All SCCLD libraries will be closed and services unavailable on Monday, February 20 in observance of Presidents' Day.

Kindergarten Readiness Resources at the Library
 
Most children begin school when they are five years old. Whether or not your child has attended preschool or a school readiness program, you can prepare your soon-to-be kindergartner with our newly developed, librarian-approved resources. This includes categories like health and well-being, early literacy, social and emotional development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, mathematical thinking, and science. Our Kinder Readiness page also has contact information for local school districts.  
 
By visiting any of our skillset pages you will find checklists, programs, booklists, eResources, and websites to help you and your little one successfully prepare for Kindergarten. Find additional books in Spanish here.
 
In addition, parents of soon-to-be kindergartners are invited to in-person Kindergarten Readiness workshops at Morgan Hill and Gilroy Libraries. Led by early childhood educator Dr. Gerardo Lopez, there will be three workshops at each location, focusing on skills needed for a successful school year. Learn more in this blog.

KIDS AND FAMILIES

Silicon Valley Reads for Kids
Make sure to get the kids involved with the Silicon Valley Reads fun! This year’s companion books are all related to the theme, Journey to New Beginnings.
 
The following books have been selected for our youth audience: 
 
PreK-Grade 1:
Coquí in the City by Nomar Perez 
 
Grades 2-4:
Sugar in Milk by Thrity N. Umrigar 
 
Grades 5-8:
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed 
 
High School/Young Adult:
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez 
 
Put a hold on these titles now! 
 
There are dozens of free programs for all ages between February and March. Find the full calendar here.
Valentine's Day Reads 
With Valentine’s Day happening on Tuesday, February 14, love is in the air!
 
Stop by the library to pick up a book that celebrates love. Find children’s picture books and teen romance eBooks or even paranormal romance titles! For adults, we have romance titles available. How about chocolate with a side of mystery? Investigate this booklist for more. 
 
You can create your own DIY cards and gifts with video tutorials on CreativeBug.
 
Everyday is a great day to treat yourself to some kindness and caring by using the mindfulness app, Headspace.

TEENS AND ADULTS

Learn Coding Through
the Power of Play
Interested in learning how to code? Try our online resource, CodeCombat. It’s a fantasy game that teaches coding skills to kids ages 9+. Choose your hero, collect gems, and defeat enemies as you make your way through this fantasy game that teaches Python, JavaScript, C++, and other coding languages! Master Web Development or Game Development with over 500 levels that teach new ideas, build on existing concepts, and challenge you to think outside the box.
 
CodeCombat uses typed code, not drag-and-drop blocks. This real experience will accelerate learning of essential computer science concepts and allows for flexibility and creativity for the user to apply problem-solving skills. 
February is
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Heart Disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. But you can do a lot to protect your heart and stay healthy.
 
Heart-healthy living involves understanding your risk, making healthy choices, and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease, including coronary heart disease, the most common type. By taking preventive measures, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease that could lead to a heart attack. You can also improve your overall health and well-being.
 
Find books to help you live a heart-healthy lifestyle. We also have cookbooks that focus on heart health. Manage stress and find mindfulness using Headspace, a free meditation app provided by SCCLD.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Don't Miss Out on these Upcoming
Silicon Valley Reads Events!
 
Storytime: Los Altos Library. Tuesdays, February 21 & 28, 10:30 and 11 a.m.
 
The Second Life of Mirielle West Book Clubs:
Online. Wednesday, February 22 at 6 p.m.
Los Altos Library. Tuesday, February 28, at 7 p.m.
 
World Heritage Site Tour: Los Altos Library. Wednesday, February 22 at 7 p.m.
 
Principles of Modern Photography with Joan Sparks:
Gilroy Library. Saturday, February 25 at 11 a.m.
Morgan Hill Library. Sunday, February 26 at 2:30 p.m.
 
Executive Order 9066: Saratoga Library. Saturday, February 25 at 2 p.m.
 
Retirement: A New Beginning. Los Altos Library, Tuesday, February 28 at 1 p.m.
 
Please note: Some of these events require registration. 
 
Virtual Event: Sargent & Spain
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco presents Sargent and Spain, the first exhibition to explore the influence of Spanish culture on the dynamic visual practice of artist John Singer Sargent. This exhibit will be on display until Sunday, May 14.
 
Known as the society portrait painter of the Gilded Age, Sargent made seven visits to Spain from 1879-1912, resulting in a remarkable body of work.
 
Join us virtually on Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. to hear about Sargent’s dazzling oils, watercolors, and drawings, along with never-before-exhibited photographs from Sargent’s personal collection. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Spain and Sargent’s vibrant depictions of the country’s churches, coastlines and dancers. Please register. 
Special Event: Living While Black
Join us for a special Black History Month event on Saturday, February 18 at 2 p.m. at Milpitas Library.  
 
Author and artist Ajuan Mance will present a discussion on her most recent book, Living While Black, a book that celebrates small acts of resistance that comprise the daily lives of Black people by presenting them in a series of vivid illustrations.
 
Featured artwork from the work will be on display. Mance will also be available for a book signing at the end of the program.
 
This program will be held in the Auditorium. No registration required. 
MORE FROM THE LIBRARY
 
Special Event: Opera San José Visits Cupertino Library 
Stop by Cupertino Library on Saturday, February 18 at 2 p.m. for some musical enjoyment.
 
Resident singers from Opera San José will perform dazzling arias from some of the greatest operatic works in Room 101. No registration is required.
 
Opera San José presents four mainstage productions annually in San José’s historic California Theatre. Learn more on their website. 
New Art Displays
Visit the Los Altos and Saratoga Libraries to see the creative works by local artists.
 
Enjoy the Gourd Art Exhibit by Christy Tsai at Saratoga Library through March 25. Tsai thoughtfully considers each gourd’s unique shape to create a piece of art. Family bonding, especially the love between mother and child, is an important theme of Christy’s art. Christy will talk about her art on March 5 at 3 p.m. Please register.
 
Stop by Los Altos Library anytime in February to see the works of local artist Maddy McBirney. McBirney works in mixed media, acrylics and printmaking. Her work draws inspiration from the natural world. 
GET A LIBRARY CARD
OR RENEW YOUR CARD ONLINE
Join the Library with an Instant Free eCard
 
If you live in Santa Clara County and do not have a library card with the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), or would like additional household members to have their own library accounts, the instant free eCard is for you. 
 
eCards are available to all residents who live within Santa Clara County Library District with a valid residential mailing address (P.O. Box not accepted). 
 
An eCard gives you full access to our Online Library
services, including eBooks, streaming movies, and more.
 
REGISTER HERE
 
You can also visit any of our libraries during open hours to convert your eCard, or apply for a full use card to check out any of our physical and digital materials and resources.
 
Renew your library card online!

If you have a library card and would like to keep it current, now you can renew your library card online! SCCLD makes it easy to keep your account current and active. No visit to the library needed if your account is in good standing and you live within the Greater Bay Area. For more information or to renew online, visit sccld.org/cardrenewal.
Visit us at sccld.org
We're here for you 
Staff is available to answer your questions Monday - Sunday (excluding holidays). 
 
You can also call your local library directly during open hours, connect with us via chat or email Monday-Friday to Ask a Librarian, or if you have an Account Question.
 
Or text us at (833) 209-6600.