According to Britannica School, the first Thanksgiving is often traced back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians shared a harvest feast. This historic event marked a time of peace and cooperation between the two cultures. While this event is often celebrated as the origin of Thanksgiving, it's important to acknowledge the complex history between European settlers and the Indigenous peoples.
The day has since evolved into a holiday centered around being thankful and gathering together over a shared feast, which typically includes turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and more.
Our Online Library has free resources that can help make your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving memorable. Browse through our Thanksgiving cookbooks to help prepare an unforgettable meal of main courses, side dishes, and desserts. Patrons can also try out our online resource, New York Times Cooking, to explore some of the world’s best recipes. Visit Libby to check out holiday editions of popular magazines such as Eat Well, Taste of Home, Food Network Magazine, and Cook's Illustrated.
Add to the ambiance by getting crafty. Our free online resource, CreativeBug, provides unlimited access to over 1,000 art & craft classes. Find DIY activities like paper plants, embroidered heirloom napkins, reusable bowl covers and giftable goods.
Several of our libraries are hosting free craft programs for kids. Check them out:
- Painting with Yarn: November 16 at 4 p.m.
- Grab and Go Fall Crafts: November 23 – 25 (pick up at the Children’s Reference Desk)
- Family Coloring: November 20 at 4 p.m.
- Fall Crafts for Grades K-5: November 24 at 3:30 p.m.
- Kids Art Club: November 18 at 3:30 p.m.
- KidsCRAFT: November 17 at 4 p.m.
Patrons can also visit our Online Library to find Hoopla and access eBooks, Audiobooks, music, TV series and movies such as the Hallmark+ BingePass to get you into the holiday spirit.
As we reflect on all we are grateful for, we have a message to our patrons, library supporters, city and community partners, library commissioners, and our JPA Board members: We are thankful for your continued support and patronage. It is a pleasure to serve the library users of Santa Clara County.
Please note SCCLD libraries will be closed and services unavailable on Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday but our Online Library is available 24/7.
We wish you a wonderful holiday!
