A quarter doesn’t travel far these days.

It won’t buy coffee. It won’t impress a parking meter. It may not even survive a determined couch cushion.

But at the Vista Library, 25 cents can still buy a used book.

And those quarters add up.

The Friends of the Vista Library, Inc. operates the Encore Bookstore inside the library at 700 Eucalyptus Ave. The nonprofit says bookstore sales, memberships and donations support Vista Library programs, materials and building improvements.

So yesterday’s mystery novel may help support tomorrow’s art workshop.

Not bad work for a paperback.

September’s Calendar Has Range

The Vista Library is a San Diego County Library branch, and its September 2026 calendar goes well beyond borrowing books.

A GED math and science preparation session is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1. Registration is required.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the First Wednesday Book Club meets from 1 to 2 p.m. Pathways to Citizenship tutoring follows from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., offering English-language and citizenship tutoring plus information about naturalization eligibility.

Teen Service Learning orientations are scheduled from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Sept. 8 and 22. The program is intended for teens seeking volunteer hours, although attending orientation does not guarantee acceptance.

That is the library version of reading the fine print before counting the community-service credit.

Writing, Painting and Practical Skills

Writer Lisa M. Lane will lead “Being There: Creating Immersive Settings Through Research” from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

Monday Funday, a program for adults with disabilities and their caregivers, is listed for Sept. 14 and 28. The calendar contains inconsistent time information, so confirm the schedule before attending.

Black Ink Painting with Brenda is scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.

The Friends’ website identifies Monday Funday, writers’ workshops and Black Ink Painting among the programs it helps bring to the library.

Good Neighbor Thrift will lead a beginner-friendly Mending Meetup from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Registration is required.

Because repairing a shirt is cheaper than replacing it—and more satisfying than surrendering to a loose button.

Books Out, Food In

A food distribution is scheduled in the library parking lot from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, with Feeding San Diego, Vista Community Clinic and Poder Popular.

Then comes the bargain hunters’ main event.

Encore will hold a half-price sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25 and 26. Books, CDs and DVDs will be discounted. Cash and cards are accepted.

The Friends says Encore prices range from 25 cents to $5 per item, with the average book costing about $2. The store is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Programs can change or be canceled. The library will also be closed Monday, Sept. 7.

Questions About Vista Library 

Where is the Vista Library?

It is at 700 Eucalyptus Ave. in Vista.

Who operates the Vista Library?

San Diego County Library operates the branch.

When is Encore’s half-price sale?

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 25 and 26.

Where can readers verify event details?

Check the official Vista Library calendar.

Where can I learn about Encore?

Visit the Friends of the Vista Library bookstore page.