Come Back for Seconds with Food for Fines

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Come Back for Seconds with Food for Fines

SCCLD Libraries to Waive Fines and Fees in Exchange for a Food Donation

Food for Fines program forgives up to $100 per account during month of April 

Starting on Tuesday, April 2, the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) is offering Food for Fines for a second time, a program in which patrons can waive up to $100 in fines and fees in exchange for a non-perishable food donation of any amount. In its initial month-long offering in 2018, the equivalent of nearly 30,000 meals were collected for the food insecure in partnership with Second Harvest of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.

Last year’s program saw thousands of library patrons take part, with nearly $150,000 in fines and fees waived. Over 5,300 individuals were able to zero out their account balances thanks to Food for Fines. Many community members took part in the program even though they did not have any outstanding fees or fines; they just wanted to do their part to help those in need. There were even patrons who paid their fines and made a food donation. Keep in mind that the Library always appreciates receiving any lost items back, no matter how long they’ve gone missing.

Food for Fines will be available at each of SCCLD’s seven community libraries and one branch library, as well as through its Bookmobile. Patrons simply bring their food donations to the Accounts Desk during normal business hours to have up to $100 in fines and fees waived. In the case of lost or expired library cards, or those who would like to sign up for a free library card, participants should simply bring any valid form of photo identification in order to take part. A list of most needed and allowable food donations can be found on our website.

 

Learn How to Better Manage your Money

The Library can help you plan your investments this Financial Literacy Month

Managing your money is an important skill, no matter your age. Young people just joining the workforce, families with young children, parents planning for college for their kids, and those preparing for retirement all need to understand the ins and outs of finance. The Library has an array of tools to help you learn all you need to know about topics ranging from smart investing to retirement planning, how to start a business to multiple newspapers, magazines and books about money and finances. Make use of these helpful resources and watch your dreams come true.

We also have several events this month to help you with your finances:

Free 2018 Tax Help from Volunteers in Tax Assistance
Tuesday, April 2, 7 – 8:30 pm, Saratoga Library
Saturdays, April 6 & 13, 10 am – 1 pm, Computer Training Center, Milpitas Library
Sunday, April 7, 1:30 – 5 pm, Story Room, Cupertino Library
VITA IRS-certified volunteers will provide basic tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals (low income, elderly, disabled) in English, Spanish, Chinese, or Vietnamese. 

Money Smart Week: Tax Optimization Strategies
Tuesday, April 2, 7 pm-8:30 pm, Community Room, Saratoga Library
Presenters from the Financial Planners of America will go over the new tax law, how it affects different income groups, and what you can do to optimize your personal tax situation.

Retirement Readiness
Wednesday, April 3, 10:30 am-12 pm, Community Room, Saratoga Library
Retirement readiness - what is your number?  Presenters from the Financial Planners of America will review and identify key factors in successful retirement, major risks and how to create a steady income stream.  

Healthy Living: Shopping on a Budget
Wednesday, April 3, 6 – 7:30 pm, Quiet Study B, Gilroy Library
Tuesday, April 9, 6:30 – 8 pm, Program Room, Morgan Hill Library
Eating heathy doesn’t have to be time consuming and expensive. In this class you will learn tips, including how to prepare a healthy meal for four for just $10!

 

Student eAccounts: New Way for Youth to Access Library Resources 24/7

By this fall, every public school in SCCLD’s area will offer students free digital library access 

Tens of thousands of students in elementary through high school across the County of Santa Clara have received a free digital library account, or eAccount, to help them excel in their studies. The effort, which started three years ago with Saratoga Union School District, has led to the creation of over 78,000 student accounts to date. This fall, the Library will add high schoolers in Los Altos and Campbell to allow access for 100% of the public school districts within SCCLD’s service area. The student eAccount program represents a collaborative effort between SCCLD and 13 school districts to support student success and intellectual exploration.

An eAccount grants students access to all of the resources on the Library’s 24/7 Online Library, including Brainfuse for homework help, Scholastic Go! Articles, Biography in Context, and many more. Students can check out digital Audiobooks, eBooks, and eComics, download and stream music, and watch films on Kanopy. No fines are assessed on eMaterials, so students don’t have to worry about missing a due date or keeping an item too long. All of this can be done from home, at school, or on the go. The goal is to meet students where they are at, giving them access to all of the best that the Library offers online, and encouraging literacy. Many of these resources can also be found on our Kids’ homepage.   

"Unplug” in Order to Better Connect with Your Loved Ones

Screen-Free Week is a great time to plan non-electronic family activities

Monday, April 29 to Sunday, May 5 is Screen-Free Week, a time to put down our handheld devices and connect with one another the old-fashioned way. Modern life is all about gadgets, which can be very entertaining and helpful, but they sometimes create distance between those who matter most and us. 

Luckily, this time of year there is no shortage of fun activities that you can enjoy together. Take advantage of the great weather by visiting museums or County Parks, attend a local event such as an art fair, or come by one of our libraries. We always have something going on. There are over a hundred things you can do that don’t involve a TV, computer or other electronic device.

Upcoming “UNAFF in Libraries” Screenings to Highlight Environmental Topics

Documentaries about waste and sustainability starting week before Earth Day

April 22 marks the 49th anniversary since the start of Earth Day. It began in 1970 as a way to raise awareness about environmental issues such as smog and pollution. Since then, the movement has become a global event with millions of people in nearly 200 countries participating in some kind of civic action. This year’s theme is “Protecting Our Species.”
From the dirty secrets of our digital addiction to artificial coral reefs, waste and sustainability, five SCCLD libraries are hosting film screenings. These documentaries have been featured by the United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF), which is based at Stanford University.

Tomorrow: Take Concrete Steps to a Sustainable Future
Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 pm, Campbell Library
A scientific study once predicted humankind could disappear between 2040 and 2100. It also said it could be avoided by drastically changing our way of life. Filmmakers travel the world in search of solutions that can help save the next generation.

Death by Design: The Dirty Secret of our Digital Addiction
Wednesday, April 24, 7 pm, Ground Floor, Story Room, Cupertino Library
Death by Design investigates the underbelly of the electronics industry and reveals how even the smallest devices have deadly environmental and health costs. Space is limited. You can reserve your spot starting April 10.

Waste=Food
Monday, April 22, 7 pm, Los Altos Library
The theory of ecologically intelligent design argues that manufacturers’ products, when discarded, should be completely recyclable or become biodegradable. Waste=Food explores this revolutionary “cradle to cradle” concept, as opposed to cradle to grave.

Trashed
Saturday, April 20, 2 pm, Milpitas Library
Trashed follows Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons on a world tour as he discovers the pressing issues surrounding waste and sustainability. The beauty of our planet from space forms a violent contrast to the scenes of human detritus across the globe.

Angel Azul
Monday, April 22, 7pm, Saratoga Library
Angel Azul explores the artistic journey of Jason deCaires Taylor, an innovative artist who combines creativity with an important environmental solution: the creation of coral reefs from statues he’s cast from live models. When algae overtakes the reefs, however, experts provide the facts about the perilous situation coral reefs currently face and the solutions necessary to save them. Discussion with filmmaker to follow.

Spring into a Sonnet, Hatch your own Haiku 

Get inspired by Columbia Granger’s World of Poetry 

April is National Poetry Month. Our resident bards have come up with lists of excellent titles of books of verse in our collection for children and adults to enjoy. Check one out today! 

One of our most treasured online resources is Columbia Granger’s World of Poetry. The database contains 250,000 full-text poems and 450,000 poem citations. Granger’s also offers a rich taxonomy of 6,000 subject headings organized in a hierarchical structure of related themes and subjects.

Features include the Listening Room, where you can find audio recordings of the best-known poetry read by poets. The database also offers poems in other languages, and you can select the type of form you’re seeking: ballad, haiku, monologue, elegy, prose, hymn, sonnet, and much more. The Poem Comparison feature allows any two poems – for example, a poem in translation and in its original language – to be viewed together.

The database also includes commentaries, glossary, history, and criticism throughout to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of poetry. Users can create a personal account to store discovered poems and sort them into personal or public lists.

Planning Your Summer Trip? The Library Has Your Passport to Travel

Cupertino and Milpitas libraries offer new passport books and cards services, some renewals

Over four thousand local residents have taken advantage of the passport services since they started exactly one year ago at Cupertino and Milpitas libraries. Setting up an appointment is easy. Just sign up for a time and location that works for you and bring identification, including proof of citizenship. Staff will even take your picture for a small charge. Include an application, processing fee, and you’re done.

Need some help planning your next trip? The Library has a number of travel guides, language resources like Rosetta Stone, and movies and other media in multiple languages to help immerse you in other cultures. We also sponsor occasional presentations sponsored by world travelers about their adventures.

 

 


Calendar of April Events

Major happenings this month at each SCCLD location

Our first full month of spring. Starting with April Fools’ Day (1), this month includes Bookmobile Day (10), Tax Day (15), and Earth Day (22). April also includes National Library and Volunteer weeks (7-13), and National Park Week (20-28). 

April 2019 EVENTS (HIGHLIGHTS)

NOTE: All libraries closed Monday, April 1 in observance of César Chávez Day

 

CAMPBELL (77 Harrison Avenue, Campbell 95008)

Introduction to Mindfulness
Tuesday, April 2, 7 – 8 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Jan Landry of ART Mindfulness Programs will give a demonstration and offer tips for how to integrate mindfulness into your day-to-day life.

Let’s Play in Spanish
Thursday, April 4, 4 – 5 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Susy Dorn and Let’s Play in Spanish team will lead in Storytime songs and puppets.   

Family Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Tuesday, April 9, 7 – 8 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature. Enjoy the movie on our big screen!

Visit the SCCLD Bookmobile
Friday, April 12, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Parking Lot
Come celebrate National Library Week with a special visit by the Bookmobile.

Home Sharing in Los Altos
Monday, April 15, 7 – 8:30 pm, Community Room, Lower Level
Many local residents have empty bedrooms and accessory units. Come learn about the social and financial benefits of home sharing and the organizations that can match you with tenants. 

Bunny Craft Time!
Saturday, April 20, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Community Room, Lower Level
Make a bunny craft in celebration of the Bunnies and Bonnets Parade downtown.

California Native Plant Society: Native Lawn Replacement
Wednesday, April 24, 7 – 8:30 pm, Community Room, Lower Level
Learn about a variety of native plants and grasses for lawns that can save water.

CUPERTINO (10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino 95014)

Children’s Garden
Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, Courtyard
It’s springtime again! Explore the garden with different do it yourself activities each month.

Introduction to Ayurveda
Saturday, April 6, 2 – 3 pm, Story Room
Learn about Ayurveda, traditional medicine system related to Yoga. Presenter will discuss fundamental concepts and how to cultivate wellness and balance in your life.

Free 2018 Tax Help from Volunteers in Tax Assistance
Sunday, April 7, 1:30 – 5 pm, Story Room
VITA IRS-certified volunteers will provide basic tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals (low income, elderly, disabled) in English, Spanish, Chinese, or Vietnamese.   

Library E-Resource Class: Overdrive
Tuesday, April 9, 4 – 5 pm, ThinkTank
Learn to master Overdrive, the Library’s most used app for borrowing eBooks, Audiobooks.

Community Poetry Night with Kaecey McCormick
Thursday, April 11, 7 – 8:30 pm, Story Room
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Cupertino Poet Laureate McCormick and friends. Open mic to follow.

Flex Prep: Extracurricular Development Standing Out From the Competition
Wednesday, April 17, 7 – 8:30 pm, Ground Floor Story Room
Will cover the relevance of extracurricular and summer activities, and introduce ways in which to build them seamlessly into a robust and cohesive application profile.

Digital Story Telling Workshop
Friday & Saturday, April 19 & 20, 9 am – 5 pm, Ground Floor Story Room
Berkeley-based StoryCenter and the California State Library help present this two-day event in which participants will create a digital story (short film) about their lives and experiences.

eResources Class: RBdigital
Tuesday, April 23, 4 – 5 pm, ThinkTank
Learn about digital Audiobooks and more from the Recorded Books archive.

“Death by Design” Movie Program (Registration begins April 10)
Wednesday, April 24, 7 – 8:30 pm, Story Room
Discusses the dark side of the electronics industry, their environmental and health costs.

Courtyard Concerts: The Charged Particles
Saturday, April 27, 12 – 1 pm, Courtyard
Join us for an enjoyable afternoon of jazz classics, original compositions and music education.

GILROY (350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy 95020)

Yoga at the Library
Tuesday, April 2, 7 – 8 pm, Community Room
Join us for a healthy, invigorating, and replenishing hour of Yoga. Please bring your own mat.

Gilroy League of Writers (GLOW) for Pre-Teens and Teens
Thursday, April 4, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, Quiet Study B
Are you interested in developing your writing skills? Join us the first Thursday of the month.

Family Movie: Mary Poppins Returns
Friday, April 5, 2 – 4:15 pm, Community Room
Join us for a showing of this modern day classic. 

Minding your Stress
Saturday, April 6, 11 am to 12 pm, Community Room
Learn to understand the impacts of stress and how to deal with it. Presented by Dr. Julie Forbes, educator, consultant and facilitator offering stress reduction and mindfulness classes.

Teen Movie: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Saturday, April 6, 2 – 4 pm, Community Room
Watch a family friendly movie in our spacious room on the large screen. 

Immigration Consultations with Catholic Charities / Consultas de inmigración con Catholic Charities
Mondays, April 8, 8, 46 pm, Quiet Study B
Free information and referrals to low cost immigration services.
Información gratuita y referencias a recursos de inmigración de bajo costo.

Study Space for Grades K-12
Wednesday, April 24, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, Community Room
Students tutor other students. Presented by the Gilroy Library Teen Advisory Board.

Hora de cuentos en español / Spanish Storytime
Tuesday, April 30, 4 – 4:45 pm, Nest (Children’s Activity Room)
Acompáñenos a escuchar cuentos, canciones, y rimas para familias con niños. También habrá una manualidad simple y tiempo para jugar.
Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes for families with children. There will be a simple craft and time to play. Speakers of all languages are welcome to attend.

LOS ALTOS (13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos 94022)

Home Sharing in Los Altos
Tuesday, April 2, 7 – 8:30 pm, Orchard Room
Many local residents have empty bedrooms and accessory units. Come learn about the social and financial benefits of home sharing and the organizations that can match you with tenants. 

Traveling Lantern Theatre Company Presents: “Dorothy in the Land of Oz”
Wednesday, April 3, 4 – 4:45 pm, Orchard Room
For kids in grades K-6 and their caretakers.

China’s Future and its Implications for the U.S. (World Affairs Council)
Wednesday, April 3, 7 – 9 pm, Los Altos Youth Center
Guest: Thomas Fingar, scholar at Stanford University’s Shorenstein Asia Pacific Research Center.

Deep Decarbonization and You – Leave Gas in the Past!
Thursday, April 4, 7 – 8:30 pm, Orchard Room
Learn from Don Bray and John Supp about programs from Silicon Valley Clean Energy designed to lower greenhouse gases and how you can benefit from them.

Pocket Poet Craft (teen/adult craft)
Monday, April 8, 6 – 8 pm, Orchard Room
Celebrate National Poetry Month by creating your own Pocket Poet using our materials.

Visit the SCCLD Bookmobile
Wednesday, April 10, 11 am – 12:30 pm, front of library.
Celebrate National Library Week with a visit from our beloved Bookmobile.

Mandarin/English Bilingual Storytime
Thursday, April 18, 11 – 11:30 am, Orchard Room
Speakers of all languages are welcome to this bilingual Storytime featuring books, songs, finger plays and activities. 

Bay Area Games Day
Saturday, April 20, 10 am – 11 pm, Orchard Room
A full day of convention-style open gaming now in its 21th year. Recent hobbyist and classic strategy games. All levels.

Master Gardeners
Wednesday, April 20, 7 – 8:30 pm, Orchard Room
Join us to learn about the beauty of succulents. Wide range of species, low water plants.

MILPITAS (160 N. Main Street, Milpitas 95035)

All Ages Poetry Slam
Wednesday, April 3, 6 – 7 pm, Auditorium
Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Mighty Mike McGee hosts this annual event. Bring your own poetry to perform and possibly win a prize.

Free 2018 Tax Help from Volunteers in Tax Assistance
Saturdays, April 6, 13, 10 am – 1 pm, Computer Training Center
VITA IRS-certified volunteers will provide basic tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals (low income, elderly, disabled) in English, Spanish, Chinese, or Vietnamese.   

Yoga Storytime with Mariam Gates
Thursday, April 11, 10:30 to 11 am, Auditorium
Best-selling children’s author Gates will lead a dynamic yoga and mindfulness session for kids.

Introduction to Ayurveda
Saturday, April 13, 2 – 3 pm, Auditorium
Learn about Ayurveda, traditional medicine system related to Yoga. Presenter will discuss fundamental concepts and how to cultivate wellness and balance in your life.

Open Mic Poetry Sharing
Wednesday, April 17, 6 – 7 pm, Auditorium
Co-sponsored by Peaceful Poets. All ages welcome to attend or share a poem if they wish.

Poetry Recitation Contest
Wednesday, April 24, 6 – 7 pm, Auditorium
Mighty Mike McGee, Poet Laureate for Santa Clara County, hosts. Bring a favorite poem from a traditional or contemporary poet and recite it from memory. 

Teen Craft Hour (ages 12-18)
Thursday, April 25, 4 – 5 pm, Auditorium
This month’s craft is fringe earrings. Materials, instruction and assistance provided.

Day of the Child/Day of the Book with Golden Acorn Music
Sunday, April 27, 11 am – 12 pm, Auditorium
Stop by for a music and movement program for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers.

Minding your Stress
Saturday, April 27, 2 to 3 pm, Community Room
Learn to understand the impacts of stress and how to deal with it. Presented by Dr. Julie Forbes, educator, consultant and facilitator offering stress reduction and mindfulness classes.

MORGAN HILL (660 W. Main Avenue, Morgan Hill 95037)

Snack Breaks with Dash Robots
Tuesdays & Thursdays in April, 3 – 4:30 pm, Program Room
Snacks from 3-4 pm (kids under 18). Tutoring from 3:30-4:30 pm for K-8 grades.    

Barbershop Chorus Concert with the Peninsulaires
Monday, April 8, 7 – 8 pm, Program Room
Join us for a free a capella music concert featuring Silicon Valley’s Barbershop Chorus. This unique, lively style of singing will be fun for the whole family to experience. Classic pop songs. 

Healthy Living: Shopping on a Budget
Tuesday, April 9, 6:30 – 8 pm, Program Room
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. Learn tips to save money while eating healthier. You can purchase and prepare a meal for a family of four for just $10!  

Beginning Art Instruction Drawing in Pastel and Charcoal
Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Program Room
For ages 13 and up. Self-taught artist David Hofstad has painted and drawn commissioned art for 25 years.

Bookmobile Visit
Thursday, April 11, 2:45 – 3:45 pm, parking lot
Celebrate National Library Week with SCCLD’s favorite mobile library. Craft will be provided.

Coyote Valley Landscape Linkage Project – A Vision for a Resilient, Multi-benefit Landscape
Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 – 9 pm, Program Room
Gail Basson, project manager for the project, will speak about tracking wildlife movement between the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range, including the Morgan Hill connection. 

SARATOGA (13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga 95070)

Art Talk
Tuesday, April 2, 10:30 am – 12 pm, Community Room
Monet: The Late Years docent Ellen Harden will discuss the current DeYoung Museum exhibit.

Money Smart Week – Tax Optimization Strategies
Tuesday, April 2, 7 – 8:30 pm, Community Room
Presenters from the Financial Planners of America will go over the new tax law and how it affects different income groups. Learn what you can do to optimize your personal tax situation.  

Retirement Readiness
Wednesday, April 3, 10:30 am – 12 pm, Community Room
Presenters from the Financial Planners of America will review and identify key factors in successful retirement, major risks and how to create a steady income stream.  

Paws to Read
Tuesday, April 9, 7 – 8 pm, Orchard Room
For grades K-5. Kids can work on their pronunciation skills while gaining self-confidence. Read to a patient and quiet therapy animal from Growing Guides. First-come, first-served basis. 

Crochet Coral Reef Project
Tuesday, April 16, 6 – 8 pm, Community Room
This art project is a celebration of the intersection of higher geometry and handicraft. No experience needed. Instructions and materials provided. Partnership with West Valley College.

Ceramics (4th to 8th Graders)
Saturday, April 20, 2 – 3:30 pm, Orchard Room
Want to give your mom something special and unique for Mother’s Day next month? Come join us and get your hands dirty for the sake of art.

Teen Earth Day Craft
Tuesday, April 23, 5 – 5:30 pm, Community Room
Decorate a planter and plant your first seed in it.

Current State of Real Estate and Stock Markets
Tuesday, April 30, 7– 8:30 pm, Community Room
Presenters from the Financial Planners of America will give an overview of the current state of the real estate and stock markets and how you can recognize opportunities.

WOODLAND (1975 Grant Ave., Los Altos 94024)

Birds of Prey
Sunday, April 28, 2 – 3 pm, Community Room
The Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center will explore the local diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey. Living examples and hands-on materials help demonstrate flight, sight, hearing, more.