Shafter Library and Learning Center still growing

The Shafter Library and Learning Center has been growing ever since it was a glimmer in the eye of David Franz and the rest of the staff that make it such a valuable tool for the community.

There was a Vision Committee back in 2011, when a group of participants said that education is one of the main focuses that the city should aim for. The city brought in David Franz as director of Shafter's Education Partnership that involved the city and its school districts.

Together, they have formed an organization that is one of the only city programs in the Central Valley to have its own Municipal Library when the Kern County Library District decided to close the Shafter Branch of its library system. The city partnered with Bakersfield College to reopen the library, and it is now one of the most productive in the county.

New classes have formed for the fall session, and while many of the classes are full, there are still a few spots available and others have a waiting list.

These classes include English, Spanish, keyboarding and cooking, all taught by individuals qualified in their fields.

The facility also holds special events frequently at the site. The most recent event saw the author David Masumoto make an appearance. Masumoto is an organic peach and grape farmer who has written several books, including The Epitaph of a Peach, which gives a glimpse into life on a family farm in Central California. His organic farming techniques have been employed by farmers across the United States.

Masumoto earned his bachelors degree in sociology from Cal Berkley and a masters in community development from UC Davis. Masumoto told the audience of his life on the farm, as well as the experience of writing and creating a book, and the similaraties between creating a work of art on paper and a work of art out in the fields.

More information on classes at the Shafter Learning Center is available by calling 661-746-5055 or at 236 James St. in Shafter.