Thursday, July 3 (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, July 3 (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, July 3 (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, July 3 (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, July 3 (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Garfield Park
Room: Garfield Park Branch Library, 705 Woodrow Ave, Santa Cruz, 95060

The Garfield Park Library Avid Readers Book Club meets on the first Thursday of the month from 10:30am to 12:00p.  All adults are welcome.

This month we will be discussing: The Lemon Tree, by Sandy Tolan

Meetings will be in-person at the Garfield Park Library, 705 Woodrow Avenue, Santa Cruz, Ca 95060.

Call 831-427-7709 for more information

Please join us for a lively and entertaining discussion!

Thursday, July 3 (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, July 3 (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, July 3 (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, July 3 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
Location: Aptos
Room: Aptos Library Children's Room

Come join the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, the Live Like Coco Foundation, and artist Martina Goulart  for the Grand Opening of the Sensory Path in the Live Like Coco Children's Reading Garden.

There will be a special 4th of July craft.  Refreshments will be provided by the Live Like Coco Foundation.  Thank you to the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos for funding the Sensory Path.

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

Today we are learning how to make a relief!

A relief is a type of printmaking technique. (free-while supplies last)!

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, July 3 (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!

Thursday, July 3 (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, July 3 (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM)
Location: Garfield Park

Have you taken a Spanish course in the past that has ended and find it hard to keep your skills up on your own due to lack of practice opportunities?

Can you understand a bit when you read and listen, but then freeze up when trying to talk?

If yes, this may be the club for you! Come once, once a week, or as often as you'd like!

1st & 3rd Thursdays 6-7:30pm,

2nd & 4th Thursdays 4:30-6pm

This club is designed for intermediate-level participants, so if you're just starting out, you might find it a bit challenging at first.

Thursday, July 3 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location: Offsite
Room: Offsite - see event description for location

Test your trivia knowledge. Join Brian or Victor every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Steel Bonnet Brewing Company for a rollicking good time. Participants can form teams of up to 6 people and will be asked 30 questions on a variety of different topics. Winners receive gift certificates for Steel Bonnet Brewery. 

This program takes place at Steel Bonnet Brewing Company, 20 Victor Sq, Scotts Valley. 

Friday, July 4 (12:00 AM - 11:59 PM)
Location: Systemwide

All library branches will close for Independance Day. Regular hours resume on Saturday, July 5th 2025.

Todas las bibliotecas públicas de Santa Cruz estarán cerradas por el Día de la Independencia. El horario regular se reanuda el sábado, 5 de julio, 2025.

Saturday, July 5 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Boulder Creek
Room: Boulder Creek Community Room, Outdoor Amphitheater

Join us each Saturday morning for a relaxing time crafting with your neighbors. The Community Crafters are a diverse group of makers and love to share our knowledge. We knit, quilt, weave, spin, make jewelry, embroider, mend and so much more. All crafters are welcome! We hope you will join us in creating community and beautiful things!

Please note: Most weeks, crafters bring their own supplies to work on independent projects, but about once a month one of our members puts on a special workshop, sharing knowledge on a specific subject and materials are provided. Please refer to the Library calendar for updates on these special workshops, as they require registration.

Saturday, July 5 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: La Selva Beach
Room: La Selva Beach Branch Library

Are you stuck with a technology question?

One of our tech savvy staff members at the La Selva Beach 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/laselvabeach 

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.