This March, Rotary Club of Ventura partnered with Ventura County Library—including Hill Road, EP Foster (prior to its renovation), Saticoy, and Avenue Library locations—to inspire the community to explore the theme of PEACE through reading.
Rooted in Rotary’s Areas of Focus, the shared mission was simple yet powerful: encourage community members to check out books and reflect on the meaning of PEACE.
The partnership featured thoughtfully curated, PEACE-themed book displays for both children and adults. These displays sparked meaningful moments. One young girl approached the display, picked up a book about Malala, and asked, “Mom, can we take this one? Will you read it to me?” Another child was drawn to “Painting for Peace in Ferguson” by Carol Swartout Klein, a true story illustrating how art can bring hope and healing to a community.
“For Rotarians, as humanitarians, PEACE is something we strive for personally as well as for our community—locally and globally,” said Club President Saurabh Bajaj. “We thank the library for their partnership in highlighting PEACE for our community.”
To bring the theme to life, the Club hosted three PEACE dove origami craft sessions and created 300 take-home kits, offering a hands-on, family-friendly way to engage. More than 30 participants attended the classes, including one senior who came specifically to learn more about Rotary’s PEACE initiatives.
The impact extended beyond programming. At Hill Road Library alone, more than 50 PEACE books were checked out. The Club also distributed 1,000 PEACE bookmarks—featuring artwork designed by one of our Interact students—with Rotary information on one side and library resources on the other.
“As a lifelong reader, I believe in the power of books,” said PEACE Builder Chair Madhu Bajaj. “My hope is that our community will engage in meaningful conversations about what PEACE means to them—and be inspired to promote positive PEACE.”
The partnership concluded with a $1,500 donation from the Rotary Club of Ventura to Ventura County Library for the purchase of children’s PEACE-themed books. Each book will include a beautiful bookplate recognizing the Club’s commitment to literacy, youth, and PEACE.
Pics:
- Check Presentation at EP Foster Library. Pictured from Left to Right: Ned Branch Deputy Dir Library, Nancy Schram Director Library, Youth Service Director Ken Leandro, Peace Builder Chair Madhu Bajaj, President Saurabh Bajaj, Rotarian Vicky Erickson and Guest.
- Kits and Bookmarks, take home origami dove kits and bookmarks.
- Peace Dove Wall, started during the origami dove class.
- Rotarians with Children’s Peace Book Display. Pictured from Left to Right: Saurabh Bajaj, Madhu Bajaj, Ken Leandro.
For more information, please contact Madhu Bajaj, Rotary Club of Ventura Peace Builder Chair at: 805-754-9861 or madhubajaj@gmail.com
