Passport Services Expands to Fifth Library Location
The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) is pleased to announce the expansion of the popular U.S. passport services at SCCLD libraries. Saratoga Library is now accepting appointments for people wanting to obtain or renew their passports. Saratoga Library is the fifth SCCLD library to become an official passport acceptance facility following Milpitas, Cupertino, Los Altos and Gilroy Libraries.
 
Services offered:
  • First-time passports for adults and children
  • Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged passports
  • Renewal of passports issued before the applicant was 16 years of age
  • Renewal of expired passports issued more than 15 years ago.
  • Passport photo services
Visit sccld.org/passport to choose a time and location for your appointment, find out what documents you will need to prepare in advance and bring to your appointment, and applicable fees (checks or money orders only). Please watch this video tutorial to help guide you through the process.
 
A SCCLD library card is not required for passport services, but it highly recommended for those who would like to access free travel-related materials at all of our libraries and the Online Library. This includes books, magazines and online resources about travel, culture, food, and languages.
 
Happy travels!

KIDS AND FAMILIES

Free Hispanic Heritage Month Programs
National Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing. Join us for free programs for kids and families over the next few weeks:
 
Gilroy Library:
Tin Box Nichos: Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.
ABCs of Lowriding & Mini Mural Art Workshop: Sept. 30 at 4:30 p.m.
¡Viva! at the Library Featuring Singer-Songwriter Diana Gameros: Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
Ofrenda Crafts/Manualidades para la Ofrenda: Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.
Playdoh Playtime/Hora de juego con plastilina: Oct. 15 at 3 p.m.
 
Los Altos Library:
¡Viva! at the Library Featuring Singer-Songwriter Diana Gameros: Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.
 
Morgan Hill Library:
Dance Folklórico Performance: Sept. 27 at
2 p.m.
¡Viva! at the Library Featuring Singer-Songwriter Diana Gameros: Oct. 4 at 11 a.m.
 
Enjoy the Changing Seasons
The fall season is officially underway.
 
As we begin having longer nights and shorter days, the leaves will start changing color and the weather will get cooler.
 
Now is a great time to explore nature! Visit a county or state park for free with our parks pass program. 
 
National Comic Book Day is September 25
Comic books blend storytelling with powerful visuals. From superheroes saving the day to heartfelt graphic novels and adventurous manga, comics have inspired readers of all ages for generations.
 
Stop by the library, explore our shelves of comics and graphic novels, and discover a story that leaps off the page. Discover and read thousands of titles online in ComicsPlus and Hoopla instantly. 

TEENS AND ADULTS

Financial Aid 101
Join us for a free in-person or virtual presentation to learn how to apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) on Wednesday, October 1 at 5:30 p.m.
 
Our expert will walk you through the application process, share tips on maximizing aid, and answer your questions. Whether you're a student or parent, this session will help you take the next step toward college success.
 
This program will be held at Morgan Hill Library. However you can attend virtually. Please register for the Zoom link.
 
In addition, our online resource Brainfuse Help Now offers FAFSA Live Help. 
Building a Strong Financial Future
We invite you to an in-person and virtual 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 Tuesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. It will be held in-person at Saratoga Library. Participants can join online by registering and including their email address. 
 
Visit our Smart Investing webpage to find additional tools for money management. 

UPCOMING EVENTS
October Virtual Author Talk Schedule
Join Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key on October 2 at 11 a.m. as they discuss Nuestra América, a richly illustrated book that highlights inspiring stories of Latinos—their cultural roots, childhoods, and impactful contributions to U.S. history. Please register.
 
Since its debut, Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows has captivated Young Adult readers with its gritty fantasy world, intricate magic system, and unforgettable cast of morally complex characters. Hear from Bardugo on October 9 at 4 p.m. Please register.
 
Join us for a conversation with Philippa Gregory, the acclaimed “queen of British historical fiction,” as she returns to the Tudor Court in her forthcoming novel Boleyn Traitor. As sister-in-law to Anne Boleyn and a witness to the court’s ruthless ambition, Jane Boleyn must master the art of deception to protect herself from a fate as brutal as those around her. This virtual talk is on Wednesday, October 29 at 11 a.m. Please register.
October is Filipino American Heritage Month
According to the Filipino American National History Society, Filipino American Heritage Month was first recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2009, then celebrated at the White House in 2015.
 
The month honors “the history, pursuits, accomplishments, and legacy of Filipinos in the United States.” The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco reports Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American group in the country, and the second largest ethnic group in California.
 
Throughout the month of October, join us for free programs celebrating Filipino culture. Click on each program to see the schedule: 
 
Meditative Banig Drawing: Draw a variety of line patterns inspired by Filipino weaving and tattoo designs.
 
Introduction to Filipino Martial Arts: Build coordination, confidence, and cultural awareness through movement and guided instruction.
 
Discover Ilocano Traditional Weaving: Discover socio-cultural and historical significance and explore iconic design patterns, their symbolism, and try weaving on small looms.
MORE FROM THE LIBRARY
 
Expanded Access at Woodland Library
We are expanding the popular Open Access service at Woodland Library.
 
Open Access allows patrons to browse and check out library materials, read and relax, use the WiFi, and use the computers, printers and copy machines all before the library officially opens! Patrons can enjoy early access from 8 – 11 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, excluding holidays. That is 15 hours of early access!
 
It is easy to sign up for Open Access and it is free. Just visit the library account’s 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. Watch this short video to see how it works. 
 
Please note: no staff assistance will be provided, so if you need help, please visit during library hours for full service.
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.