SCPL Logo with Mision Access, Information, Connection, Inclusion
September  2026



Latin American Heritage Month
 
 While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. This celebration provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas, Latinos and Latines have had on the United States for generations.
 

Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art with Lucky Diaz
GRAMMY Award-Winning Artist and Celebrated Children’s Author
Thursday, September 24th 2026 at 4:00 PM PDT
 
Paletero Man: un viaje por el barrio, la música y el arte con Lucky Diaz
Artista ganador del premio GRAMMY y aclamado autor de libros infantiles
Thursday, September 24th 2026 at 5:00 PM PDT
 
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
Capitola Library Friends





Girls Who Code
 
Girls Who Code is a nation-wide organization dedicated to teaching girls not only the language and skills of coding, but about finding their confidence, learning teamwork and the drive to succeed.
Special Connections SC
 
Learn ways to build your child's communication, motor skills, social-emotional development, and more — all in a welcoming, judgment-free space for families and caregivers. We’ll discuss what to look for, when to ask questions, and how Early Intervention services can support your child’s growth and development.

Romancero!
Concert of Ladino Songs
 
Join us for an afternoon of Sephardic Ladino songs performed by Mark Levy. Over the past 40 years, Levy has collected these songs, which have survived the perils of a people in exile for over 500 years.
 
Register Here
AAUW Focus On Women's Health
 
Join AAUW Santa Cruz County for a conversation with Second District Supervisor Kim De Serpa and Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency Director Connie Moreno-Peraza about women’s health needs, available services, and efforts to improve care and outcomes throughout
Santa Cruz County.
 
Register Here

Garfield Park Library Book Sale and Open Mic
 
Come join in the fun! Westside Authors/Writers Over 55 Featured author: Helene Simkin Jara
Everyone is Invited to Bring a Poem to Share
Relax Under the Canopy - Buy a Book - Have a Snack - Share a Poem - Meet Neighbors
Emergency Response Team Introduction
 
Join us for an introduction to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and learn how you can build essential preparedness skills for yourself, your family, and your community.





STEM Explorers: Build a Computer

An exciting four-week STEM adventure designed for kids 8-12! In this hands-on program, participants will assemble and explore Piper computers, gaining practical experience
with computer engineering, coding, and
problem-solving. 
 
Register Here
Companions of the Sun
 
 
Learn about Iranian rituals and beliefs in relation to dance, as well as how Iranian culture has impacted global music and dance traditions.
 
Register Here

Bilingual Sounds on Hispanic Heritage Month
 
Join us at the Downtown Branch for this musical show with Alejandro Meola, independent Argentine-American guitarist, singer, songwriter and educator, supporting cultural diversity through the arts with a bilingual fusion of Latin, Rock, Blues, Folk and World sounds.
Stand Out on the Age of AI

AI is changing how customers find businesses. Learn to clarify your brand, strengthen your message, create consistency, and use AI while keeping your business human and memorable.
 
Register Here





Medicare and Long-Term
Care Planning 
 
Healthcare decisions can feel overwhelming as you approach retirement. This free 90 minute educational program will help you understand Medicare and Long-Term Care so you can make confident choices for yourself and your family.
 
Register Here
Preparing Your Fall
Veggie Garden
 
 As summer winds down, it's a perfect time to prepare your fall vegetable garden. Join Master Gardener volunteers as they share strategies and recommendations for creating a
healthy fall garden 
 
Register Here





Pages and Popcorn: Nomadland
 
The La Selva Beach Library Friends invite you to a free book-to-movie community event featuring Nomadland, the Oscar winning adaptation of Jessica Bruder’s Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century and a post-film discussion led by Logan Walker.
 
Register Here
 
What Got You Here
Will Get You There
 
Are you 55+ and want or need to re-enter the paid work force? This 6-session series is an opportunity to evaluate your skills, talents and experiences through a new lens as well as arm you with the strategies, resources and confidence to support you in approaching and succeeding in today’s job market.
 
Register Here





Dancing Tales

Join the library and International Academy of Dance (IAD) to explore movement, rhythm, and creativity through stories and music. Each session blends storytelling with dance, helping children develop coordination, self-expression, and a love for books and movement. 
Benefits of Fall Planting
 
 
Join us for this presentation on the benefits of planting in the fall, including cool-season veggies, ornamental and fruit trees, perennials, and California natives followed by a Q & A

The views and opinions expressed by presenters in Santa Cruz Public Libraries programs are their own and do not constitute an endorsement by Santa Cruz Public Libraries or its member jurisdictions.