Library News
Meet the Author: Anastasia Higginbotham
Posted on September 25, 2018
Join us for a special opportunity to meet acclaimed children's author and illustrator Anastasia Higginbotham.
Higginbotham's presents Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness. It’s the fourth and latest book in her Ordinary Terrible Things series, which takes a child-centered approach to focus on the importance of resiliency and coping in the face of adversity. In the book a white child sees TV coverage of a police shooting — and has some questions. Not My Idea invites families to acknowledge the ways white children are conditioned to feel apart from conversations about race.
In the workshops, Higginbotham will present her latest book, and will lead a collage activity focused on identifying and processing emotional experiences.
These author visits will take place at the following dates and locations:
- Healdsburg Library Monday, October 1, at 10:00 am (grades K-6)
- Northwest Library Monday, October 1, at 4:00 pm (grades K-6)
- Central Library in Santa Rosa Monday, October 1, 2018 at 7:00 pm (this event is targeted for adults)
- Sonoma Valley Library Tuesday, October 2, at 11:00 am (grades K-6)
- Sebastopol Library Tuesday, October 2 at 3:30 pm (grades K-6)
Higginbotham is the author and illustrator of Divorce is the Worst, Death is Stupid and Tell Me About Sex, Grandma — all part of the critically-acclaimed Ordinary Terrible Things series. She lives in Brooklyn.
This author series is made possible with support from Measure Y. Thank you, Sonoma County voters!
Library Upgrades Streaming Magazines Site
Posted on September 10, 2018
We are happy to share that we are upgrading to a new Sonoma County Library website for our RBdigital magazine service. This new service will provide our most popular magazines as well as add many new magazines for your viewing.
What do I have to do?
To access streaming magazines moving forward, you will need to register for the new service and access it via RBdigital. To get started today you can re-register, or register for the first time at: https://sonomaca.rbdigital.com (Please note: this step must be done first).
Once you have registered on the website, you can download the RBdigital mobile app and also access your digital magazines on your mobile device.
If you were already using the app with our old access, open your app and locate “Profiles” under “My Account”. Go into the Profile area and add your new log in information. You will automatically be directed to our collection of magazines. You will need to re-select the magazines you would like to read.
What can I expect in regards to the digital magazines available?
We are retaining our most popular titles and adding a few more -- including Rolling Stone, Us Weekly, National Geographic Kids, and more! We will also have the previous issues of our magazine collection from the point we started the subscription for each title. If there is a magazine you think would be of interest to our community, please submit your suggestion here: https://sonomalibrary.org/books-more/suggest-a-purchase
Going forward, we will be able to handle digital magazine requests from patrons, adjust our collection each year to reflect what is requested and used by Sonoma County patrons, and gain more flexibility in adding RBdigital services.
We apologize for any inconvenience this upgrade may cause. If you have any questions, please contact your local branch or our online ASK service. Thank you very much for your support and we hope you enjoy our RBdigital magazine service!
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month!
Posted on August 31, 2018
This September, the Sonoma County Library joins with the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month—a time to make sure that every person has the most important school supply of all–a free library card.
Anyone who has a library card can access a wealth of resources that support academic achievement. Today’s libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where students can collaborate using new technologies, learn coding, how to use Virtual Reality and 3D design, or just relax with peers. Thanks to support from Measure Y, Sonoma County Library offers access to a variety of print and digital resources, including Consumer Reports, LearningExpress Library, LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), Mango Languages, RBdigital Magazines, Tutor.Com, and over 650,000 books.
If you don't already have a library card, now is the time to get one. Sign up for a library card with our eCard online form. For more information on a library card, visit the library online at https://sonomalibrary.org/get-a-library-card.
For more information on our eResources, visit "https://sonomalibrary.org/eresources.
Sonoma County Library to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Posted on August 30, 2018
The Sonoma County Library celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, commemorated each year Sep. 15 to Oct. 15, with a series of events to showcase the histories, cultures and contributions of Sonoma County residents whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Events are being hosted by different library branches throughout Sonoma County.
“We look forward to celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month every year at Sonoma County Library,” said Kathy DeWeese, Sonoma County Library Youth Services Administrator. “Here at the library, we celebrate every culture and welcome all cultures in our community. We like to take this opportunity to highlight the special contributions of our Hispanic community.”
According to 2013 U.S. census data, 125,405 or 26% of Sonoma County’s residents are Hispanic. Eighty-four percent of Hispanics in Sonoma County are of Mexican descent, and the remaining 16 percent of the Hispanic population have origins in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Spain. Over 4,000 local businesses are Hispanic-owned. Ninety percent of Hispanics in Sonoma County speak English, and 70 percent are fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
The month-long celebration kicks off on Saturday, September 15, with events at libraries around the county. Highlights include Latin Grammy award winning musical duo 1-2-3 Andres, Los Reyes Mariachi quartet, Frida Kahlo Paint Parties presented by Raizes Collective, and Mexican History in an Hour presented by SRJC professor Laura Gonzalez.
To continue the festivities, the Library has planned an array of programs that celebrate the rich and long history of Hispanic identity, civilization and culture. All events are free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are required.
Sonoma County Library Offers 3D Printing Services
Posted on August 29, 2018
Sonoma County Library provides access to 3D printers and printing services at several branch libraries.
Sonoma County Library has purchased Lulzbot TAZ 6 printers, which will be used to teach classes on computer aided design, basic 3D printing techniques, and allow library patrons to sign up for sessions to print their own 3D designs at the Central, Guerneville, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Sonoma Valley, and Windsor Libraries.
3D printing services are part of the Education and Innovation initiatives of the Sonoma County Library’s Strategic Plan. The Library strives to provide our residents with the educational and recreational experiences needed to succeed as citizens, students, and parents. We are committed to providing equity of access to resources--including technology--that allow our residents to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.
3D Printing at the Library is available for patrons of all ages to use. While this emerging technology is becoming increasingly available for personal use, as well as a becoming a major component in the manufacturing and technology industries, it is still new and largely unaffordable to the average person. The Library’s acquisition of 3D printers allows patrons to get hands-on experience with the technology in a safe and structured environment.
Check https://sonomalibrary.org/3Dprinting for upcoming informational sessions and 3D design classes at library locations across Sonoma County.
Special library services temporarily relocated to Central Santa Rosa Library
Posted on August 16, 2018
Local history, genealogy and adult literacy services of the Sonoma County Library will be temporarily relocated to the Santa Rosa Central Library (211 E Street) starting September 4, due to an upgrade of the Library Annex facility located at 725 Third Street behind the Central Library.
The Library’s History and Genealogy staff will provide one-on-one research assistance at the Central Library daily from 1-5 pm (Monday through Saturday) and by appointment. The Adult Literacy program, which pairs adult learners and tutors to help with basic reading and writing, will be available 10 am to 3 pm Monday through Saturday in the same location.
The Library Annex will close for 8-10 weeks beginning August 27. The collection of local history and genealogy materials normally kept in the Annex will be available to library visitors upon request. Volunteers from the Sonoma County Genealogical Society will also be available to assist visitors on Wednesdays and Fridays between 1-4 pm at the Central Library. English Conversation classes and Reach Your Goals classes will also continue on a regular schedule.
The library looks forward to welcoming visitors, learners and researchers to the Central Library during this temporary change in service location.
Sonoma County Libraries Host Back-to-School Educator Events
Posted on August 07, 2018
This fall, local educators are invited to attend Back to School Educator events at Sonoma County Libraries county-wide.
As families head back to school, Sonoma County Libraries are gearing up to support educators in their essential work with students in the classroom. One of the ways to build excitement about the new school year is to host Back to School Educator open houses at each of our library locations. At 12 libraries county-wide, that’s a lot of excitement!
Looking ahead to August and September 2018, educators serving students of all ages are invited to attend a Back to School Educator event in their neighborhood to learn about all the incredible FREE resources available to Sonoma County residents. Homeschool families are welcome to attend! Educators are encouraged to meet and network with Sonoma County Youth Services Librarians - your biggest fans! These events are a great opportunity to get, or renew, an Educator Card.
The Educator Card - launched in February 2018 - is a special library card just for educators! This unique library card allows teachers and school staff to check out more items, keep them for a longer period of time, and enjoy ZERO fines on items checked out using this card. Each August, Educator Cards must be renewed in person at a library location. Gain greater access to all the wonderfully rich resources made available through Measure Y funding.
Community educators have already been enjoying the benefits of the Educator Card and enhanced relationships with Sonoma County Library. “I love my card!” said Santa Rosa high school teacher Heather Garcia-Rossi. “I love the access to data bases and the extra books I can have checked out. And attending the kick-off was essential for me to learn about all the apps and perks my card carries.”
Sonoma County Office of Education’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, Rachel Ambrose, has made the most out of her Educator Card. “The Educator Card comes with all the perks for every teacher out there who loves books - and we are many. With the Educator Card, I can check out more books, keep them longer, and there are no late fees. I use it to check out books for extended classroom use, projects, and more. Thank you, Sonoma County Library!”
Back to School Educator Events will be held at the following dates and locations:
- Rincon Valley – 8/22 @ 6-8pm
- Roseland – 8/25 @ 2-4pm
- Guerneville – 8/29 @ 4-6pm
- Northwest at Coddingtown – 8/29 @ 4-6pm
- Sonoma Valley – 8/30 @ 3:30-5:30pm
- Central Santa Rosa – 9/6 @ 4-6pm
- Rohnert Park-Cotati – 9/7 @ 3:30-5:30pm
- Windsor – 9/10 @ 6-8pm
- Cloverdale – 9/11 @ 4-6pm
- Petaluma – 9/20 @ 4:00-6:00pm
- Sebastopol – 9/22 @ 10:30am-12:30pm
- Healdsburg – 9/26 @ 6-8pm
Let’s make this school year the most successful yet by connecting your school community with the public library – your partner in education. We can’t wait to see you!
Luther Burbank with Kanaye Nagasawa and Edwin Markham at Fountaingrove, Santa Rosa, Calif. 1915
Digitization Project Preserves Historic Image Collection of Famed Horticulturalist Luther Burbank
Posted on July 31, 2018
Just in time for Santa Rosa’s Sesquicentennial, the Sonoma County Library is pleased to announce that it has completed the digitization of over 1700 images belonging to Santa Rosa’s famed Luther Burbank Home & Gardens. The project preserves the locally and nationally significant collection of pioneer horticulturist Luther Burbank and provides unprecedented online access to the collection for scholars and members of the public. The image collection consists of photographs, slides, panoramic and stereographic images as well as postcards, greeting cards, and negatives dating from the 1860s to the 1980s. This project represents a partnership between the Sonoma County Library and the City of Santa Rosa and serves as an excellent way in which to honor Santa Rosa’s 150th birthday.
The City of Santa Rosa entered into a contract with the Sonoma County Library in 2017 to preserve the collection, beginning the detailed process of cataloging, digitizing and providing online access to the images. Head library cataloger Geoffrey Skinner led the effort, ensuring existing metadata was correct and enhanced in some instances. High-resolution digital capture was conducted by Act3 Partners. The digital images were then uploaded to the Sonoma County Library’s ‘Sonoma Heritage Collection’—providing unprecedented access to the historic collection and preserving Santa Rosa history and that of the nation for future generations.
The bulk of the images in the collection originate from the estate of Luther Burbank’s widow, Elizabeth Waters Burbank. Others were purchased and large numbers of donated items came from Eric Grissell’s collection of historic postcards, Dr. and Mrs. E.S. Ashuckian from the estate of M.K. Serailian, Georgina Stewart, J.B. Keil, Kay and Bob Voliva, Sherman Boivin, Western Sonoma County Historical Society, and Wendy Aikin from the estate of Frank Vail.
Subjects of local interest seen in the images include Mayor John Overton, Senator Herbert Slater, Fred Pederson, Dorothy Seawell, Dr. Joseph Shaw, Emma Burbank Beeson, and Elizabeth Waters Burbank. A few dozen images from 1919 depict Charles Hampton and members of the Agricultural Club of Santa Rosa High School demonstrating equipment and showcasing livestock.
The City of Santa Rosa is just one of Sonoma County Library’s partners. Other organizations whose digital images are featured in theSonoma County Local History & Culture include the Western Sonoma County Historical Society, the Sonoma County Bar Association, and the Sonoma County Fair. To view these collections and more, go to https://digital.sonomalibrary.org.
First Launch of Hublets in North America
Posted on July 26, 2018
Sonoma County Library announces the first launch in North America of Hublets – a cloud-based lending unit of tablets available for use with the library’s WIFI (within the library branches) to patrons on a self-service basis with a checkout and check-in process that is fully integrated into the library’s ILS system.
Hublet has made loaning tablets easy; library patrons self-service check out a tablet with their library card and PIN code. The attractive design makes the library’s digital material visible and easy to use. No longer tethered to a desktop PC, library patrons are free to use the tablets in any location within the WIFI area.
With the centralized software management tool, library staff have control of the device content, can centrally manage updates, and can set loan parameters. When the tablets are returned to the Hublet base the tablet is locked into place, all end-user information from the previous user is deleted, and the unit is re-charged.
The Hublets come pre-loaded with a variety of useful library applications (Libby, Hoopla, PrinterOn) and games. Patrons are also free to use their own Google Play account to download their own applications and games. The applications and all patron information is deleted when the Hublet is returned to its base.
The Hublets are currently available at the Central, Guerneville, Northwest, Rincon Valley, Sebastopol and Windsor branches. They will be available at all branches soon.
Join the SCPLF August 23 for chocolate, singing, and fun!
Sonoma County Public Library Foundation Hosts Chocolate & Cinema Fundraiser
Posted on July 18, 2018
It's that time of year -- the Sonoma County Public Library Foundation's annual Chocolate & Cinema event -- and this year it's a Grease sing-along! http://scplf.org/grease/
This event is being held on Thursday, August 23 at 7:00 pm at the Rialto Cinema in Sebastopol, CA. $20 per ticket includes chocolates and a bag of popcorn. (Tickets are $25 per person at the door – order your tickets now.) Tickets will sell out fast; click here to purchase individual tickets.
The Sonoma County Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds to promote use of library resources, enthusiasm for reading and/or increased literacy for Sonoma County residents. Services supported by the Foundation include Summer Reading Programs, AWE Early Literacy stations, Sonoma County Reads, Spanish-language books and materials, increased access to ebooks and audiobooks, and books for library book discussion groups.
Thank you, SCPLF, for all your support in helping the Sonoma County Library to bring information, ideas, and people together to build a stronger community!
