County Library sets sail with pirate-themed reading adventure during September
Ahoy, mateys! Your local San Bernardino County Library branches are inviting readers of all ages to embark on a swashbuckling discovery in September with an all-new pirate-themed reading event. Participants who check out 15 items during the event will not only earn yer plunder for conquerin’ the seas of stories but will also be entered for a chance to snag the captain’s chest o’ riches at the end of the event.
Designed to encourage reading, exploration, and family fun, the pirate event turns every library visit into an adventure. Patrons can chart their course by reading books, listening to audiobooks, or exploring digital resources. Each item checked out brings them closer to treasure and to building a lifelong love of reading.
“Libraries have always been about adventure,” said County Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “This event gives families a chance to make reading fun, build great habits, and walk away with some real treasures along the way.”
In addition to the reading challenge, many branches will offer pirate-themed games, crafts and hands-on activities for children and families. Costumes, treasure maps, and sea shanties are welcome as the library transforms into a high-seas escape. The Pirate Events are free and open to all ages.
Shiver me timbers! Don’t walk the plank—sail to these library branches instead:
Mentone Senior Center and Library
1331 Opal Ave., Mentone
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025
3 to 5 p.m.
Loma Linda Branch
25581 Barton Rd., Loma Linda
Monday, Sept. 29, 2025
3 to 5 p.m.
Grand Terrace Branch
22795 Barton Rd., Grand Terrace
Monday, Sept. 29, 2025
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Chino Hills James S. Thalman Branch
14020 City Center Dr., Chino Hills
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
3 to 6 p.m.
Chino Branch
13180 Central Ave., Chino
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Yucaipa Branch
12040 5th St., Yucaipa
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
So, grab your eye patch, hoist the sails, and get ready to read like a pirate—the library’s treasure chest of stories awaits!
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, events and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
Explore silver mining town rich in history during Calico Days annual event
Do you ever wonder how Calico miners lived and worked? Join San Bernardino County Regional Parks and Calico Ghost Town for its 59th Annual Calico Days event held over the weekend of Sept. 27-28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Calico Ghost Town that recreates the life and times of miners during the late 1800s.
The event focuses on the spirit of the Old West and features an 1880s costume contest, reenactment skits, pie-eating contest, Miner’s Triathlon competition, Burro Run competition, Bucket Brigade contest, live musical performances, egg toss competition, gunfights and more.
The Miner’s Triathlon and Bucket Brigade will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 and the Burro Run will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28.
The triathlon for men and women competitions include rock pulling, muckraking and tug-of-war events. The burro race is a competition featuring contestants guiding their burro from station to station across town to be the first to reach the finish line. The Bucket Brigade is a race to see whose team can scoop and pass buckets of water to fill up the water barrel first.
Food options during the event include the Calico House Restaurant, Lil’s Saloon, and food vendors. Attendees can also visit Calico shops and attractions including Maggie Mine, Mystery Shack, Dorsey’s Gourmet Dog House shop and the Odessa Railroad train ride. Calico is pet-friendly and leashed pets are welcome.
This family-friendly event celebrates the life and culture of the 1880s, when Calico was a bustling silver mining town. The town thrived from 1881 until the late 1890s, when it began to see a steady decline in population as silver lost its value and residents started to leave.
At the height of its glory, the town’s population rose to about 1,200 people in 1887, and had about 22 saloons, a schoolhouse, post office, its own version of a China Town, a cemetery and its own newspaper. The town produced about $86 million in silver and about $45 million in borax, hauling its product by the infamous 21-Mule Team.
In 1966, Walter Knott, the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, donated Calico to San Bernardino County, which is now managed by the Regional Parks Department.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-11, and free for kids under age 3. Calico Ghost Town is located at 36600 Ghost Town Rd. in Yermo.
Follow Regional Parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on park news, or visit parks.sbcounty.gov. Follow Calico Ghost Town on Facebook for more Calico news and events.
Harvest Festival & Haunted Hayrides return to Mojave Narrows Regional Park
Get ready for a spooky good time at the Narrows! Mojave Narrows Regional Park will be hosting its annual Harvest Festival and Haunted Hayride event on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 3 to 9 p.m. The festival celebrates the beginning of fall with this year’s theme, Dr. Pains Snake Oil and Tonics. This year, we will be offering a movie in the park, featuring Hotel Transylvania with free popcorn, while supplies last.
The event will also include trick-or-treating, costume contests for all ages, family games and activities, including an axe throwing booth, a pumpkin patch, live music by the High D Boys, a petting zoo, live animal presentations by Wildman Dan, food vendors and more. All ages are welcome, including leashed pets!
Hayride pre-sale tickets open Sept. 29
Tickets for the hayrides will go on sale on Monday, Sept. 29, at 8 a.m., and will be first come, first served. Seating is limited and rides begin at 6:24 p.m. and run every 12 minutes. The last ride out is 9:24 p.m. Hayrides are $5 per person.
To purchase tickets, visit parks.sbcounty.gov.
Park admission is $15 per vehicle. Mojave Narrows is located at 18000 Yates Rd. in Victorville. For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park news and events.
Spooky science experiments return to Prado, Yucaipa, Glen Helen and Guasti Regional Parks
Join Regional Parks for some double, double, fun and trouble whipping up some of your own Witch’s Brew, Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at Prado and Yucaipa Regional Parks. Can’t make the morning events? No worries, you can catch us at Glen Helen or Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Parks at 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for some afternoon fun in the sun. Admission is $15 per vehicle and is free for those camping with us at Prado and Yucaipa.
Watch the cauldron bubble and steam with a magical exothermic reaction — don’t worry, it’s all safe science and super cool to watch! Then, get hands-on and slimy by creating your very own stretchy, squishy witchy slime — perfect for creepy crawling fun. And the best part? We have a potion that glows! Perfect for kids or anyone who loves mixing a little magic with their science! All supplies will be provided while they last. All ages welcome! Leashed pets are welcome too!
Event locations:
- Prado Regional Park is located at 16700 S. Euclid Ave., in Chino. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Yucaipa Regional Park is located at 33900 Oak Glen Rd., in Yucaipa. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park is located at 800 N. Archibald Ave., in Ontario. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Glen Helen Regional Park is located at 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy., in San Bernardino. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Follow Regional Parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on park news, or visit parks.sbcounty.gov.
Apple Valley Airshow returns highlighting vintage jets, car show, skydivers, STEM Expo and more
The Department of Airports is excited to announce the 22nd annual Apple Valley Airshow, NAPA® Car Show and Motorcycle Show is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Apple Valley Airport.
The Apple Valley Airshow, a family favorite event, attracts spectators from all over Southern California and beyond. Apple Valley Airshow attendees will be thrilled by the sounds and sights of this year’s headliners who include world-renowned pilots flying vintage jets, such as Vicky Benzing in her purple ‘Plum Crazy’ P-51 Mustang, Rich Grinnell in the De Havilland Vampire T-55, David Costa flying the TS-11 Iskra, and Stephanie Goetz in ‘The Pink Jet’ L-39 Albatros with a trail of customized pink smoke to promote Breast Cancer awareness.
A full schedule is planned, including the Dawn Patrol RV Formation Team of five, breathtaking aerobatics by the Undaunted Airshows formation dual team, air racer Tony Higa in the Pitts S-1S, Torrey Ward in the Micro Jet, Anthony Oshinuga in the Pitts Special, Rob Harrison, the “Tumbling Bear,” in the Zlin 142C, Brad Wursten in the MSX-R, Soaring by the Sea in the AD-4N Skyraider, the P-40N-1 Warhawk, Kyle Fowler of GO EZ Aerobatics in the Rutan 61 Long-EZ, and the Cloud Dancers in the Lancair 4 flown by Maurizio Perissinotto. In addition to aerobatics, spectators will see skydivers and Round Canopy Parachute USA Team paratroopers jumping from the C-53 Skytrooper “D-Day Doll.” Vintage warbirds will also be featured, including a North American P-51 Mustang “Bunny,” Bell P-63 Kingcobra “Pretty Polly,” North American T-28B Trojan “El Centro,” Douglas C-47 Skytrain “What’s Up Doc” from the Palm Springs Air Museum, the F4U Corsair, P-40 Warhawk, and General Motors TBM-3E Avenger (on display) from the Planes of Fame Air Museum. Spectators will have the opportunity to meet pilots and collect autographs after their performances.
On the ground, you will see experimental and vintage airplane static displays, military vehicles, and the NAPA® Car Show, “Show and Shine” along with Inglis Classics, “Hot Rod Hotties” and Sunland Ford showcasing new vehicle highlights. Spectators are encouraged to stop by the NAPA® booth and pick up a form so you can vote for your favorite car. And, NEW this year is a motorcycle show in partnership with Death Valley Harley-Davidson you won’t want to miss!
The High Desert aerospace valley General Atomics STEM Expo has been expanded for 2025 with new partnerships, exhibitors and hands-on experiences in aviation activities. The Air & Space STEM Outreach from Edwards Air Force Base has coordinated free youth experiences in partnership with the Air Force Academy, Civil Air Patrol, Stem Pilot, ROTC, and Edwards AFB activities. The expanded STEM Expo will include Southern California EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) flight simulators, Millionaire Mind Kids, Rocket Science Club of San Diego, and the Science Olympiads of Irvine. General Atomics has also created a specially designed experience for you to see the work they do right here in the High Desert. Bring your children, school friends, Scout groups, and families to learn about the fundamentals of flight, fly a simulator, build a model airplane, or stomp an air-powered rocket to new heights.
Community groups, volunteer organizations and our sponsors are a big part of the airshow. The show provides scholarship support for local students in STEM fields. You can browse booths offering information, souvenirs, food or enjoy a beverage and support the Rotary Club of Apple Valley Beer Garden (must be at least 21 with ID).
Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission is only $15 cash, military/veterans only $10 cash with ID, children 11 and under free. Parking is free. Plan to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to secure parking, walk to the main entry gates, and purchase your admission.
No animals except service animals are allowed at the event. There is limited grandstand seating available, but you are welcome to bring your own portable chairs and sitting blankets. For safety, drones, canopies, large umbrellas, large coolers and alcoholic beverages will be NOT be admitted to the venue. Be prepared with hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs, water, and don’t forget your camera.
For a complete list on how to plan your day at the show, go to AppleValleyAirshow.com and click on the FAQs.
Follow the airshow on Facebook or Instagram, @applevalleyairshow, for the latest announcements and updates, or search #applevalleyairshow. Apple Valley Airport is located at 21600 Corwin Rd. in Apple Valley.
“Paws” to read, earn a treat
Big news for young readers and animal lovers! San Bernardino County Animal Care has teamed up with Raising Cane’s for a paws-itively fun twist on our “Telling Tails” Reading Program! Now through Oct. 31, kids ages 6–12 who complete six reading sessions with our shelter pets will earn a free kids combo, courtesy of Raising Cane’s!
Reading to shelter pets helps them feel loved and socialized—and gives kids a chance to build confidence, compassion and reading skills. It’s a tail-wagging win-win! Start your reading adventure today, your purr-fect reading buddy is waiting! Visit the Telling Tails Reading Program webpage to learn more.
Monster Mayhem takes over County Library branches in October
The San Bernardino County Library branches are about to get a little spooky, a little silly and a whole lot of fun. Monster Mayhem is the theme for October’s reading event, and patrons are invited to join their local library branch for a monstrous good time.
The challenge is simple: check out 15 items—books, audiobooks or digital resources—and claim your frightful favor before it vanishes into the shadows! Every completed challenge also enters participants into the drawing to score a beastly bonus, a monster-sized surprise revealed at the event’s finale.
“Monster Mayhem is a playful way to remind families that reading is not only important—it’s fun,” said County Library Event Coordinator Elizabeth Williams “Whether you’re a child discovering your first favorite book or an adult who loves a good thriller, everyone can join in the excitement.”
Along with the reading challenge, library branches will host monster-themed activities, games and ghoulish crafts. Costumes are encouraged, but bravery is optional. The Monster Mayhem reading events are free and open to all ages.
Stompity-stomp! Find the monster fun at these County Library branches:
Crestline Branch
24105 Lake Gregory Dr., Crestline
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
3 to 5 p.m.
Cal Aero Preserve Academy Branch
15850 Main St., Chino
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch
14901 Dale Evans Pkwy., Apple Valley
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Yucaipa Branch
12040 5th St., Yucaipa
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Hesperia Branch
9650 7th Ave., Hesperia
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Montclair Branch
9955 Fremont Ave., Montclair
Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
4 to 5 p.m.
Phelan Memorial Library
9800 Clovis Rd., Phelan
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
2 to 3 p.m.
Loma Linda Branch
25581 Barton Rd., Loma Linda
Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
3 to 5 p.m.
Big Bear Lake Branch
41930 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center
8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025
4 to 7 p.m.
Grand Terrace Branch
22795 Barton Rd., Grand Terrace
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Joshua Tree Branch
6465 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
1 to 2 p.m.
Yucca Valley Branch
57271 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
1 to 3 p.m.
Adelanto Branch
11497 Bartlett Ave., Adelanto
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Barstow Branch
304 E. Buena Vista St., Barstow
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Muscoy Baker Family Learning Center
2818 Macy St., Muscoy
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Lake Arrowhead Branch
27235 Highway 189, Blue Jay
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
4 to 5:30 p.m.
Chino Hills James S. Thalman Branch
14020 City Center Dr., Chino Hills
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
4 to 7 p.m.
Bloomington Branch
18028 Valley Blvd., Bloomington
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
3 to 5 p.m.
Chino Branch
13180 Central Ave., Chino
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch
33103 Old Woman Springs Rd., Lucerne Valley
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Rialto Branch
251 West 1st St., Rialto
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
4 to 6 p.m.
Mentone Senior Center and Library
1331 Opal Ave., Mentone
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025
3:30 to 5 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to join the mayhem—check out, read on, and let the monsters loose at your library! For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, events and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
4th Annual Child Support Services Trunk or Treat
The San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services will be hosting the 4th Annual Trunk or Treat! We are excited to bring over 30 community partners together to provide services and resources to families in San Bernardino County.
Child Support representatives will be available to answer questions about the child support process, assist with enrolling in child support services and provide information on cases. There will be games, prizes and special treats for the whole family. Parents and/or guardians must be present with children. Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite costume and invite your friends!
The Child Support Services Office is located at 10417 Mountain View Ave., in Loma Linda. Visit our website at childsupport.sbcounty.gov.
County Library’s BOO Book Festival brings frights, fun and free Squishmallows for
library readers
This Halloween season, the San Bernardino County Library system is treating readers to more than just spooky stories. From Oct. 25 through Oct. 31, library card holders who check out 30 items during the BOO! Book Festival will receive a special prize: a Squishmallow of their choice—just in time for the fall festivities.
The weeklong celebration invites patrons of all ages to visit their local County Library branch, stock up on great reads, and take home one of the most popular plush toys around with five options to choose from. Each library will be fully stocked with hundreds of new books released just for the occasion, ranging from chilling thrillers and autumn-themed picture books to young adult adventures and bestselling fiction.
“This is one of our most anticipated events of the year,” said Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. “The BOO! Book Festival not only celebrates the joy of reading, but rewards our loyal library users with something extra special. Whether you love ghost stories, fantasy, or nonfiction, this is the perfect time to check out what’s new on our shelves.”
To earn a Squishmallow, patrons simply need to check out 30 items during the festival week using their valid library card. With thousands of books, DVDs, audiobooks and other materials available, building a stack is easier than ever—and perfect for cozy autumn reading.
Quantities of Squishmallows are limited and available while supplies last, so early participation is encouraged.
The BOO! Book Festival is part of the County Library’s ongoing effort to encourage literacy, promote library use, and create fun, engaging opportunities for the community to connect with books—and each other.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
Additional County Update News – September 25, 2025
- County continues response and recovery efforts after heavy rains and mudslides
- County urges residents to be prepared for potential rain this weekend
- Board actions, Sept. 23
- County officials warn taxpayers of property tax payment scam
- Help shape the future of transit in San Bernardino County: Take the Coordinated Transportation Plan Survey
- Southern California Edison Wildfire Safety Meeting
- Building resilient communities starts with you
- Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino partners with County Animal Care and ARFF this October
- County Library offers senior programs at Mentone Senior Center and Library
- New pickleball courts open at MacKay Park in Lake Arrowhead
- San Bernardino County destinations: Joshua Tree National Park
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: Mentone
- Pet of the Week