To help readers get started, the library has created a year-round America-themed book display located at the front of the library. The display features books highlighting American history, geography, politics, culture, and the contributions of Americans throughout history. Coloring pages and other family-friendly activities are also available for visitors to enjoy. Participants may choose books from the display or read any book related to American history, geography, politics, culture, or similar topics.

The America 250 Reading Challenge is open to readers of all ages. To participate, visit the Porterville Library to sign up and receive a reading log. Participants will receive a commemorative sticker upon registering, a bookmark and one free book after completing a reading log of five books.

Participants may complete multiple reading logs to earn additional bookmarks and stickers. Please note that free books are limited to one book per person.

Readers are also encouraged to participate in the Porterville Library’s Summer Reading Program. Books read for the America 250 Reading Challenge may be counted toward both reading programs. For more information, visit the Porterville Library Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PortervilleLibrary/ or call (559) 784-0177.

The America 250 Reading Challenge is part of the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, encouraging communities to reflect on the nation’s history while inspiring a lifelong love of reading and learning.

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Designed as the companion to last year’s “Land of the Free” commemorative bottle, the new edition completes the iconic patriotic phrase and honors the courageous men and women whose sacrifice has protected our nation’s freedom.

With its family-owned dairy rooted in generations of farming tradition, Rosa Brothers Milk Company is honored to recognize America’s 250^th Anniversary with a keepsake that reflects the enduring values of hard work, family, and service.

The limited-edition bottle is available at participating retailers throughout California and at the Rosa Brothers Milk Company Creamery & Retail Store in Tulare while supplies last.

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“This award reflects the confidence our students, families, alumni and community have in Fresno Pacific,” said Fresno Pacific President André Stephens, Ph.D. “It is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, who work every day to provide a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, academic excellence and service.”

In addition to winning gold this year, FPU also won gold in 2025 and bronze in 2024.

Fresno Pacific University

Ranked a Best Value by both The Wall Street Journal and U.S. News & World Report, Fresno Pacific University serves more than 2,900 students in traditional undergraduate, bachelor’s degree completion, graduate and seminary programs. Students study at the main campus in southeast Fresno, regional campuses in North Fresno and Visalia, at partner sites in Bakersfield, Merced, Reedley and Firebaugh and online. A strong majority of in-person students come from the Central Valley and live and work near where they study. The university also reaches about 8,000 students through professional development studies.

The Central Valley’s Christian university, FPU connects students’ untapped potential with unlimited opportunity for professional, personal and spiritual growth.  FPU is a multi-ethnic and multi-generational institution, with many students being the first in their families to attend university.

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, FPU is ranked highly by The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, U.S. News & World Report and Money magazine. FPU is affiliated with the Pacific District Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Church.

Best of Central California

The Best of Central California, hosted by The Fresno Bee, saw a 25 percent increase in votes cast this year with over 1.2 million total votes. More than 4,400 businesses competed in this year’s competition, with 713 winners earning a total of 957 gold, silver and bronze awards.

“The response this year was incredible,” The Bee said in a statement. “Finishing in the top three is a major accomplishment, and each winner should be proud of this recognition.”

To see the complete list and more, visit bestofcentralcalifornia.com

Fresno Pacific University is the Central Valley’s Christian university, connecting students’ untapped potential with unlimited opportunity for professional, personal and spiritual growth. FPU offers undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs to more than 2,900 traditional and adult students on the main campus in southeast Fresno, at regional campuses in North Fresno and Visalia, at additional partner sites in Bakersfield, Merced, Reedley and Firebaugh and online. The university also reaches about 8,000 students through professional development studies. FPU is a multi-ethnic and multi-generational institution, serving students in the Central Valley and beyond. Many students are also the first in their families to attend university, and both Hispanic and first-generation students graduate at the same rate as students overall. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, FPU is ranked highly by The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, U.S. News & World Report and Money, with The Journal ranking the university first among private schools in the Western United States in social mobility for its graduates. FPU is listed by both The Wall Street Journal and U.S. News as a “Best Value” school, and by Washington Monthly on its “Best Bang for the Buck” list. FPU is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Church, and all employees express a personal Christian commitment. A description of the unique quality of FPU as an academic community can be found in the Fresno Pacific Idea at fresno.edu/about/fpu_idea.

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• 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

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