Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library, we would like to thank the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians for selecting the Oakhurst Library as one of the recipients of their 2012 Community Grant program.

In doing so, they have made it possible for us to upgrade and enhance our children's area. A major part of any library is to encourage reading and a love of books at an early age. As the number of library patrons grows, our children's room must grow and evolve by attracting children of all ages through bright and modern surroundings, appropriate books for each level and computers and programs to stimulate learning.

The process of change has begun with a new book selection plan, remodeling of an entire room now dedicated to children and the purchase of new carpeting.

We are excited about these changes and happy to see the effect it has on our younger patrons and their families.

Candace Flammang, Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library president