Sutter County Library in Yuba keeps kids smiling throughout the summer with free programs for all ages. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Library

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - When in doubt, go to the library.

Author J.K. Rowling's quote is precisely what residents do at the Sutter County Library's main branch in Yuba City.

"The library promotes lifelong learning for all," library director James Ochsner said. "Through a partnership with Sacramento Public Library, patrons in Sutter County have access to the book collections from all Sacramento branches, as well as the branches in Colusa, Folsom and Woodland."

 Sutter County Library serves all Yuba residents with free programs and a two-million volume collection of material throughout the three-branch system, with the main branch in Yuba City. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Library

A free two-million-volume collection throughout the library's three branches "promotes culture and thought in our community," especially for the next generation, according to Ochsner.

"Sutter County Library is a unique resource for students and children," Ochsner said. "It provides a space for early learning opportunities, which includes an environment that promotes reading and education without the demands of a typical educational setting."

 Adventure begins June 5 for young readers at the Sutter County Library's main location in Yuba City. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Library

 Adventure begins June 5 for young readers at the Sutter County Library's main location in Yuba City. Image courtesy of Sutter County Library

The library director said students and children of all ages "find an atmosphere that's fun, welcoming and stimulating."

"Many parents have found the library to be a wonderful way to support and supplement the education of their children," Ochsner said.

 Sutter County Library entertains patrons of all ages, offering parent and child classes seen here in the large circle of fun. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Library

According to literacy coordinator Ayla Elkins, adult students also use the library.

"Sutter County Library offers adult literacy services for those who need support in learning to read, write and speak in English," Elkins said of the Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to noon and Tuesday and Wednesday 4 to 6 p.m. classes.

The library teaches all things U.S.A., with a Citizenship Preparation class on Monday and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.

"Sutter County residents can earn a high school diploma fully online through our Career Online High School program," Elkin said. "All adult literacy programs and services are grant-funded and free."

Children Services coordinator Chalese Eggleston said the local library feeds the body and mind, providing free lunches for adolescents up to age 17. Free weekly and monthly healthy cooking demos and a free community Farmer's Market also offer food and education to empower patrons.

"All library programs offered are free, thanks to grant funding, thoughtful individual donors and support from Friends of Sutter County Library," Eggleston said.

Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., Sutter County Library hosts a Family Fun Night. Each week, various family-friendly shows are featured, including wild animals, a marionette performance and a magic show.

For children who like to boast, young readers can earn “brag tags” as incentives for reading during the season.

"There will also be free kids’ craft times, Lego Club and family game time and more each week," Eggleston said.

All the gratis groups are made possible through supplemental funding, including ZipBooks.

"Since 2017, Sutter County Library has been receiving state library grant funding for the ZipBooks Program," Ochsner said. "This allows library card holders to place orders for books unavailable in our catalog."

After ordering, Amazon delivers the book directly to the cardholder's home.

"After reading the book, the patron brings it to the library, where it is added to the collection," Ochsner said. "This gives the community the ability to build our collection in a way that reflects local interests concerning the subjects on our shelves."

Ochsner said the library works closely with the Sutter County Museum to educate and promote programs for all ages.

"There are also options for expanding museum options beyond the community," Ochsner said of the Discover & Go Program that offers free and low-cost passes to Yuba County residents for museums, science centers, zoos, theatres, and other cultural destinations in Northern California. "This helps relieve some of the financial burden from parents who seek to give their children access to new learning experiences."