Thursday, May 8 (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
Location: Aptos
Room: The Betty Leonard Community Room

Are you ready to experience the ancient art of Tai Chi amidst the serene ambiance of your local library? 

 What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a gentle, flowing martial art that originated in ancient China. It's known for its graceful movements, deep breathing techniques, and meditative benefits. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience, this class is perfect for everyone!

 The Class Experience:
Expect a warm and welcoming environment filled with laughter and camaraderie. Routines suitable for all fitness levels. Don't worry; no prior experience is required – just bring an open mind and a smile!

 Benefits of Tai Chi:
- Enhance your balance and flexibility.
- Reduce stress and increase relaxation.
- Improve focus and mental clarity.
- Promote a sense of overall well-being.
- Foster a connection with fellow library-goers and the community.

 Who Can Join:
Absolutely everyone! Whether you're a regular library visitor or someone who's never stepped inside, all are welcome. No age restrictions or physical limitations – Tai Chi is adaptable for all.

Join us every Thursday morning from 10:00 AM to 11 AM at the Aptos library's spacious community room. Remember, the class is free, so mark your calendars and invite your friends along!

What to Bring:
Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement is recommended. 

Instructor: Margie Biddick - visit class to join Margie's email mailing list.

Substitute Instructor: Nancy Brighton - contact: whatsup13009@gmail.com (Aptos Library only)

Thursday, May 8 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Boulder Creek

Are you stuck with a technology question?

One of our tech savvy staff members at the Boulder Creek Branch Library would like to help you troubleshoot your question with a 30 minute (or less) appointment. Possible topics may include: creating an email account, creating documents, attaching files, using premium subscription library resources, downloading and streaming content like movies, books, and audiobooks, and more. Please bring any devices you use, and have your necessary passwords and library card with you.

Make an appointment: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/appointments/boulder-creek

Advance appointments are prioritized. Visit the library's information desk or call telephone information (831-427-7713) for help making an appointment. Arriving later than 5 minutes after scheduled time may result in appointment cancellation. Walk-ins are welcome, when openings are available.

Visit the library's Digital Learning webpage for more opportunites: https://www.santacruzpl.org/digitallearning

We look forward to helping you!

Thursday, May 8 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak Library Annex at 979 17th Ave
Room: Live Oak Library Annex Meeting Room

Led by volunteer coaches from the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, the award-winning falls prevention training program, A Matter of Balance, offers an evidenced-based approach to reducing the fear of falling and increasing activity levels among older adults.

Participants learn simple exercises in balance and strength building to help prevent falls, as well as home safety tips. In small group sessions, we explore techniques to overcome the fear of falling, so participants come away with a well-rounded approach to staying safe and healthy at home, and beyond.

This is an 8-session workshop series for adults over 60, with either a fear of falling or have experienced a fall.

Space is limited and registration is required. To register, please contact Ares Bartell: ares.bartell@scvolunteercenter.org or (831) 205-0160.

Thursday, May 8 (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
Location: Downtown

Come join us for stories, songs and rhymes!  Stay and play after storytime!  This 30 minute program is intended for children ages 0-5.

Thursday, May 8 (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: La Selva Beach
Room: Online

The LSB Rabid Reader Book Discussion group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 10:30a to 12:00p.  All adults are welcome.

This month's selection is: The Lion Women of Tehran, by Marjan Kamali

Meeting will be in-person at the La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave; and virtually via Zoom.  To receive the Zoom link, please register below.

Thursday, May 8 (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Downtown
Room: Life Literacies Center

Wings Homeless Advocates provides office hours inside the Life Literacies Center, located in the Downtown Santa Cruz Library on Thursdays, 10:30am - 12:00pm. Wings provides free birth certificates and notary services for people experiencing homelessness. For more information about this service, contact Wings at id@wingsadvocacy.org or leave a voicemail at 831-291-5096.

Thursday, May 8 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak

Come join Librarian Julie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated children's area at Live Oak Library Branch every Thursday at 11am.

Thursday, May 8 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Felton
Room: Felton Community Room

Come join Librarian Jackie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for preschoolers and their caregivers in our lovely Felton Community Room every Thursday at 11am.

Thursday, May 8 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Downtown
Room: Otter Room

Please join us at the Downtown Public Library on Thursdays, 11am-12pm for a chance to practice your English language skills with new friends and a group leader from the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Literacy Program.

For more information about the Literacy Program visit https://scvolunteercenter.org/programs/literacy-program/ or call  831-427-5077.

Thursday, May 8 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Location: Scotts Valley
Room: Fireside Community Room

Join a health book club with educational discussions led by Dr. Rabia Barkins, a licensed holistic health practitioner. Learn self-help concepts for prevention and/or reversal of chronic disease. Improve overall health with lifestyle changes: food, exercise, stress release, and more. Learn what you can do between yearly exams with core concepts from natural healthcare that can help your body to heal. 

This month we will be discussing Super Gut: A Four-Week Plan to Reprogram Your Microbiome, Restore Health, and Lose Weight by William Davis

No registration required.

Presenter Bio:

Dr. Rabia Barkins is a Board Certified Nutritionist and Doctor of Chiroporactic with 30+ years of experience helping people attain health and longevity.

Thursday, May 8 (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location: Aptos
Room: Online

The Aptos Library Book Discussion group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 1:00p - 2:30p and all adults are welcome.

This is a HYBRID group, meaning you can attend either in person at the Aptos Library Dorosin Conference Room or online via Zoom link.

Reading selections will be made by the group with an emphasis on thought-provoking fiction and challenging non-fiction.

Facilitator: Judy McNeely; judybookdoc@collegepathfinders.com.

Our current Calendar of Selected Readings:

December 12th Bruno Chief of Police book 1

January 9th Fascism in America - Past and Present

February 13th  West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

March 13th  Underworld by Susan Casey

April 10th  Say Nothing by Patrick Keefe

May 8th  Year of Living Constitutionally by A J Jacobs

Thursday, May 8 (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
Location: Downtown
Room: Life Literacies Center

The Housing Matters Outreach Team will be available at the Downtown Santa Cruz Library, every Thursday, 1:00-4:00pm, for families and individuals experiencing homelessness to help them access resources, navigate housing, and meet with Housing Matters representatives. This is a drop-in service - first come, first served.

For more information about Housing Matters:

(831) 458-6020

contact@housingmatterssc.org

https://housingmatterssc.org/

Thursday, May 8 (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Location: Aptos
Room: The Betty Leonard Community Room

Welcome players of all levels - the experienced and the newly curious!

Connect with fellow Mahjong enthusiasts and build a supportive community. Share experiences, exchange tips, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow learners.

I host a Beginner's Learning Table EVERY week, instructing in Hong Kong Style. I will take you through the basics of the tiles and setup, followed by a game with tiles face up as we put what we've learned into practice. You can stay at the Beginner's table for as long as you need.  Alternatively, we have an additional instructor in Chinese Mah Jongg with British rules if you find you prefer that style instead.  

We have tile sets to choose from or you may bring your own.

ATTENTION: All are welcome to play, however please be mindful and respectful that there are at least 40 known variants of this game.  If you would like to play American or Traditional Chinese, or other variants, you are welcome to do so, but you may need to be patient and instruct folks on how to play your way. Sometimes modifications will be needed, at the beginning of each game ask the table what rules to play by and be courteous and kind to one another.

Thursday, May 8 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak Library Annex at 979 17th Ave

This is an informal drop in session for children who want to play pokemon. Bring your decks and get ready to see who is the Poke Master! No trades allowed.
For more information please call 831-427-7713

Thursday, May 8 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Aptos

R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 1st through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Thursdays from 3:00p to 5:00p. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.

For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Thursday, May 8 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak Library Annex at 979 17th Ave
Room: Live Oak Library Annex Study Room

R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 1st through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Thursdays from 3:00p to 5:00p. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.

This program is located at the Live Oak Library Annex in studyroom A. Address:  979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. 

For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Thursday, May 8 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Felton

R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 1st through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Thursdays from 3:00p to 5:00p. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.

For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Thursday, May 8 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Felton
Room: Felton Community Room

Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library! 

Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and exploration of the environment around us.

Best for children 6+. Children under 6 yrs old will need an adult present to help them. Expect to get messy! The program will take place in the Felton Library Community Room and / or patio. 

Thursday, May 8 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Downtown

R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 1st through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Thursdays from 3:00p to 5:00p. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.

For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Thursday, May 8 (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: La Selva Beach
Room: La Selva Beach Branch Library

Make and explore STEAM possibilities at La Selva Beach Branch Library! 

Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and exploration of the environment around us.

Best for children 6+. Children under 6 yrs old will need an adult present to help them. Expect to get messy!

This week's project: Circuit Flowers