Join us for an afternoon of logic puzzles, brain teasers and strategic games. Put your mind to the test and try to solve them all! For ages 8-12.This program runs approx. 45 min. to 1 hr.

Get ready for the first day of school while enjoying a boba, personalizing your own tote bag, and creating some back-to-school crafts. Not feeling crafty, come relax, hangout with fellow teens and mentally prepare for the school year.

Get lost in the feel and sound of the summer breeze with a personalized wind chime, made from decorated mason jar lids. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. This program is for patrons 18 and older.

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.

It's time to create, explore, and use your imagination! VR Gaming  Straw Weaving Pencil Pinwheels 

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. 

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

Preschoolers learn how to create a sensory bin. 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 required and begins Monday, July 29.

Learn to use thread and rope to create an awesome accessory. 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.

Families join us for the full drive-in movie experience! Bring a box to transform into a car and enjoy a short film from your custom vehicle. Light snacks will be provided. This program runs approx. 2 hours.The Land Before Time (1998), 69 minutes, G

Join us for Junior Anime Club! We’ll watch an episode, discuss favorite anime/manga series, make a craft and just geek out! Bring your old manga books to swap. Light snacks will be provided. For ages 6-12. “This program runs approx. 45 min. to 1 hr.” 

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

Learn how to turn thread into fun tassel earrings. All materials will be provided. Registration is required, for ages 18 and older.  

Come hang out for an afternoon of gaming. Play to win or sit back and watch the action on our large screen. Light snacks will be provided.

Packs will be available at Orcutt and Los Alamos branches ONLY. Pack pick-up begins: Saturday, August 10Close out the summer and pick up an end of summer pack! Decorate a canvas bag and a water bottle that can be used year round.For families of all ages. 

Crafts, chalk, and treats will be available for youth to celebrate the 2024 Summer Reading ProgramThis program runs approx. 3 hrs

It's time to create, explore, and use your imagination! Binary Code Bracelets  Straw Pan Flute Popsicle Stick Puzzle

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.

Learn how to transform a paper grocery bag into a weaved basket that will last for years to come.  Kits available for pick-up at Orcutt, Los Alamos and Cuyama branch libraries beginning August 12. For ages 18 and up, while supplies last. Supported in whole or part by the Orcutt and Los Ala...read more

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. 

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 August is You Had Me ...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.

Join us every month as we read and discuss literature that focuses on LGBTQIA+ authors, characters, and themes! The selection for August is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. See sm.blackgold.org for available titles! Registration is required.  

Do you enjoy eating blue foods? Can you name all the Greek and Roman Gods? Visit one of the branches to pick up a Percy Jackson and friends themed pack. For ages 6-12.Supported in whole or part by the Orcutt and Los Alamos Friends of the Library at those locations, and by the Santa Maria Public Libr...read more

Do you enjoy eating blue foods? Can you name all the Greek and Roman Gods? Visit one of the branches to pick up a Percy Jackson and friends themed pack. For ages 6-12.Supported in whole or part by the Orcutt and Los Alamos Friends of the Library at those locations, and by the Santa Maria Public Libr...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.

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! Perler Beads Black-out Poetry  Magformers

The Valley Reads is a monthly book club for adults featuring coffee, snacks, and lively discussion!  The book selection for August is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Please call the Reference desk at 805-925-0994 ext. 8562 to reserve a seat. 

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

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. 

Mondays-Thursdays in Youth ServicesFree after school homework help Volunteer tutors are available to help with assignments and work on skills.  For children in grades K-6. First come, first served, no sign-ups are required

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

Mondays-Thursdays in Youth ServicesFree after school homework help Volunteer tutors are available to help with assignments and work on skills.  For children in grades K-6. First come, first served, no sign-ups are required

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

Mondays-Thursdays in Youth ServicesFree after school homework help Volunteer tutors are available to help with assignments and work on skills.  For children in grades K-6. First come, first served, no sign-ups are required

Mondays-Thursdays in Youth ServicesFree after school homework help Volunteer tutors are available to help with assignments and work on skills.  For children in grades K-6. First come, first served, no sign-ups are required

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.

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!

This workshop is for anyone wanting to learn more about their Android-operated mobile device.  We will cover phone basics, apps, and simple troubleshooting.  Please bring your cell phone to this free class and make sure you know your password!   

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! Programming Games Legos Sugar Body Scrub 

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.

Mondays, August 26 – September 30; 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 ages 0-12 months. This program runs approx. 30...read more

Celebrate National Dog Day with our favorite dog books, rhymes, and activities. Stay to visit therapy dogs from Love on a Leash. This program runs approx. 1.5 hrs. 

Mondays-Thursdays in Youth ServicesFree after school homework help Volunteer tutors are available to help with assignments and work on skills.  For children in grades K-6. First come, first served, no sign-ups are required

Tired of tangled cords? Create simple felt organizers to tame the chaos.  This workshop is free, all materials and supplies will be provided. Registration is required. For patrons 18 or older. 

Story time session: Tuesdays, August 27 – October 1; 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 require...read more

Mondays-Thursdays in Youth ServicesFree after school homework help Volunteer tutors are available to help with assignments and work on skills.  For children in grades K-6. First come, first served, no sign-ups are required

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, August 28 – October 2; 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 3-5. This program runs approx. 30 mins.

Mondays-Thursdays in Youth ServicesFree after school homework help Volunteer tutors are available to help with assignments and work on skills.  For children in grades K-6. First come, first served, no sign-ups are required

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 August is Paul Tremblay. Registration is required, ages 18 and older. 

Story time session: Thursdays, August 29 – October 3; 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

Mondays-Thursdays in Youth ServicesFree after school homework help Volunteer tutors are available to help with assignments and work on skills.  For children in grades K-6. First come, first served, no sign-ups are required

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.

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.

It's time to create, explore, and use your imagination! 3D Printing Puzzle Piece Flower  Straw Airplane