September 2025
 
 
Director of Libraries Message

Director Christopher Platt's message for September
2026-2029 Strategic Plan Community Survey
 Santa Cruz Public Libraries has launched the effort to craft our next strategic plan! 
During the months of September and October, we will be conducting surveys and focus groups to gather community feedback on our services, programs, and opportunities. As a library user and supporter, your input is vital to this process as it will help shape the work we will be doing for you and our communities over the next three years. 
 
We invite you to click on the link below to contribute your thoughts in our Community Survey.
SCPL Community Survey Link


September Programs & Events Brochure

Our new Calendar of events offers you the opportunity to create program brochures with custom filters! We've created a short video that demonstrates how to create a custom brochure. We invite you to watch the video and try it for yourself! 
 
Video on How to Create a Custom Brochure
 
Staff will be happy to answer your questions about the brochure and help you on your next visit!

On Writing Darkly Charming Villainous Love with Hannah Nicole Maehrer
New York Times Bestselling Author and TikTok Superstar
Wednesday, September 3rd at 4:00 PM PDT
 
Argue Less and Talk More with Communication Expert Jefferson Fisher
New York Times Bestselling Author and Social Media Sensation
Wednesday, September 10th at 11:00 AM PDT
 
Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell with Author Gabe Henry
Simplified Spelling Historian and Author of Enough is Enuf and Eating Salad Drunk
Wednesday, September 17th at 11:00 AM PDT
 
To register for upcoming virtual talks, visit the SCPL Virtual Author Talks website at: https://libraryc.org/santacruzpl. 
Sign up for the monthly Virtual Author Talks newsletter to hear about the upcoming
free virtual author talks. https://libraryc.org/santacruzpl/subscribe
 
Virtual Author Talks  is made possible through the generous support of the
Friends of the Capitola Branch Library.


All branches will be closed on Monday, September 1 for Labor Day and will return to regular operations on Tuesday, September 2.
Music @ the Market
 
The library is partnering with the Downtown Farmers Market to support our local musicians in Santa Cruz County. Come shop at the market and enjoy a live concert!
 
HAPPYCHAPPIES, SEPTEMBER 3
Southeastern + Midwestern USA fiddle +
banjo dance music
Tech Talks: Password Management (Apple)

Join us as we explore the ways to create and store passwords using your Apple account password manager and other third-party apps.
 
Register Here


Explore, Express and Empower- Teen Workshops with
Cindy Stack-Keer 
 With over 25 years of experience, Cindy guides individuals and groups to discover their authentic voice, navigate change with purpose, and elevate habits with clarity. Two dynamic and empowering sessions for teens.
Pizza slices will be provided!
 
Register Here
Girls Who Code @ Scotts Valley
 
Girls Who Code is a nation-wide organization dedicated to teaching girls not only the language and skills of coding, but about finding their confidence, learning teamwork and the drive to succeed in the world, especially in science and technology. Girls and non-binary youth will be invited to get together and learn coding skills while having fun, challenging themselves and creating friendships.

Game Zone
 
Scotts Valley Branch Library is offering a new program for tweens and teens to relax, hang with friends, and play games!
We're offering a variety of video, card and board games as well as snacks every Wednesday afternoon. Come check it out and bring your friends! Ages 10-14
Snacks courtesy of the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library.
Kids Crafternoon
 
Get creative with a new craft each week! From fuse beads and mosaics to fun yarn projects, there's always something new to make.
Best for children 6+. Children under 6 yrs old will need an adult present to help them. Drop in, no registration needed.

Author Talk with
Meg Waite Clayton
 International bestseller and book club favorite Meg Waite Clayton is the author of nine novels, most recently the instant USA Today bestseller Typewriter Beach, which is set here on the central coast, and the international bestsellers The Postmistress of Paris and The Last Train to London. Registration is recommended and walk-ins are welcome.
Register Here
After School STEAM: Creators and Explorers
 
Come and explore STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) in a fun and welcoming environment. Some days we will have make and take projects and some days we will use gadgets and materials to learn and explore. This program is intended for ages 8-12.

SPCA Classroom Program
 
Pet Care 101 
Join us at the Garfield Park Branch Library for this classroom program to build awareness of animal needs and responsible animal care through discussion, games, and storytelling.
 
Minecraft Movie Screening
 
Help us celebrate bringing Minecraft to Branciforte with a screening of Minecraft the movie!

AI as a Writing Tool
 
Come learn what chatbots can and cannot do and the limits, both ethical and technical, to keep in mind before incorporating AI in your work.
Advance Care Planning Workshops
 
Rene Marchington, Volunteer with End of Life Choices California (EOLCCA), will discuss the importance of sharing your values and end-of-life wishes with loved ones, legal end-of-life options, and the resources and support provided by EOLCCA.

Robin Somers Author Talk
 
Join novelist and former UCSC lecturer Robin Somers as she shares Eleven Stolen Horses, A Wild Horses mystery. Eleven Stolen Horses and Somers' other titles will be available for purchase and signing.
 
Register here
Riviere and Simon
Brazilian and Argentine Music
 
Celebrate National Latin American Heritage Month with a musical performance of Brazilian and Argentine music.
Delight in the music of Brazil and Argentina with Riviere & Simon at the Live Oak Library Annex at Simpkins Swim Center. Enjoy light refreshments and bring the whole family for this free concert.
Riviere & Simon are members of Samba Cruz, a local band that plays Brazilian Popular Music, as well as original compositions influenced by Brazilian Music, Jazz, Argentinian folk music, etc.

Santa Cruz Black 2025 Film Series
 
 SCPL is partnering with Santa Cruz Black to provide additional opportunities to watch and discuss important films surrounding the theme of rising national Black consciousness.
September's film is "Compensation".
 
Register Here
Then and Now: Historical Perspectives on Contemporary Issues
 
This 6-part series of presentations provides some historical context for understanding a range of contemporary issues: Patriarchy, Empire, Globalization, China and the World, Democracy, and Historical Thinking. Each illustrated talk will compare earlier and more recent manifestations of a particular issue.
Join us in person at the La Selva Beach branch or register to attend online on Zoom.