The Word from the Executive Director:
It’s summer in Santa Cruz. And it’s a much more recognizable summer than we’ve seen for some time. Time for days on the beach, family barbeques, and swimming in the pool. What some people call the lazy days of summer. But these times are anything but lazy for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries and their Friends. After the long delays of the last year or so, we are now starting to see the results of the passage of Measure S.

We have seen new libraries open across the county. First was Felton, just before the county closed down. This year, we have seen openings in La Selva Beach, and just last month, in Capitola. These are all beautiful community buildings. I had the opportunity to be at the opening of the Capitola Branch, and it was a wonderful experience. I was seated at a table with a big box of gift cookies, so I got to talk to everyone as they finished their first tour of the site, and the excitement and joy was easy to see. People talked about how open and airy it was, how amazing the children’s and teen spaces were, about the community rooms, and how the design brought the feeling of nature into the space. 

So many members of the community gave their time and money to this place, and it absolutely shows. And there is so much more yet to come! The second half of 2021 will see the openings of the branches at Boulder Creek and Garfield Park. Next year we will have new libraries in Branciforte, Aptos, and Scotts Valley, and work will begin on the central branch downtown. And none of this would be possible without the support of each one of you. 
 
So thank you, thank you all. Thank you for being part of this amazing extended community and thank you for your support of Measure S and the libraries. Please take a moment to think about the importance of libraries, of access to information, in a free society.  And remember that we are all in this together.
Bruce Cotter, Executive Director
Summer Reading Program at La Selva Beach Branch
Board Changes: New President
Janis O'Driscoll is FSCPL's new President. Janis previously worked as Deputy Director for the Santa Cruz Public Library system and retired in 2019. Inspired by an enthusiastic Friends Board, she continues to call attention to the power of the public library. Janis is also a printmaker who remains active as a member of the California Society of Printers and by making art with the Printmakers at the Tannery Arts Center. Welcome to the position, Janis! We can't wait to see what is in store for your tenure.
After a full term, now Past President Cindy Jackson steps down from her position as the leader of the board. Cindy began volunteering with the Friends 15 years ago. She experienced the importance of connection at the La Selva Beach Branch Library by meeting book loving neighbors in a book group. Initially forming a Friends chapter to keep the LSB branch open, she has enjoyed advocating for both her nearby branch and our county wide system. This past year, Cindy logged hundreds of volunteer hours as President, just one marker of her tireless dedication to the libraries and our organization. We at the Friends are extremely grateful for her service and look forward to her returning to a position as a director on our board.
Chapter Updates

What to see what's going up with our chapters? Visit our chapter page to see upcoming events, new info, and more!
Aptos
Aptos Friends had a very successful fundraiser at Erik’s Delicafe on June 23, raising $700. Thank you to the Aptos community and thank you, Erik’s!

Aptos Friends are busy planning for a blowout sale of all furniture and interior fixtures at the branch before it is demolished to make way for new construction. The sale will be from noon to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, July 24 & 25. A partial inventory is online at the Aptos Friends website. There will also be a huge book sale of used books, a chance to “dig & donate” to take plants from the garden, and an opportunity to say goodbye to the old building.

If you shop at Deluxe Market in Aptos, please mention the Aptos Library (700) when you check out. The Friends receive 5% of your purchase. Thanks for your generosity Deluxe!
Capitola

June 15th was a fantastic day for the City of Capitola when after years of planning followed by three years of construction the new library finally opened to the public. If you haven't already visited or if you're not likely to drop by any time soon, take a few minutes to read Wallace Baine's article in Lookout Santa Cruz. He exactly captures what is so very special about this new library.

The community meeting room at the Capitola Library will not be available for groups until September. Watch this newsletter or the Capitola Friends' website for an announcement of the date and time of our first meeting in the new building. If you would like to be added to the Cap Friends' email list, please send your email address to Toni Campbell at lilyjustine65@gmail.com.
Felton

Six newly installed sculptures portray both daytime and nighttime pollinators, highlighting the theme of the Pollinator Garden. Artist Lea de Wit of Boulder Creek, also created the library's glass butterflies, library donor wall, and patio sculptures. She says, "The metal will go to rust over the next couple of months as intended, and then the colors will pop even more. The way the light illuminates the pieces and changes throughout the days should be a nice experience for those enjoying the park. Also, the overall "book"shape of the sculptures ties in nicely with the educational mission of the garden and the library alike.``
La Selva Beach

The La Selva Beach chapter recently made an appearance with library carts at the 2021 La Selva Beach 4th of July Parade. Meanwhile, we are excited to have a book cart at the branch's new main entrance to sell books from our inventory. Many thanks to those Friends who transported, painted and attached a cash box to the new blue book carts.
Scotts Valley

The Friends of the Scotts Valley Library will be holding a Book Sale on Saturday, July 10th, from 10:00 - 2:00. The sale will be held in the parking lot of the Scotts Valley Library, located at 251 Kings Village Road. Most books will be sold for $1 apiece.
JOIN OUR BOARD

Are you interested in getting further involved with your community? Do you want to play a part in fostering a county that is culturally rich and equitable? If so, consider joining the Friends board! We are currently looking for community members of all kinds to join our team and contribute to a growing organization. City of Santa Cruz residents and people with professional legal and/or development experience are particularly encouraged to apply!

If interested please send a resume and a brief description of yourself to friends@fscpl.org.
Interested in helping us make future Summer Reading Programs the best they can possibly be? Join us by making a donation and ensuring the success for all residents of Santa Cruz County!
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