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...
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...
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...
Learn how to turn toddler meltdowns into valuable teaching moments that foster emotional intelligence and communication skills rather than power struggles...
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...
Understanding how the nervous system impacts behavior and why internal safety is the critical foundation for learning, connection, and emotional growth in children...
Aptos artist Diane Levin showcases her figurative/abstract animal portrait paintings at the Aptos Public Library through June 30...
Jaime McFadden explores what mothers truly need for Mother’s Day: real support, intentional time, and self-care instead of just commercial gifts...
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...
Certified Personal Trainer Monica Menard debunks three common postpartum fitness myths and offers advice on safely rebuilding strength after baby...
Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Expanded Learning department is revolutionizing summer break by providing free camps, from horseback riding to college prep...
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...
Spring is here! Experiment with textures and silhouettes using these three examples of great spring outfits from the streets of Santa Cruz...
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...