Thursday, May 16 (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, May 16 (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, May 16 (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
Location: Downtown

Come join us for stories, songs and rhymes!  This 30 minute program is intended for children ages 0-5.  A craft will be provided.

Thursday, May 16 (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 16 (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 16 (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 16 (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 16 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Boulder Creek
Room: Online

Please join us in-person or via Zoom every third Thursday of the month at 11:00 am when we discuss the book of the month, watch short videos highlighting authors and interesting side notes about the current book, and share personal insights.

May book selection:  Prophet Song  by Paul Lynch

Thursday, May 16 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Virtual Library
Room: Online

Explore the alternatives to iCloud storage and backups.

The need for backup solutions grows with the accumulation of digital files.  Join us for a discussion about using external drives for mobile devices and computer backups.

Please register below to receive the Zoom link via email.

For more information about our free Tech Talks workshops click here.

Thursday, May 16 (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM)
Location: Downtown
Room: Cypress Room

The Healing the Streets team meets you where you are and connects people experiencing homelessness to resources for health, mental health, substance use and housing. We partner with the Homeless Persons Health Project Street Medicine team for any immediate needs. We can also connect you to health benefits, food and other resources.

Thursday, May 16 (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, May 16 (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, May 16 (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 16 (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 16 (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 16 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Aptos
Room: Dorosin Memorial Conference 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.

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

Thursday, May 16 (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM)
Location: Branciforte
Room: Community Room

Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Branciforte 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. The program will take place in the Branciforte Library Community Room.

Thursday, May 16 (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Location: Boulder Creek
Room: Boulder Creek Community Room

A seasonal puppet show with an elaborate “stage”.

"Spring has come to Old Oak Woods and everyone is getting ready for the Spring Festival. But where is the littlest flower child?"

Many of these puppet shows are original nature stories with animal characters.

Performances by Madrone D'Ardenne may include animal fables, folktales, fairytales, stories from other cultures, and stories from other puppeteers and storytellers. Stories may be edited for suitability as a puppet show performance, and sometimes to create a message more in line with storyteller values. The stories all emphasize kindness, helpfulness, sharing, problem solving and wisdom.

Performance time 25-35 minutes.

Thursday, May 16 (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Garfield Park

Brief Description
Junior Rangers is a statewide program for 7 - 12 year olds. Junior Rangers will receive a logbook, and earn stamps and rewards along the way as they participate in programs.

Long Description
Junior Rangers will  gather at the Garfield Park Library Branch. 
 
At your first Junior Ranger program you will get a logbook and badge like the ones pictured on this page. Play games, observe wildlife, and more, all while making friends your own age in some of the best places in California.  For each activity you will earn a stamp in your logbook. And that's not all, as you go through the program, one activity at a time, you will earn some very cool rewards!

There are different Junior Ranger activity areas.  Geology, ecology, history, safety, plants, and wildlife may be some of the activity areas you will be exploring.

You can participate at one event, or all offered. You should plan to spend about an hour and a half at each activity, and you will have so much fun!

May 16th

Come learn about the beautiful birds of Santa Cruz.

Discover different types of birds, how they are adapted to their environment, and how to find birds in your backyard. 

 Join us for activities, games, and exploration in this program.  

Thursday, May 16 (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Location: Scotts Valley
Room: Fireside Community Room

Come join local artist Ruth Dailey at the Scotts Valley library for a bi-monthly program where teens can learn new skills to express their creativity! Ruth has been creating art for most of her life and is excited to pass on what she has learned. Each month of this pilot series will feature a different art skill:

Only 12 seats available per session so come quickly, it's first come first serve! Hope to see you there!