and school communities as the launch date approaches. VUSD remains dedicated to providing meaningful extracurricular activities that support the academic, social, and emotional success of all students and athletes.

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This special event will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the historic Fox Theatre Visalia, offering audiences a first look at the program ahead of its national broadcast debut on PBS KIDS.

Designed for young learners and families, Wowsabout follows the adventures of puppet friends Ronald and Roxy as they explore the natural wonders of national parks, meet real park rangers, and inspire children to discover the world around them.

A One of a Kind Family Experience

• In person appearances by Ronald and Roxy puppets
• Live appearances by Jim Henson puppeteers
• A special screening before national release
• Hands on activities and crafts
• Meet and greet opportunities
• Junior Ranger inspired experience

“This premiere is more than a screening. It is an opportunity for families to connect with nature, storytelling, and learning in a meaningful way,” said Robert Mollison, President/ CEO at Valley PBS.

Community Collaboration:

The event is made possible through partnerships with regional organizations committed to education, family engagement, and outdoor exploration.

Sponsors include Visit Visalia, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and The Source LGBT+ Center, whose support helps connect families with the natural beauty and educational experiences of Sequoia National Park and the surrounding region.

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The 2026 California Distinguished Schools recognition program aims to recognize exemplary instructional programs throughout California public schools, the largest public school system in the United States. El Diamante had to meet at least 95% of student participation in statewide assessments and show low suspension or chronic absenteeism.

“We are incredibly honored to have one of our schools earn this distinction, because it truly shows that the staff and leadership are closing the gap on student performance,” said Superintendent Kirk Shrum. “This isn’t an award you apply for, it’s strictly based on measurable data.”

This year’s award categories build on long-standing recognition of the following two categories:

• Exemplary High Achievers: Schools that are among the highest in the state in academic achievement for all students, which have also ensured that historically underserved student groups are maintaining or increasing academic progress.

• Achievement Gap Closers: Schools that are accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved, while also demonstrating achievement for all students that is above the state median and maintaining or increasing academic performance for all students.

This year, California Distinguished Schools added a third category of recognition:

• Beacons of Opportunity: Schools serving rural or Title I school communities that distinguish themselves through multiple student outcomes at very high performance levels.

According to the most recent Dashboard data, El Diamante demonstrated an 8.1 point increase in mathematics and maintained their progress in English Language Arts and English Learner Progress. El Diamante also earned a “green” rating in College and Career Readiness. The 2026 California Distinguished Schools will be recognized alongside other designations on April 24, 2026 in Anaheim.

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As the largest book club on the West Coast, One Book, One Coast brings readers together around one book to create opportunities for conversation, reflection, and meaningful connection across neighborhoods, cities, and state lines.

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker is the title chosen to read and discuss. Through this shared reading experience, communities are encouraged to explore themes of identity, patriotism, family, loyalty, and resilience while strengthening connections through dialogue and learning.

How to Participate

Beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026 a free copies of They Called Us Enemy from any Tulare County Library Branch are available, while supplies last. Limit one book per person. The book can also be requested from the collection with a current library card online or by visiting or calling the Library.

From Wednesday, April 1, 2026 through Saturday, June 6, 2026 unlimited digital copies of the eBook in English and Spanish are available through the Libby app by OverDrive.

Tulare County Library offers two local programs. Uprooted Memories, Recollections of the Japanese American Incarceration panel on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11am, at the Visalia Branch Library located at 200 W Oak Ave Visalia. A discussion of the book, They Called Us Enemy on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6pm at the Exeter Branch Library 230 E Chestnut Exeter 93221. Please attend to join other community members together in conversation.

Please visit www.tularecountylibrary.org/oboc for more information.

About the Book

They Called Us Enemy a powerful graphic memoir by George Takei that reflects on civil liberties, democracy, and what it means to be American — both historically and today. The memoir recounts actor/author/activist George Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II.

Author Talk with George Takei

To close the program, George Takei appears for a special author talk and book signing on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 2 pm at East Los Angeles Library, a Los Angeles County Library Branch. Join the livestream on YouTube that allows readers to participate together. A link to the livestream will be shared via social media in the coming months.

Tulare County Library serves all the residents of Tulare County with locations in 17 communities, a literacy center, Pop Up Tulare County outreach and bookmobile, online www.tularecountylibrary.org, and coming soon Book Lockers for holds pick up. Follow the Library on Facebook www.facebook.com/tularecountylibrary or local branch pages, Instagram, @tularecountylib, or Twitter at twitter.com/TulareCountyLib.

Tulare County Library’s One Book, One Coast project is made possible by the support of the  Tulare County Library Foundation. The Library Foundation, a 501(c)3, ensures the success of the Library with financial support through community fundraising, including its continued growth of its million-dollar endowment to ensure regular funding for the future. The Foundation is also dedicated to fundraising for Library construction and remodeling projects, including Dinuba, Springville, Alpaugh, and Orosi projects. www.tularecountylibrary.org/foundation

The post Tulare County Library Joins One Book, One Coast, the West Coast’s Largest Book Club Connecting Communities Across Three States appeared first on Valley Voice.

Over the past 21 years, the District has proudly helped more than 160 students pursue their academic goals. Recipients have gone on to careers in various industries, including STEM, business, healthcare, education, and more.

“By investing in our youth, we are playing a small role in advancing the future of our region and developing the next generation of agricultural and water leaders,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “Sometimes all it takes for a student to succeed is for someone to help support their dreams, and with these scholarships, Westlands aims to support our local students as they chart their paths to fulfill their full potential.”

High school seniors graduating from the following Westside school districts are eligible to apply for the District’s scholarship: Reef-Sunset Unified School District, Coalinga-Huron Unified School District, Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified School District, Hanford Joint Union High School District, Lemoore Union High School District, Mendota Unified School District, Riverdale Joint Unified School District, and Golden Plains Unified School District.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on their applications, which include an essay, academic transcript, letters of reference, demonstrated leadership, involvement in their local communities, career aspirations, and financial need.

The deadline to apply for the Westlands Water District 2026 High School Scholarship is 11:59 p.m. on Monday April 20, 2026. All applications and supporting documents must be received by the District on or before the application deadline. Students can submit their applications and supporting documents through the District’s website.

For more information please contact the public affairs office at (559) 241-6238 or at pubaffairs@wwd.ca.gov.

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Meet featured authors with Central Valley connections, ask questions, and purchase books for signing throughout the event. This year’s featured authors include:

Margarita Engle is an award-winning author of novels in verse for young readers, including The Poet Slave of Cuba, Enchanted Air, and The Firefly Letters. Her work often explores history, culture, and the power of storytelling, and she has received numerous honors including the Newbery Honor. Come to hear about her books, including Wings in the Wild featured in many of our branch book clubs, at 12:00 p.m.

Gary Soto is a nationally recognized poet, novelist, and memoirist whose writing reflects everyday experiences. An author who grew up in the Central Valley, he writes for children, teens, and adults, including the books Too Many Tamales and Buried Onion. Soto’s work is widely taught and celebrated for its warmth, humor, and authenticity. Join him at 11:00 a.m. to hear about his most recent middle grade book Gone Viral about the instant fame of two kids from Visalia.

Attendees can sign up for a poetry workshop led by Loud Mouth Poetry starting at 9:00 a.m., then bring their interactive spoken word skills to the festival at 10:00 a.m. In addition, community resource groups offer opportunities to connect with local organizations and services.

Bring the little ones to Be Our Guest at storytime at 10:00 a.m. featuring Belle and the Beast and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

Listen to Dorian Yarnelson at 1:00 p.m., a historical interpreter and illustrator with California State Parks, talk about the Buffalo Soldiers’ storied legacy in the history of Black Americans, the American West, and United States Army. He has researched the historic trails of the Buffalo Soldiers for over 15 years. This presentation focuses on their remarkable contributions to the development of the state and national park systems here in California, including our own Allensworth State Park.

Inside the library, the Friends of the Tulare County Library groups host a book sale offering a wide variety of titles for readers of all ages and provide information on how you can join their groups. Also, stop by the Tulare County Library Foundation’s book sale, to buy featured author’s titles, learn about the Foundation, and discover ways to support the Library.

The Tulare County Library gratefully acknowledges the Tulare County Library Foundation and the Friends of the Tulare County Library groups for their support, leadership, and ongoing commitment to literacy and community engagement through the 2026 Book Festival. A very special thank you to The Family Healthcare Network for being an ongoing and wonderful sponsor for this event.

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Students felt a mix of relief and excitement from the competition. Lincoln Graves, a senior from University Preparatory High School (UPHS) in Visalia, said, “It was exhilarating!”

Graves won Best of Event for his project, “Black Tide: How California’s Worst Oil Spill Turned Beaches Black and the Nation Green,” in the Individual Performance – Senior Division category. As a finalist and Best of Event winner for the fourth year in a row, Graves had a mixed reaction to his final NHD at the county level.

“Sad it’s over but I’m glad we’ll be going to state again,” he said. Three other UPHS students were selected as finalists, with another student’s project selected as an alternate.

In the Senior Division for high school students, $200 scholarships were awarded by the Tulare County Historical Society for one project in each of the 10 categories. Two category scholarships went to students at UPHS and Tulare Union High School, while the other eight went to students from Dinuba High School.

Dinuba High School had a total of 17 finalists at the competition, with two projects also recognized as Best of Event winners. Heaven Gonzalez’s “From Silence to Reform: The Transformation of Mental Illness Care” (Individual Documentary) won Best of Event for its insightful look into the history of mental health. Teammates Isaiah Yepez and Jonathan Valadez also won Best of Event for “Smallpox Was” (Group Documentary), which explained the history of smallpox and its impact on modern vaccinations.

Also earning a Best of Event award was Evelyn Meza from Kings River Union Elementary School (Kingsburg). Meza competed in the Individual Performance – Junior Division. Her performance was entitled, “The Revolution, Reaction, and Reform of the Most Notorious Human Traffickers: The Poquianchis Sisters.” Meza is one of three Kings River finalists coached by Sophia Perez.

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