Wondering about the '100 year' banner in front of the library?
On April 24, 1914, fifteen members of the Descanso community and the Descanso Improvement Club petitioned the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for a branch of the County Library at Descanso. Following approval by the Supervisors, the Descanso Branch Library was housed in the Oak Grove Store with Mrs. Inez Gorton as its first Librarian.
Over the years the Library was moved and housed in the Descanso Tavern, returned to the Oak Grove Store, then to the Jobes Store in the Descanso Tavern, a watch shop in the home of H.A. Falconer, and the home of James Barkley. In 1961, the Library moved to the 192 square foot building across from Perkins Store on land leased from the County Public Works department. It accommodated 1500 books and was called the “Little Library.”
A new library, built in 1997 with funds raised by the Descanso Community and the Friends of the Descanso Library (“the Friends”) opened its doors near the Descanso School with the “Little Library” moved to the same site, and later the Friends and the community raised funds to construct the community and teen rooms of the Library.
Descanso is proud of and committed to its Library. The Library serves as the hub of the community. a site of social interaction, learning by students and adults, a resource for civic, economic and health information and a source of entertainment for all citizens. The citizens of Descanso celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Several interesting First Editions (found in our book donations) have been posted to our First Edition page. Look for it under our menu item called "Items for Sale" or click on the page name.
One of our first projects was to raise funds to assist with the construction of our new library building in 1997.The Library Garden in Fall
We raise funds to purchase items the library needs. The county library budget has been reduced each of the past few years.
During 2010, we provided matching funds to assist the county in building the 500 square foot expansion. This expansion enlarged the attractive children's room and cleared space for a teen room with a laptop bar where our local teens can meet.
We volunteer for library activities:
Library volunteers assist with children's programs, Book store sales, In-Library Support, landscaping and maintenance of the beautiful garden area.
We provide funds for special programs:
We fund programs for children and adults and provide matching funds to help purchase books, CD's, DVD's and other items. During 2012, we ordered extra laptops that students may use to do homework, purchased a large TV where we can show movies and provide X-Box for teens.
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