The Ceres Library has a new manager in Anne-Marie Montgomery.
Since Nov. 10, 2014, Brian Sontag had served as the branch manager since the departure of Carol Blomquist.
"Even though I was only here for about a year I think we accomplished a lot," said Sontag, who has been transferred to the Modesto branch.
Sontag worked with city staff to oversee the remodeling of the Ceres Library over the summer. The interior of the library was made over in a $300,000 project that included new paint, new carpeting and changed book cases. The remodel also included moving the main counter from the northeast corner of the building at 2250 Magnolia Street to the center of the building. Two self-check -out machines were added on both sides of the front door so that patrons can check out books on their own by scanning the bar code on their library card.
Montgomery said she is returning to the Ceres Library and had been the children's librarian for three years.
"I'm so happy to be back and working in Ceres," said Montgomery. "Starting in January we are going to be adding some programming."
The library will be offering a Wiggle Worms Story Time on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. Babies, active toddlers and adults will enjoy story books, lap bounces, music, dancing, rhythm activities, finger plays and more while developing early literacy skills.
The preschool story time will continue being offered at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, followed by Stay and Play free time play at 11 a.m.
On Wednesdays, Jan. 6 and Jan. 20, Wee Move & Play, a program for toddler and preschool age children featuring an hour of music, movement and sensory play, will be offered. Children may enjoy unstructured play while they socialize with children their own age and moms can make connections with other adults.
A craft session will be held at 3:30 p.m. on each Thursday. January crafts will include spin art and an all ages coloring event.