All SCCLD libraries will be closed and services unavailable on
Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day.  
Our online library is available 24/7 at sccld.org
The Distinguished Author Series Begins with Emily Chang
 
The Distinguished Author Series brings together writers whose works spark thought-provoking ideas and conversations. This September and October, we welcome a trio of barrier-breaking authors who come from different and diverse backgrounds, with stories that captivate and inspire.
 
We begin the series with television anchor and author Emily Chang, who has reported on global technology, media companies, startups, and the future of business. Her exposé Brotopia: Breaking Up the Boys’ Club of Silicon Valley, sheds a bright, objective and journalistic light on the issue of gender gaps in Silicon Valley that have shut women out of the great wealth creation.
 
Wednesday, September 14 at 7 p.m.
Heritage Theatre
1 West Campbell Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008
 
Each author presentation or moderated talk will be followed by an audience participation opportunity for questions and answers. The Distinguished Author Series is free and open to the public.
 
The Santa Clara County Library District Foundation is hosting a special private event immediately following the author talk with Emily Chang. Guests will have the opportunity to be seated in the VIP section, meet Chang in a small gathering and if desired, have a book personally signed. To learn about attending these private events, visit sccldf.org.

September is Library Card Sign Up Month
 
Every September, the American Library Association and libraries work together to make sure every child, teen, and adult has their own library card.
 
This year’s honorary co-chairs are Tony award-winning performer Idina Menzel (best known for voicing Elsa in Frozen) and her sister, author & educator Cara Mentzel. The sisters say, “one of the best places to find your voice is at the library.”
 
The library offers free access to services and resources that would normally cost hundreds of dollars. This includes books, eBooks, audiobooks, programs & activities for all ages, homework help, movies, music, video games, digital magazines and newspapers, and more.
 
A SCCLD library card is valid at any of our eight locations and the Bookmobile. Do you know someone who needs a library card? Find SCCLD library card applications here or stop by any of our libraries.
 
Pick from one of our unique library card designs – Create, Dream, or Discover. These one-of-a-kind designs include a lightbulb, cloud, and magnifying glass on the front where patrons can draw or write to personalize their card.
 
Everyone is invited to get a free library card. Current patrons are also welcome to replace their card with one of the new designs. Note: If you already have an SCCLD library card, you will have to get a new account number and PIN.
KIDS AND FAMILIES

Upcoming Special Performances: Cascada de Flores 
National Hispanic Heritage Month starts on Thursday, September 15. Our libraries will be hosting free events for families and people of all ages. One particular program is coming to all of our libraries starting Thursday, September 15.
 
We welcome Bay Area-based musical duo Cascada de Flores, known for their bilingual and participatory storytelling full of songs, a variety of musical instruments and characters of Mexican music and dance.
 
Please visit our Events Calendar to see the schedule. Please keep in mind, space is limited at our in-person library events and seating is available on a first-come, first served basis. 
Student Resource: Accelerated Reading Book Finder
Do you need help finding books specific to your young reader’s reading level that will both challenge them and help them thrive in school?
 
Try Accelerated Reader (AR) Bookfinder! Here you can conduct searches by author, readability level, point value, and topic. 
 
Need other suggestions? Our librarians have created Great Book lists for students up to 8th grade. 

TEENS AND ADULTS

Top Teen Books of the Year
Earlier this year, we asked teens to vote on the top teen books of the year. Without further ado, here are the Teen’s Top Ten Books:
 
Coming in at #1 is Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, followed by The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Barnes. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley rounds out the top 3.
 
Find the full list here. 
OverDrive Changes Starting
This Week
We want to remind patrons of changes coming to our free eResource, OverDrive. Starting Thursday, September 1, users will no longer be able to access videos through OverDrive.
 
OverDrive is encouraging users to try Kanopy, its video streaming service. Kanopy offers more than 30,000 films, documentaries, shows, and kids’ entertainment. Patrons with existing OverDrive video checkouts will be able to access their materials through the end of their lending period.
 
Also, the OverDrive app will be discontinued early next year. Patrons should download Libby to replace the OverDrive app. Find more information here. 
 
You can read more in this blog. 

UPCOMING EVENTS
Learn a New Language with Rosetta Stone
SCCLD offers free access to the language learning resource, Rosetta Stone.
 
This resource provides immersive language learning for 30 languages, including English. Online courses are available in different proficiency levels and structured around core lessons that help building reading, writing and listening skills.
 
Join us on Thursday, September 15 at 11 a.m. for a virtual introduction to Rosetta Stone. Please register here.
Calm the Chaos and
Tame the Tantrums
Parenting and partnering can be stressful. Join us on Zoom on Monday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m. to find ways to build better mental health for you, your partner and your kids.
 
This virtual event will be presented by Marté J. Matthews, the clinical director of Child & Family Counseling Group in San José.
 
Register to attend the program here. 
Find Social Media Success
Are you a small business owner interested in learning the secrets behind social media success?
 
Join us for a virtual event on Wednesday, September 7 at 1 p.m. Tracey Lee Davis from ZingPop Social Media will provide tips on how to grow your business on social media. Learn how to get started, choose the right social networks and a 15-minute social media plan.
 
Register here.
College Prep Workshop
Register now for our upcoming virtual program aimed at helping perspective college students with college applications. If your teen is interested in applying to a private or out-of-state university, then they will probably use commonapp.org.

Join us on Thursday, September 22 at 6 p.m. to find how more information about Common App and how you can stand out. Please register for this virtual event. 
MORE FROM THE LIBRARY
 
After-School Snacks Available in Gilroy and Morgan Hill 
Kids ages 18 and under are invited to stop by the Gilroy and Morgan Hill Libraries for a free afternoon snack. 
 
Gilroy Library is providing snacks Monday-Friday from 3 - 4 p.m. Morgan Hill Library offers snacks Monday-Thursday from 3 - 4 p.m. 
 
After-school snacks are available throughout the school year, excluding school breaks and holidays. These are free and available while supplies last. No registration is necessary. 
September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.
 
Make sure to sign up for AlertSCC, Santa Clara County’s official emergency alert and warning system. Notifications may include fire, earthquake, severe weather, and crime. You can also find instructions on what to do during an emergency. 
 
Find additional preparedness resources from the Office of Emergency Management here. 
GET A LIBRARY CARD
OR RENEW YOUR CARD ONLINE
Join the Library with a Free Library Card!
 
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.