A Semiquincentennial Celebration!
 
The United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday, July 4. This marks the brave action of many of the Founding Fathers of the nation to tell the British monarchy that Americans were no longer subjects of the crown, and that the American colonies were free and independent states. Read all about the Revolutionary War in the History resources of our online library.
 
The library can help you celebrate the holiday. This blog highlights free activities and programs happening in our libraries. Patrons can enjoy sessions on how to unlock their ancestors’ military records, craft events, book clubs and more.
Also make sure to stop by the library for help planning family gatherings. We have a number of grilling cookbooks at the library, or try our online cooking resource, New York Times Cooking. Discover hundreds of videos on Creativebug that can help you create the perfect festive atmosphere.
 
Our libraries will be closed and services unavailable on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
 
Our Online Library is available 24/7 with eBooks, audiobooks, streaming movies and music to enjoy anytime.  

KIDS AND FAMILIES

Summer Reading Check-in
We are nearing the halfway point of our Summer Reading program but there is still time to grow with the library and Plant a Seed, Read!
 
Sprout new ideas by picking up a great book, learn, and have fun at library events. Our program offers something for every reader, whether they are adults, teens, or children. Join us for events including special performances, book clubs, and more. Check our calendar here. It’s free and fun for all ages!
 
Start your adventure and log in or register on Beanstack. Earn a prize for reading five books and completing an activity. Plant a Seed, Read runs through July 31. Completion prizes are available starting Saturday, August 1, while supplies last.
 
Register now and check out our free programs and recommended reading at sccld.org/summer.
State Historical Park Passport FREE! 
July is Park and Recreation Month. Make the most of it with a great opportunity provided by the California State Parks Foundation and California State Railroad Museum Foundation.
 
Through July 6, the $50 State Historical Park Passport is available for FREE!
 
Create an account and download the passport before July 6 to receive free admission to 30 California Historical State Parks. This includes parks like Robert Louis Stevenson Park near Calistoga, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, and Monterey State Historic Park. The pass is valid through the end of the year. Sign up at reservecalifornia.com
 
The library also offers free passes to county and state parks. Place a hold on a County or State park pass with your full-access library card. Before you head out on your next adventure, be sure to stop by the library to pick up travel guides. 

TEENS AND ADULTS

Calling All Poets!
SCCLD is partnering with SVCREATES, with support from Poetry Center San José, to invite local poets to apply for the position of Santa Clara County Poet Laureate for 2027-28.
 
The Poet Laureate is an honorary post that acts as an advocate for poetry, literature, and the arts, taking part in public readings and participating in civic events. Applications will be accepted from July 6 – August 14, 2026, using SVCREATES’s online portal: SVCREATES.org/Poet-Laureate
 
Eligibility criteria and core duties for the Santa Clara County Poet Laureate can be found here, along with details about the application process. Workshops and virtual 1:1 appointments will be provided by SVCREATES for interested poets:
  • Milpitas Library: Tuesday, July 7, 6:30 -- 7:30 p.m. (no registration required)
  • Zoom: Online information session Wednesday, July 10, 5:30 -- 6:30 p.m. (register here)
  • Gilroy Library: Monday, July 13, 6:30 -- 7:30 p.m. (no registration required)
 
Medici.TV Returns to SCCLD 
Classical music fans rejoice! Medici.tv has returned to the Online Library collection.
 
Stream concerts, operas, and ballets live and on demand. Discover documentaries and master classes. Medici.tv is available in English and Spanish.
 
No more checkouts through Hoopla. Log in directly with your library card and PIN to access in a browser or the app. 
Mindfulness in Minutes
The app, Headspace, is mindfulness for your everyday life, designed to help you stress less, move more, and sleep soundly. SCCLD offers patrons access to the app for free.
 
Join us on Wednesday, July 15 at 11 a.m. to learn about Headspace. In this demo, you’ll learn how to create an account, use stress management tools, and find your way around the website and app. Discover how Headspace can help you feel calmer, sleep better, and build healthy habits.
 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS


Summer Reading Programs for Kids
 
The library can help keep kids busy this summer. We have some special performances coming up. Here is a sneak peek; Our full calendar is online.

Andy Z:
Campbell Library, July 1 at 3 p.m.
 
Coventry and Kaluza Circus Show:
Saratoga Library, July 1 at 2:30 p.m.
Gilroy Library, July 2 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (sensory-friendly experience)
Morgan Hill Library, July 5 at 2 p.m.
Milpitas Library, July 15 at 7 p.m.
 
Puppet Art Theater:
Los Altos Library, July 1 at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Saratoga Library, July 29 at 2 p.m.
Milpitas Library, July 29 at 7 p.m.
Cupertino Library, July 31 at 7 p.m. 
 
Perry Yan Magic:
Morgan Hill Library, June 30 at 7 p.m.
Milpitas Library, July 1 at 3:30 and 7 p.m.
Cupertino Library, July 15 at 7 p.m.
 
Saratoga Library, July 11 at 11 a.m.
Los Altos Library, July 22 at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Campbell Library, July 29 at 3 p.m.



Virtual Library Talks in July
We have a wide range of authors joining us for Virtual Author Talks in July.
 
New research supports the idea that trauma can be passed down through generations, living in our genes and shaping our health. This idea is explored in Wolynn’s It Didn’t Start with You.
 
The acclaimed author will discuss her North Falls series, including the upcoming book,
 
In her new memoir, Migrant Heart, Grande explores the hidden cost of the American Dream and the long journey of healing after hardship.
 
A leading expert in human connection, Franco explains how our attachment styles shape our friendships in the book Platonic.
 
Rundell’s Impossible Creatures was wildly popular when it was released. Learn about the sequel, The Poisoned King.
 
Register for these events at sccld.org/events/
 
 
MORE FROM THE LIBRARY 
 




Lunch at the Library
The Morgan Hill and Gilroy Libraries are offering Lunch at the Library this summer.

Lunch is available to kids under 18 years old, while supplies last Monday – Friday through the summer break. Morgan Hill Library’s lunch service begins at 12 p.m., while Gilroy Library begins at 1 p.m.

No registration is required. 
Learn About My China Roots
If you missed our online course about how to use the My China Roots genealogy resource, it is now available to stream online. Click here to watch the video.  
 
Users can do research in English and/or Chinese to find out about ancestors in China or other countries they may have settled in. This resource has access to a wide variety of information sources, from birth records to family books.
 
 
 
Celebrate the 4th of July Safely
According to the Santa Clara County Fire Department, the safest and most effective way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave all fireworks displays to trained professionals and attend an outdoor public display if available. 
 
Take a look at the upcoming shows. There will also be a fireworks display at Excite Ballpark at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 after the ballgame.
 
Have a happy and safe Independence Day!
 
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.
 
 
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.