All libraries will be closed on Monday, February 16 for Presidents' Day. Our Online Library is always available. 
Graphic featuring two horses, firecrackers and lanterns with the text "Happy Lunar New Year."
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the Library
The Lunar New Year is on Tuesday, February 17. Celebrated in China, Korea, Vietnam and other Asian communities, the Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar, and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar. This year we are marking the Year of the Horse.
 
We have a number of free programs including a Family Storytime with author Oliver Chin who will introduce readers to his book, The Year of the Horse. On February 17, Milpitas and Saratoga Libraries are hosting Lunar New Year programs. Also coming up are Traditional and Modern Vietnamese dance performances at Los Altos, Milpitas, and Morgan Hill Libraries. Teens can enjoy a Lunar New Year Escape Room activity at Gilroy Library, while adults can check out a paper cutting craft and Acupuncture program. Find our full calendar of Lunar New Year events here.
 
Share these Lunar New Year picture books with the young reader in your life. 

Image includes a graphic of Open Access with a key in front of a library background. The other side features a picture of the lobby of the Morgan Hill library.
Open Access Expands to Morgan Hill Library 
We have good news to share with our South County library patrons! We are expanding our self-service program, Open Access, to Morgan Hill Library. 
 
Similar to Woodland and Gilroy Libraries, patrons can sign up to enjoy self-service access to browse and check out library materials, relax and read, and use the WiFi. In addition, Open Access users at Morgan Hill Library can pick up their holds. The Open Access hours at Morgan Hill Library start at 9 a.m. seven days a week. That's 16 bonus hours!
 
If you are interested in signing up, please visit the library’s accounts desk during regular open hours and fill out a registration form. Then, staff will walk you through a short demonstration, which includes how to use Open Access. 
 
Please note: no staff assistance will be provided, so if you need help, please visit during regular library hours for full service.
 
Learn about Open Access at Woodland and Gilroy Libraries at sccld.org/openaccess. 
KIDS AND FAMILIES

The book, See Marcus Grow, with a background featuring blue skies and a grassy field with flowers.
Read for the Record Celebrates 20 Years
The annual Read for the Record campaign is a nationwide event that stresses the importance of building early literacy and language skills for every child. Every year, millions of children around the world read the same book on the same day to mark Read for the Record. This year’s Read for the Record is happening on Thursday, February 26.
 
This year’s program is especially special as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Click on this booklist to enjoy two decades of Read for the Record®.
 
Join us for special storytimes reading this year’s featured story, See Marcus Grow by Marcus Bridgewater and illustrated by Reggie Brown. The book illustrates the parallel between plant care and human development, sharing the wisdom that both children and seedlings need water, air, sunshine, and space to grow.
Child's Hands Over Red Heart
Valentine's Day Crafts 
Stop by the library and create a Valentine’s Day craft to keep or give away.
 
Cupertino Library: Valentine Crafts on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.
Gilroy Library: Crafts on Feb. 12 at
4 p.m.
Morgan Hill Library: Valentine’s Cards on Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Saratoga Library: Heart Wreath on
Feb. 10 at 4 p.m.
 
If you can’t make it to a program, try our free eResource CreativeBug. Find kid-friendly crafts such as Love Bugs, paperweights, origami hearts, and more. 

TEENS AND ADULTS

The New York Times and The Atlantic logos.
eResource Spotlight for Sports Fans
This is an exciting time of year for sports fans! We are fresh off the Super Bowl and now the Olympic Winter Games at Milano Cortino are underway. In the next month, we’ve got March Madness and MLB Opening Day at Oracle Park.  
 
We invite patrons to try out The Athletic for high-quality local, national and international news coverage of professional and collegiate sports teams. Read The Athletic for personalized journalism and in-depth analysis across all major sports leagues and markets. 
 
Try it online here. 
Mardi Gras masks on a purple background with the text "From Gumbo to Greatness" and "Mardi Gras Cooking Class."
Celebrate Black History Month
Celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras and honor the rich traditions of Black History Month in this flavorful, hands‑on cooking class led by Chef Kiah.
 
Participants will explore the roots and stories behind iconic dishes while learning how to prepare a soulful, crowd‑pleasing meal. Join us for great food, vibrant conversation, and a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community through cooking.
 
Milpitas Library: Feb. 15 at 3 p.m.
Los Altos Library: Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
Morgan Hill Library: Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
Gilroy Library: Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Upcoming Silicon Valley Reads Programs
Build bridges to belonging with these upcoming crafty Silicon Valley Reads activities:
 
Friendship Bracelet Making:
Cupertino Library:
Art Therapy for Tweens: Feb. 13 at 4 p.m.
 
Gilroy Library:
Middle School Bracelet Craft: Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.
 
Los Altos:
Teen Friendship Bracelets: Feb. 21 at 3 p.m.  
 
Morgan Hill Library:
Craft for Adults: Feb. 9 at 6 p.m.
Craft for Teens: Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.
Chat and Craft at ESL Conversation Club: Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.
 
Watercolor Programs:
Cupertino Library: Feb. 20 at 11 a.m.
 
Milpitas Library: Feb. 21 at 3 p.m.
 
Morgan Hill Library: Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. (adults) and Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. (teens)
 
Find more Silicon Valley Reads programs here. 

MORE FROM THE LIBRARY 
Graphic featuring four people having a picnic with the text "Community Cookbook."
Graphic of a teen girl using a selfie stick to record a video.
Share a Family Recipe
Community members are invited to be a part of a new Santa Clara County Community Cookbook project. This project captures the family stories and recipes of our residents, culminating in the publication of a cookbook that reflects the richly diverse fabric of Santa Clara County's cultural landscape. 
 
Each patron may submit up to three (3) recipes for consideration to be added to the Community Cookbook. Recipes with photographs attached will be highly considered, as will all recipes with clear and complete directions. We will accept recipes until Tuesday, March 31, 2026. 
 
To enter your recipes, click this link here. 
 
Learn more and see the rules on our website. 
Participate in Our Multilingual Video Project
Be part of our Silicon Valley Reads 2026 theme, Bridges to Belonging by contributing to our video project.
 
Our theme celebrates the bridges we build - to one another, to our families, and to our communities - that help us feel seen, welcomed, and truly at home.
 
We'd love for you to voluntarily submit a short video of your child or yourself saying one of the following:
  • "Hello"
  • "Thank you"
  • "Thank you, Neighbor"
Feel free to record your message in any language you love or grew up with. Every voice adds a new color to the mosaic of belonging. Learn more about the multilingual video project here. 
GET A LIBRARY CARD OR RENEW YOUR CARD ONLINE
Icons - Library eCard - Blue
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.