E. P. Foster Library

651 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001
(between Chestnut and Fir in Downtown Ventura)
(805) 648-2716

Mary Stewart, City Librarian
mary.stewart@ventura.org

	HOURS
	Mon. - Thu.	10-8
	Fri. & Sat.	10-5
	Sunday	Closed

Services

• Want to know how to get a library card and borrow a book? Find out here.
• Follow this link to learn how to access the library catalog from home.
• Library staff will help you answer your research questions.
• If a book you want is not available at your local library, it can be be ordered from other libraries.
• Telephone questions will be answered during open hours. Call (805) 648-2716.
• Twenty-five computers are available for public Internet use. Some computers are filtered for use by customers under 18.
• Self-serve copy machines, microfilm and microfiche reader/printers are available. Copies are ten cents each.
• Two meeting rooms are available for public use: the Elizabeth R. Topping Room has a capacity of 96 people and can be rented for $25.00; the Special Collections Conference Room has a capacity of six persons. The Elizabeth R. Topping Room has videoconferencing capability.
• The San Buenaventura Friends of the Library Bookstore features used books for sale to benefit Ventura Libraries. Open Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Homework Centers are available in most Ventura County Libraries. Click here to see locations and times open.

Programs & Special Events

• Preschool May 2008 Storytimes
• Introductory Internet classes are available. Call the Library at 648-2716 for more information and to register.
• Homework Center

Volunteer Opportunities

• The San Buenaventura Friends of the Library needs volunteers to help with used book sales, courier service for shut-ins, sponsorship of children's programs, and rental book and video programs.

  Besides books, we also accept cassette and movie tapes, LPs, and CDs. If it is more convenient, we can arrange to pick up your donations at your home. Call 805-648-5600. Your gift is tax deductible and we will provide you with a reciept. Sorry. We cannot use Reader's Digest books.

• Volunteers are often needed for shelving, clerical duties and special projects. Call the Library at (805)648-2716 for more information.
• Volunteers are needed for Adult Literacy Program. For more information click here.

Collections

• Periodical Archives include:

  • Ventura Star and other local newspapers dating from the 1870s to current
  • New York Times - 1938 microfilm to most current microfilm
  • Los Angeles Times - 1973 to current
  • Selected periodical holdings dating from the 19th century
  • Online reference resources

    Infotrac Periodical Index (includes many full-text articles)
    InfoUSA (business information)
    Electric Library (articles and other information by topic)

• Specialized Materials and Collections

  • Business management infomation
  • Personal finance and investment tools (Morningstar, Valueline)
  • Selected topographic and geology maps
  • Indexed song book collection
  • Auto repair
  • Telephone books
  • Self-help law
  • Career and test books

• Music on compact disc
• Books on tape

Public Art & Exhibits

• Matrix entry glass designed by Sally Weber.
• Ongoing exhibit sponsored by Gold Coast Watercolor Society, VC Artists Guild and other local artists.
• Selected periodic special displays.

Community Links

• City of Ventura
• County of Ventura
• Ventura Unified School District
• Buena High School
• Foothill Technology High School
• Ventura High School
• Ventura Community College
• Ventura County Genealogical Society Home Page and Genealogical Library
• City of Ventura Survey
      English
      Spanish

Directions

• E. P. Foster Library is located at 651 East Main Street, between Fir and Chestnut Streets in downtown Ventura.
  If you are south of us, take the 101 freeway north and exit at California Street. Stay in center lane marked California Street north. Travel two blocks toward the mountains. Turn right on Main Street. Travel one block to Chestnut and turn left. Library parking lot is on the right two-thirds of the way up the block.
  If you are north of us, take the 101 freeway south and exit at Ventura Avenue. Turn right on Thompson Boulevard. Travel four blocks and turn left on Chestnut. Travel two blocks across Main Street to the library parking lot on the right two-thirds of the way up the block. See map.
• Closest bus stop is Main and Chestnut Streets.

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