October 2025
All our branches will be closed on Thursday, October 30th for a
staff in-service day of training.
Our regular schedule will resume at all branches on Friday, October 31st.

Finding My Way with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai
Bestselling Author and Education Activist
Wednesday, October 22nd at 4:00 PM PDT
 
Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons with Historical Fiction Queen Philippa Gregory
Bestselling Author of The Other Boleyn Girl and Leading Voice in Historical Fiction
Wednesday, October 29th 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.

Poetry, Wartime and Unwieldy Metaphors
 
In this workshop with teen poets Finn Maxwell and Mason Leopold, we’ll explore and write about techniques and themes of political poetry, especially during times of conflict, in terms of storytelling, naturalism, and rhetoric.
No prior experience necessary. 
Friends of the Scotts Valley Library Book Sale
 
Join us at the Scotts Valley Branch Library for this Fall event! Gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and games will be sold in the Fireside Room at the Scotts Valley Library from 10 AM to 3 PM.
 


Medicare and Long-Term Care Planning
Learn the essentials of Medicare and Long-Term Care in this free talk. Get clear guidance on coverage, costs, options, and planning from local specialists Danielle McAnerney and
Steve Shapiro.
 
Register Here
A Midsummer Night's Dream Youth Adaptation

Join us for Santa Cruz Shakespeare's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. This 45-minute adaption is appropriate for children of all ages. 
AI Prompt to Production
 
Drop in between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm for a hands-on event to experience using Artificial Intelligence to make images, 3D models, and video to then turn them into physical art. Our volunteers will be demonstrating the many possibilities.
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.
October's film is "Unapologetic".
 
Register Here

Vibration Meditation with
David Stowell
 
Take a journey with Tibetan and crystal bowls, a native flute, and kalimba. This program will provide an hour of beautiful sacred tones for a deeply relaxing meditative experience.
 
Wednesday, October 22 from 6:30-7:30pm at Garfield Park Branch Library
and
Wednesday, November 5 from 4:30-5:30pm at Scotts Valley Branch Library
Writing Poetry: Everyday Inspiration
With 2023-24 Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatemi
 
This poetry-writing workshop for teens will explore creative ways to begin poems, developing drafts of new work from prompts, example poems and other inspiration.
No prior experience is necessary. 
This workshop series is a part of our Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Program, now through Spring 2026.



Photo Management for the Holidays
 
Join Lisa Krigsman, a local member of the professional Photo Managers organization, for a holiday-themed program on how to share photographic memories as gifts.
 
Register Here
Westside Author Talk With Helene Simkin Jara
 
True Doll Stories We Remember is a collection of interviews with 90 people about their childhood experiences with dolls.
It includes stories from both women and men. Several countries are also represented including Mexico, Switzerland, Korea and Ireland. 
Many of the tale prove to be universal.


Sights of the Cosmos
 Explore the cosmos with members of the Santa Cruz Astronomy Club, Jim Bahn and Wolf Witt, for a presentation and Q & A followed by a Star Party! 
Bring your questions about astronomy and your questions about telescopes, as well as your sense of wonder! Refreshments provided.
Medicare and You

Join HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) for a free community presentation on Medicare coverage options for 2026.

Celebrating Color and Fiber
 
Santa Cruz Textile Guild is celebrating their 70th year and you are invited to learn about what they do. We will be spinning, weaving, natural dyeing, and doing all manner of fiber-y fun!
The Human Library®
 
The Human Library® creates safe spaces for dialogue where topics are discussed openly to challenge stigma and prejudice. 
Come for one or more 30-minute, brave conversations at this drop-in event. 
Meet your prejudice. Unjudge someone today! 
 
Register Here

Spooky Fun Storytimes
 
Come celebrate the spooky season at the library.
Bring the whole family to enjoy games, snacks and spooky crafts. Boulder Creek, Felton, and Scotts Valley Branch Libraries.
Branciforte Friends
Book Sale
 
Get ready to flip through pages at our pop-up book sale! Used Books - $1 and $2 - Refreshments - Bake Sale 
Art Exhibit by Luke Jensen 
To-Go Craft 
SPECIAL BOOKS FOR SALE 

Estate Planning 101

Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy. Everyone has an estate, and proper planning ensures your family is protected, no matter your net worth. These workshops will provide you with the knowledge and tools to protect what matters most.
Fall Movie and Craft
 
Join us at the La Selva Beach Branch Library for an afternoon showing of Coco along with a fun, spooky craft.
 

Norcal Bats
 
Come celebrate October's Bat Awareness Month with NorCal Bats! This is a special opportunity to meet bats, learn about these animals and their role in insect control, and learn how you can help save these important mammals with education and rescue!
Haunted Library Maze
 
Enjoy a fun haunted maze filled with tricks and treats. The Branciforte staff are excited to share this nostalgic haunted maze with you and your kiddos! Maze includes spooky decor, glow-in-the-dark features, hanging items and treats around every corner.