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Bravo to our Summer Reading Participants!
There’s still time to participate in our Summer Reading program, It’s Showtime at Your Library!
We would like to give our Summer Reading participants a standing ovation for all of the hard work you’ve put into reading this summer. You have read over one hundred thousand books in two short months! Children and teen finishers still have time to pick up their prizes from their local libraries.
As you wrap up summer with last minute vacations, we have some great booklists for teens, including a Teen Beach Reads collection. This month’s summer spotlight is New Books for Adults, where you’ll find titles that are brand new to the library.
Finish Summer Reading strong and help us reach 200,000 books read collectively! We’ll be extending the deadline until August 31 to give you a little more time to log your results into Beanstack.
It’s Back to School Time and the Library Can Help Students Excel
A library card is the most important school supply of all!
Thousands of students are heading back to school this month, but we have an important lesson for parents. Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) has partnered with all of the public school districts within our service area to offer free library eAccounts to all K-12 students.
More than 75,000 students now have access to quality information and resources online, available whenever they need it. This includes research databases, scholarly articles, tutoring, language learning and more. We understand that kids need downtime also, so they can access our digital movies, music, videos and eComics. Students can also come into the library to upgrade their card to receive full borrowing privileges.
ESL Classes Begin in September
Gilroy and Milpitas libraries will host free classes
SCCLD is once again hosting free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes starting in September. They can help a person improve their listening, speaking, pronunciation, reading and writing skills. This is useful at home, at work (improving job skills or getting a better job) and in social settings, like a doctor’s office or a child’s school. Classes include increasing a person’s vocabulary, learning common English phrases and the American culture. Participants can also meet people from around the world!
Starting the week of September 9, classes will be held evenings from 6 to 8 pm at Milpitas Library on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Gilroy Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes run through the week of December 16. To join, simply stop by the Milpitas or Gilroy References Desks to sign up. There will be a short assessment made to determine participants’ language skill levels.
Our libraries also hold ESL Conversation Clubs, opens a new window. Participants are invited to stop by and chat with others in a supportive environment. In addition, the library offers online resources for ESL learners, including games and activities.
Jumpstart Early Learning with Ready Rosie
The Library offers great online tools for parents to help little ones get ready for school
It’s never too early to build learning skills! Talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing with your children helps them learn early literacy and other developmental skills.
Essential learning and social skills are developed in the first five years, and ReadyRosie is a great online resource for parents of children ages 0-6. Watch short videos demonstrating how to engage your child in fun, educational, family activities and find tips for best parent-child communication techniques. Learn these and other best practices for helping infants and young children grow and thrive!
The Library also provides access to ABCmouse.com, which is designed to help children ages 2-8 with school readiness. Build a strong educational foundation in reading, math, science, health, social studies, art, and music. Kids can develop learning and study skills from the comfort of home.
Check out these and more online resources for parents and early learners, available for free by logging in with your library card! Pictured is Hayleigh B. of Gilroy, who recently came into the library to be recognized for reading 3,000 books! We recommend that all kids read 1,000 books by age 6, but more is even better.
County Poet Laureate Application Process has Begun
Calling all poets: Now is your opportunity to shine
The County of Santa Clara is gearing up to select its sixth Poet Laureate for the two-year term of 2020-21. SCCLD is now the lead County agency overseeing this process in partnership with Santa Clara County and SVCreates. The application period for nominees opens on August 12 and will remain open until September 27. If you are a poet, or you know any talented bards, registration information is here.
A panel made up of officials from SCCLD, the County Office of Public Affairs, a prior Poet Laureate, a representative from nonprofit arts booster SVCREATES and others will review all applications for poet laureate and provide a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors in the fall. The outgoing Poet Laureate “Mighty” Mike McGee, has hosted several events at SCCLD, including the Teen Poetry Slams.
SCCLD offers a number of poetry resources in our printed collection, or patrons can immerse themselves online using our free service, Columbia Granger’s World of Poetry, opens a new window.
SCCLD to Offer Bystander Training in August
Sessions take place during Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month
If you saw someone being harassed or facing discrimination, would you know how to safely intervene? SCCLD is hosting two free Bystander Intervention Training sessions in August, to coincide with Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. The training will be presented by the Council of American Islamic Relations – San Francisco Bay Area office (CAIR – SFBA).
Participants will learn specific de-escalation techniques to defuse potentially tense situations where someone is being targeted for harassment. The training will also provide tips on how to record incidents and when to involve law enforcement.
Milpitas Library will host one session on Thursday, August 22 from 7-8:30 pm. Gilroy Library will host another on Saturday, August 31 from 3-4:30 pm.
Dog Days of Summer are Here
Celebrate man (and woman’s) best friend with new titles
While many of us think the “Dog Days” refer to the hottest days of summer, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this time of year refers to the rise of the Dog Star, Sirius. That doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate our furry friends -- National Dog Day is on August 29.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs are present in more American households (38%) than any other pet. Our adult librarians have created a selection of entertaining and heartwarming stories that celebrate our canine friends. We also have a children’s booklist for our young readers, Delightful Doggie Tales!
Celebrate Romance Awareness Month in August
Check out some new titles that are hot, hot, hot!
Why should February get all the love when August is Romance Awareness Month? As the temperature rises, so will your pulse with some of these romance novels and rom-coms that are new to the library.
Our librarians have created several booklists for the occasion. Our Contemporary Romantic Comedy booklist has some titles that will be the object of your affection. Or, perhaps the Malfunctioning Shirt Romance booklist can whisk you away to another time and place. We also have a Don’t Hide Your Love Away: Romance Reads collection of eBooks and Audiobooks for you to enjoy.
We didn’t forget about young love. Our teen librarians have curated a teen romance booklist for readers. We also have the Teen Clean Reads booklist, which features reimagined fairytales and young love and romance.
Calendar of August Events
Major happenings this month at each SCCLD location
August is the month for National Wellness and Family Fun. As kids get ready to head back to school, make sure to find some time to savor these last moments of togetherness. Here is a list of events families can enjoy together.
August 2019 EVENTS (HIGHLIGHTS)
(www.sccl.org/summer2019)
CAMPBELL (77 Harrison Avenue, Campbell 95008)
Summer Reading: Tween Art Camp
Thursday, August 1, 4 – 5:30 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Join us for some fun crafts for ages 9-12. Registration required.
Summer Reading: Happy Birds
Saturday, August 3, 12:30 – 1:30 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
The one and only Happy Birds, people friendly parrots that love to show off, will perform over 25 amazing tricks like riding a bike, playing basketball, talking and singing.
Summer Reading: Family Science Night!
Monday, August 5, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Join us for an evening of Slime-o-Rama. Get your hands slimy as a team. Registration required.
ESL Conversation Club
Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, & 27, 1 – 2:30 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Improve your English listening and speaking skills in a friendly, supportive setting. For all levels. Chat topics include U.S. culture, life skills, and current events. No sign up needed.
Summer Reading: Ukulele Class with Karen Rose
Tuesday, August 6, 6:30 – 8 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Join us and learn how to play (or brush up on your skills) this fun instrument.
Family Pajama Jams
Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, & 27, 7 – 7:45 pm, Children’s Alcove – Upper Level
Lots of movement and group participation in this fun for the whole family activity.
Summer Reading: End of Summer Carnival
Wednesday, August 7, 3 – 4 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Come and have a great time as we celebrate the end of our 2019 program.
Summer Reading: Paper Beads Adult Craft
Wednesday, August 7, 6 – 8 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
All supplies provided. For adults 18+. Registration required.
Family Movie Time! (Title TBA)
Saturday, August 17, 2 – 4 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Come catch a film on our big screen.
Summer Reading: Paint Night (for adults, register online)
Wednesday, August 21, 6 to 8 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Follow instructor Paul’s painting demonstration step by step and go home with your own masterpiece. Regardless of your degree of artistic talent, come and unleash your creativity.
Self Defense 101
Saturday, August 24, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Learn defense skills from an experienced trainer- Kennedy Uy, martial arts expert.
CUPERTINO (10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino 95014)
Mandarin Movie Series: Tuya’s Marriage
Monday, August 5, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Story Room
Winner of the Golden Bear Award at the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival, the film tells the story of a hardworking shepherd and mother in Mongolia. Featuring lead actress Yu Nan.
Creativity Program/Community Poetry Night - Cupertino Poet Laureate Keacey McCormick
Wednesday, August 7, 12 – 1:30 pm, Story Room
Thursday, August 8, 7 – 8:30 pm, Story Room
Part two of McCormick’s series on combining the natural world and art on Wednesday, followed by a live reading event the next day.
Summer Reading: Teen Photography Workshop (for students in grades 7-12)
Saturday, August 10, 2 to 4 pm, Story Room
Professional photographer Bob Ray will lead this workshop to help teens learn how to take better photos and how to edit them to make them stand out. Online registration required.
E-Resources Classes- Freegal Streaming Music
Tuesday, August 13, 4 – 5 pm, ThinkTank
Learn how to create your own personal streaming music soundtrack, download 5 free songs each week in this tutorial on the Library District’s free music service.
Game Day (for grades 1-8)
Thursday, August 22, 4 – 5 pm, Story Room
Relax, play new or classic board games, meet new friends and have fun. Games provided.
GILROY (350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy 95020)
Summer Reading: Summer Celebration for Teens (12-18)
Thursday, August 1, 2 – 3:30 pm, Community Room
Mark the end of Summer Reading with chocolate Olympics, Wii games, & more. Sign up online.
Adult Book Discussion: The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Friday, August 2, 10:15 – 11:15 am, Quiet Study Room B
Adults and teens welcome. Check out a copy at the Info Desk upstairs.
ESL Conversation Club
Fridays, August 2, 9, 16, 11 am – 12 pm, Meeting Room
Practice your English in a friendly, informal group. Meets weekly. All language levels welcome.
Summer Reading: The Story of Apollo 11
Saturday, August 3, 2 – 3:30 pm, Community Room
NASA Ames Research Center’s Aerospace Engineer Tara Samuel tells the story of the historic first landing and walk on the moon to celebrate its 50th anniversary this past July 20th.
Summer Reading: Sewing Tote Bags (for adults 18+)
Monday, August 5, 6:30 – 8 pm, Community Room
Join us to learn to sew a stylish, fun tote bag. All supplies provided. Please sign up online.
Pajama Story Time / Cuentos en pijama
Mondays, August 5, 12, 19 & 26, 7 – 8 pm, Nest (Children’s Activity Room)
Bring your favorite stuffed animal, pillow, or blanket and your PJs. For the whole family.
Hora de cuentos en español / Spanish Storytime
Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20 & 27, 4 – 5 pm, Nest (Children’s Activity Room)
Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes for families with children. Plus a simple craft, play time.
Summer Reading: Halau Na Wai Ola Dancers
Wednesday, August 7, 3 – 4 pm, Community Room
Families are invited to this program featuring Hawaiian dancers. Space is limited, so arrive early.
Open Poetry Readings with the Garlicky Group of Poets
Saturday, August 10, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, Meeting Room
Everyone is welcome to read their own poetry or listen to new work by others.
Bystander Intervention Training
Saturday, August 31, 3 – 4:30 pm, Community Room
Participants will learn specific de-escalation techniques to defuse potentially tense situations where someone is being targeted for harassment. The training will be presented by the Council of American Islamic Relations – San Francisco Bay Area office (CAIR – SFBA).
LOS ALTOS (13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos 94022)
Mandarin-English Storytime
Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 11 – 11:30 am, Orchard Room
Join us for a bilingual storytime featuring books, songs, finger plays, and activities in Mandarin and English. Speakers of all languages welcome.
Bobbin Wranglers (all ages, under 10 must be accompanied by an adult)
Monday, August 5, 7 – 9 pm, Orchard Room
Learn a new skill and create a simple project from start to finish. Please bring own supplies. Contact Adult Reference Desk to be added to mailing list.
Summer Reading: Circus of Smiles and Prize Pickup
Wednesday, August 7, 3 – 3:45 pm, Orchard Room
Filled with non-stop excitement and family-friendly theatrics. Sure to get kids of all ages laughing and participating. Tickets distributed at Children’s Reference Desk 30 minutes prior.
Senior Tech Help
Mondays, August 12 & 26, 4 – 5 pm, Conference Room behind Adult Reference Desk
Bring in your electronic devices for assistance. Remember to bring all of your login info.
Bay Area Games Day
Saturday, August 17, 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: Saving Vegetable Seeds
Wednesday, August 28, 7 – 8:30 pm, Orchard Room
Join us to learn about the beauty of succulents, low water plants welcome to any garden.
MILPITAS (160 N. Main Street, Milpitas 95035)
Tai Chi with Roy Wong (sign up online beforehand)
Fridays, August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10 – 11 am, Auditorium
Tai Chi Master Wong teaches this elegant, healthful and spiritual exercise.
ESL Conversation Club
Fridays, August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 1 – 2 pm, Group Study Room A
Come and improve your English listening and speaking skills in a fun, respectful, and supportive environment. For all levels of learners. Topics will include U.S. culture, life skills, current events.
Summer Reading: World Languages Storytime in Spanish
Saturday, August 3, 11 am – 12 pm, Children’s Activity Room
Drop in to listen to stories and songs in another language. Last session of summer.
Dash Robot Coding (for children in grades 4-6)
Tuesday, August 6, 3:30 – 5 pm, Children’s Activity Room
Use the Blockly app to compete a maze challenge while learning coding basics. Register at the Children’s Desk.
Computer Skills Tutoring
Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20 & 27, 4 – 5 pm, Computer Training Center
Teen volunteers will assist you one-on-one with e-mail, internet searches, Google Docs, more.
Big Blue Blocks Free Play (best for families with children ages 3-6)
Wednesdays, August 7, 14, 21 & 28, 7 – 8 pm, Children’s Activity Room
Families can engage in all different types of play- construction, pretend, your own imagination.
Summer Reading: World Languages Storytime in Vietnamese
Saturday, August 10, 11 am – 12 pm, Children’s Activity Room
Drop in to listen to stories and songs in another language. Last session of summer.
Summer Reading: World Languages Storytime in Chinese
Saturday, August 17, 11 am – 12 pm, Children’s Activity Room
Drop in to listen to stories and songs in another language. Last session of summer.
Dash Robot Coding (for children in grades 1-3)
Tuesday, August 6, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, Children’s Activity Room
Use the Blockly app to compete a maze challenge while learning coding basics. Register at the Children’s Desk.
Bystander Intervention Training
Saturday, August 22, 7 – 8:30 pm, Auditorium Room
Participants will learn specific de-escalation techniques to defuse potentially tense situations where someone is being targeted for harassment. The training will be presented by the Council of American Islamic Relations – San Francisco Bay Area office (CAIR – SFBA).
ESL Book Club (4th Friday of each month)
Friday, August 23, 3 – 4 pm, Group Study Room A
Practice reading and speaking English while reading good books, having fun, and making new friends. Ask the Adult Reference Desk librarian about this month’s book. Copies available.
Reading Buddies (4th Friday of each month)
Saturday, August 24, 2 – 3 pm, Children’s Activity Room
For children grades K-5. Buddy up with a furry friend and practice reading aloud to a patient therapy animal. 20 minute sessions. Drop-in program.
Book Discussion Group: Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford
Wednesday, August 28, 7:30 – 8:30 pm, Auditorium
We have copies available at the library if you have not yet read this title.
Summer Reading: A Night at Hogwarts
Friday, August 30, 7:30 to 11:59 pm, Auditorium
To be eligible for this special event your whole family must finish the Summer Reading Program. Visit the library between August 1 and 12 to submit your entry. Winners will be drawn and notified on the 13th. Children between 9 and 14 are eligible and must be accompanied by at least one parent/caretaker. An evening of magical games and wonders awaits the winners.
MORGAN HILL (660 W. Main Avenue, Morgan Hill 95037)
Bilingual Family Storytime
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 10:15 – 11 am, Program Room
Families- join us for book reading, songs, rhymes and plenty of fun. In English and Spanish.
Dungeons & Dragons/Tabletop Gaming Club for Teens
Sundays, August 4 & 18, 2 – 4 pm, Program Room
Free, no registration needed.
First Tuesday Knit-in
Tuesday, August 6, 6:30 – 8:45 pm, Program Room
All levels of experience welcome. Show off your projects, get advice from experts.
After Dinner Book Group
Tuesday, August 6, 7:30 – 9 pm, Community Room
This month’s selection is American Heart by Laura Moriarty. Library copies available to borrow.
Teen Game Day with VR
Wednesday, August 7, 3:30 – 5 pm, Program Room
Drop in and de-stress. We’ll have our Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Nintendo Switch with Super Mario Bros. Also, a variety of card and board games.
Guitar Club for Teens
Wednesday, August 7, 6 – 8 pm, Program Room
Bring your guitar and join the jam session. All types welcome.
Round Table Discussion Group
Wednesday, August 7, 6:30 – 8 pm, Program Room
This month’s topic is Addressing Climate Change, including Cap and Trade.
ESL Conversation Club
Thursdays, August 8, 15, 22 & 29, 4 – 5 pm, Program Room
Come and improve your English listening and speaking skills in a fun, respectful, and supportive environment. For all levels of learners. Topics will include U.S. culture, life skills, current events.
Make it Monday- Seashell Wind Chimes
Monday, August 12, 7 – 8 pm, Program Room
All supplies provided. Registration required. For adults. Children welcome if supervised.
Summer Reading: Summer Square Dance Class
Tuesday, August 13, 7 – 8 pm, Program Room
Learn a new skill, get some exercise and have fun. Pick up the basic steps and get to practice with a certified Square Dance Caller. Wear comfortable shoes. Ages 13+.
Reading Buddies
Wednesday, August 14, 3 – 4:20 pm, Program Room
For children grades 1-4. Buddy up with a furry friend and practice reading aloud to a patient therapy animal. Sign up online to ensure availability.
Master Gardeners
Monday, August 19, 7 – 8:30 pm, Program Room
Forum for those who have green thumbs.
Creative Writing for Kids (for grades 3-6, sign-up required)
Wednesday, August 21, 4 – 5:30 pm, Program Room
Bring along your creative ideas and let the Summer Writing Games begin. Join a fun-filled, action-packed series of creative writing and drama events. Get your competitive juices flowing!
Make it Monday: Seashell Wind Chimes
Monday, June 17, 7 – 8 pm, Program Room
Registration required. All supplies provided. For adults and supervised kids.
SARATOGA (13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga 95070)
ESL Conversation Club
Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 11 am – 12:15 pm, Community Room
Drop-in to improve your English listening and speaking skills and learn about other cultures, in a supportive environment. All levels and language backgrounds welcome.
Saturday Family Storytimes
Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 10:30 – 11 am, Orchard Room
Join us for fun stories, fingerplays, and songs for the whole family.
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Workshop
Saturday, August 3, 11 am – 12 pm, Community Room
An experiential introduction that will help with reducing stress and cultivating wellbeing. Taught by Renee Burgard, LCSW.
Book vs. Movie: Crazy Rich Asians
Monday, August 5, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Community Room
Watch the film and then stay to discuss how Hollywood adopted the book by Kevin Kwan.
Summer Reading: The Bubble Lady
Wednesday, August 7, 3 to 3:45 pm, Community Room
Get ready for a bubblelicious extravaganza.
College Essay Workshop with UC Focus (intended for class of 2020 graduates)
Sunday, August 10, 10 am to 12 pm, Community Room
Learn what colleges are looking for and get help writing essays that best showcase you. Registration is required for this event.
Paws to Read
Tuesday, August 13, 7 – 8 pm, Orchard Room
Tuesday, August 27, 4 – 5 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.
CoderDojo Coding Club
Sunday, August 18, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, Community Room
Open to students 11-17. Bring your own laptop or borrow one. Different coding language at each table. Collaborate with others or seek help. Bring a project or start something new.
Mandarin/English Storytime
Tuesday, August 27, 11:30 am – 12 pm, Orchard Room
Children’s Librarian Jean will read story books, lead children in songs, flannel board story, finger play, games and craft projects. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and parents/caretakers welcome.
