E. P. Foster Library

Detail: E.P. Foster Library "Matrix" by Sally Weber

E.P. Foster Library in Historic Downtown Ventura
651 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 648-2716

 Sara Roberts, Senior City Librarian
sara.roberts@ventura.org
     
     

 

HOURS

Mon - Thurs 10 - 8

Fri & Sat 10 - 5

Sunday 1-5

 

 

Programs & Special Events - Ventura Libraries' Event Calendar

Children's Librarian - Star Soto, star.soto@ventura.org

Children:

  • June - Storytime and craft
  • Lap Sit - storytime for ages 0 - 18 months of age (2nd Monday of each month at 1:00)
  • Paws for Reading - read aloud to registered therapy dogs. To sign up (required) or for information on the program, please call 648-2716 (Saturdays from noon to 1:00)

      • Teens:

       

       

      Adults:

      • Book Club Packs - Check out 8 copies of a single title for one month. 
      • Computer Classes - Classes are held every Monday from 11:00-11:45. We only have room for 8 attendees; please call 648-2716 for more information. May schedule
      • CSU Channel Islands lecture series - free lectures in the Topping Room. 
      • Open Mic Night - Every Thursday except the fourth Thursday of the month, a group of writers meet at 7:30 in the Topping Room to share their work. 
      • Sounds of Second Sunday - Free music in the Topping Room on Sunday afternoons starting in May.
      • Teens Teaching Tech - Need help with today's new technology? Stop by the library on the third Saturday of the month from 10 - noon.
      • Triple P Parenting Classes - Classes run for 8 weeks, starting in May. 

       

      Services

      Provide books, DVDs, music and more:

      • How to get a library card, borrow a book and more.
      • Search for stuff from home.
      • If a book is not available, it can be be ordered from other libraries

      Room rental:

      • Two meeting rooms are available for public use: the Elizabeth R. Topping Room has a maximum capacity of 132 people and can be rented for $25.00; the Rentfrow Room has a capacity of eight persons and there is no charge. In order to rent the Topping Room please follow these steps:

                1. Read the Rental Agreement

                2. Check the calendar to see if your desired date is available (click on the event to view time range)

               3. Fill out the online form with as much detail as possible

      Computers:

      • Wi-Fi service is available.
      • Twenty-six computers are available on the first floor for public Internet use by adults. There are an additional eight computers on the 2nd floor for public Internet use by young people. Coin-op printers are available on each floor at a cost of ten cents per printed page.
      • A library card is required to log in to the computers. The public is allowed one hour a day on the computer. If all computers are in use, reservations can be made.

      Etc:

      • Self-serve copy machines, microfilm and microfiche reader/printers are available. Copies are ten cents each.
      • 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.
      • Bookdrops at the former H.P. Wright Library building on Day Road are picked up twice weekly. The Wright bookdrop will be removed on June 1st. Bookdrop at Kimball Park will be picked up twice a week (901 S Kimball Rd.). 

       

      Volunteer Opportunities

      SBFOL needs volunteers to help with used book sales, courier service for shut-ins, sponsorship of children's programs, and rental book and video programs.

      We accept books, cassette and movie tapes, LPs, and CDs. If it is more convenient, we can arrange to pick up your donations at your home. Please call 805-648-5600 for information. Your gift is tax deductible and we will provide you with a receipt. 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.  

      • The Friends of the Library are conducting a membership drive. Your membership dues enrich the community's libraries by supplementing books, programs, and capital improvements. Your support stays in the Ventura community.

      • Volunteers are needed for Adult Literacy Program. For more information click here.

       

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      Directions

      •  E. P. Foster Library is located at 651 East Main Street, between Fir and Chestnut Streets in downtown Ventura.

        • From the south: 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.

        • From the north: 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. View map.

      • Closest bus stop is Main and Chestnut Streets.

      Community Links

       

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