Library News

April is National Poetry Month

Posted on April 01, 2018

National Poetry Month, which takes place each April, is a celebration of poetry as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.

National Poetry Month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers and poets celebrating poetry's vital place in our culture.

How Can I Participate?

Come in and check out a poetry book to take home and enjoy – we have poetry for adults, for children, for teens, and everyone in between!
Pick up a poem in preparation for Poem in Your Pocket Day (April 26, 2018). Choose a poem that inspires you and carry it with you to keep and reread or take one to pass on. You never know when a poem will come in handy.
Tweet a haiku to the Sonoma County Library official twitter. Participants are invited to tweet a family-friendly haiku about reading and must tag @sonomacolibrary and have their submission(s) shared on the library's feed on Facebook.

Learn More

Follow these links to learn more about poetry and poetry month:

Read more about it at the Library (poetry is classified 811 on the shelf):

Frost, Robert. 1994. Poetry for Young People
Collins, Billy. 2005. The Trouble with Poetry
2001. Poetry Speaks: Hear Great Poets Read Their Work, from Tennyson to Plath
Neruda, Pablo. 2005. The Poetry of Pablo Neruda
2000. American Poetry: The Twentieth Century, Vol. 2, E. E. Cummings to May Swenson
Petras, Kathryn & Ross. 2012. The Anthology of Really Important Modern Poetry: Timeless Poems by Snooki, John Boehner, Kanye West, and Other Well-versed Celebrities

There are lots of fun activities for kids and teens at the Library over spring break weeks.

Spring Break at the Library 2018

Posted on March 14, 2018

Looking for something to do with kids over the weeks of Spring Break? The Sonoma County Library has a variety of activities scheduled for children, tweens and teens during the spring school vacation weeks.

This year, spring break weeks don't all line up across the school districts, so we've got a couple of weeks of activities planned. Beginning Friday, March 23 through Saturday, April 7, the Library will offer free programs ranging from storytimes and Read to a Dog events to zany circus shows, from SAT and college workshops to Zumba for kids, STEM programs, paper airplanes, kids' yoga, crafts, makerspaces, and more!

All events are free.

For more information, check the library’s online calendar at http://events.sonomalibrary.org/events, or Ask A Librarian.

For All Ages

COVENTRY AND KALUZA: SAVING THE DAY WITH CIRCUS AND COMEDY

Roseland Mon. Apr. 2, 10:00 am
Cloverdale Mon. Apr. 2, 2:00 pm
Sonoma Valley Tue. Apr. 3, 11:00 am
Windsor Tue. Apr. 3, 3:00 pm

PUPPET ART THEATRE

The Boy Who Cried Wolf: Healdsburg Mon. Apr. 2, 10:30 am
The Three Little Pigs: Rohnert Park Thu. Apr. 5, 11:00 am
The Three Little Pigs: Roseland Sat. Apr. 7, 12:00 pm

FOAM MARTIAL ARTS

Windsor Tue. Mar. 27, 4:00 pm

PAPER AIRPLANES!

Rincon Valley Mon. Apr. 2, 3:00 pm

SPRING BREAK CINEMA

Rohnert Park Wed. Mar. 28, 6:00 pm (rated PG)

HEALTHY KIDS CLASSES

KIDS YOGA (6-12) ROHNERT PARK FRI. MAR. 30, 4:00 PM
ZUMBA FOR KIDS (5 & UP) Central Fri. Mar. 23, 4:00 pm
Kids Can Cook (grades 1-3) Rohnert Park Mon. Apr. 2, 1:00 pm
Mindful Minis (6-12) Healdsburg Fri. Apr. 6, 4:00 pm

LEGO/BUILD CLUBS (AGES 5-12)

Sebastopol Tue. Mar. 27, 3:30 pm
Petaluma Thu. Mar. 29, 3:30 pm
Cemtral Wed. Apr. 4, 4:30 pm
Rohnert Park Thu. Apr. 5, 4:00 pm
Windsor Sat. Apr. 7, 2:00 pm

ARTS & CRAFTS CLASSES

Water Colors Windsor Fri. Mar. 23, 4:00 pm
Spring Crafts Roseland Wed. Mar. 28, 6:25 pm
Design a Birds Nest Sebastopol Fri. Mar. 30, 4:00 pm
Spring Craft Table Rohnert Park Mon. Apr. 2-Sat. Apr. 7, drop-in
Gnomes & Mushrooms Sebastopol Tue. Apr. 3, 2:00 pm

Events For Grades 4-6

MAKER STUDIO: STEAM CLASSES

Light-Up Sewing Healdsburg Fri. Mar. 23, 4:00 pm
T-Shirt Hacks Cloverdale Wed. Mar. 28, 3:30 pm
Aluminum Etching Petaluma Fri. Mar. 30, 4:00 pm
Hour of Code Roseland Thu. Apr. 5, 10:30 am
Hour of Code Rohnert Park Fri. Apr. 6, 4:30 pm

WRITING CLUB FOR KIDS 9 & UP

Healdsburg Mon. Mar. 26, 4:00 pm
Rincon Valley Wed. Mar. 28, 2:15 pm

JAM SESSION WITH SO CO MUSIC COALITION

Sonoma Valley Library, Wed. Mar. 28, 4:00 pm

TWEEN BOOK CLUBS

Central Tue. Mar. 27, 4:00 pm
Healdsburg Mon. Mar. 26, 4:00 pm

DIY Journals for Tweens

Sebastopol Wed. Mar. 28, 4:00 pm

Tweens Create: Tie-Dye Book Bags

Healdsburg Fri. Mar. 30, 4:00 pm

Events For Teens

TEEN LANTERN CRAFT

Rohnert Park-Cotati Library, Sat. Mar. 24, 2:00 pm

DEMYSTIFYING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Sebastopol Library, Tue. Mar. 27 @ 1:00 pm
Rincon Valley Library, Mon. Apr. 2 @ 6:30 pm

TEEN BOOK CLUB

Cloverdale Library, Tue. Mar. 27, 3:30 pm

FREE 2-PART SAT INTENSIVE PREP CLASSES (FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS)
(SPACE IS LIMITED - SEE INFORMATION DESK TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT)

Sebastopol - Wed. Mar. 28, 1:00-3:30 pm & Fri. Mar. 30, 1:00-3:30 pm
Windsor - Mon. Apr. 2, 10:00 am-12:30 pm & Tue. Apr. 3, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Central Santa Rosa - Mon. Apr. 2, 1:30-4:00 pm & Tue. Apr. 3, 2:00-4:30 pm
Rincon Valley - Wed. Apr. 4, 6:00-8:30 pm & Thu. Apr. 5, 1:00-3:30 pm

INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUAL REALITY

Healdsburg Library, Tue. Mar. 27, 3:00 PM
Rohnert Park Cotati Library, Thu. Mar. 29, 3:00 pm

BUILDING YOUR TOP COLLEGE LIST

Sebastopol Library, Thu. Mar. 29 @ 4:00 pm

TEEN ANIME AND MANGA CLUB

Rincon Valley Library, Tue. Apr. 3, 3:30 pm

YOUTH CHESS CLUB

Rincon Valley Library, Wed. Apr. 4, 3:30 pm

National Library Week observed April 8-14, 2018

Posted on March 12, 2018

Prepare to join us in celebrating National Library Week April 8-14, 2018.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries across the country - school, public, academic and special - participate.

For Sonoma County Library's celebration, we want to hear from you! Help us by sharing your favorite Sonoma County Library story. Please include your home branch, staff name (or title), and your story. We want to hear how your Sonoma County Library has made an impact in your life.

Share your story here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P9CP79L

Sonoma County Library and Santa Rosa City Schools partner to launch Student OneCard

Posted on March 06, 2018

Beginning in March, the Student OneCard allows all Santa Rosa City Schools students to use their school-generated student ID as a public library account, giving students access to all library services, including online. All Santa Rosa City Schools students will be automatically enrolled in the program, unless a parent chooses to opt-out, and there are no overdue fines for items checked out on this account, though students will be responsible for fees on lost or damaged books.

“One of the Library’s primary goals is to develop partnerships with school districts, like our partnership with Santa Rosa City Schools, to promote student success,” said Kathy DeWeese, the Library’s Coordinator of Children’s Services. “Through the Student OneCard initiative, we’re looking to provide students with access to materials that support their learning and supplement school resources.”

A part of the Sonoma County Library’s student success initiatives, the Student OneCard is designed to benefit the community by eliminating barriers to library access, increasing literacy, and supporting educational success. In addition to the Library’s extensive catalog of materials, the Student OneCard account allows students to access electronic resources, including music, e-books, magazines and more, receive free one-on-one tutoring in English and Spanish, use computers at all library locations, borrow up to 10 items from any library location, request books from partner libraries including academic collections--and it’s all free.

In addition to the Student OneCard, the Library launched the Educator Card countywide in February 2018, as another avenue to support students’ learning and remove barriers to use of library resources. Developed specifically for teachers and educators in Sonoma County, the Educator Card provides extended check out periods (6 weeks), expanded borrowing limits (up to 50 items at a time), and does not accrue fines. Visit www.sonomalibrary.org/student-success for additional information on the Library’s student success initiatives.

Read Across America 2018

Celebrate the 20th Annual Read Across America Day March 2nd

Posted on February 28, 2018

2018 marks the 20^th Anniversary of Read Across America Day – celebrate at your local the Sonoma County Library branch! Established by the National Education Association, Read Across America Day is celebrated on Dr. Seuss’s birthday with the goal of developing a nation of readers. Since its creation, educators, parents, caregivers and students have embraced Read Across America and helped to turn it into the largest reading celebration. On March 2, we encourage EVERYONE to pick up a book and read to a child. So, whether it’s your favorite Dr. Seuss book or something new and exciting, we encourage you to: Grab your hat and read with the cat!

To encourage a love of reading and increase literacy support, Read Across America Day all Library branches are offering fun events for children and teens including reading from the library's extensive collection, visiting a Dr. Seuss inspired #SeussSelfieStation to take photos, and more!

Find out what your branch is doing to celebrate here: Read Across America Day Events.

Educator Card

Sonoma County Library Launches Educator Card

Posted on February 12, 2018

Sonoma County Library is excited to announce a new student success initiative: the Educator Card!

Available to Sonoma County educators beginning Monday, February 26^th, this separate library account grants teachers special privileges to access materials that support students in the classroom. With this card, educators may borrow up to 50 items at a time for classroom use for up to six weeks and do not accrue fines.

Any educator employed by an educational institution in Sonoma County (public and private schools, religious schools, certified home-schools, licensed child-care providers, recreational leaders, student teachers, etc.) may apply for an Educator Card in person at any Sonoma County Library location.

The Sonoma County Library encourages educators to have a regular card in addition to an Educator Card, and the regular card should be used when checking out materials for personal use.

To apply, applicants need to present any of the following items to confirm eligibility:

School ID badge
Copy of a contract or letter confirming employment
Paystub
Printout of online pay information
Home school certificate

Educator Cards must be renewed and eligibility confirmed each year, cards will expire annually on August 15^th.

“One of the Library’s primary goals is to partner with educators in Sonoma County to help ensure student success,” said Kathy DeWeese, the Library’s Coordinator of Children’s Services. “Through the Educator Card initiative, we’re looking to provide teachers with easier access to materials that support their students’ learning and supplement school resources.”

We're also throwing a party to celebrate!

Join us for a kickoff celebration for this exciting new Library Card on Monday, February 26th at 6:30pm at the Central Santa Rosa Library (211 E Street, Santa Rosa).

Meet Sonoma County Library librarians -- your partners in education! Learn about library resources to enrich teaching and enhance learning, get your Educator Card, and have the opportunity to win a Chromebook! The first 100 educators will receive a special door prize. This event is free and open to all educators.

Join us for a kickoff celebration for this exciting new Library Card on Monday, February 26th at 6:30pm at the Central Santa Rosa Library (211 E Street, Santa Rosa). Meet Sonoma County Library librarians, your partners in education! Learn about library resources to enrich teaching and enhance learning, get your Educator Card, and have the opportunity to win a Chromebook! The first 100 educators will receive a special door prize. This event is free and open to all educators. For more information about this event, click here.

Caldecott Medal Winners 2018

Posted on February 12, 2018

Well Sonoma County, we voted for our favorite picture books in our Mock Caldecott, but on Monday, February 12, the American Library Association (ALA) announced the official award winners at its Midwinter Meeting.

See who we thought should win!

See previous Mock Caldecott winners.

Mock Caldecott 2018 Winners!

Posted on February 09, 2018

The votes are in!

Sonoma County has chosen the best picture books of the year!

Every year, children’s book illustrators hold their breath as the Caldecott committee members read, examine, and critique the best illustrated children’s books of the year to finally determine which one deserves the highly regarded award.

You let us know which books you thought would win by voting for your favorites either online or at the library.

Sonoma County's Mock Caldecott Winner is...

Check back to find out the official winners of the 2018 Caldecott Medal - it will be announced by the American Library Association on Monday, February 12th.

2017 Food for Fines Results

2017 Food For Fines Program Collects Over 13,000 lbs of Food!

Posted on February 07, 2018

The 2017 Food For Fines Program Collects over 13,000 pounds* of food!

The Sonoma County Library’s collected 13,097* pounds of food in the 2017 Food for Fines program, that’s 10,914* meals! This impressive amount surpasses the 2016 totals by 4,800 pounds. Each year, the Library partners with local food banks including the Redwood Empire Food Bank, Friends in Sonoma Helping, Healdsburg Food Pantry, and Sebastopol Inter-Church Food Pantry encouraging residents to donate food to those in need and get their library fines forgiven in return. In 2017, the Food for Fines program ran for 7 weeks in November and December, waiving $23,977 in patron fines and fees!

The Food for Fines program has two primary goals—to remove barriers to library access due to overdue fines, and to help end hunger in our communities. This is even more important in 2018 with the recent disasters affecting so many. In 2017, Food for Fines was able to give 1,664 patrons an opportunity to give back to their community and get their library account back in good standing for the 2018 New Year.

The Sonoma County Library is proud to join thousands of Sonoma County businesses, individuals, and organizations helping to end hunger in our community.

For information about how to donate food or time to your local food bank, visit the links below.

*Amounts reflect food collected for the Redwood Empire Food Bank, Friends in Sonoma Helping, and Healdsburg Food Pantry only.

Library Partners With County Parks on Discovery Packs

Posted on January 23, 2018

In partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks, the Sonoma County Library is offering for check out a limited number of parking passes that give library cardholders free access to Spring Lake, Doran Beach, Taylor Mountain, Ragle Ranch and the other 50-plus regional parks throughout the county.

The “Regional Parks Discovery Packs” are available at each library branch and include a backpack filled with a parking pass good at all 56 Regional Parks, a parks map, trail itineraries, hiking tips, wildlife guides, and other information to help cardholders enjoy self-guided adventures in the parks. The Discovery Pack program was developed to promote community health and well-being by increasing opportunities for residents to visit and learn about their parks. Each pack is available for check out for up to seven days and includes materials in English and Spanish.

“The Library is proud to provide this new, exciting Discovery Pack to our patrons all thanks to the wonderful partnerships with Regional Parks,” said Community Engagement Coordinator, Angelina Hernandez.

“Sonoma County Regional Parks and the Sonoma County Library are committed to providing innovative programs that promote community health and well-being. Now more than ever after the recent wildfires, we are looking for ways heal our community through experiences in nature. These Discovery Packs create an opportunity for more people to access our beautiful parks,” said Community Engagement Manager, Bethany Facendini.

Each library branch has Discovery Pack backpacks for checkout and includes a vehicle entry pass for parking, an “Adventure Book” for trail observations or nature journaling, the 2017 Trails Challenge Guidebook with hiking itineraries and hiking tips, and information about local wildlife and plants. These contents must be returned with the pack a week from check out. The packs also include a park map, a seasonal activity guide, a parks reading list and other materials that borrowers are welcome to keep.

The Discovery Packs will be available for check beginning Monday, January 29^th, at all 14 Sonoma County Libraries.