In this Issue

Banned Books Week, Share Your Story, Thank you to our partners, branch events, and ways to support and participate with the Friends

Banned Books Week Through Sept 28

“Banning books gives us silence when we need speech. It closes our ears when we need to listen. It makes us blind when we need sight.” Stephen Chbosky

Since 1982, the American Library Association (ALA) has called attention to the freedom to read by reminding us about books that have been banned in the United States. Our Friends of the

Library supports ALA’s intention and values free and open access to information and the freedom to seek and to express ideas.

Inclusion is a very important part of the freedom to read. Do our libraries reflect all our community’s perspectives? Are titles being left out? The Santa Cruz Public Libraries works diligently to develop a broad collection of materials and responds to suggestions by its users.

There are actions we can each take to fund the collection of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries and to support libraries and staff everywhere who are confronting demands to block titles:

• Donate to the Friends
• Learn more about Banned Book Week bannedbooksweek.org
• Register to vote and ask candidates where they stand on book bans
• Find out about the work of EveryLibrary

Ray Bradbury wrote: “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.”

Please help the Friends make sure that doesn’t happen.

Friends Sarah Clark and Monica Parikh wearing their Free To Read Banned Book shirts from a past campaign. You'll see these wonderful shirts available at an upcoming event near you.

Share Your Story

Join us as we launch "Share Your Story!" We want to hear from YOU—your favorite library memories, how libraries have impacted your life, or the role they’ve played in your community. Whether it’s a childhood story, a recent experience, or a memorable moment, your stories help us celebrate the power of libraries. Share your journey with us and become part of the story that connects us all. Contact us with your story at friends@fscpl.org.

Art Exhibit

This is the last week to view the work of indigenous artist Isabel Contreras at the Scotts Valley Branch Library. The exhibit ends this Saturday, September 28. Visit Monday-Thurday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm at 251 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley. This is a wonderful way to honor Hispanic Latine Heritage Month.

Thank you New Leaf!

A big thank you to New Leaf Community Markets. The Aptos store recently celebrated 5 years serving the Aptos community with a free event featuring live music, sampling, vendors, and tastings. 100% of the proceeds of the wine & beer tasting benefited the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. ✨We are immensely grateful!

Branch Events

Branch Locations, Hours, and Additional Events

Visit santacruzpl.org/branches for branch addresses and hours of operation. Click on your local branch below for complete listings of upcoming events, including talks, workshops, storytime, games, crafting, and many other activities for all ages.

Everyone Can Be A Friend

When you attend library programs and events or utilize resources and services, you help our libraries thrive at the center of this vibrant and innovative community. 

A wide range of opportunities include joining your local Friends Chapter or contributing to library support, literacy programs, working with children, or special projects.