Thursday, September 12 (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.

 Class Schedule:
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. 

So, come on down to the library, leave your worries at the door.. Let's find our inner calm amidst the stacks of books and unlock the power of Tai Chi together!

Namaste! 

Thursday, September 12 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak

Are you stuck with a technology question?

Our tech savvy bilingual staff at the Live Oak 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/liveoak

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, September 12 (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 When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner.

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, September 12 (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, September 12 (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, September 12 (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, September 12 (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, September 12 (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, September 12 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
Location: Downtown

Sometimes our lives feel like we are ship wrecked on some desert island and the boat
we traveled on is no longer sea worthy. We might ask, when times of great difficulty visit
us, how should we greet them? These are times when a meditation practice can open up
possibilities we are unable to see for ourselves when we are faced with our life
challenges.

In this meditation class we’ll explore ways to navigate these kinds of waters in the
company of others through meditation, conversation and sharing. I work with Koans for
our meditation practice. No meditation experience is required

Week One: Meditation and the Art of Attention - (A fundamental Zen Koan shared)
Week Two: Thoughts, Inquiry and Emptiness- (what is it and how do you do it?)
Week Three: Working with the Body, the World of Form - (Zen is an embodied practice) - let’s explore it
Week Four: Meditation in Action, Not Knowing, and a Practice to Take With You - (Not knowing, Bearing Witness, compassionate action)
Contact Information:
Illana Berger
email: illanaberger@gmail.com
phone: (510) 759 8758

Thursday, September 12 (1:00 PM - 4:00 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, September 12 (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:

August 11th = Issac's Storm by Erik Larson

September 12th = A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

October 10th = Hello, Beautiful by Napolitano 

Thursday, September 12 (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.

Whether you're looking to delve into a new hobby, socialize with others, or challenge your strategic thinking, Mahjong Club at the Aptos Public Library is the perfect opportunity to explore the world of Mahjong in a welcoming and engaging environment. Join us for an afternoon of fun, learning, and friendly competition!

We have 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 varients of this game.  If you would like to play American or Traditional Chinese, or other varients, 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, September 12 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak Annex, 979 17th Ave @ Simpkins Swim Center

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 unless parents are present. 
For more information please call 831-427-7713

Thursday, September 12 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Aptos
Room: The Bob Fifield Study - Room B

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, September 12 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak Annex, 979 17th Ave @ Simpkins Swim Center
Room: Live Oak 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, September 12 (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, September 12 (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, September 12 (4:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Live Oak

¡Acompáñanos para una hora de cuentos, canciones y actividades en español! 

Este programa es para niños de 0-8 y sus familias.

Join us for Spanish Storytime, songs, and activities!

This program is best suited for kids ages 0-8 and their families.

Thursday, September 12 (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)
Location: Garfield Park
Room: Garfield Park Branch Library, 705 Woodrow Ave, Santa Cruz, 95060

Living Room Conversations (LRC) is a nationally recognized organization that connects people within communities and across differences through dialogue to build trust and understanding. These structured conversations improve mindsets and listening skills, humanize others, and shift power dynamics between groups.

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries, in partnership with the Conflict Resolution Center are pleased to offer the opportunity for our local community to engage in conversations that are crucial in combating toxic polarization, addressing mental health issues and isolation, and fostering empathy. This two-part film and discussion series fosters bridge-building, reduces hostility and promotes inclusivity.

Participation in both sessions is not required, but anyone is welcome to do so. Registration is required. Please register below.

In the first session, we will watch “Divided We Fall”, a 1-hour long documentary about ordinary people wrestling with what it truly means to be an American, the divides that prevent unity, and how we can engage in conversation to heal our relationships and communities. After watching the film we will form groups for discussion led by a facilitator from the Conflict Resolution Center.

In the second session we will watch the documentary “Listening With Curiosity”, which explores how establishing lasting relationships with people across ideological divides continues the process that began with “Divided We Fall”.

Sept. 12th 6:30-8:30pm - Divided We Fall

Sept. 19th 6:30-8:30pm - Listening With Curiosity

Thursday, September 12 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location: Scotts Valley
Room: Fireside Community Room

Join Jennifer Frost for a discussion and Q&A about her book "Let Us Vote!", which tells the story of how and why the United States has a voting age of 18.  Over a thirty-year period starting during World War II, Americans, young and old, Democrat and Republican, in politics and culture, built a movement for youth voting rights that achieved the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 1971 was the last time that the United States significantly expanded voting rights, enfranchising tens of millions of young Americans since. This historic achievement recognized 18, 19, and 20 year olds as full citizens, deserving of having their voices heard within the political system. Jennifer will focus on the youth voting rights movement in California, which played a significant role in the nationwide effort.

We will also provide voter registration forms for anyone 18 and over who is interested in registering to vote.