Scotts Valley Library in the News!

Check out the latest news article about the Scotts Valley Library and our patio project:
Commemorative Planks
To complete our back patio project the Friends of the Library, Scotts Valley will need to raise another $10,000.  If you would like to help raise these funds buy a 'commemorative plank' or sponsor the patio furniture.  Check out all our sponsorship opportunities here.

Holiday Book Sale

Mark your calendar for the Scotts Valley Library Holiday Book Sale - Saturday, December 1 from 10am to 4pm, in the Fireside Room.  Always a great selection of books, at unbeatable prices!

Come down and support the Friends of the Library, Scotts Valley.

You're Invited to the Wit & Whimsy Art Reception

The most recent Scotts Valley library art exhibit, “Wit and Whimsy” is on display until January 2013. It is a vibrant and playful body of work! We invite you to come by the library on Saturday, November 10th from 2-4pm to view the exhibition and meet the artists.  Our artist reception is being hosted by Laureen Yungmeyer. See you there!

Homework Help at the Library - Thursdays 3-5pm


In conjunction with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, the Santa Cruz Public Libraries are offering free homework assistance at 6 branches. Each Homework Help site is supervised by a California-certified teacher. There is at least one bilingual person at each location. No appointment is necessary. Open to students grade 12 and under.

> Mark your calendars:  Homework Help @ the Scotts Valley Library -Thursdays: 3:00 PM-5:00 PM

New Art Exhibit - Wit & Whimsy


 The ‘Art in the Library’ program is quickly establishing the Scotts Valley Library as an art destination.  The most recent exhibit,  “Wit and Whimsy” is ready for public viewing today - Saturday, November 3 and will run through January 2013 .   This showing, chaired by Val Peyser will include the work of twelve important Santa Cruz County artists.  The vibrant and playful style of their work will lift your spirits and make you happy.
> artists on display

Scotts Valley Library Tales to Tails Program

Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive, non-judgmental reading partners for children reading aloud. Children have individual 20-minute time slots to sit with a dog and read.

When: Tuesday, November 13 & 27 - 4pm-5pm;  
Where: Scotts Valley Library

eBooks and More Class

Do you need help checking out materials for your Kindle, Nook, iPad, Android, or other device? Come to our eBooks and More class and we’ll show you how it’s done! All ages and knowledge levels welcome.
> Monday, October 15 -- Class time: 11am - 12 noon

pARTy in the Library - we had a great night!

The “pARTy in the Library” earned the library over $10,000 from the 220 attendees at the event. The proceeds will be used to fund the new Scotts Valley library patio, now in progress.

We would like to thank the many community participants that made all of this possible:
  • Our sponsor Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial
  • Leo’s U-Save Liquors for their donations and perfect wine selection
  • Business With Pleasure for their quality work and responsiveness
  • Council members, librarians and ‘Friends of the Scotts Valley’ volunteers
  • Donnelley Chocolates, Lulas Chocolates, Xocai Antioxidant Chocolates and Chocolate Visions
  • Local businesses Annie Glass, Lundberg Studios, Scarborough Gardens, Ivy’s Porch, Trader Joes, Mike Keogh and Legend Theatrical
  • Sebastian Smith for creating the event artwork
  • So many generous artists, many of whom you can visit at Open Studios this month - links to their web sites are here.

It's pARTy time tomorrow at the Scotts Valley Library

Lundberg Studios - Birds Nest
pARTy starts at 7pm tomorrow, tickets are still available at the Library $20.  A great opportunity to get a special Christmas Gift.  Nothing says special like an original piece of art!  See you there.

Snag an original piece of art at the pARTy on Saturday!

Susan Hancey - "My Public Awaits"
The Art is amazing, so many beautiful pieces... glass, ceramic, jewelry, watercolors, photography, oils.  Don't miss your opportunity to bid on, and win these original and unique works of art. Silent & Live auction, and a Raffle, all happening at the Library this Saturday, September 22.

pARTy, pARTy... this Saturday!

If you haven't bought your tickets to the pARTy this Saturday, head over to the Scotts Valley Library. Tickets are available there - $20.  We are looking forward to a fun pARTy, there will be more than 80 pieces of art to bid on and win!  Check out the latest pieces in our preview Auction Showcase, take a look at all the beautiful jewelry!


Event for Parents & Educators - September 18

Making Simple Adaptations for Children with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Home 

When: Tue. Sep., 18 - 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Where: Scotts Valley Library - Fireside Room

A program for parents and educators of children birth through grade 6. Learn to use everyday materials to make simple adaptations for children with disabilities. Laurie Nielsen from the Inclusion Collaborative will present an hour long program at the Scotts Valley Library sponsored by the Scotts Valley Friends and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

pARTy's Auction Showcase Update

Even more auction items can be viewed in our Auction Showcase, recently updated on September 3, 2012.  Check out the latest donated art for our pARTy in the Library event on September 22!  Admire the wealth of art, the diverse styles, and variety of art that will be in the live & silent auctions, and the raffle.

Don't miss this fun-filled evening of art, champagne and chocolates.  Buy your ticket at the Scotts Valley Library, Zinnia's or Mollies.

Tickets are $20!

Scotts Valley Friends find Facebook!!

Check out the Friends' new Facebook page - www.facebook.com/FriendsOfTheScottsValleyLibrary!

Don't forget to 'Like' us, and make 'Comments' or 'Write a post' too! We want to spread the word about what's happening at the library.  We're very excited about the construction of the back patio - phase I is underway, and we're talking about it on facebook..... and here.

While you're there visit the Event's page - "pARTy at the Library" - tell everyone if you're 'Going' click on that button, and don't forget to invite your friends to go too, yep Facebook has a button for that too!  Write a post and connect with us.

Hope to see you at the "pARTy" on September 22!

Back Patio Construction Begins at Scotts Valley Library

The Friends broke ground on the new Back Patio project.  Phase I is underway, the initial hardscape is being installed, this includes demolition of existing exterior, installation of drainage, and decking. Plants, final irrigation, mulch, tables, benches, chairs, umbrellas (shade) will be added as funds allow.

Don't miss the opportunity to leave an indelible mark at the Library!  Sponsor one of the Commemorative Planks today - during the construction phase you can purchase a Plank for $150.  This limited time offer ends September 5 when the sponsorship price increases to $250.  For details and to order your plank visit our fundraising page and complete the order form.

View the concept drawings for the patio, and see photos of the patio construction on the 'The Library' page.


pARTy - Auction Showcase

Check out some of the amazing art that has been donated for our September 22 fundraiser "pARTy in the Library".

To see the preview click here!

Thank you to all the generous and talented local artists who have committed to this event!  

pARTy in the Library - tickets on sale!


The Friends of the Library, Scotts Valley are excited to invite you to our fourth annual fundraising event:

pARTy in the Library
September 22, 2012 at 7:00 PM.

Proceeds form the event will benefit the Library's new patio project.  Please join us for a wonderful evening of art, music, champagne and chocolates.

Click here for more details!

Knitting at the Library

Come and learn to knit or bring your knitting and enjoy a friendly visit with other knitters.

When: Every Monday, 3pm - 4:30pm 
Where: Scotts Valley Library  

If you are new to knitting, please bring: needles (size 8 10" straight needles or a 24" circular needle) and one skein of worsted weight yarn in your favorite color. This program is free, and open to knitters of all ages and skill levels.

For more information about the "Knitting at the Library program" contact the Scotts Valley Library.

Making Friends With Your Computer

Each month on the third Wednesday seniors gather to share what they know, don’t know, and want to know about computers. The group is led by computer instructor, David Shaw, and topics are chosen by the group with guidance from David.

Where: Downtown Branch Library Meeting Room / 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz
When: 4:00pm-5:30pm; third Wednesday of the month / Aug 15, Sep 19, Oct 17

Fratello Marionettes present 'Carnival of the Animals'

'Carnival of the Animals' was written by the French composer Saint-Saens in 1886, but was not performed publicly until after his death in 1921. Here we have three classic storybook fairy tales: the 'Three Little Pigs', the 'Tortoise and the Hare', and the 'Ugly Duckling'. Utilizing a unique performance style, the puppet and puppeteer are seen in full view of the audience on a raised stage.

When: Thursday, July 12 at 11am
Where: Scotts Valley Library, Fireside Room

Can't make July 12? Catch the show at - Capitola Branch Library, July 13 at 11am.

'Art of the Puppet' - The Fratello Marionettes present an interactive presentation on the art of puppetry - from creation to manipulation. Rod puppets, and specialized trick marionettes. After each vignette, the performer demonstrates an aspect of the puppet building process. The presentation ends with a look behind the scenes. A question and answer session will follow the demonstration.
  • Branciforte Branch Library - Thursday, July 12 at 4pm  
  • Aptos Branch Library - Friday, July 13 at 2:30pm 

Free Magic Show

Come meet 'The Great Blindini' - a local magician, on:

Saturday, June 30 at 11am - Fireside Room

The free magic shows are sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. It's fun for the whole family. Come meet Blindini’s new apprentice!

The Singing Scientist, Peter Weiss


The Singing Scientist, Peter Weiss will visit Scotts Valley library on:

Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 11:00am

Don't miss it, come join us for the music, science, and fun!!

Start your day at the Scotts Valley Branch Library and enjoy the music and fun of Peter Weiss, the Singing Scientist.  Learn about the environment while you sing along with this UCSC research scientist.

Dr. Pete is popular with people of all ages.  He'll be at the Scotts Valley Branch Library on Thursday, June 28 at 11:00am.  This free program is brought to you by the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Find out more about the Singing Scientist, Peter Weiss at: www.peterweissmusic.com

See you at the Library!

Scotts Valley Library Hosts Artists’ Reception for Newest ‘Art in the Library’ Installation


The Scotts Valley Library is hosting an Artists’ Reception for the public on Saturday, June 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The community is invited to attend the reception, which provides the opportunity to meet and speak with artists featured in the newest Art in the Library program installation, called ‘Go Figure.’ Light refreshments will be served.

“This brand new installation is already garnering a lot enthusiasm and positive comments from Library visitors,” said Val Peyser, program chair for Art in the Library. “The reception provides a really valuable opportunity for the local community to meet and talk with the creators of these amazing pieces.”

Artists featured in the ‘Go Figure’ Art in the Library installation include.
  • Mattie and Melissa Leeds
  • Laurie Zaszut Familiy
  • Sefia Joseph
  • Anna Oneglia
  • Laura Rice
  • Cher Roberts
  • Anthony L. Solis
  • and also featuring Art by students with special needs

For more information on the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library and the Library’s ‘Art in the Library’ program click here

Scotts Valley Library to Debut Special Needs Resource Center

Thanks to a grant from the Area Board VII of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Scotts Valley Library will be opening the Special Needs Resource Center on June 2, 2012. Funds for Grants were allocated by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to the 13 Area Boards. The granting of funds was a result of the decision of Area Board VII which serves the Counties of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey.

Scotts Valley residents Susie Christensen and Peter Mclean are the local representatives on the Area VII Board and were instrumental in securing the grant and advocating for education and services in our community. The original donation to the collection was made by Peter and Maureen Mclean who donated over 70 special needs resource publications to start the collection. The Scotts Valley Library will be home base for the collection of books and materials for the special needs community.

Starting June 2, the collection will include reference books, legal manuals, videos and DVDs either purchased as part of the grant or donated. Conditions addressed in the Special Needs Resource Center collection include Autism, ADD, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Visual Impairment, Pervasive Developmental Delays, Dyspraxia, Bipolar disorder, sensory processing disorders, Down syndrome, Anxiety, Depression and OCD. It is the only collection of its kind in Santa Cruz County.

Parents, educators and individuals with special needs throughout the Santa Cruz Public Library System will be able to access these resources, which will be housed at the Scotts Valley Library. Internationally known therapist, author and lecturer Michelle Garcia Winner donated copies of all the publications produced by her company, Social Thinking Publishing. Other available resources include addressing legal rights for those with disabilities, obtaining appropriate educational placement, dealing with siblings of a special needs child and much more.

The Special Needs Resource Collection is being made available through a $15,000 grant from Area Board VII written by Elizabeth Walch, president of the Friends of the Library – Scotts Valley Chapter.

“We are so pleased that the library’s commitment to providing resources and education to the community now includes the special needs community,” said Elizabeth. “We hope to obtain similar grants in the coming year so that we can continue to build on the Special Needs Resource Collection and provide even more support to our special needs community.”

Scotts Valley Library Invaded by Animals!

Library Birthday to Feature Book Sale, Birthday Cake and Collection of Endangered Species

On Saturday, May 19, the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library will open its doors to the community in celebration of the library's first birthday. The celebration will showcase local artist Beth Allison Gripenstraw’s ‘Endangered Species’ sculpture collection, and includes a book sale to raise funds for the library’s back patio. Birthday cake will also be served.

“We invite everyone to celebrate the birthday of our wonderful library, and view this extraordinary ‘Endangered Species’ collection,” said Elizabeth Walch, president of the Friends of the Library – Scotts Valley Chapter. “Our Art in the Library program has been embraced by the local community and this collection is unique, beautiful and educational. Combining this event with our annual book sale makes this a great day to visit the Scotts Valley Library!”

Gripenstraw’s ‘Endangered Species’ collection was commissioned as a result of an endowment by Dorothy Hale and will be a permanent installation at the library. The collection of endangered animals includes animals such as a snow leopard, Asiatic cheetah and African dog, and were chosen to complement the new, contemporary library with high ceilings and bright colors.

Cake will be served - Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artist, and enjoy birthday cake and refreshments from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase gently-used books, at our annual book sale from 10-4pm.

First Birthday Celebration at the Scotts Valley Library!

Come join the party and celebrate Scotts Valley Library's 1st Birthday.  It's gonna be 'wild' as we unveil 10 jungle sculptures commissioned especially for the Library.

Saturday, May 19th

Celebration activities:

  • Book Sale from 10am til 4pm - don't miss it!
  • Arrival of 10 sculptures of endangered species
  • Meet artist Beth Allison Gripenstraw
  • Birthday Cake - 2pm - 4pm

Author Visit - Nancy Lynn Jarvis

Saturday April 28, from 2pm 
Share a mysterious chocolate chip cookie with local author Nancy Lynn Jarvis and ask her why her books, which are set in Santa Cruz County, come with their own cookies. Pick up your free copy of the recipe, hear about the strange coincidences between what she describes in her books and the real events that have followed their publication, and have her inscribe a book for you.

About the Author
Nancy Lynn Jarvis was a Santa Cruz, California, Realtor® for more than twenty years. She still owns a real estate company with her husband, but she says writing is so much fun that she has officially retired from being an active agent.

She invites you to take a peek into the real estate world through the stories that form the backdrop of her Regan McHenry mysteries. Details and ideas come from Nancy’s own experiences and many of her characters are based on associates and clients she has known — at least they may be until they become suspects, or even worse, murderers.

Munching with Mozart & Friends

Upcoming dates for the Munching with Mozart Program, a monthly series of free noon-time concerts at the downtown branch:
  • April 19: David Kaun, clarinet and Lynn Kidder, piano playing Brahms 
  • May 17: music for two celli with Roger Emanuels, cello
  • June 21: Carol Panofsky, piano
These music events are sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the Santa Cruz County Branch of the Music Teachers’ Association of California.

For more information about the series, to make a reservation for your class or other large group, or to inquire about performing, contact: Carol Panofsky • 831-426-3238 • panofsky@cruzio.com

The SV Friends Need Volunteers

The Scotts Valley Friends of the Library are looking for new volunteers to help with our different committees this year. We are reaching out to Scotts Valley residents to get involved.  Come to our next meeting and meet our team - Thursday, February 2 at 6.30pm in the Fireside Meeting Room.

We are in urgent need of a volunteer to head up our Author Visit program, contact us -friendsofthesvlibrary@gmail.com for more information.

New Art Exhibit Installation - February 4

The "Art in the Library" program’s second installation ‘Outside the Box – Abstractions in Art,’ will be installed and ready for public viewing on February 4. The showing features an impressive list of high-quality, respected local artists. For this second ‘Art in the Library’ showing, Program Chair Val Peyser has selected:
  • Mike Bailey
  • Carol Bowie
  • Mike McClellan
  • James McElheron
  • Moto Ohtake
  • Eric Peterson
  • Beth Shields
  • Denise Shaw & SVMS art students 
The installation will include these artists’ abstract interpretations in a variety of mediums including painting, photography and sculpture.

The last opportunity to see the current art exhibit "Celebrate Art" is Thursday, February 3 - don't miss it, the art is fabulous!

New Hours for the Library!

We are pleased to announce increased branch hours began January 3rd! The Scotts Valley branch will be open on Fridays, and the new hours are easy to remember too!

  • Monday to Thursday:  11am to 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday:  11am to 5pm

See you at the Library.