READ program with Ziggy the mini
2025-03-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-23 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-29 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-30 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-06 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 2 more dates | A ranch in Watsonville
READ program with Ziggy the mini
One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning November 30 and December 1

READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment.
From this, Lisa (a Reading Specialist with 25+ years of experience) works with students to build and develop strong reading skills such as: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.
Since reading is a gateway to accessing information, students will likely improve in all subject areas.
In addition, their self esteem will begin to soar as they gain confidence with each reading session.
Lastly, Ziggy’s adorable, gentleness is just too cute for words. Students will fall in love with him at first sight. So, come join the fun and learn is a holistic way with Ziggy and Lisa 🙂

Where: READ program is currently hosted at a ranch in Watsonville. Also we will be visiting libraries, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes soon! Ziggy Stardust is our dwarf miniature horse and he loves reading with all age levels.
Lisa is also available to visit your horse(s) and READ with them! This social/mental stimulation provides an overall sense of well-being. They love it; see video How tab for evidence. 😉

When: For availability, more information and directions, text Lisa at (831) 227-9847

Rick Steves On the Hippie Trail
2025-03-16 16:00 - 17:30 | Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95062, United States
Rick Steves | ON THE HIPPIE TRAIL
Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer
Sunday, March 16, 4 -5:30om
This in-person event will include a 90-minute discussion and visual presentation, plus audience Q&A and a book signing. Doors open 45 minutes prior to showtime. Open seating.

All packages include both a ticket and a book (no entry-only/companion tickets, sorry) and the $40 price is inclusive of all taxes and fees.
Books available for pickup at the venue as you enter, or early at Bookshop Santa Cruz beginning on its publication date (2/4/25). Books uncollected at the event will be held at Bookshop Santa Cruz for two months, after which they will be donated.
Tickets are final sale and do not qualify for Readers Club credit.
This event is cosponsored by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz. Thank you! We can’t wait to see you at the event!
ABOUT THE BOOK + AUTHOR:
Stow away with Rick Steves for a glimpse into the unforgettable moments, misadventures, and memories of his 1978 journey on the legendary Hippie Trail.
In the 1970s, the ultimate trip for any backpacker was the storied “Hippie Trail” from Istanbul to Kathmandu. A 23-year old Rick Steves made the trek, and like a travel writer in training, he documented everything along the way: jumping off a moving train, making friends in Tehran, getting lost in Lahore, getting high for the first time in Herat, battling leeches in Pokhara, and much more. The experience ignited his love of travel and forever broadened his perspective on the world.
This book contains edited selections from Rick’s journal and travel photos with a 45-years-later preface and postscript reflecting on how the journey changed his life. Stow away with Rick Steves on the adventure of a lifetime through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal.
You know Rick Steves. Now discover the adventure that made him the travel writer he is today.
Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. He does all of this with the help of more than 100 well-traveled staff members at Rick Steves’ Europe in Edmonds, WA (near Seattle). When not on the road, Rick is active in his church and with advocacy groups focused on economic and social justice, drug policy reform, and ending hunger. To recharge, Rick plays piano, relaxes at his family cabin in the Cascade Mountains, and spends time with his son Andy, daughter Jackie, and his grandson…baby Atlas. Find out more about Rick at www.ricksteves.com and on Facebook.

Show time: 4:00 PM, doors 3:15 PM
Tickets: $40
Advance tickets: www.buytickets.at/bookshopsantacruz
Event website: www.bookshopsantacruz.com/rick-steves

Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
2025-03-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-28 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
Fridays, through July 25, 11am-12pm
Baby Story Time features songs, rhymes, stories, and lap play designed to help babies develop early literacy skills.
This program is designed for children ages birth to two and their caregivers, but all ages are welcome! After Baby Time, stay for Stay & Play to reinforce early literacy skills through play and create connections with other families.

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2025-03-21 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-03-28 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-04 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
3rd Fridays, 11am – 12:30pm, March 15 – December 20
Join us at the Aptos Branch Library for an engaging and dynamic book group experience: Bring Your Own Book (BYOB).
This innovative program encourages participants to bring along a book of their choice and share their thoughts, insights, and perspectives with fellow readers. Whether you’re passionate about fiction, non-fiction, classics, or contemporary literature, BYOB Book Group welcomes all genres and interests.
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12055882
How It Works:

Choose Your Book: Select a book that you’ve recently read or have been wanting to discuss. It could be a novel, biography, memoir, poetry collection, or any other genre that interests you.
Bring Your Book: Arrive at the library with your chosen book in hand. Make sure it’s one you’re eager to share and discuss with others.
Engage in Discussion: Once everyone has gathered, participants will take turns sharing their thoughts on their chosen books. This could include favorite passages, character analysis, thematic elements, personal connections, and more.
Respectful Exchange: Engage in respectful and open-minded discussions with fellow participants. Share your perspectives while also listening attentively to others’ viewpoints. This is a space for lively literary dialogue and exchange of ideas.
Discover New Reads: Explore a diverse range of books and genres through the recommendations and discussions of fellow participants. You might just find your next favorite read!

Whether you’re a voracious reader or just starting to delve into the world of books, Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Book Group offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for lively literary discussions and discovery. Join us at the library and let’s celebrate the joy of reading together!

La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group
2025-03-26 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-04-10 10:30 - 12:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group

2nd Thursdays, 10:30an – 12pm
The LSB Adult Book Discussion group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 10:30a to 12:00p. The group will meet virtually via Zoom during the remodel. All adults are welcome.
Registration required: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/7587480

Storytime with Ivy
2025-03-26 11:00 - 11:15 | Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Storytime with Ivy

Last Wednesday of the Month 11-11:15am

Join Ivy, our children’s book buyer, at 11:00 am on the last Wednesday of the month for a storytime presentation of some of her favorite picture books! Meet in the kids’ section.

Kids Event

Author Visit and Storytime with Nina Francisco
2025-03-26 11:00 - 12:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
Author Visit and Storytime with Nina Francisco
Wednesday, March 26, 11am – 12pm
Join us for a special storytime at La Selva Beach Branch Library! Nina Francisco, author of Sidivana and the Two Birds, will be joining us to read her debut picture book. This enchanting story follows a young girl’s journey of self-discovery as she learns to embrace her unique gifts and see them as strengths.
We will follow the story with crafts.
ABOUT NINA FRANCISCO
Nina Francisco is a children’s book author from Angola based in California. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University and holds a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship. Sidivana and the Two Birds is her debut self-published book.

Story & Pictures By, A Children's Books Documentary
2025-03-30 15:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz High School, 415 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, CO, 95060, United States
Story & Pictures By, A Children’s Books Documentary
A Benefit Film Screening for Santa Cruz County Public School Libraries
Sunday, March 30, 3 – 5pm

Let’s celebrate the value of children’s books by supporting our local public school libraries together.
Children’s books are often one of the first moments that allow children to dive deep into their imaginations. Come celebrate the impact of children’s books with a benefit screening of a new documentary “Story & Pictures By” followed by a discussion with filmmaker Joanna Rudnick.
100% of the proceeds of every ticket will be used to buy children’s books from Bookshop for Santa Cruz County public school libraries.
The first 50 teachers who buy tickets will receive a free tote bag filled with literary goodies!
This event will take place at the Santa Cruz High School auditorium and is cosponsored by Bookshop Santa Cruz, The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz, and The Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
“Story & Pictures By” is the first feature documentary to take audiences behind the scenes to meet the authors and artists who create children’s books.
Following bestselling authors Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street), Yuyi Morales (Dreamers), and Mac Barnett (Sam & Dave Dig a Hole), as well as highlighting perennial favorites such as Goodnight Moon, Snowy Day and Where the Wild Things Are, the film shows how children’s books reflect the mysteries of childhood, champion the marginalized, and provide children with windows and mirrors into their own lives.
This event will feature a film screening (Run Time: 1 hour, 24 minutes) + 20-minute conversation with filmmaker. Children are welcome, if they are able to sit through the film.
Film Trailer: https://vimeo.com/925152924
TICKETS: Entry $15 and varying levels up to $500. Every $15 purchases one book for schools.

Tales to Tails Garfield Park
2025-03-31 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-04-07 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-04-14 15:30 - 16:30 | Garfield Park Library, 705 Woodrow Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Tales to Tails Garfield Park
Mondays 3:30-4:30pm, through July 14
Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by reading to certified therapy dogs. Trained therapy dogs will be available Mondays at the Garfield Park Library to be attentive reading partners for children reading aloud.
Child must be 6-17 years old, and already reading to some degree. Our volunteer handlers are there to provide support but are not trained reading instructors.
Appointments are required; please contact 831-427-7704 to make yours now.
We and our furry friends look forward to seeing you there!

Tales 2 Tails La Selva Beach
2025-04-02 15:30 - 16:30 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
Tales 2 Tails La Selva Beach
1st Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30, April 2 – December 3

Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive reading partners for children reading aloud.
Child must be 6-17 years old, and already reading to some degree.
Our volunteer handlers are there to provide support but are not trained reading instructors.
Appointments are required, please contact 831-427-7713.
If you have questions, e-mail rammerr@santacruzpl.org

Tales to Tails Felton
2025-04-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Felton Branch Library- New, 6121 Gushee St., Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Tales to Tails Felton Library
3rd Tuesdays, 3-4pm, April 15 – December 16
Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by providing them the opportunity to read to certified therapy dogs.
Programs like Tales to Tails have been implemented nationally in both libraries and schools and have proven to be extremely effective in increasing the self-confidence and reading abilities of the participants.
Child must be 6-17 years old, and already reading to some degree. Our volunteer handlers are there to provide support but are not trained reading instructors.
Call 831-427-7708 to make a 30-minute appointment at the Felton Branch Library at either 3pm or 3:30pm on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
We and our furry friends look forward to seeing you there!

Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Celebration
2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Samper Recital Hall at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Celebration
Thursday, April 17, 6 – 7:30pm
Join us in celebrating Santa Cruz County’s 2025-26 Youth Poet Laureate at the Samper Recital Hall, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003.
This is a joyful opportunity to appreciate our county’s youth and let their unique voices shine.
The program will include readings from young poets across the County.
