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Essential Services & Community Resources

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Mobile Health Clinic

Tuesday, October 15 (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Location: Felton

Common Spirit Health/Dignity Mobile Wellness Clinic and Santa Cruz Public Libraries are partnering together to connect services that support the physical, mental and economic health and well-being of patrons and provide equitable care to underserved communities with visits to the Felton Branch Library on the first & third Tuesday of the month.

Hours

9:00a-12:00p and 1:00p-3:00p Closed for holidays and inclement weather

Services provided 

Bilingual (English & Spanish) staff  Evaluation and treatment of both acute and chronic health care needs Screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. Referrals to community providers for specialty care, including mental health Help navigating the health care system and local resources

    

 


In-Person Tech Help @ Scotts Valley

Tuesday, October 15 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Scotts Valley
Room: Study Room B

Are you stuck with a technology question?

Our tech savvy staff at the Scotts Valley Library would like to help you troubleshoot your issue with a 30 minute (or less) appointment. Fixing broken hardware or software is not within our scope. 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/scottsvalley

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!


Storytime @ Downtown

Tuesday, October 15 (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
Location: Downtown

Join us in the Young People's room at the Downtown Library for storytime!  We'll share stories, songs, and rhymes in a safe environment. Stay and play after storytime. This program is intended for children aged 0-5. Craft kits will be provided every week to make in the library or to take home.


Bird Talk & Walk @ La Selva Beach

Tuesday, October 15 (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: La Selva Beach
Room: La Selva Beach Branch Library

An introduction to local birds including resident and wintering birds by local bird enthusiast Nanci Adams.  Weather permitting, Nanci will lead a short walk in the neighborhood surrounding the library.

Walk is limited to 25 on a first come basis. If you plan on joining the walk, please bring binoculars, a notepad and pen.

Nanci is a member of the Santa Cruz Bird Club and served as its president for two years. She has been leading birding classes since 2009. Nanci currently teaches five classes of Birding Basics, a course she developed. Three of the classes are through Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education.


Backgammon @ the Library

Tuesday, October 15 (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Aptos
Room: Dorosin Memorial Conference Room

Join us for Backgammon at the library, where players of all skill levels—beginners and experienced—can enjoy one of the world’s oldest and most strategic board games. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player looking to sharpen your skills, this event is perfect for you!

What to Expect:

New to Backgammon? Our volunteers and fellow participants will guide you through the basics, explaining the rules, strategies, and tips to get you rolling with confidence. Already a pro? Challenge your peers, share strategies, and help foster a welcoming environment for newer players. Friendly competition is encouraged!

Highlights:

Introduction to Backgammon: Learn the fundamentals—rules, setup, and game flow. Guided Play: Play alongside others, with staff available to assist with questions and strategy tips. Friendly Competition: Experienced players can participate in informal matches. Social Fun: Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, meet new people, and have fun while exercising your mind.

When: Every Tuesday 
Where: Aptos Library - Conference Room

                                                Bring a friend or come solo—everyone’s welcome!

Backgammon is not just a game of luck, but a game of skill, tactics, and social interaction. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn or a veteran eager for a challenge, this is the perfect opportunity to experience a beloved classic. We hope to see you there!


Volunteer Housing Navigators

Tuesday, October 15 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Location: Downtown
Room: Life Literacies Center

Volunteer Housing Navigators provides housing navigation services for people experiencing homelessness every Tuesday, 12:15-1:30pm in the Life Literacies Center.


Toddler Time @ Aptos

Tuesday, October 15 (11:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
Location: Aptos

Story Time is a weekly early literacy program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. Music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and songs are a fun way for your child to learn while spending valuable social time with other children and their caregivers. Please arrive on time. Let's play and learn together!


Toddler Time @ Scotts Valley

Tuesday, October 15 (11:00 AM - 11:45 AM)
Location: Scotts Valley
Room: Fireside Community Room

Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated Scotts Valley Library Branch every Tuesday at 11am.


Toddler Time at Live Oak

Tuesday, October 15 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak

Come join Librarian Julie for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers and their caregivers in our beautiful, newly-renovated Live Oak Library Branch every Tuesday at 11am.


New Parents' Support Group

Tuesday, October 15 (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)
Location: Felton
Room: Felton Community Room

Join us for this weekly peer support group for new parents facilitated by two local postpartum doulas. This program offers a welcoming space for new parents to learn from each other, make new friends, get breastfeeding and bottle feeding support, and access to helpful resources. Come in with your questions, concerns, or just for a safe place to meet other parents and create community. Bring your own blanket, snacks, toys, and please feel free to bring older siblings! 

Free Drop-in basis No registration need

 

 

 


Kermit at the Felton Farmers' Market

Tuesday, October 15 (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Offsite

Come find Kermit, the library's book bike, at the Felton Market!


Grupo de conversación en íngles - English Language Conversation Group

Tuesday, October 15 (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
Location: Live Oak Annex, 979 17th Ave @ Simpkins Swim Center
Room: Live Oak Annex Meeting Room

¡Acompáñanos en el Anexo de Live Oak los martes de 1 a 2:30 pm para tener la oportunidad de practicar sus habilidades en el idioma inglés con nuevos amigos y con la profesora de ESL, Peggy Miles!

El Anexo de Live Oak se puede encontrar en 979 17th Ave.

Please join us at the Live Oak Annex on Tuesdays from 1-2:30pm for a chance to practice your English language skills with new friends and ESL teacher, Peggy Miles!

The Live Oak Annex can be found at 979 17th Ave.


CANCELLED: Housing Matters Drop In Hours @ Capitola

Tuesday, October 15 (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Location: Capitola
Room: Barbara Gorson Multiuse Room

CANCELLED OCTOBER 15

The Housing Matters Outreach Team will be available at the Capitola Branch Library, every Tuesday 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/


Make & Explore @ Scotts Valley

Tuesday, October 15 (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
Location: Scotts Valley
Room: Fireside Community Room

Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Scotts Valley Branch Library! 

Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts 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 Scotts Valley Library Fireside Room and / or patio. 


Tales to Tails @ Felton

Tuesday, October 15 (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Location: Felton
Room: Felton Community Room

Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by providing them the opportunity to read to certified therapy dogs. Programs like Tales to Tails have been implemented nationally in both libraries and schools and have proven to be extremely effective in increasing the self-confidence and reading abilities of the participants. Call in at 831-427-7708 to make a 30-minute appointment at the Felton Branch Library at either 3pm or 3:30pm on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. We and our furry friends look forward to seeing you there!


R.E.A.D.: Read Every Amazing Detail @ Live Oak

Tuesday, October 15 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak

R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading and comprehension instruction for readers 1st through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Tuesdays 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


R.E.A.D.: Read Every Amazing Detail @Garfield Park

Tuesday, October 15 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Garfield Park

R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading and comprehension instruction for readers 1st through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Tuesdays 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


Picture Bingo with Shared Adventures

Tuesday, October 15 (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Downtown
Room: Downtown Community Room

This Bingo program for people with special abilities (disabilities) is adaptable to all because it uses pictures! Enjoy some social time and have some fun. Small prizes too! All ages welcomed. Caregivers must stay with participant.

3rd Tuesdays of each month

Downtown Branch Library

3:30-5:00pm

About Shared Adventures:

Founded in 1994 by Foster Andersen, a survivor of a spinal cord injury with quadriplegia, Shared Adventures has provided hundreds of life-enriching recreational and social activities for people with special needs.

Our goal is to offer opportunities for social and recreational interaction for disabled people, and thereby encourage:

Personal growth, development, and self-confidence Cooperation, decision-making, and leadership skills Outdoor skills and environmental awareness Improved quality of life and level of happiness

We are the only program in Santa Cruz County that offers a year-round calendar of recreational events that is completely inclusive! We cater to people of all walks of life, including age, disability, and our veterans.


Aptos Youth Chess Club

Tuesday, October 15 (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
Location: Aptos
Room: The Betty Leonard Community Room

Come and play chess, one of the world’s oldest and most popular games, against other kids! One-hour meetings include 15 minutes of instruction by chess master Dana Mackenzie. For ages 6-18. We welcome all skill levels, but encourage beginners to at least learn the basic rules (how the pieces move) before coming the first time.


Note to parents: Chess is a great way for kids to build sportsmanship, concentration, and reasoning skills, while having a lot of fun!


Four Types of Poetry: Tinkering with the Tarot alongside Madeline Aliah

Tuesday, October 15 (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Aptos

Today’s workshop for teens lightly analyzes four broad types of poetry, and finding creative uses for them using Tarot readings for prompts and inspiration. Tarot will be supplied but are still welcome. No prior experience necessary. Meet in the Aptos Library Teen Room.

Workshops are led by award-winning poets This workshop series is a part of our Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Program, now through spring 2025! Any county resident ages 13-18 can participate in any or all workshops No poetry experience necessary Free!

This program is brought to you by Santa Cruz Public Libraries in partnership with Urban Word, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and The Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

 

Contact Us

SCPL staff available
Mon-Thur 10am-6pm
Fri-Sat 10am-5pm
Sun 1pm-5pm

Email Us

831.427.7713

Text 831.264.0647

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Essential Services & Community Resources

Servicios en español

Connect with Local Government Decision Makers
Additional Resources
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