From forgotten songs to future skills Simi Valley Library has it all
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Walk into the Simi Valley Public Library and you’ll find more than shelves of books and the familiar hush of pages turning. Tucked between the stacks and services are unexpected treasures—like vintage sheet music that sings the history of the valley itself.
One such gem is “My Simi Valley” by Dena Hardin Merrifield, a poetic tribute to the region’s sunrise skies and mountain breezes. Another, “Simi Valley” by Jim St. Ours, echoes with the story of early settlers who crossed plains and deserts to call this place home. These songs aren’t just melodies—they’re time capsules of local identity, preserved quietly among the library’s collection.
According to the library’s website at simivalleylibrary.org, preserving that history is just one of many roles the library plays. It’s also a tech-forward space where anyone can use public computers, access free Wi-Fi, print documents, or get digital help. Whether you’re job hunting, researching, or just need a place to work, the tools are free and accessible to all.
The library also offers robust programs for lifelong learning. Through its partnership with LinkedIn Learning, cardholders can access thousands of video courses on everything from coding to marketing. And for adults looking for a second chance, the Career Online High School program provides an opportunity to earn an accredited diploma entirely online—at no cost.
Children and teens have their own world to explore at the library. Weekly storytimes, crafts, and hands-on science activities keep young minds curious and engaged. It’s not just a place to read—it’s a place to grow.
You’ll find the Simi Valley Public Library at 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, right across from the city hall complex. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Whether you’ve got 20 minutes or two hours, you’re likely to leave with something unexpected.
The sheet music tucked into the archives is a reminder of the community’s roots—but the people and programs happening there today show that the library is just as focused on the future.
“My Simi Valley” was written by Dena Hardin Merrifield and appears in a 1979 collection titled Songs of Simi Valley, published locally. While little biographical information is readily available about Merrifield, her work reflects a love for the landscape and spirit of the community at that time.
Jim St. Ours, author of “Simi Valley,” was active in the local music scene in the late 1970s. His songs blend folk and country influences, and according to his ReverbNation page, he performed in Southern California, especially around Camarillo.
Whether you’re drawn by a dusty melody or the latest digital tool, the Simi Valley Library proves that a visit can lead you anywhere—into the past, forward into your future, or right into the heart of your community.
