A Fond Goodbye...

Melinda Cervantes has been the interim County Librarian since September 2022. She was instrumental in the final stages of the Yolo Branch Library grand opening in December. She has provided stability and expertise that has kept the library moving forward during our transition to a new County Librarian. Thank you so much, Melinda!

...and a Warm Hello

We are happy to announce that the Yolo County Board of Supervisors has appointed Diana Lopez as the new Yolo County Librarian. “My colleagues and I are delighted to have Diana Lopez join the Yolo County community as the Yolo County Librarian. Her experience and knowledge will undoubtedly have an impact within the community for years to come,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Oscar Villegas. 

Originally from the Pasadena area, Ms. Lopez has over 10 years of experience in public library management and over 20 years of serving people of varying needs from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and abilities. Ms. Lopez holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Cal Poly Pomona. Ms. Lopez is passionate about eliminating equity, education, and opportunity barriers within the community.

On her upcoming appointment, Diana says, "I am thrilled to be joining the Yolo County family and making new connections with people who truly care about the communities they serve and do so with a great deal of heart and dedication. I am excited about being a part of such a diverse population with a rich history. I am eager to engage with and learn from my Library team and support them as they continue their innovative work to enhance life in our County." 

This Black History Month, we honor Black resistance. Stop by any Yolo County Library branch for a commemorative bookmark with information on resources that offer a wealth of knowledge on Black history, and download our Black History Month bibliography [pdf]. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History notes, "cultural centers such as libraries worked to support the intellectual development of communities to collect and preserve Black stories, sponsor Black history and literature events, and were active in the quest for civil, social, and human rights." Click here to see the Association's full statement on this year's theme. Yolo County Library is proud to celebrate Black resistance and support these efforts in our community.

Chat with Nikki Shannon Smith

A Black History Month Children's Author Event

Smith's books center on understanding Black joy and love as a universal message that can be applied to all children. Author signing is available and sales of Smith's books will be provided by Davis Avid Reader. This event will take place at Stephens-Davis Branch Library on Saturday, February 25 from 2 - 3:30 pm.

Meet local celebrity author Nikki Shannon Smith and learn about her latest books Love is All Around and Our Beautiful Colors. Families are invited to hear the author speak about her personal efforts to create children's books that aim to help validate feelings of worth in Black and Brown youth while gently entering into conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion.

Try the PBS Video Collection!

Add depth to your understanding of Black History Month by using Yolo County Library's newly-added resource, the PBS Video Collection, supported by funding from the California State Library. 

PBS Video's Black Studies Collection includes compelling series such as American Experience, Making Black America, Finding Your Roots, and more. 

Visit any branch of the Yolo County Library for a Blind Date with a Book! Check out a book, take it home, and unwrap it. Show it your favorite spots to read. Get to know each other. If you hit it off, introduce it to your friends! Rate your date after you're done for a chance to win a prize!

February Family Fun

The Capay Valley Almond Festival takes place on February 25th and 26th. Each year, the festival attracts people from all over the region, and on the 26th you'll be able to find members of our Esparto Regional Library staff conducting outreach there. Uniquely situated on the edge of the Capay Valley, Esparto Regional Library highlights the special history and beautiful hills that this area is known for. We hope to see you on the 26th!