All SCCLD libraries will be closed and services unavailable on Monday, February 17 for Presidents' Day. Our Online Library is always available at sccld.org/Online-Library/
Silicon Valley Reads Programs
Silicon Valley Reads 2025 aims to Empower Humanity, looking at Technology for a Better World. Take advantage of these free programs happening in our libraries over the next few weeks. Please note, some of these programs may require registration.
 
Campbell Express Library:
AI Stocks, ETFs, and Mutual Funds, February 11 at 7 p.m.
 
Gilroy Library:
Digitize and Document Your Family History, February 15 at 1 p.m.
Bringing Imagination to Life with AI (Grades 3-5) February 16 at 2 p.m.
Rube Goldberg Machines: Inventive Engineering, February 16 at 3:30 p.m.
Bringing Imagination to Life with AI (Grades K-2), February 23 at 2 p.m.
Exploring Creativity with Digital Arts, February 23 at 3:30 p.m.
 
Los Altos Library:
Introduction to AI in Healthcare (Teens), February 18 at 4 p.m.
Maximizing Your Returns: Humans vs. Machines, February 27 at 7 p.m.
 
Morgan Hill Library:
AI in Homeschooling Education, February 15 at 1 p.m.
Level Up Your Marketing: Smartphone Videos Made Simple, February 15 at 3:30 p.m.
Progressing NASA’s Missions, February 25 at 4 p.m.
 
Saratoga Library:
Are We Alone in the Universe? February 16 at 2 p.m.
 
Find the full Silicon Valley Reads calendar here. 

KIDS AND FAMILIES

Silicon Valley Reads:
RAFT Maker Mobile Visits
Children ages 5+ are invited to ignite their creativity with the RAFT Maker Mobile, which is making stops at several libraries!
 
This innovative mobile makerspace brings hands-on, immersive STEAM learning.
 
Whether you're a student, educator, or simply someone with a passion for STEAM, these hands-on projects offer a unique learning experience. Develop valuable skills in design and problem-solving while turning your imagination into reality. Join us!
 
Los Altos Library:
Saturday, February 15 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
 
Gilroy Library:
Saturday, March 1 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
 
Morgan Hill Library:
Saturday, March 15 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Learn Coding Through
the Power of Play
Interested in learning how to code? Try our online resource, CodeCombat. It’s a fantasy game that teaches coding skills to kids ages 9+.
 
Choose your hero, collect gems, and defeat enemies as you make your way through this fantasy game that teaches Python, JavaScript, C++, and other coding languages! Master Web Development or Game Development with over 500 levels that teach new ideas, build on existing concepts, and challenge you to think outside the box.
 
CodeCombat uses typed code, not drag-and-drop blocks. This real experience will accelerate learning of essential computer science concepts and allows for flexibility and creativity for the user to apply problem-solving skills. 
 
Try it out today!

TEENS AND ADULTS

Fall in Love with New Books
It’s the season of love with Valentine’s Day just a few days away, on Friday, February 14. Find a new book to fall in love with at the library.
 
Kids can find an adorable picture book on OverDrive. Love is in the air with one of these Teen eBooks. We have Rom-Com eBooks for Adults on OverDrive. In our libraries, we have romance novels and books celebrating family love. 
 
 
Black History Month Reads
February marks Black History Month. Our librarians have created fiction and nonfiction booklists that highlight the Black experience and celebrate the impact and contributions made throughout history. Check them out!
 
Black History Month for Adults
 
Recognizing the Contributions of Black People Throughout History
 
Historical Fiction that celebrates Black History and Culture
 
Books About Black Musicians
 
Recent Cookbooks by Black Chefs
 
There are also many programs for all ages to enjoy in recognition of Black History Month including Capoeira for beginners, author talks, book clubs, crafts, performances, and more!
Finding Career Help at the Library
Our Online Library has a section dedicated to Career & Job Skills. Find free resources that can help you with a new career:
 
Brainfuse JobNow: Live tutors are available 7 days a week from 1 -- 10 p.m. for one-on-one assistance in a wide variety of topics related to finding a job, writing a winning resume, and interview coaching.
 
Gale Presents: Peterson’s Career Prep: Take an assessment to get personalized career recommendations, and guidance on programs, knowledge, skills, and ability. Search for open jobs opportunities and create visually interesting résumés, cover letters, and websites that can be externally shared with prospective employers, using prebuilt templates.
 
In addition, Gilroy Library is offering a Silicon Valley Reads special event: Elevate Your Job Search Using AI. From enhancing resumes to optimizing interview preparation, AI tools empower job seekers with a significant advantage. Learn how to:
  • Gain a competitive advantage by using AI career search tools to find your next opportunity.
  • Supercharge your resume using keyword optimization.
  • Learn more about LinkedIn's AI tools and how to use them.
  • Use AI virtual assistants to practice for interviews.
This presentation is on Sunday, Feb. 9. There is an English presentation at 1:30 p.m. and a Spanish presentation at 3:30 p.m. Please register. 

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Black History Month
Special Performances
Celebrate Black History Month with a unique and engaging drumming workshop for kids! This program with Mr. Boom Boom is a great way for them to learn about African culture and music, and to have fun while doing it!
 
Under the guidance of our expert instructor, participants will learn to play a variety of hand drums, including the djembe and the talking drum. The session culminates in an exhilarating dance and drum circle, allowing participants to showcase their newfound skills and celebrate the vibrant rhythms of West Africa.
 
Saturday, February 22:
Los Altos Library at 10:30 a.m.
Gilroy Library at 1 p.m.
Cupertino Library at 4:30 p.m.
 
Sunday, February 23:
Milpitas Library at 11 a.m.
Get Your Garden Ready Now
February is a good time to start thinking about your garden. Take a look at these free programs happening to get you started:
 
Quick Growing Spring Vegetables:
Morgan Hill Library, February 11 at 5:30 p.m.
 
Grow Your Vegetables from Seed:
Gilroy Library, February 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Cupertino Library, February 19 at 7 p.m.
 
Planting a Simple Native Garden:
Milpitas Library, February 15 at 11 a.m.
Saratoga Library, February 25 at 7 p.m.
 
Learn About Purple Vegetables:
Los Altos Library, February 19 at 7 p.m.
MORE FROM THE LIBRARY
Give the Gift of Literacy by Becoming a Tutor
The Reading Program of SCCLD offers FREE 1-on-1 tutoring for adults who want to achieve their lifelong goals and improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Pairs meet for weekly tutoring either online or in-person at a SCCLD location for 2 hours a week for at least 6 months. No teaching experience is required.
 
If you are 18 years or older and interested in becoming a volunteer literacy tutor to help someone in your community, please register for an Tutor Orientation by submitting this online form. We have orientations happening at Milpitas Library in March and Gilroy Library in April. For more information, you can email us at readingprogram@sccl.org or call (408) 262-1349, or if you are in Morgan Hill or Gilroy, call (408) 848-5366.
 
In addition, SCCLD offers other literacy programs and services for adults that could help some patrons, including ESL Clubs and Resources and English Conversation Clubs.
 
Marking a Milestone
The County of Santa Clara is marking an important milestone next week. It was 175 years ago, on February 18, 1850, that Santa Clara County was established by charter. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the county has a rich history that spans from its agricultural roots to its current position as a global hub of innovation and technology. 
 
The county was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ohlone and Miwok peoples. Spanish explorers arrived in the late 1700s and established missions, bringing with them European diseases that devastated the native populations.
 
In the mid-1800s, California experienced a gold rush that brought many people to the area. However, it was agriculture that ultimately became the county's economic foundation and Santa Clara County was known as "Valley of Heart's Delight".
 
The 1900s saw the rise of technology in the region. In the 1950s and 1960s, the area became home to a number of high-tech companies.
 
Today, Santa Clara County is a diverse community of over 1.9 million people. The county has a large Hispanic population, making up over a quarter of local residents. Asian Americans also make up a significant portion of the population, with many immigrants from Vietnam, China, India, and many other countries settling in the area. Read more about the county’s history here.
 
Explore our local history collections, which features newspaper archives dating back to 1886! 

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.