We have had many challenges during these several months of COVID-19. One of the things I miss the most is being able to visit our Placer County libraries.  Fortunately, I have been able to use this time to read several books in my home library that have been on my reading list for quite some time, but sat on my bookshelf waiting  patiently for my attention.

I have finally finished Cadillac Desert, Marc Reisner’s amazing book about the American West and its disappearing water, an ever-evolving story. I then read Gina Kolata’s Flu, the story of the 1918 influenza pandemic. These are the types of books that I take time to read because they lead me to reflect on how human activity through the ages has brought civilization to where it is today and make me think about what we could do better.

Among the biographies I’ve read these past few months are Ronald White’s American Ulysses about the career of President Grant, Leadership in Turbulent Times by one of my favorite historians, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Joan Biskupic’s Chief a biography of Chief Justice John Roberts.

As any avid reader knows, every book you finish leads you to another. That is why I miss my local library. It is just a short walk from my office to the Auburn Library and when I need a break from my work I stroll over to the library and browse the shelves, look at the new books on display, and sometimes succumb to a book that catches my eye and takes me on a new journey.

Libraries are a very important part of any community, a place where young and old alike can gain knowledge in a quiet relaxing environment. I am very pleased that Mary George, Director of Library Services, and Sophie Bruno, the very able Assistant Director, have begun the process of safely reopening our libraries, with some locations set to open October 6. Please visit the Library Services website, for more information on library openings, including information on operating hours for specific library locations (information on library reopenings will be posted online Friday, October 2).

Warm Regards,

Supervisor Jim Holmes

At the Placer County Board of Supervisors meeting on September 22, the board unanimously appointed Dr. Rob Oldham as Placer County's interim health officer effective September 26. Oldham, who recently returned to the county as the new director of Health and Human Services and chief psychiatrist, previously served as health officer at Placer County for nearly six years. Read more...