Lancaster, CA-On Sunday, March 11 the Lancaster Public Library opened its doors to youth ready to learn from the Challenger Memorial Youth Center (CMYC). Nine young men from the CMYC Living Room Book Club received a library tour, explored the library’s collections and opened their minds to the places that books can take them.
Chief Probation Officer Terri L. McDonald and L.A. County Probation staff joined the young men on their guided tour led by Los Angeles County librarians. The tour provided a comprehensive overview of the various programs and digital resources that are available through the County of Los Angeles Public Library system.
Following the guided portion of the tour, the book club members had an opportunity to explore the library’s vast collection of books and media on their own. They each received a library card, a list of County libraries and an understanding and deeper appreciation of this valuable community resource.
“The Los Angeles County Probation Department has many collaborative initiatives with the County of Los Angeles Public Library including the operation of library branches in two juvenile halls, County Library sponsored book clubs throughout our residential facilities, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics activities for our youth through the Library’s MākMō program,” said Dr. Jesus Corral, Senior Director of Education Services for L.A. County Probation.
The CMYC book club meets weekly in the “Living Room,” a dedicated space where the young readers gather to discuss books and explore their imaginations. Conducive for reading, the Living Room is filled with comfy couches, oversized chairs, and unlimited opportunities for learning. It is the brainchild of Deputy Probation Officer Janice Harris, whose love of reading and understanding of its transformative power led her to establish the creative space. Since the book club’s inception last November its membership has flourished and more youth have become engrossed in the world of books.
Deputy Probation Officer Janice Harris in the “Living Room” at Challenger Memorial Youth Center
The 2018 Baker-to-Vegas Relay’s overall top finisher was the Los Angeles Police Department with a time of 12:37:29. The winner of the mixed division (minimum five female runners) which L.A. Probation was entered in was the New York Police Department with a time of 14:21:50. For the official results for all 275 teams, please click here.
The entire Los Angeles County Probation Department is proud of these amazing athletes who valiantly represented L.A. County Probation in the 2018 Baker to Vegas Relay. Special thanks to the volunteers who greatly contributed to making this year’s race a tremendous success. Well done!