This section focuses on family-friendly events that are sponsored by county departments including the County Library, County Museum, Regional Parks and more.
County Library invites community to Catch the Reading Bug this April
This April, San Bernardino County Library is inviting the community to Catch the Reading Bug with a fun circulation incentive designed to get readers of all ages buzzing about books.
During the month-long program, library patrons who check out 30 items will earn an entry into a drawing for a grand prize family picnic backpack filled with springtime goodies. The prize pack includes a kite, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and a butterfly starter kit — everything families need to spread their wings and enjoy the season outdoors.
Library staff hope the program will help the community discover that reading can be just as contagious as the springtime energy in the air.
“We want reading excitement to spread like a good kind of bug,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “From picture books to page-turning novels, our shelves are full of stories that will have readers buzzing with excitement.”
Items checked out can include books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines and other circulating materials available through the library’s collection. Participants simply keep track of their checkouts with their receipts during April and submit their entry once they reach the 30-item goal.
Whether patrons are fluttering in for their next favorite read or crawling through the stacks for hidden gems, the program is designed to encourage exploration of the library’s diverse collection.
“Spring is a season of growth, curiosity, and new beginnings,” Assistant County Librarian Kristin Stevens added. “We hope families will swarm the library, discover something new, and leave with a case of the reading bug.”
The Catch the Reading Bug circulation incentive runs April 1 through April 30 at all library locations and is open to readers of all ages.
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.
County Library invites community to “Find Your Joy” during National Library Week
What brings you joy? Whether it’s getting lost in a good book, discovering a new passion, building new skills, accessing essential services or connecting with your community, the San Bernardino County Library invites residents to “Find Your Joy” during National Library Week, April 19–25.
Celebrated nationwide, National Library Week highlights the vital role libraries play in strengthening communities, inspiring curiosity and supporting lifelong learning. Today’s libraries are far more than collections of books — they are dynamic community hubs that provide access, opportunity and connection for residents of all ages, meeting people where they are and helping them grow in every stage of life.
Across San Bernardino County Library branches, visitors will find a wide range of free resources, services and experiences designed to empower the community. Patrons can access digital learning tools, use public computers and Wi-Fi, print and scan documents, and take advantage of private and group study spaces. Unique learning environments, such as the Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center, along with creative spaces like the Garner Holt Makerspace inside the Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center,further expand opportunities for hands-on exploration, discovery and innovation.
The library also offers programs for every stage of life. Families can build early literacy skills, adults can strengthen foundational reading and learning abilities, and learners of all ages can pursue educational advancement, including the opportunity to earn a high school diploma online. Teens can engage in leadership development programs, while older adults can participate in enriching activities and services designed to support lifelong engagement and connection.
Throughout National Library Week, patrons can also pick up “I Love San Bernardino County Libraries” stickers and bookmarks while supplies last, offering a fun way to celebrate and show library pride.
Families and adults alike are encouraged to end National Library Week by joining us on Saturday, April 25, from 5:30–9:30 p.m. at the Lucerne Valley Branch Library for “Galaxy Nights: Guardians of the Sky” — a conservation-themed evening featuring an interactive butterfly experience, astronomy viewing and educational partners.
Throughout the month of April, the excitement continues with “Catch the Reading Bug,” where patrons can receive one entry ticket for every 30 items checked out for a chance to win a family picnic basket.
“Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books — they are vibrant community hubs where people come together to learn, create, and grow,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “During National Library Week, we encourage everyone to discover the many ways the library can support their goals, spark curiosity and open doors to opportunity.”
First celebrated in 1958 and sponsored by the American Library Association, National Library Week continues to recognize and honor the enduring impact of libraries nationwide.
Residents are encouraged to visit their nearest branch, explore new services and participate in special events throughout the week.
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.
Regional Parks to host Bear Necessities learning activity at Prado and Guasti
Join us at Prado and Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Parks on Saturday, April 25, as we explore some “beary” important safety tips and tricks when a bear is nearby and how to identify the different types of bears native to our region.
Time and Locations
- Prado Regional Park: 10-11:30 a.m.
16700 S. Euclid Ave., Chino - Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park: 1:30-3 p.m.
800 N. Archibald Ave., Ontario
Forget about your worries and your strife when you learn some “paws-itively” wild facts about bears native to North America. We’ll also talk about how to respect our furry wildlife neighbors. It’s a fun way to learn about bear biology and just how necessary the conservation is when recreating outdoors. Plus, we will conduct a field experiment. Join us! It would be unbearable without you!
Admission is $15 per vehicle and free for those camping with us at Prado. All ages are welcome, including leashed pets. All supplies will be provided while they last.
Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Bring the whole family, pack a lunch and explore the great outdoors before or after the activity.
For more information on Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov, or follow parks on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with the latest park news and events.
PetSmart Charities adoption event helps more shelter pets find homes this April
San Bernardino County Animal Care is partnering with PetSmart Charities to help more pets find loving homes at a special adoption event in Fontana on Saturday, April 25, from 1-3 p.m.
Community members are invited to stop by the Fontana PetSmart to meet adoptable pets, learn about the County’s Animal Care programs, and take home a new best friend.
Adoption fees are currently waived for qualifying pets! Each qualifying adoption includes spaying or neutering, a microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations.
New adopters will also receive 30 days of complimentary pet insurance through MetLife Pet Insurance to help ease the transition into pet parenthood.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, April 25
- Time: 1-3 p.m.
- Location: Fontana PetSmart, 15042 Summit Ave., Fontana
On behalf of our pets, we look forward to seeing you there and helping you meet your next family member.
To learn more about our Animal Care programs and upcoming events, visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov.
Code Enforcement to host community cleanup event in Bloomington and Muscoy
San Bernardino County Land Use Services’ Code Enforcement Division and Public Works’ Solid Waste Division will host a free community cleanup and bulky item disposal event. The event is open to residents of San Bernardino County’s unincorporated Bloomington and Muscoy communities. Residents are encouraged to participate and help keep the community clean and beautiful. Business or commercial waste cannot be accepted.
Event date: April 25
Event time: 8 a.m. to noon
Two locations:
- Muscoy Elementary School – 2119 Blake St., San Bernardino
- Kessler Park – 18401 Jurupa Ave., Bloomington
Accepted items:
- Household trash
- Bulky items
- Green waste
- Up to nine tires per load, including rims
- Electronics such as TVs, monitors, VCRs, stereos and cellphones (collected by the Urban Conservation Corps)
Not accepted:
- Concrete
- Hazardous waste such as batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, pesticides, fertilizers, fluorescent lights, pool chemicals, paint products and medication
- For hazardous waste disposal information, call 800‑645‑9228 or 909‑382‑5401.
Participants should secure and cover loads before traveling, unload their own items and note that oversized or difficult loads may be turned away.
For questions, contact Deleon Luna, staff analyst with Land Use Services, Code Enforcement at 909‑383‑2133.
Spring Jam Music Festival featuring a wider range of genres and sounds
San Bernardino County Regional Parks is excited to bring its first Spring Jam Music Festival to Calico Ghost Town, Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This event replaces the former Bluegrass Festival, aiming to bring all genres of music into one event for everyone to enjoy.
The lineup of live performances includes: The Storytellers Band, Rose’s Pawn Shop, Blue Henry’s, Holy Crow, Herway to Hell, Eric Gorsuch, B-ok Band and Terry Wayne Project. Other bands include local town favorites, such as the Billhillyz and Mojave County Band.
Whether you’re a music lover or just looking for a fun spring outing, this family-friendly festival lineup also includes gunfighter shows, Cook’s Racing Pigs, Bon Family Cloggers, line dancing demos, classroom sessions from the 1800s, Victorian Muse Theater, egg toss and games, arts and crafts, shopping, and town attractions.
Town attractions include the Maggie Mine tour, gold panning, the Mystery Shack and Odessa Train rides. For attraction prices, visit calicoattractions.com. For Ghost Tours, visit www.calicoghosttours.com.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 4 to 11, and kids under 3 are free. Calico Ghost Town is located at 36600 Ghost Town Road in Yermo, just north of Barstow off I-15. Leashed pets are welcome too!
Calico offers plenty of souvenirs and other goods that can’t be found anywhere else, such as authentic Native American jewelry, leather goods, rocks and fossils, as well as handcrafted candles and other specialty items. View our shops to get a sneak peek of Calico’s gifts and wares.
Calico offers camping with RV rentals, full RV hookups, cabins and bunkhouses. For camping reservations, visit www.parkreservations.sbcounty.gov.
For more information on Calico or other Regional Parks, visit parks.sbcounty.gov. Follow Calico Ghost Town on Facebook or other Regional Parks on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park news and events.
Guardians of the sky take flight: Galaxy Nights blends stargazing with conservation in one unforgettable evening
The night sky will come alive with purpose and wonder on Saturday, April 25, as the San Bernardino County Library invites the community to “Galaxy Nights: Guardians of the Sky” at the Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch. The conservation-themed event will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., offering an immersive experience for families, nature enthusiasts and curious minds of all ages.
From the moment guests arrive, they’ll be transported into a world where science meets storytelling. The evening begins with a live, interactive butterfly experience from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., presented by Flutterby Ranch. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to engage up close with these vital pollinators, learning about their role in local ecosystems and global conservation efforts.
The conservation theme continues through partnerships with the Sierra Club San Gorgonio Chapter and the SoCal Bat Working Group, who will be on-site sharing insights into habitat preservation, biodiversity and the often-overlooked guardians of our night skies — bats.
As twilight deepens, the focus shifts skyward. Guests will enjoy guided stargazing experiences, offering a closer look at the celestial wonders above. Among the highlights is the Leo constellation, known as the “Lion of Spring,” easily identified by its distinctive “sickle” shape — resembling a backward question mark — and anchored by the bright star Regulus at its heart.
No community celebration is complete without great food, and Galaxy Nights delivers with a lineup of local favorites, including Moo and Brew Coffee, Drinkzilla and Abby’s Cakes and More, offering a range of sweet treats, refreshing drinks and savory bites.
“Galaxy Nights is more than just an evening under the stars — it’s a chance to connect people with the environment in a meaningful, memorable way,” said Library Events Coordinator Jenni McCormick. “By blending conservation education with interactive experiences, we hope to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”
In addition to stargazing and partner-led activities, attendees can enjoy a variety of conservation–themed crafts designed for all ages. The evening will also feature a circulation incentive and an exciting grand prize drawing. To be eligible for the grand prize, visitors must check out 10 items during the event, with each checkout counting toward unlocking a universe of knowledge — and the chance to win a special prize.
Admission is free, and all are encouraged to attend this unique fusion of science, nature and community spirit.
For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, visit library.sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220, or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries serving a diverse population across a vast geographic area. The County Library is committed to providing equal access to information, technology, programs, and services for all residents of San Bernardino County.
About Avantus
Avantus is a California-based developer of solar and storage energy projects, including the Sienna Solar Center, a solar project under development in San Bernardino County, California, near the community of Lucerne Valley. Avantus has developed over a dozen operating projects throughout California, which have created thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities and continue to generate tens of millions of dollars in local tax revenue. As with all the communities we work in, Avantus strives to bring positive change to Lucerne Valley through economic opportunity and local partnerships. For more information, please visit www.siennasolarcenter.com and follow Avantus on LinkedIn.
May the books be with you: Intergalactic Fan Wars takes over County Libraries
This May, San Bernardino County Library branches will transform into immersive battlegrounds of imagination during “Intergalactic Fan Wars,” an all-ages celebration, inviting the community to take part in the ultimate sci-fi showdown: “Star Wars vs. Star Trek.”
Blending reading incentives with fandom excitement, the program encourages patrons to explore the library’s extensive collections while pledging allegiance to their favorite universe. Whether inspired by the Force or captivated by the final frontier, patrons can earn themed rewards simply by doing what they do best — reading!
Throughout the month, patrons who check out 30 items will have the opportunity to select a special incentive aligned with their chosen fandom. Designed to delight both Jedi and Starfleet loyalists, these rewards offer a fun and interactive way to celebrate personal interests while promoting literacy and community engagement.
“‘Intergalactic Fan Wars’ is about more than choosing sides — it’s about bringing people together through stories that have inspired generations,” said Assistant County Librarian Kristin Stevens. “We’re excited to create an experience where reading becomes a shared adventure, and every checkout fuels the fun.”
In addition to literacy-based activities, select events will feature face painters and balloon artists, giving children the chance to transform into their favorite intergalactic heroes, villains and explorers—bringing the excitement of epic space adventures to life.
As part of the celebration, patrons who meet their branch’s checkout requirements during Intergalactic Fan Wars will earn a themed reward aligned with their chosen universe, along with an opportunity to win a grand prize. All events are free and open to the public. Programs are designed primarily for children and families, though fans of all ages are welcome to attend.
Plan your mission and join the action—explore the event schedule below to find your nearest Intergalactic Fan Wars experience.
Twentynine Palms Branch
6078 Adobe Rd., Twentynine Palms
Saturday, May 2 | 1 – 3 p.m.
Muscoy Baker Family Learning Center
2818 Macy St., Muscoy
Saturday, May 2 | 2 – 4 p.m.
Joshua Tree Branch Library
6465 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree
Thursday, May 7 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Barstow Branch
304 E. Buena Vista St., Barstow
Saturday, May 9 | 2 – 4 p.m.
Chino Hills James S. Thalman Branch
14020 City Center Dr., Chino Hills
Tuesday, May 12 | 3 – 6 p.m.
Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch
14901 Dale Evans Pkwy., Apple Valley
Tuesday, May 12 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Yucaipa Branch
12040 5th St., Yucaipa
Tuesday, May 12 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Grand Terrace Branch
22795 Barton Rd., Grand Terrace
Wednesday, May 13 | 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Montclair Branch
9955 Fremont Ave., Montclair
Friday, May 15 | 4 – 5 p.m.
Adelanto Branch
11497 Bartlett Ave., Adelanto
Saturday, May 16 | 2 – 4 p.m.
Lake Arrowhead Branch
27235 Highway 189, Blue Jay
Tuesday, May 19 | 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Bloomington Branch
18028 Valley Blvd., Bloomington
Wednesday, May 20 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Chino Branch
13180 Central Ave., Chino
Wednesday, May 20 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Crestline Branch
24105 Lake Gregory Dr., Crestline
Wednesday, May 20 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Hesperia Branch
9650 7th Ave., Hesperia
Thursday, May 21 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Loma Linda Branch
25581 Barton Rd., Loma Linda
Tuesday, May 26 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Big Bear Lake Branch
41930 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake
Tuesday, May 26 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Fontana Lewis Library and Technology Center
8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana
Tuesday, May 26 | 4 – 7 p.m.
Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center
7863 Central Ave., Highland
Wednesday, May 27 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Mentone Senior Center and Library
1331 Opal Ave., Mentone
Thursday, May 28 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Phelan Memorial Library
9800 Clovis Rd., Phelan
Thursday, May 28 | 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Community members of all ages are encouraged to join the adventure — whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer ready to explore galaxies far, far away or boldly go where no one has gone before.
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 serving a diverse population across a vast geographic area. The County Library is committed to providing equal access to information, technology, programs, and services for all residents of San Bernardino County.
District Attorney invites community to National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Memorials in Rialto and Victorville
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson invites you to join him for the 11th annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Memorials.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be commemorated April 19–25. Since 1981, this annual observance has been held every April to unite crime survivors, victim assistance programs, justice professionals, and communities across America to pay tribute to victims.
The 2026 theme is LISTEN. ACT. ADVOCATE. This is a call to act and listen to all survivors and victims of crime. This theme emphasizes that advocacy drives vital connections and increases access to services, rights, and healing.
Memorial events will be held at the following locations:
- April 20 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Sunrise Church, 2759 Ayala Drive, Rialto – RSVP for the West Valley Memorial Event
- April 22 from 6–7 p.m. at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center, 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville – RSVP for the High Desert Memorial Event
There will be resource tables available before and after the memorial program, so please come early or plan to stay afterward to visit them.
Additional County Update News – April 23, 2026
- Board Actions, April 21
- San Bernardino County Public Defender delivers Mobile Defense services in Lucerne Valley
- Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Consequences; 76 arrests, 76 firearms recovered
- San Bernardino County Library honored ‘Best of the Best’ in the Inland Empire
- Preschool Services Week of the Young Child draws hundreds to the museum for early childhood education
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center announces appointment of Chief Information and Digital Transformation Officer Andrea L. Daugherty
- April outreach efforts connect community members to essential support
- Mojave Narrows Regional Park to hold ribbon-cutting ceremony for new equestrian center
- Fresh finds and fresh reads: Highland Branch Library launches weekly Farmers Market in new partnership
- Applications now being accepted for the San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Pioneertown
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Movies in the San Bernardino Mountains
- Pet of the Week: Sarka