Santa Maria Public Library

Join the Santa Maria Public Library in Shepard Hall for its first coat exchange; bring in gently worn, good condition coats and jackets and give someone else the opportunity to update their wardrobe. Donations are encouraged, not required. Coats for all ages are permitted. For more information, please call the Information Desk at 805-925-0994.

To-Go Kits: Scrap Paper Envelopes.
Pick-ups begins on Monday, November 4 at Orcutt and Los Alamos branch libraries. Send a message with personality in an envelope made of scrap paper. Each kit includes instructions and supplies to create four envelopes. For ages 18 and up; while supplies last. For more information, please call the Information Desk at 805-925-0994. Supported in whole or part by the Friends of the Orcutt Library and Of The Los Alamos Public Library.

Join us this Wednesday, November 6 at 12:00 p.m. for Casual Crafternoon. This session is for Personalized Charging Cords. Bring your own charging cord and transform it into a wire that will never tangle. This workshop is free and all materials except the charging cords are provided. Registration is required. For patrons 18 and older. For more information, please call the Information Desk at 805-925-0994.

Tuesday, November 5 at 10:30am begins another session of Mouse Tales, Orcutt Library's Preschool Story Time. This program is for ages 3-5 and features stories, puppets, fingerplays, and songs.
*Please note the library will open ONLY to parents/caregivers and preschool children at 10:15 a.m. for nametags, playing with puzzles, etc. and story time.

There's still time to register for Casual Crafternoon. This program is happening today, October 28 at 4:00pm in the Learning Loft. Patrons aged 18 and up will have fun creating scrabble tile coasters. Register online by clicking this link https://tinyurl.com/Casual-Crafternoon

The Zip book program is back! If there is a book or audiobook that you want to check out, but the library and branches don’t have it in their collection, then the library can order it for you free of charge.

There's still time to register for the Wellness Basics program. The program will be held today in Shepard Hall from 11:00am -1:00pm. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a su***de crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Training is provided by Transitions Mental Health Association. Registration is required; for patrons 18 and older. You can register online here, https://tinyurl.com/26dyr7wh

Visit youth services between October 25 and October 31 to celebrate Star Wars READS with activities, books and a scavenger hunt.

On Wednesday, October 23 at 4:00 pm in the Altrusa Theater for our Youth Maker Market Orientation. Creative youth are invited to learn more about the library’s Youth Maker Market. They will have hands-on experience learning about planning, marketing, money handling, and customer service selling handcrafted items. Orientation is required for Youth Maker Market participants. For ages 6-17.

Preschool Story Time is back! Join us Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 10:00am in the Altrusa Theater 📚✨ Your little ones will enjoy captivating stories, lively songs, and interactive fingerplays, all designed to ignite their love for reading and boost their school readiness. Don't miss out on this delightful adventure where fun and learning go hand in hand! 🌈❤️

🎨 Unleash your creativity this Monday, October 21 at 4:00 pm with our monthly Casual Crafternoon program! ✂️ Join us for an inspiring session where paper and patience come together to create a stunning art piece that you can take home. 🖌️ Space is limited, so be sure to register online https://tinyurl.com/43vcwy6z

✨ Calling all magical creature enthusiasts! Join us on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 4:00 PM in the Altrusa Theater for an enchanting exploration of Newt Scamander's world, where you'll discover which creatures are venomous and which just can't resist shiny treasures. 🦄 Plus, unleash your creativity and craft your very own magical friend to take home!

Join us on Tuesday, October 15 for the monthly Craftworks program. This month make a Spooky Stamped Tea Towel. For ages 18 and up. Registration is required.

Beginning October 14 pick-up a To Go Kit at the Orcutt Branch Library to create a Ghost Tealight Cover . For ages 18 and up. The Orcutt branch library is located at 175 S Broadway.175 S Broadway, 93455.

🎨 Unleash your child's creativity by learning to draw their favorite characters using exciting video tutorials! 🌟 Join us for a fun-filled journey where young artists, ages 6-12, can practice new techniques and sharpen their skills. 🖌️ Registration is required, click this link to register online https://bit.ly/3YfrAO5

On Thursday, October 3 the Santa Maria Public Library held a screening of the finalists for the Manhattan Short Film Festival 2024. The winners were announced today, was one of your favorites a winner?

Gold Medal Winner - Room Taken - Directed by TJ O'Grady-Peyton
Silver Medal Winner - Jane Austen's Period Drama - Directed by Julia Aks & Steve Pinder
Bronze Medal Winner - Alarms - Directed by Nicolas Panay
Best Actor - Thomas Conman for Alarms
Best Screen Play - One Wore Blue and One Wore Black written by Diana Duric

Tech Made Easy workshops are back and will take place on Saturdays, October 5 and November 9 at 10:30 am. These workshops are designed to help with basic mobile device skills, accessing ebooks/eaudiobooks, and assist patrons become more familiar with technology. Please bring any mobile device, tablet, or laptop you use. Registration is required and is open for adults 18 and up.
-Saturday, October 5: iPhone and Apple EOS.
-Saturday, November 9: eBooks and eAudiobooks

Tech Help Saturdays and Sundays are back. Schedule a one-on-one appointment for instruction on technology topics like setting-up new devices, installing apps, privacy best practices, and enjoying library e-resources at home. For ages 19 and up.
Saturdays: October 12 and 26, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Sundays: October 6 and 20, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Please call the Information Des at 805-925=0994 ext. 8562 to reserve an appointment.

The SLO Chapter of the California Native Plant Society ant Society will be hosting a presentation in both English and Spanish discussing California native plants that are best suited to Santa Maria and neighboring areas. Bill Waycott and Zach Tanner from CNPS-SLO will present tips for selecting, growing and utilizing native plants. There will also be a Q&A portion at the end of the presentation.

El Capítulo de SLO, de la Sociedad de Plantas Nativas de California organizará una presentación en inglés y español sobre las plantas nativas de California que se adaptan mejor a Santa María y las áreas vecinas. Bill Waycott y Zach Tanner de CNPS-SLO presentarán consejos para seleccionar, cultivar y utilizar plantas nativas. También habrá una parte de preguntas y respuestas al final de la presentación.

The library challenges you to pick up a Mystery Bag Art starting Saturday, October 5 at every branch location. Challenge yourself to use all the mystery items in your bag or add other materials create your masterpiece.

Supported in whole or part by the Friends of the Orcutt Library and Of The Los Alamos Public Library at those locations, and by the Santa Maria Public Library Foundation at Cuyama and Santa Maria.

Spots are still open for Sensory Bin Creation Station taking place tomorrow, Wednesday, October 2, at 11:00 am. Preschoolers learn how to create a sensory bin. These sensory bins allow children to explore, discover, imagine, create, and learn while engaging their senses. For ages 3-5, adult assistance is required to assemble sensory bins. Registration is still open. Please call Youth Services for more information, 805-925-0994.

Bring in your own book character decorated pumpkin to decorate the library, from October 1 -- October 20. Use paint, stickers, fabric, anything you can think of to decorate an uncarved pumpkin. Carved pumpkins will not be accepted. For families of all ages.

Teens, join us on Friday, October 4 at 4:30 pm, inside the Altrusa Theater for Teen International Snack Tasting. Spend the afternoon trying snacks from around the world. Teens will get to try international tasty treats while learning fun facts and participating in snack related trivia. Open to junior high and high school only. For more information, please call Youth Services at 805-925-0994.

Pokémon Club is back, and will be taking place on Saturdays, September 28, October 19, and November 9 at 11:30 am, inside Altrusa Theater. Join other Pokémon trainers, and learn how to play the trading card game, watch an episode, and participate in other fun activities. Bring a deck from hoe to battle, or use one from the library.

Santa Maria will join communities across the globe to screen the finalists in the 27th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. The Public Library will be screening the films on Thursday, October 3, 6:00 - 8:30 pm inside Shepard Hall. City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Santa Maria Recreation and Parks will be screening the films at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center on Friday, October 4, from 12:15 - 2:45 pm.

Audience members will enjoy 10 outstanding international short films, and then vote for their favorite film and actor; The worldwide audience determines the ultimate victor. Films are not rated, but they are recommended for those 14 years and older. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please call the Information Desk at 805-925-0994. The Public Library is please to present this program in collaboration with the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and PLAY, Inc. , Inc.