Thursday, July 25 (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, July 25 (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, July 25 (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, July 25 (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: La Selva Beach
Room: Online

The Passionate Readers Book Discussion group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from 10:30a to 12:00p at the La Selva Beach Branch Library.    All adults are welcome. 

Book Selections:

July 25: North Woods, by Daniel Mason

August 22: The Women, by Kristin Hannah

Call branch for more information  831.427.7710

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, July 25 (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 25 (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 25 (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 25 (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 25 (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, July 25 (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, July 25 (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, July 25 (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, July 25 (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, July 25 (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, July 25 (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Garfield Park

Can poets help save the earth? We’ll look at poems that unsettle and urge, enlarging the idea of nature poetry, helping readers not only know, but feel, and then perhaps leading them to action. We’ll examine poems by contemporary poets and we’ll write and share in a supportive and creative environment.

Thursday, July 25 (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, July 25 (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!

Thursday, July 25 (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 25 (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM)
Location: Aptos
Room: The Betty Leonard Community Room

Start Smart Driving Education for Teens & their Parents

In an effort to prepare young drivers to drive responsibly, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is offering new driver education class for new drivers and their parents. Start Smart, presented by the CHP, addresses such topics as the safe driving practices, the rules of the road, and new driver license requirements. Contact your nearest CHP Area office to confirm your registration to this free class.

CONTACT CHP Santa Cruz Office at 831-219-0200 to register

Thursday, July 25 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location: Capitola
Room: Ow Family Community Room

As the Semiquincentennial anniversary of America's independence fast approaches, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and PBS Books have joined together to produce “Visions of America: All Stories, All People, All Places,” a digital-first series of videos and virtual conversations that explore our nation with a renewed interest in the places, people and stories that have contributed to the America we live in today.

Hosted by PBS Books and the sixth director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Crosby Kemper leads a video tour through three lesser-known historical sites that  symbolize an aspect of the spirit of our independence, probing what makes each of these so important to our national identity. 

Please join us for the final screening and discussion with local historians and researchers Thursday evenings in July. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended, not required, as a way to help us plan refreshments.

Discovering 18th & Vine in Kansas City

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was founded in 1990 to keep the stories of its players and how they eventually broke the barriers of segregation in Major League Baseball  alive, especially Jackie Robinson. While the conversation will lead with baseball, it will wend towards jazz since the museum also shares its building with the American Jazz Museum.

This discussion will be led by David H. Anthony, III, PhD. Dr. Anthony is Professor Emeritus of African History at UC Santa Cruz. He was born in New York City. He graduated from New York University, and earned his MA and PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has taught at Coppin State College (now University), The University of Oregon, and since 1988, the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Anthony’s focus on research includes: African and African-American history, art, music, literature and cinema; Eastern and Southern Africa; African languages; Indian Ocean world; African and African American linkages; Islamic civilization; African diaspora studies; World history.