All SCCLD libraries will be closed and services unavailable on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Our Online Library is available 24/7. 
Silicon Valley Reads 2026 Theme and Selected Books Announced
The countywide reading engagement program, Silicon Valley Reads, aims to connect our community through the shared experiences of reading and meaningful conversation. The 2026 theme has just been announced: Bridges to Belonging.
 
Through carefully selected books and more than 100 free events, Silicon Valley Reads hopes to spark connection, empathy, and understanding across Santa Clara County. The three powerful books selected for adult readers explore the concept of belonging in a unique way:
 
The Power of Bridging by John A. Powell (Non-Fiction): This essential read offers practical strategies to build an inclusive society where everyone feels they belong, challenging readers to recognize shared humanity as the ultimate path to community healing.
 
Mainline Mama by Keeonna Harris (Memoir): Harris shares her powerful story of navigating motherhood with an incarcerated partner, shattering the myth of the "perfect family" and redefining what it means to belong.
 
Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (Fiction): Hartnett uses humor and magic to remind us that belonging can come through the most unexpected connections -- between neighbors, generations, and even the living and the dead. 
 
Silicon Valley Reads 2026 will offer an exciting lineup of free community events in local libraries, schools, and partner organizations, designed to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together. Events will include author talks, engaging classes and workshops, community discussions, kids crafts and events, and other programs centered on themes of bringing people together and understanding and accepting our differences. The schedule of events will be released in the new year.
 
Silicon Valley Reads will officially kick off on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with a free in-person and live-streamed event at De Anza College in Cupertino. Attendees will hear from the authors of the featured books for adults in a discussion moderated by Sal Pizarro of The Mercury News.
 
The Silicon Valley Reads community engagement program is presented annually by the Santa Clara County Library District, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and San José Public Library in conjunction with other public libraries, community colleges and universities, and community organizations.

KIDS AND FAMILIES

Silicon Valley Reads Titles for Youth
The countywide reading engagement program, Silicon Valley Reads, also offers books for youth. This year, we invite kids to explore diverse perspectives, better understand differences, and work to build bridges with these titles:
 
Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino for high school/young adults, Front Desk by Kelly Yang for middle grades, Together, a Forest by Roz MacLean for elementary students and Thank You, Neighbor by Ruth Chan for our youngest readers. 
Get Free Books with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library encourages a love of reading by gifting books to families with children ages 0-5. This free program is now offered to all children ages 0-5 in Santa Clara County. Families can sign up their children at sccld.org/imaginationlibrary/

Residents do not need to have a public library card, though they are strongly recommended regardless of age, to get a library card with their local library. It's never too early to introduce your little ones to books. Visit the library to enjoy storytimes and check out books for yourself and your children.

TEENS AND ADULTS

Building a Strong Financial Future
We are bringing back the popular program, Building a Strong Financial Future: Strategies for Age 45 to Retirement.
 
Topics covered include:
• Retirement saving needs including estimating Social Security benefits and the impact of inflation
• Asset allocation strategies appropriate for workers aged 45+
• Challenges that people may encounter as they try to build a nest egg and make retirement savings a priority
 
This program is on Wednesday, November 19 at 3 p.m. and will be held online. This is a repeat of the September 30 workshop. Please register to receive the Zoom link.
 
Visit our Smart Investing webpage to find additional tools for money management. 
Election Day is Tomorrow
The Statewide Special Election is set for Tuesday, November 4.
 
This election features three topics: the election for the vacant County Assessor’s office, Measure A- a proposed 5/8 cent sales tax increase for Santa Clara County to help make up for cuts at the federal level, and Prop 50-a state legislature-initiated call to redistrict California’s U.S. House seats.
 
Gilroy, Milpitas and Saratoga Libraries are serving as Early Voting Centers. Voters can come by 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Monday, November 3, and 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find additional voting centers here.
 
All of our libraries (except Campbell) have ballot drop boxes located outside of the library. Find the list of locations here.
 
If you have missed the deadline to register to vote, you can register conditionally. Learn more about the process here.
 
We have additional information and voting resources on our website. 

UPCOMING EVENTS
Honoring the Rich Ancestry and Traditions of Native Americans
Native American Heritage Month recognizes the significant contributions Native Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States. It is also a time to raise awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways tribal citizens are working to conquer these challenges.
 
Join the library this November to enjoy free programs and activities to mark the month.
 
Our libraries are hosting book clubs, author talks with D.M. Rowell, Native American Song and Dance Celebrations, and presentations with the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley. There are also a couple of virtual author talks planned with authors Joseph Lee and Amanda Peters. 
 
Find our full calendar online, and please note some programs do require advanced registration. 
 
MORE FROM THE LIBRARY
 
Resources for Veterans and Families
Veterans Day was originally recognized as Armistice Day, to mark the end of fighting during World War I. Every November 11, we recognize and thank service members who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

We have a webpage dedicated to veterans and their families. Here you can find local and state resources, as well as resources to help transition from military to civilian life. The County of Santa Clara's Office of Veterans Services is hosting a 3-day Stand Down event designed to provide services to support all veterans. It runs November 6 -- November 8 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Please register.  

All SCCLD libraries will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of the holiday.

Veterans and active military service members, we thank you for your service and sacrifice!
 
GET A LIBRARY CARD
OR RENEW YOUR CARD ONLINE
Join the Library with an Instant Free eCard
 
If you live in Santa Clara County and do not have a library card with the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), or would like additional household members to have their own library accounts, the instant free eCard is for you. 
 
eCards are available to all residents who live within Santa Clara County Library District with a valid residential mailing address (P.O. Box not accepted). 
 
An eCard gives you full access to our Online Library
services, including eBooks, streaming movies, and more.
 
REGISTER HERE
 
You can also visit any of our libraries during open hours to convert your eCard, or apply for a full use card to check out any of our physical and digital materials and resources.
 
Renew your library card online!

If you have a library card and would like to keep it current, now you can renew your library card online! SCCLD makes it easy to keep your account current and active. No visit to the library needed if your account is in good standing and you live within the Greater Bay Area. For more information or to renew online, visit sccld.org/cardrenewal.
Visit us at sccld.org
We're here for you 
Staff is available to answer your questions Monday - Sunday (excluding holidays). 
 
You can also call your local library directly during open hours, connect with us via chat or email Monday-Friday to Ask a Librarian, or if you have an Account Question.
 
Or text us at (833) 209-6600.