From left to right: FSCPL President Janis O'Driscoll, SCPL Deputy Director Eric Howard, Architect Abe Jayson, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, and Committee Chair Martha Dexter at Branciforte Branch Construction Site |
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Friends,
This is a unique time in our library system’s history. I’d like to invite you to support our capital campaign for the Aptos, Branciforte, and Garfield Park library branches.
Measure S—the county bond measure passed in 2016 to fund critical library repairs and upgrades, support a steady increase in usage, and bring all branches up to 21st century standards—will underwrite the renovations. However, a critical funding gap remains to be bridged to fully realize local aspirations for these unique neighborhood branches. The libraries will depend on additional philanthropic support from friends who share their community’s vision for tomorrow.
To catch you up on our progress, separate capital campaigns for two branches, Capitola and Felton, complemented Measure S funding to help underwrite and complete celebrated new branch facilities. At four other branches, Boulder Creek, La Selva Beach, Live Oak, and Scotts Valley, major renovations are now underway or completed, funded by Measure S together with additional, charitable support.
Now, Measure S-funded major renovations and capital improvements are underway at three branches—Aptos, Branciforte, and Garfield Park—that will transform these facilities. Visit our website to learn more about how enhancements to each of these branches will improve the user experience for library patrons and help kids in our community achieve more!
The goals of these renovations are to help facilitate and provide:
- Truly welcoming and flexible spaces to meet, connect, and build community.
- Innovative programs, services, and collections that nurture the discovery, exploration, and learning goals of children and adults alike.
- Access to training, technology, and digital devices and connectivity needed to participate fully in community life.
- The capacity and the flexibility to adapt and respond to growing community needs and changing requirements and standards.
To read more details about enhancements for the individual branches, visit our campaign page. Your support will help ensure that the rebuilt Aptos branch, and the renovated Branciforte and Garfield Park branches, will reflect the characteristics and meet the most important needs of the communities they serve, now and into the future.
Your support is critical now, and will make a difference for generations to come. Your gift today will help us foster positive outcomes for the children and citizens of Santa Cruz County, starting when these promising branches reopen in 2022. That is why I am asking you to join us right now with a gift of $100. Will you give today?
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Thank you for investing in our community’s future. |
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From left to right: Jimmy Panetta, Abe Jayson, and Eric Howard discuss inside the Branciforte Branch
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The Word from Executive Director Bruce Cotter:
Introducing Eric Howard, Interim Executive Director for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries
It is a pleasure to welcome Eric Howard to his new role as the interim director of the Santa Cruz Public Library System. For the last two years, Eric has served the SCPL as the Assistant Director working directly with Susan Nemitz. We are certainly fortunate to have such an experienced and thoughtful leader to step into the role of Library Director at this critical time.
Originally from New Jersey, Eric used to work in public relations. He served a couple nonprofits focused on reducing violence and championing environmental issues. Eric’s first library role was in Queens, New York. He later became the Assistant Director for the Palo Alto libraries. Next he worked as the Assistant Director, and then Interim Director, in Salinas. Eric lives in Scotts Valley with his wife Jen, a former school teacher, and their two daughters.
Eric is excited to take on this new opportunity at such an important time for the library system, as we see the promise of Measure S coming to reality with many new libraries opening throughout the county. He says “One of the reasons I turned to public libraries is that there are very few spaces in American culture where we can learn about each other and not have to pay for the privilege. Public libraries provide access to information that allows us to explore anything and everything that is common to our hearts."
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Bruce Cotter, Executive Director
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Local Support for the Campaign: Santa Cruz Warriors CEO Chris Murphy Talks About Libraries |
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Santa Cruz Warriors' Chris Murphy on our campaign |
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Chapter Updates
What to see what's going up with our chapters? Visit our news page to see upcoming events, new info, and more!
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Aptos
FSCPL partner, New Leaf Market will be hosting a community event “Taste of Local” on Saturday, August 7 from 2-6 pm on the green at the Aptos Village Center. There will be live music, wine tasting, food, art and community! Proceeds will benefit the Capital Campaign for the new Aptos Library. Click here to read more.
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Capitola
The Capitola Friends' bookstore in the mall continues to be a lively place, now open afternoons six days (Su, M, T, W, F, and Sa) each week and often on Thursdays as well. Click here to read more.
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La Selva Beach
La Selva Beach Friends were thrilled to participate in LSB's Fourth of July parade. In addition, Deluxe Food's support continues. Click here to read more.
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Scotts Valley
As the Scotts Valley branch is now closed, the Scotts Valley Friends will not meet in August. However, the Scotts Valley Friends will meet again in September to evaluate their schedule. Click here to read more.
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JOIN OUR BOARD
Are you interested in getting further involved with your community? Do you want to play a part in fostering a county that is culturally rich and equitable? If so, consider joining the Friends board! Do you live in the City of Santa Cruz?
If interested please send a resume and a brief description of yourself to friends@fscpl.org.
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