June 2025
Santa Cruz Public Libraries is celebrating Pride Month throughout June and joining Santa Cruz Pride in celebrating their 50th Anniversary. Discover book recommendations, join us for free events, explore illuminating resources, and much more—for all ages by visiting this link.
 
Director of Libraries Message

Director Christopher Platt's message for June. 


Summer Reading Program Brochure

Download our Summer Reading Program brochure and come explore some library programs!
 
Download the Summer Reading Program Brochure
Download the Reading Log
 
Print copies are available in the branches.

 
Extinctopedia–A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About it with Smithsonian Scientists
A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration
Wednesday, June 4th at 11:00 AM PDT
 
Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of None of This Is True and Then She Was Gone
Tuesday, June 10th at 11:00 AM 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
Friends of the Capitola Branch Library.

Visit this link to the K12 Newsletter for all Summer Reading Crafts
Decorate a Book Bag!

Come to the Downtown Branch and kick off summer  - sign up for Summer Reading and decorate your own book bag! All supplies will be provided. 
STEM Explorers: Build Your Own Computer

Join us for an exciting six-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

Free for All: The Public Library Screening and Discussion 
 
Free for All: The Public Library tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen.
Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended, and drop-ins are welcome.
 
Register Here
Bookbinding- sewn signature, soft cover pamphlet binding
 
In this class taught by Beth Thomas of Danskbog Bindery, we will sew together multiple page signatures (or folios) and attach them to a soft cover made of beautiful marbled papers.
 
Register Here


Village Rhythms
 
Join Onye Onyemaechi, world-renowned master percussionist, educator and author for an engaging musical exploration of African Village Life through drums and song!
Pride: Screening and Discussion of Six-part Documentary 
 
Celebrate 50 years of Santa Cruz Pride with a semi-weekly screening of PRIDE, a six-part documentary series chronicling the fight for LGBTQ civil rights in America. Light refreshments will be provided.

Cascada de Flores presents: ¡Hasta las ranas cantan! Let's sing in Spanish/ The Treasure of Aquiles
Two shows, two themes
Felton @ 11:00AM
Live Oak @ 4:40PM
Join Cascada de Flores for a bilingual and participatory story exploding with the song, ancient musical instruments, poly-rhythms and sweet characters of Mexican music and dance. Families are invited to sing, dance and play with beautiful traditional songs and dances.
Last Day of School Party
 
Join us at the Boulder Creek Branch Library to celebrate the last day of school! We will have games, snacks and crafts to enjoy for the whole family. While you are here, you will have the opportunity to sign-up for the SCPL Summer Reading Program or even sign-up for a library card!
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Boulder Creek Chapter.
 


Shakespeare Talk

Join Dr. Sean Keilen, professor of literature at UCSC and lead dramaturg at Santa Cruz Shakespeare, for an exciting talk about SCS' summer Shakespeare offerings: A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Pericles. Artistic Director Charles Pasternak will be in attendance. Q&A to follow.
Jungle James Animal Adventures

Meet Jungle James and a variety of creatures, including amphibians, insects, and reptiles! Jungle James Animal Adventures sheds new light on some of the world’s most commonly misunderstood creatures, evokes children’s natural sense of curiosity, and teaches respect for all living things.


When Hollywood Came to Aptos 
 
Come hear stories about the filming of "The One-Way Trail", a silent movie shot in Aptos in 1919 with scenes of Aptos village and Aptos creek, starring Edythe Sterling, a horse-riding heroine who rescues her lover from "Thundering Ames, Bad Man of the Tall Trees" -- a villain as bad as his name.
 
Register Here
Financial Literacy for Teens

Christopher Genetti, a local financial consultant, will be presenting the following Moneywise America course: "Get Started: Intro to Money Basics"
The purpose of this session is for participants to gain awareness of the fundamental principles that should guide their relationship with money as they move forward in life while working towards achieving their personal goals.

Intro to Laser Cutting and Engraving
 
 Unleash your creativity with Idea Fab Labs! In this fun, interactive session, you will design and make your own custom keychain, coaster, or fridge magnet to take home.  You will learn the complete workflow—from concept to creation—while working alongside expert staff.  No experience necessary.
 
Register Here
Zentangle with Color
 
You may have enjoyed Zentangle at our monthly meetups in Capitola, but you've never done Zentangle like this! Join Certified Zentangle Teacher Lisa Hoesing for Zentangle with Color this summer. We'll use colored pencils and special watercolors to create delightful designs while relaxing into the Zen of the activity.

Happy Birds
 
Happy Birds have been performing since 1989 and have been featured on The Tonight Show and have even made the Guinness Book of World Records! Prepare to be amazed by the incredible tricks these parrots can do and learn all about these clever birds! 
Tom Noddy Bubbles
 
Join America's Bubble Guy, Tom Noddy, for an incredible display of bubble magic, filled with humor, joy, and wonder!

Author Talk with Alka Joshi
 
Alka Joshi is the internationally bestselling author of the Jaipur Trilogy. Join us as she discusses her most recent book, released this April, Six Days in Bombay. The book is a tale of identity and self-discovery inspired by the mysterious death of India’s free-spirited painter Amrita Sher-Gil.
 
Threads of Transformation
 
This hands-on program encourages participants to explore their creativity, reduce textile waste, and learn valuable skills in garment repair, redesign, and repurposing. Whether you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe, create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, or simply learn how to extend the life of your clothes, this program offers the tools and techniques to make it possible. 
Community Conversations

Join Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL), Resource Center for Nonviolence (RCNV), and the Conflict Resolution Center (CRC) for a structured and moderated small group dialogue on Peacebuilding in the United States using the nationally recognized "Living Room Conversations" model to cultivate community and mutual understanding. 
 
Register Here
Santa Cruz BLACK Film Series
 
Premiering during Juneteenth Week, SCPL is partnering with Santa Cruz Black on their 2025 Santa Cruz Black Film Series to provide additional opportunities to watch and discuss important films surrounding the theme of rising national Black consciousness.
All screenings are free, and registration is recommended. Light refreshments will be provided.
This series runs through October
 
Register Here