February 2026
Every February we celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month. As we welcome this new month, we want to honor and highlight the many contributions of African Americans to the United States through many fun and educational activities. Visit this link for book lists and events. 
 
Director of Libraries Message

Director Christopher Platt's message for February. 


 
February Programs & Events Brochure
 
Our Calendar of events offers you the opportunity to create program brochures with custom filters! We've created a short video that demonstrates how to create a custom brochure. We invite you to watch the video and try it for yourself! 
 
Video on How to Create a Custom Brochure
Print copies are available in the branches.


2026 Our Community Reads
 
Our Community Reads continues in February!
 Be sure to check out a copy of Spare Parts, by author Joshua Davis, so you can join all the upcoming Our Community Reads events. Visit the link to learn more about all the events for this year's
Our Community Reads and register to attend.

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley
Award-Winning Author of Island Queen and Murder in Westminster
Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 4:00 PM PST
 
Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart
Award-Winning Author and Professor of Philosophy
Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 11:00 AM PST
 
To register for upcoming virtual talks, visit the SCPL Virtual Author Talks website at: https://libraryc.org/santacruzpl. 
Sign up for the monthly Virtual Author Talks newsletter to hear about the upcoming
free virtual author talks. https://libraryc.org/santacruzpl/subscribe
 
Virtual Author Talks  is made possible through the generous support of the
Friends of the Capitola Branch Library.

Join a Book Group Share Your Love of Reading with Like-Minded Readers In-Person and Virtual
Book Groups

Did you know SCPL has Book Groups?
Join one of our book groups and share your love of reading with like-minded readers.
Book groups are available in-person and virtual. 
Aptos Bridge Club
 
Join us Mondays at Aptos Branch Library for social Bridge! All skill levels welcome. Enjoy fun, friendship, and mental stimulation.
 Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind. If you’re interested in playing Bridge, a table is waiting for you.
 

Researching Early American Ancestors
 
In the period stretching from the early 1600s to the early 1800s, records kept at local, state, colonial and federal levels vary from few-and-scattered to many-and-detailed. Understanding who kept records, and what kind they were keeping, can help make your search fruitful. Join Cathy Andrews for this talk online or at the Downtown Branch Library.
 
Register Here
Project Scout-
Free Tax Assistance
 
Project SCOUT provides free tax assistance to seniors, individuals with a disability, and low income residents of Santa Cruz County. Project SCOUT also assists with general tax questions. This free tax service will be available at the following libraries: Aptos, Felton, Capitola, and Downtown. 
 
Call 831-427-7713 or visit the branch to make an appointment.

Knit and Stitch Knitting Group La Selva Beach Branch Library First Mondays of the month 10:30A-12:00PM
Sewing for Kids Saturday, February 7 Downtown Branch Library
Knit and Stitch Group 
 
Join us for a relaxed, drop-in space to knit, crochet, and explore all kinds of stitchery. Bring your current project and your own supplies, and enjoy a welcoming environment to chat, share ideas, and pick up new techniques from fellow crafters. All experience levels are welcome! 
Sewing for Kids
 
 Join Sewing for Kids Downtown! A different hand sewing project is offered each month.
February's project is a cookie heart.
No sewing experience needed.
 
Register Here

Hearts & Crafts
Valentine's Day Card Making 
 
Get creative for Valentine's Day! Make your own cards for a loved one using markers, paint, stickers, washi tape, stencils and more.
Fun for all ages and skill levels!
The Inquisitor: The Life and Legacy of a Civil Rights Icon
 
Join us for a screening of The Inquisitor, which highlights the legacy of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, shining a light on how her public influence shaped U.S. politics, while exploring the complexities of her personal identity. Stay for the discussion with live panel and virtual visit from one of the filmmakers..
 
Register Here

Beautiful Life Estate Planning

Beautiful Life Estate Planning is hosting an afternoon full of education and good food. Nourish your brain and body with our Educational Eats!
Whether you're a novice to estate planning or not, this event is for you.
 
Register Here
Author Talk: Discovering Different Ways to Meditate

Join Claire Schneeberger, author of Holding Space: The Essential Guide to Leading Meditation & Mindfulness Practices to learn about different meditation practices and their benefits.

Crafting the Lunar New Year: Chinese papercutting and calligraphy
 
Celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year learning traditional Chinese crafts. Student instructors from our partners at Flex Kids Culture will lead adults 18 and up in the art of Chinese Papercutting and anyone ages 6 and up in Chinese Calligraphy. 
 
Register Here
Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids 
 
 Come join us in making Valentine's Day crafts!
Children ages 4 and up, their families and caregivers are invited to join us to make Valentine's Day crafts at the
Downtown Branch Library.
We will be making glass magnets, watercolor hanging heart doilies, woven heart cards and circuit valentines.
 

Conversations in Español: Community Club to Foster Fluency
 
Have you taken a Spanish course in the past that has ended and find it hard to keep your skills up on your own due to lack of practice opportunities?
Can you understand a bit when you read and listen, but then freeze up when trying to talk? If yes, this may be the club for you!
Health and Lifestyle Solutions Book Group
 
Join a health book club with educational discussions led by Dr. Rabia Barkins, a licensed holistic health practitioner. Improve overall health with lifestyle changes to diet, exercise, and more.
 

Tax Savings with the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" Series
 
Join us for a series providing tax education in the wake of confusing changes with the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act." The three separate sessions will target different members of our community.
Tech Talks: AI Media Deception
 
AI tools can easily create evidence supporting a false reality. Images, videos, voices, websites, emails, and messages can seem genuine despite being misleading or false. Join us and explorate AI tools that are amplifying today’s zero trust environment.
 
Register Here