Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2025-09-12 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-19 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-26 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-03 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-10 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-17 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-24 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-31 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!

Free Sewing Workshop
2025-09-16 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-10-14 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-10-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Freedom Library, 2021 Freedom Blvd, Freedom, CA, 95019, United States
Free Sewing Workshop

2nd & 3rd Tuesdays, through December 9 & 16, 4 – 5:30pm

Free Sewing Classes – Ready to unleash your creativity and learn a new skill? Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced sewer, our free sewing classes are for you.
Join us for a fun, hands-on experience where you can:
Learn sewing basics – no experience required.
Build your skills – Pick the project that matches your skill level.
Meet new friends – all ages and backgrounds encouraged.
Bring your own projects – get help with what you want to create.
This program will take place on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4-5:30pm at the Freedom Library, Creative Cafe.
All ages & skill levels welcome. These classes will be facilitated in English. https://www.watsonville.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=6307

Visit City of Watsonville

Santa Cruz Black 2025 Film Series
2025-09-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Santa Cruz Black 2025 Film Series

3rd Tuesdays, September 16, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Santa Cruz Black’s 2nd annual BLACK on Screen Film Series continues on 3rd Tuesdays at the Capitola Branch and 3rd Wednesdays at the Resource Center for Nonviolence.

What does it mean to fall into a forbidden love? When your friends don’t understand or approve of your choices? What does it mean to live fully, despite fatal epidemics, whether AIDS of the 1990s or tuberculosis of the previous century?
How do we navigate the intersection of Blackness, deafness, happiness, status, and class identity?
These are the questions the film, Compensation, by Zeinabu Irene Davis poses for her characters, one century apart. Part of the Los Angeles Rebellion movement of independent films, 2025 is the first year audiences have been invited to see it as a theatrical release and newly restored in 4K. Deftly woven into this narrative film is archival footage which anchors the viewing experience in history.
Santa Cruz Black has the honor of bringing this film to you. To register for one of our two screenings please click on the hyperlinked venue:
Tuesday September 16th at the Capitola Branch Library or Wednesday September 17th at the Resource Center for Nonviolence.
Doors open at 6 pm, screening begins at 6:30 pm for both dates. This film clocks in at 92 minutes and afterwards we will engage in a hearty community discussion.
September 16_ Compensation, Watch the YouTube Trailer Here Save the date! Tuesday October 21: Unapologetic

Teen Anime Club
2025-09-17 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-15 16:00 - 17:00 | CA
Teen Anime Club

3rd Wednesdays, through December 17, 4pm
Looking for a community of people who appreciate anime?

During our monthly Teen Anime Club, we will explore and celebrate Japanese popular culture through cooking, craft-making and playing games.

This program will take place on the third Wednesday of every month from 4:30-5:30pm. Audience: Teens (grades 7-12)

¿Buscas una comunidad de personas que aprecien el anime? Durante nuestros programas mensuales para jóvenes, el Club de Anime explorará y celebrará la cultura popular japonesa a través de la cocina, la artesanía y los juegos.
Este programa se llevará a cabo el tercer miércoles de cada mes de las 4:30-5:30pm.
Audiencia: Para jóvenes (grados 7-12).

Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Idea Fab Labs, 2801 Mission St #204, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
3rd Thursdays, 6 – 8pm
Join us and discuss the infinite possibilities of A.I.! Are you Intrigued by A.I.? Does A.I. Scare you? Do you want A.I. to write your next term paper? Come hang out and talk about the implementation and implications of this rapidly advancing field.
Discussions are every 3rd Thursday at Idea Fab Labs.
Co-sponsored by Santa Cruz Public Libraries.
We have Open House hours Monday 5:00pm-7:00pm where the public is invited to see our equipment, take tours, and get a feel for the facility.

New Member Orientation Join us first and third Mondays, immediately after Open House at 7:00pm to start the process of becoming a member!
Our location is on the 2nd floor of the Wrigley Building in Santa Cruz.
RSVP for New Member Orientation

Concert Featuring Soundswell Artists
2025-09-26 12:00 - 13:20 | Downtown Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Concert Featuring Soundswell Artists
Friday, September 26, 12-1:20pm
Join us for a live music concert featuring one of our Soundwell artists!
Charged Particles features three of the country’s virtuosos crossing stylistic boundaries in the acoustic and electric jazz arena.
Murray Low is a keyboard wizard with dazzling Latin-jazz technique and imaginative improvisational skills.
Aaron Germain is an inventive and sophisticated acoustic and electric bassist.
Along with fiery drummer Jon Krosnick, these players are making some of the most electrifying jazz in the country today.

"Ojos de Dios"
2025-09-26 15:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
“Ojos de Dios”

Friday, September 26, 3-5pm

Join us at the Capitola Library for an afternoon creating “Ojos de Dios” (God’s Eyes) with the Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks.

This traditional craft, especially among the Huichol (Wixárika) people of Mexico, symbolizes prayer and protection.

Light refreshments and all materials will be provided. All ages welcome.

Acompáñanos en la Biblioteca Sucursal de Capitola para crear Ojos de Dios con el grupo Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks.

Esta artesanía tradicional, especialmente entre el pueblo Huichol (Wixárika) de México, simboliza la oración y la protección.
Se proporcionarán refrigerios y todos los materiales.
Las personas de todas las edades son bienvenidas a participar. https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/14487452

Stuffie Hide & Seek
2025-10-01 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-11-01 10:00 - 18:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Stuffie Hide & Seek
Friday, August 1, 10am – 6pm
Every day through December 1
A cuddly, book-loving stuffed animal is hiding in the Children’s Room—can you track it down? Explore the shelves, uncover fun books and surprises, and when you find the critter, let a librarian know to earn a sticker prize! This passive program runs all day, every day—just drop in and join the fun!
Aptos Library Children’s Room

Toddler Time Scotts Valley
2025-10-07 11:00 - 11:45, 2025-10-14 11:00 - 11:45, 2025-10-21 11:00 - 11:45, 2025-11-04 11:00 - 11:45 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Toddler Time
Tuesdays 11 – 11:45am, October 7, 14, 21 & November 4, 18

Join us for a special series of Toddler Time where local community resource professionals answer your questions relating to aspects of child development.

Come join Librarian Emily for stories, songs, and lots of fun for toddlers and their caregivers.

For this special series, a different community resource professional will join us each time, each specializing in a different area of child development.

Scotts Valley Branch Library

11:00-11:45am
Oct 7 – Music and Movement
Oct 14 – Play Therapy
Oct 21 – Child Development and Play
Nov 4 – Early Intervention
Nov 18 – Nutrition

Free Positive Discipline Parenting Class
2025-10-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Aptos Branch Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Free Positive Discipline Parenting Class
Tuesdays 6-8pm, October 7, 14, 21, 28
Join us for a free Class Series on Parenting The Positive Discipline Way.
Connect with other parents through this interactive and engaging educational series.
You will be introduced to the Positive Discipline pathway to become an effective leader in your home being respectful and loving with clear boundaries and structure.
Text “SC Library” to 831-292-4088 to sign up!

Creating in the Makerspace with Generative AI
2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Old Wrigley Building, 2801 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Creating in the Makerspace with Generative AI
Saturday, October 18, 1-3pm
Drop by between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to see how AI can transform ideas into images, 3D models, and videos, then bring them to life as physical art.
Idea Fab Labs’ amazing volunteers will showcase this cutting-edge technology.
Perfect for all ages, come discover how AI can elevate your creativity!

FYI!
Every 3rd Thursday at Idea Fab Labs. 6-8pm
Join us at Idea Fab Labs for a monthly round table discussion that keeps up-to-date on emerging machine learning technologies, while pondering the cultural implications of advancements in artificial intelligence.

Co-sponsored by Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Celebrate Color and Fiber
2025-10-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Felton Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Celebrate Color and Fiber
Saturday, October 25, 11am-3pm

Celebrate Santa Cruz Textile Guild’s 70th Anniversary with a demo day!

Felton Branch Library presents the Santa Cruz Textile Arts Guild for a day of fun and color in the community room and adjoining patio.
The guild is celebrating our 70th year and we are inviting the community to learn about what we do. We will be spinning, weaving, natural dyeing and doing all manner of fiber-y fun! Come ask us questions and learn about how plants and animal fibers become beautiful handwoven fabrics. Learn about some local sources of color. I bet you have some plants in your area that can give you lovely color!
Maybe weave a bit or spin a little yarn. Perhaps add a small skein of yarn to a dye pot.
While you are there take a look at the handiwork of SCTAG member in our show throughout the library.
Registration is not required. Supplies are limited to a first come, first served basis.
