If you're like me, you're looking forward to 2021.
I'm looking forward to the re-opening of two libraries: La Selva Beach and the newly constructed Capitola, not to mention many other new projects in the pipeline. In order to succeed, the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries will need to strengthen its capacity to advocate and raise funds for all branches of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.
Both of these goals will be accomplished, in part, by increasing volunteer donors for branch libraries that do not have "chapters". Chapters currently exist in Aptos, Capitola, Felton, La Selva Beach, Boulder Creek and the Scotts Valley libraries, but not for the Live Oak, Downtown, Garfield Park, or Branciforte libraries.
We need your help to build our capacity and I hope that you will consider an end of the year donation to the Friends. The success of our organization relies on your generosity to help us support innovative programs and events that complement the hard-working staff at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Please click here to find out how you can help us accomplish our goals!
-Martín Gómez, Interim Executive Director
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Aptos - Plans for the new Aptos library are continuing on schedule as many details have recently been finalized. Construction is expected in the second half of 2021 after the opening of the new Capitola and La Selva Beach branches.
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Our Community Reads: The Our Community Reads committee is thrilled with the progress in planning for the 2021 Our Community Reads event. The Capitola Chapter will sponsor the “kick-off” event on February 1st featuring a panel discussion led by State Senator John Laird.
Other events include a lecture on the parallels of COVID and HIV/AIDS with regard to politics featuring a conversation with a woman who lost her brother to AIDS in the 1980s as well as a Trivia Night emceed by Supervisor Zach Friend. In addition, the Aptos Friends are working on several other events including a collaboration with the Soquel High School Art Department, and one with the Felton Friends.
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Capitola - People who go to the Capitola Mall and discover the Friends of the Capitola Library Bookstore are delighted with what they find. As one customer recently wrote "I love this store!" in the memo line of her check. All the materials are well organized and the store is spacious- allowing for a great deal of physical distancing. In stock there are several thousand books, CDs, and DVDs, not to mention other fun items such as puzzles, board games, and more.
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Thanks to a stalwart group of volunteers, the Capitola Friends Bookstore is open the following hours each week:
Monday: 1:30-4:30
Tuesday: 1 - 3
Wednesday: 12 - 6
Thursday: 12:30 - 4:30
Friday: 1 - 6
Saturday: 10 - 4
Sunday: 12 - 4
If you have bookstore materials to donate, please contact Karen Scott ([email protected])
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Felton - The Felton Discovery Park, in partnership with SCPL, includes many elements intended to promote environmental literacy. Along the meandering path between the library and park you will discover Bull Creek, a watershed relief map of SLV, native plant demonstration beds, a native grass knoll with musical instruments, climbing structures, and a human sundial.
Beautiful interpretive signs with information on pollinators, riparian habitat, history, and more are dispersed throughout the park. Wonderful outdoor programs will be planned once we can safely meet again. Currently, the park is open every day.
Recently it has been featured in a Park Accessibility Tour for County Park Friends. Brenda Gutierrez-Baeza has been filming a series of videos highlighting local parks which are open, safe and a healthy outing for the entire family. Check it out here.
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Scotts Valley - Friends of the Scotts Valley Public Library are currently working with Scotts Valley City personnel to determine the renovations necessary to the Branch. The replacement of the roof and HVAQ is near completion and after the holidays, FSVPL will start planning the Branch's 10th Anniversary Celebration to be held in June.
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Library Event Alert
This upcoming Tuesday, December 8th, local leaders of faith will convene for a special night, Shelter in Faith, to bring thoughtful perspectives, relevant experience, and practical solutions for navigating the stresses of the holiday season.
Speakers include:
- Aisha Charves, member & Sunday School teacher Islamic Center Santa Cruz (ICSC), Fulbright Fellow
- Rev. Jay Shinseki, Watsonville Buddhist Temple
- Mother Tracy Wells Miller, Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Aptos
- Rabbi Eli Cohen, Chadeish Yameinu Jewish Renewal of Santa Cruz
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A Special Thank you!
The Friends would like to thank Barbara Lawrence, the school librarian at Gault Elementary. Barbara was the impetus for our e-book fundraising campaign for the county’s students, families and teachers that raised over $40,000. Thank you!!
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Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries
www.fscpl.org
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