All SCCLD libraries will be closed and services unavailable on Monday, October 9 in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Discover Your Family History!
 
Santa Clara County Library District libraries have many free resources that can help you dig into your family’s past and discover their history. During Family History Month this October, try out these resources:

Ancestry Library lets users search genealogical records and discover more about your family history. Databases include records from the U.S. Census, military records, court and vital records, directories, passenger lists, and more.

Fold3 Library Edition provides access to a growing collection of U.S. military records from the Revolutionary War to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, including stories, photos, and personal documents of those who served.

Digital ReeL offers access to SCCLD’s microfilm collection of historical local newspapers, digitized for enhanced access and searching capabilities.

Please note: some of these resources can only be accessed in-person at the library.

If you aren’t sure where to start your search, check out this blog which features tips from an expert genealogist. 

KIDS AND FAMILIES

Special Program: ReadyRosie
ReadyRosie is a resource for parents and caregivers of children ages 0-6 years. Discover videos and gain insight on how to best share information and develop early literacy skills for little ones.
 
Join us for a 30-minute demonstration on Wednesday, September 27 at 1:30 p.m. This is a virtual presentation led by a ReadyRosie representative. Please register. 
Hispanic Heritage Month Fun Continues in October!
We are about halfway into National Hispanic Heritage Month, and there are still a lot of free programs for patrons to enjoy! From storytimes and sweet treats to paint nights and special performances, find our full calendar here.
 
We also invite you to participate in our Hispanic Heritage Month Reading Challenge! Read, do activities, and attend programs that honor diverse voices, unique perspectives and rich cultural traditions. 

TEENS AND ADULTS

Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read and puts a spotlight on titles that have been challenged or banned. This year, it will be observed from October 1 – 7 with the theme, “Let Freedom Read.”
 
Banned Books Week “highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas.”
 
It is SCCLD’s vision to create a world in which access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities is guaranteed to all. Everyone belongs at the library! And your SCCLD library card can connect you with information and help you discover new things. 
Financial Planning for the Future
October is Financial Literacy Month. With the holidays around the corner, now is a good time to start thinking about money matters and putting together a plan to create savings. We are hosting two online programs that can help patrons plan for their financial future.
 
Tax Optimization and Best Tax Practices: Optimize your tax situation now, while taking into consideration your future tax bracket.
Tuesday, October at 7 p.m.
 
Estate Planning After 2026 Estate Tax Sunset: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will sunset at the end of 2025. This can bring significant changes for many taxpayers. Learn how estate taxes will change and how to prepare. Tuesday, October 24 at 7 p.m.
 
Patrons are also encouraged to check out our Smart Investing Guide online. Find financial tools and websites, educational literature and other resources for investors of different ages and backgrounds with different goals. It's never too early to begin building good financial habits!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Bestselling Authors in October
We have an exciting lineup for our Virtual Author Series. Make sure to register now to secure your spot:
 
Wednesday, September 27 at 5 p.m. (registration ends at Tuesday at 5 p.m.): Bestselling author Amor Towles. Find his books here.
 
Tuesday, October 10 at 1 p.m.: Travel expert and TV host Rick Steves. Find his books here. 
 
Wednesday, October 18 at 11 a.m.: Bestselling novelist Ruth Wares. Find her books here. 
 
Thursday, October 26 at 4 p.m.: Renowned bestseller John Irving. Find his books here. 
Learn About
Artificial Intelligence 
Join us on Tuesday, October 10 at 7 p.m. for an informative virtual presentation that aims to motivate and inspire teens and adults to explore Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Our presenter, Hartnell College Faculty Member Tarek Hussain will provide a peek into what AI is and how it is reshaping our lives, how we can leverage AI to do things efficiently, and the skills and knowledge you need to be prepared for a potentially AI-driven workforce. 
 
Please register for this event. 
MORE FROM THE LIBRARY
 
Suicide Awareness Prevention
September is nationally recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The recognition aims to raise suicide awareness, promote prevention efforts, and reduce stigma.
 
In fact, it has been one year since the county’s Behavioral Health Services Department launched the 988-suicide prevention lifeline and an expansion of services for people in crisis. In its first year, the line answered 20,980 calls.
 
To further bolster crisis services, BHSD recently launched text messaging through 988, available in English and Spanish.

 
Please remember that there is help available. There is hope.   
The Immigrant Belonging Project
The Office of Immigrant Relations is partnering with the Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California at Berkeley to gather information shared by immigrant communities.
 
A countywide project like this has not been completed in more than 20 years. This project will shape the understanding of the experience of immigrants in the county for years to come.
 
Community members are invited to complete an online survey if they are: at least 18 years old, living in Santa Clara County (regardless of immigration status) and born OUTSIDE of the United States. The survey is available in multiple languages at SCCimmigrantsurvey.com
GET A LIBRARY CARD
OR RENEW YOUR CARD ONLINE
Join the Library in September and Receive a Free Gift!
 
Everyone benefits from having their own library card! It's free, available for all ages, and with 2.3 million items in our collection, we have something for you to discover!
 
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month and a great time to get a library card. Sign up for a full use card at any of our libraries or Bookmobile stops and receive a free gift, while supplies last. 
 
REGISTER HERE
 
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.