Summer is the peak season for butterflies. Get into the spirit this season with a magnetic butterfly to-go kit! Each kit comes with enough supplies to create four flying friends. This kit is for patrons 18 and older, available while supplies last.Supported in whole or part by the Orcutt and Los Alam...read more

Mondays, June 17 – July 22; 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will feature songs, fingerplays, and stories. For ages 3-6. This program runs approx. 30 mins.

The Bad Guys, 2022, 100 mins., PG Celebrate the latest release in The Bad Guys book series by joining us for an interactive movie experience. Enjoy some trivia, activities, and light snacks. For ages 6-12. This program runs approx. 2 hrs. 

Story time session: Tuesdays, June 18 – July 23; 10:00am (English/Spanish)High-energy learning experience just for toddlers and their caregivers. Toddlers learn and grow through stories, movement, and music. Sign up for only one six-week timeslot. For ages 1-3. Registration is required, a...read more

Wednesdays, June 19 – July 24; 10:00am Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies and caregivers.  For 0-12 months.  This program runs approx. 30 m...read more

The library will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence DayLa biblioteca será cerrado en cuplimiento del día de la independencia

I Spy with my little eye a bottle full of treasures! Join us to create your own unique I Spy bottle. For ages 6-12. Registration is required and begins Friday, June 28.

All Locations  Pack pick-up begins Saturday, July 6 This pack includes supplies to practice cutting, threading, and lacing to build fine motor skills. A sensory obstacle course and tape shape game instructions will also be included. For ages 3-5. Supported in whole or part by the Orcu...read more

All Locations  Pack pick-up begins Saturday, July 6 This pack includes supplies to practice cutting, threading, and lacing to build fine motor skills. A sensory obstacle course and tape shape game instructions will also be included. For ages 3-5. Supported in whole or part by the Orcu...read more

Clean out your closet and bring in gently worn, good condition clothing that no longer has use. See what hidden gems might be hiding in other people's wardrobes with this clothing exchange. No shoes, socks, undergarments, or dirty clothing.  

It's time to create, explore, and use your imagination! 3D Printing  Suncatchers  Friendship Bracelets

Visit the Youth Services Desk to borrow a board game to play while at the library. Play a favorite or try something new.  

Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore! For ages 0-17. For more information, please call the Information Desk at 805-925-0994. 

Master Gardener Dave McDonald will give a research-based presentation on Barn Owls & Integrated Pest Management.He will discuss the benefits of attracting barn owls into your garden as a part of your vertebrate pest management strategies, and how to construct your own barn owl box. He will ...read more

Mondays, June 17 – July 22; 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will feature songs, fingerplays, and stories. For ages 3-6. This program runs approx. 30 mins.

Celebrate imagination and creativity with hands-on activities that are just right for preschoolers. Make new friends at this monthly drop-in program. For ages 3-5. 

Story time session: Tuesdays, June 18 – July 23; 10:00am (English/Spanish)High-energy learning experience just for toddlers and their caregivers. Toddlers learn and grow through stories, movement, and music. Sign up for only one six-week timeslot. For ages 1-3. Registration is required, a...read more

Learn how to create a customized zentangle image.  This workshop is free, all materials and supplies will be provided. Registration is required. For patrons 18 or older. 

Families get creative with an afternoon of Arts and Crafts. Try out a new medium, make something amazing together, and take home a piece of art. All skillsets are welcome.

Flirty Fiction is a book club for readers of contemporary romance fiction. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month to discuss a new title. Diverse romance books of all types are welcome in this inclusive space. If it’s a romance, we’ll read it! The book for July is the Unhoneymo...read more

Wednesdays, June 19 – July 24; 10:00am Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies and caregivers.  For 0-12 months.  This program runs approx. 30 m...read more

Visit the patio outside Youth Services for an outdoor adventure. Stations will include an obstacle course, chalk art, and other fun activities.  

Story time session: Tuesdays, June 20 – July 25; 10:00am High-energy learning experience just for toddlers and their caregivers. Toddlers learn and grow through stories, movement, and music. Sign up for only one six-week timeslot. For ages 1-3. Registration is required, and begins Tu...read more

Join us for an afternoon of mystifying fun. Magician Andy Morris will provide laughter, fun, and magic!  

Preschoolers will discover early literacy skills through stories, play, and songs. This special play time is designed especially for nontraditional caregivers (friends, family, and neighbors). Snacks will be provided. For ages 3-5. This program runs approx. 2 hrs. This program is made possible with ...read more

Help shape the future of YOUR Library. Discussions during BOLT will help determine teen program themes, and BOLT members will have the opportunity to help plan teen programs. Light snacks will be provided.

It's time to create, explore, and use your imagination! Discovering STEM: Newton's Laws DIY Frisbee Popsicle Harmonica 

Be prepared for epic excitement with tabletop gaming presented by the Santa Maria Adventurer's League. Everyone is welcome regardless of previous experience. All children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and registration is required. 

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. Registration required.

Mondays, June 17 – July 22; 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will feature songs, fingerplays, and stories. For ages 3-6. This program runs approx. 30 mins.

Sing, dance, play instruments, and move to the beat. Develop motor skills and listening skills while having fun. Ideal for younger children but all ages welcome. 

Calling all mad scientists! Conduct an experiment, engineering challenges, and create art at this drop-in program. For ages 6-12. 

Story time session: Tuesdays, June 18 – July 23; 10:00am (English/Spanish)High-energy learning experience just for toddlers and their caregivers. Toddlers learn and grow through stories, movement, and music. Sign up for only one six-week timeslot. For ages 1-3. Registration is required, a...read more

Join us for reading fun in the Altrusa Theater by building a mini fort and reading in the dark with a flashlight. Feel free to bring your own fort supplies and flashlight. Space and supplies provided by the library. For ages 6-12. Registration is required and begins Tuesday, July 9. 

Wednesdays, June 19 – July 24; 10:00am Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies and caregivers.  For 0-12 months.  This program runs approx. 30 m...read more

Stop by the library for an afternoon of Lego madness. Meet with other Lego fans, build together, or build your own creation. This program runs approx. 1.5 hrs.

Story time session: Tuesdays, June 20 – July 25; 10:00am High-energy learning experience just for toddlers and their caregivers. Toddlers learn and grow through stories, movement, and music. Sign up for only one six-week timeslot. For ages 1-3. Registration is required, and begins Tu...read more

Youth will learn to sew, and practice sewing skills at the library.  Learn the basics of a machine and sewing by hand, or practice skills with the club. Materials will be provided.  Youth are welcome to bring fabric from home. This program runs approx. 2 hrs.

Master Food Preservers will demonstrate how to make your own pizza sauce. Build and enjoy your own pizza with homemade sauce and a selection of toppings. This project is supported in whole or in part by the California State Library.

Interested in anime or manga; come to Anime Club! Hang out with other fans, eat Japanese snacks, and do fun activities. New members are always welcome!

Join us every month as we read and discuss literature that focuses on LGBTQIA+ authors, characters, and themes! The selection for July is Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez. See sm.blackgold.org for available titles! Registration is required.  

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. Registration required.

Young minds will become master builders! Join us to construct wondrous structures with a variety of craft supplies, recycled materials, and endless creativity. For ages 6-12.

It's time to create, explore, and use your imagination! Legos Wooden Cross Stitch Bookmarks Word-Scramble Poetry

Looking for a new form of self-expression? Poetry facilitation is the use of poetry to promote well-being. Workshop participants will be introduced to a poem and explore their reaction through writing or illustration with guest facilitator Dot Winslow. Registration is required and this workshop is f...read more

Mondays, June 17 – July 22; 10:00amStory time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will feature songs, fingerplays, and stories. For ages 3-6. This program runs approx. 30 mins.

Make adorable mini paper umbrellas to drive away those summer showers! This workshop is free, all materials and supplies will be provided. Registration is required. For patrons 18 or older. 

Story time session: Tuesdays, June 18 – July 23; 10:00am (English/Spanish)High-energy learning experience just for toddlers and their caregivers. Toddlers learn and grow through stories, movement, and music. Sign up for only one six-week timeslot. For ages 1-3. Registration is required, a...read more

Reading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading aloud. These dogs absolutely love all kinds of books and are excellent listeners. No one pays attention to a child reading quite like dogs do! First come, first served for a 15-minute time slot. This program runs approx...read more

Wednesdays, June 19 – July 24; 10:00am Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies and caregivers.  For 0-12 months.  This program runs approx. 30 m...read more

Want to learn to make something delicious? Register for a cooking class with Master Food Preservers where you’ll learn food prep skills, canning techniques, and get to take home something delicious. Registration is required and begins Wednesday, July 10. This project was supported in whol...read more

Novel Nightmares is a book club for lovers of haunting horror. This group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss a creator of creepy tales. The author for July is Clive Barker. Registration is required, ages 18 and older. 

Story time session: Tuesdays, June 20 – July 25; 10:00am High-energy learning experience just for toddlers and their caregivers. Toddlers learn and grow through stories, movement, and music. Sign up for only one six-week timeslot. For ages 1-3. Registration is required, and begins Tu...read more

Kick off a Harry Potter weekend with lunch time movies. Dress in your schoolhouse attire to cheer for your house. Light snacks will be available. This program runs approx. 2.5 hrs..Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 2001, 150 mins., PG

Bring your favorite books to life through a reading performance using minimal props and your imagination. Reader’s theater encourages literacy development and creativity, in a fun and engaging way. Each month we will select a new book to perform. No experience necessary.

Learn how to access the library's electronic catalogs and download electronic resources onto your mobile devices or tablets.  This class is free and registration is required.  Please bring any mobile device, tablet, or laptop you wish to you use to access these resources.  Patrons...read more

Join us in Shephard Hall to learn the basics of how to deal with someone having a mental health crisis or how to cope and manage your own.  

Join other Pokémon trainers at the popular Pokémon Club. Learn how to play the Pokémon Trading Card game, watch Pokémon, and participate in other fun activities. Bring a deck from home to battle or use one from the library.

It's time to create, explore, and use your imagination! Screen Printing  Galaxy Chalk Art  Comet on a Stick

The Valley Reads is a monthly book club for adults featuring coffee, snacks, and lively discussion!  The book selection for July is My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman.  Please call the Reference desk at 805-925-0994 ext. 8562 to reserve a seat. 

Get ready to join an epic adventure with Dungeons and Dragons presented by the Santa Maria Adventurer's League. This easy to learn game is the world’s most popular tabletop role playing game, and everyone is welcome regardless of previous experience. All children under the ages of 16 must ...read more

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. Registration required.

Come together to create friendship bracelets to gift for International Day of Friendship. Use different techniques and materials to craft one-of-kind accessories. Materials will be provided for all ages and skillsets.

Transform an old book into something whimsical. This workshop is free, all materials and supplies will be provided. Registration is required. For patrons 18 or older. 

Reading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading aloud. These dogs absolutely love all kinds of books and are excellent listeners. No one pays attention to a child reading quite like dogs do! First come, first served for a 15-minute time slot. This program runs approx...read more

Celebrate the end of Summer with friends and fellow teens. Enjoy pizza, themed crafts, and fun activities. Shy or socially anxious? Bring a friend, grab a fidget on the way in, or take part in one of the passive activities. This program runs approx. 2 hrs.