Santa Cruz Public Libraries is excited to kick-off summer with the 2026 Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is Plant a Seed, Read! This theme is rooted in the concept of farm-to-table. A farm grows food that nourishes our bodies; a library grows ideas that nourish our minds. Both food and stories connect us to our family, culture, economy, and ecology. Reading transports us to magical worlds sparking our imagination and creativity. The Summer Reading Program encourages children to explore the world of books and reading during their summer break. Participation in the Summer Reading Program fosters love for reading and learning, and prevents the “Summer Slide” —a term used…
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Don’t Turn Your Back on the Ocean
Never turn your back on the ocean. Author Richard Stockton shares safety tips for the Pacific coast after a harrowing personal encounter with a rogue wave.
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Celebrating Mothers in Santa Cruz County
Publisher Brad Kava celebrates the unique spirit of Santa Cruz County mothers and highlights local Mother's Day events, from the redwoods to live music.
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What Your Toddler Is Really Learning During a Meltdown
Learn how to turn toddler meltdowns into valuable teaching moments that foster emotional intelligence and communication skills rather than power struggles.
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Values Over Rules
Shira Coleman Hagar shares how shifting from rigid household rules to a set of core values can empower children to make healthy and respectful choices.
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Before Learning Comes Safety in the Body
Understanding how the nervous system impacts behavior and why internal safety is the critical foundation for learning, connection, and emotional growth in children.
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New Exhibit at Aptos Library Showcases Animal Portraits
Aptos artist Diane Levin showcases her figurative/abstract animal portrait paintings at the Aptos Public Library through June 30.
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What Moms Really Need This Mother’s Day
Jaime McFadden explores what mothers truly need for Mother’s Day: real support, intentional time, and self-care instead of just commercial gifts.
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What Local Moms Want for Mother’s Day
Local mothers Jane, Heidi, Theresia, and Yvonne share their stories of motherhood and what truly makes Mother's Day special, from quality time to handmade gifts.
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The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift
Certified Personal Trainer Monica Menard debunks three common postpartum fitness myths and offers advice on safely rebuilding strength after baby.
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Free Summer Camps for Pajaro Valley Students
Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Expanded Learning department is revolutionizing summer break by providing free camps, from horseback riding to college prep.
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How to be Safe Around Dogs
Any dog can bite if provoked. Learn how to stay safe, choose the right pet for your lifestyle, and prevent dog bites with these essential tips from experts.
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May the Fashion Force be With You
Spring is here! Experiment with textures and silhouettes using these three examples of great spring outfits from the streets of Santa Cruz.
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Queering the Forest
The first time I ever heard the word “gay”, it was met with laughter and ridicule by my classmates. We were in third grade, listening to our teacher read a book about a swan who couldn’t sing like the rest of his flock. I didn’t know what the word meant yet, but I was still old enough to know that staying silent when a “good” joke was told made you stand out. So I laughed with them. Of course, “gay” had been written with its older meaning in mind: happy, carefree, cheerful. Three years later, when I realized I was that thing my classmates had laughed about, I was lucky…
