The Distinguished Author Series Begins This Week
 
We are excited to launch the Distinguished Author Series this week, bringing together great authors who spark new thoughts, ideas and deep discussion. Stanford Professor Dr. Robert Salpolsky will kick off the four-part virtual author event on Wednesday. Sapolsky is an acclaimed author, biologist, stress expert, neuroscientist, and MacArthur Genius Fellow.
 
Our next event is on Wednesday, April 28th with Jaron Lanier. Lanier is considered a Renaissance Man for the 21st Century for his work as a computer scientist, composer, futurist and author. Writing on topics including the social impact of technology, Internet politics and the future of humanism, Lanier has been at the forefront of technical innovation and was a pioneer of virtual reality (a term he coined). He was recently featured in the Netflix documentary, The Social Dilemma.
 
Notable works include Who Owns the Future? (2013) and Ten Arguments for Deleting your Social Media Accounts Right Now (2018).
 
Lanier will be joined by Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who will moderate this engaging and lively conversation. Register now to save your spot for this free, virtual event.
 
On May 8, we welcome award-winning novelist, poet, playwright and essayist Joyce Carol Oates. Pulitzer Prize-winning short story writer and novelist Jhumpa Lahiri will round out the series on May 22.
 
Advanced registration is required. All of these events are free, held online and open to the public. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear from these award-winning authors!
 
Expanded Library Access and Expanded Hours Start Next Week!
We are opening more library space with up to 50% occupancy starting Monday, April 19.
 
Patrons can browse the full library collection and enjoy computer and printing services at Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill and Saratoga Libraries Monday-Saturday from 1-6 p.m.* Library events will continue to be held virtually.
 
Visitors must be COVID-19 symptom free, wear a face covering and maintain social distance. Hand sanitizer is available to patrons as they enter and exit the building. Visitors are asked to keep their visits to one hour to allow as many patrons as possible to safely enjoy expanded access.
 
Each library has self-service machines to check out items. Patrons will need to have their library card with them, or know their library card number and PIN to use the self-check machines. Patrons can call (408) 540-3945 for assistance with their library account.
 
Contactless curbside service is available by appointment Monday-Saturday from 3-5 p.m., where a staff member will bring holds to the vehicle. Appointments can be made online or by calling (408) 540-3947. 
 
Account and reference service will continue by phone, email, or chat. All additional updates about SCCLD services are available at sccld.org/informed.
 
*Campbell Library, in anticipation of its move later this spring in preparation for a full renovation, will continue to provide curbside and walkup service Monday-Saturday.
 

KIDS AND FAMILIES

Join us for a Free Virtual
Family Concert!
April 30th is Children’s Day/Book Day
(Día de los niños/Día de los libros), a nationally recognized initiative that celebrates the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds.
 
Celebrate Día with your family by reading diverse books, and learning about different cultures together. If you are looking for some reading inspiration, this blog can help you find a book to share with the children in your life.
 
Join us for a special bilingual concert on Thursday, April 29 at 11 a.m. on Facebook! Alina Celeste and Mi Amigo Hamlet will share songs that celebrate the awesomeness of being bilingual. 
Student eResource:
HelpNow by Brainfuse 
HelpNow by Brainfuse is an online resource available to students. Get homework help on any subject with an online tutor from 1-10 p.m., any day of the week.
 
Additional services include creating flashcards, taking practice tests, skill building and customized learning plans. FAFSA assistance is also available.
 
Spanish tutors are also available. Give it a try today!

TEENS AND ADULTS

LinkedIn Learning Mobile App
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) offers online self-paced learning courses for continuing education in business, marketing, management, software, technology, and creative skills.
 
Patrons can now access this resource anytime they want with a newly released mobile app! This blog provides step-by-step instructions to get you started today. 
Virtual Author Visit:
Learn About Zero Waste
Celebrate Earth Day by joining us on Tuesday, April 20 for a virtual zero waste living workshop with Christine Liu, the author of Sustainable Home. 
 
Christine will also share her story and answer any questions from her experience of living zero waste in the Bay Area. If you're new to zero waste or already live the lifestyle, this workshop is a great way to learn, discuss, and connect on eco-conscious living.
 
Register for this Zoom event. 

MORE FROM THE LIBRARY
 
Virtual Travel Program: Southwestern England
See the rugged, beautiful coastline and delightful villages of Cornwall and Devon, as well as the English resort towns during our virtual Travel Program on Tuesday, April 20.
 
You’ll enjoy history, from Stonehenge to a medieval clock where a copy of the original Magna Carta is kept, and the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake.
 
Register to participate in this Zoom program.
 
April is Jazz Appreciation Month
Jazz Appreciation Month was started by the National Museum of American History as an annual recognition to celebrate the heritage and history of jazz.
 
This year's theme is Women’s Impact and Contributions in Jazz. The featured artist is Nina Simone, the talented pianist, singer, songwriter, storyteller and civil rights activist. 
 
Patrons can listen to Simone’s albums and explore other Jazz works through our free music streaming/downloading service, Freegal. 

NEED A LIBRARY CARD?
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. 
 
On a temporary basis during the COVID-19 crisis, eCards are available to all residents who live within Santa Clara County 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

Visit us at sccld.org
We're here for you Monday - Saturday
Staff is available to answer your questions from 10 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays). 
 
Account Questions: (408) 540-3945
Ask a Librarian: (408) 540-3947
 
You can also connect with us online via chat or email to Ask a Librarian, or if you have an Account Question.
 
You can also text us: (833) 209-6600