Our Work
As the Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ nonprofit partner, the Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries help fund accessible, diverse library programs.
- Friends contributed over $144,000 to Santa Cruz Public Library programs last year.
- Friends have contributed 15,000 volunteer hours in the past year as advocates, fundraisers, and champions for our local library system.
Neighborhood Friends Chapters give special support and attention to their local Branches. Fundraising activities are organized to support programs such as Our Community Reads and Summer Reading, to purchase equipment, and add to the library collections.
“We continued to provide support for development of reading skills by offering the Friends-funded R.E.A.D. program at 8 branches and also through an online reading support program during June and July. Our Summer Reading Program is one of the most important literacy activities we do all year, and without your support we would not be able to provide this valuable program.”
Heather Norquist, Manager, Youth Programs and Services, Santa Cruz Public Libraries
- 348 Summer Reading programs were attended by 7,871 people during June and July.
- 1,411 children ages 0-11 earned a free book after 5 hours of reading.
- 992 children and 205 teens achieved the 20-hour reading goal.
“The Santa Cruz Public Library’s Jail Reach team collaborated with the youth inside to build a collection that is relevant and diverse, and we look forward to offering library programs to support literacy and foster a love of reading. We’re especially grateful to the Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries and their fundraising project Boundless Minds.” — Jesse Silva, Outreach Manager, Santa Cruz Public Libraries
“Thanks to the Boundless Minds budget, we were able to secure laptops for students who are now better equipped to succeed. The lack of access to technology is a significant barrier for many of our students, especially those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.” — Effron “Donnie” Veal, Program Coordinator, Rising Scholars Program Cabrillo College
- Friends raise funds for Recover & Thrive and Boundless Minds, contributing over $19,000 for the Library to support its work at Juvenile Hall.
- In June 2024, a new library opened at Juvenile Hall as a result of partnerships between the Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ Jail Reach team, the County Probation Department, the County Office of Education, and the Friends of the Library.
As vital community centers our libraries provide inviting, shared meeting spaces to connect, access a wide range of resources and support, and find common ground.
Our Community Reads
The seventh annual Our Community Reads program engaged 650 community participants in 12 events and programs between January 24th to February 27th.
Programs included an author talk that featured the protagonist of the story, a book discussion, two concerts, two films, a writing workshop, two hands-on art events, three lectures, Trivia Night, a tour of Verve Coffee Roasting facility, and a Presenters’ reception.
Our Community Reads program sponsored by the Friends of the Aptos Library with support from La Selva Beach, Capitola, Scotts Valley, and Felton Friends. We believe that a well-informed and involved community is a healthy one.
Capital Campaigns
Nine of our ten Santa Cruz Public Library Branches have been renovated or rebuilt since 2016.
The Friends’ Realizing the Promise Capital Campaigns have so far raised over 2.6 million dollars to supplement library bond Measure S tax dollars – bridging the gap to fully realize our community’s vision for accessible facilities that provide up to date resources and services.
Everyone Can Be A Friend
There are many ways to contribute. Donate now online or you can mail a check to P.O. Box 8472, Santa Cruz, CA 95061.
Architectural rendering courtesy of Jayson Architecture. Photo by Santa Cruz Public Libraries.