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SPL Biweekly Newsletter | January 23, 2026
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The Winter Reading Challenge has come to an end at the Salinas Public Library. Thank you to everyone who read throughout the winter break and visited the library. If you completed the challenge, remember to claim your well-deserved free book at any Salinas library!
Last day for prize redemption is January 31, 2026.
TEENS! Join us this month to design your own pixel art masterpieces using Perler beads. Whether you're into gaming, pop culture, or abstract art, this is your chance to turn your favorite pixelated images into colorful, tangible creations. Use one of the patterns provided by the library as a template or bring your own designs. We'll provide all the supplies you'll need!
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
John Steinbeck Library TEEN AREA
No registration required.
TEENS! Join us Tuesday, February 3rd at the Cesar Chavez Library for our Teen Program! This month, we’ll be getting creative by making bracelets. Craftivity for Teens runs on the first Tuesdays of the month at Cesar Chavez Library and on the fourth Wednesdays of the month at John Steinbeck Library from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Cesar Chavez Library
No registration required.
Can you guess what's in the spotlight? On the first Saturday of every month we shine our storytime spotlight on something new. Join us for stories, music, and a themed craft as we have fun together!
Saturday, February 7, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
El Gabilan Library
No registration required.
Join us every other Saturday at El Gabilan Library for The Game Zone, where kids can play card games, board games, and enjoy other fun activities. In the first session, we will create a Hello Kitty and Minecraft Tic-Tac-Toe game using Perler beads.
February 7 – April 18, 2026
(Feb. 7 & 21, Mar. 7 & 21, April. 4 & 18)
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
El Gabilan Library
Questions about a kid or teen program?
Click the button below to send a message!
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Volunteers are the heart of our Literacy Program, and we offer flexible ways to get involved; from dedicated one-on-one tutors to high school and college students seeking a meaningful, short-term service opportunity.
Volunteer roles include supporting staff, assisting with small group classes, and helping adult learners build essential reading, writing, and digital skills. Training and materials are provided, and schedules can be tailored to fit your commitments.
Ready to make a difference?
Ongoing opportunities
Flexible shifts
All branches
For more information, contact Susanne at SusanneC@ci.salinas.ca.us or call (831) 758-7929.
A child vanishes. A powerful family’s secrets come undone. Join us for a virtual author talk with Liz Moore on her latest novel, God of the Woods. Set in 1975, the story follows thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar, who disappears from her family’s summer camp. Fourteen years earlier, her older brother vanished without a trace, and the truth was never found. As the search intensifies, buried truths rise to the surface in this gripping tale of wealth, silence, and second chances. Don’t miss out on next week's thrilling conversation with the New York Times bestselling author!
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Virtual
Register here.
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Joyce Sherry is a playwright-turned-novelist who writes stories where ghosts speak, vampires brood, and hope refuses to die—even after death. Her novel, A Tale for the Shadows is a darkly romantic supernatural fantasy about second chances, found family, and choosing love beyond death. Murdered by the man she loved, Senka is trapped as a ghost in the cabin where she died—until a wounded vampire, a mysterious cat, and a night of fire set her free.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
El Gabilan Library
Register here.
Our popular tea tasting is full, but don’t worry, you still have a chance to join. Sip and learn the art of brewing the perfect cup with winter-ready teas curated by Anthony from Zum Zum Tea. At 12:05 pm, any unclaimed spots will be offered to walk-ins through an on-site drawing. Arrive early and you might just get a taste!
Friday, February 6, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
El Gabilan Library
You don't have to be an expert chef to make great meals! Learn how to prepare delicious meals that support longevity at our in-person, bilingual cooking demo. Learn how to make a healthy Kale & Walnut Pesto plant-based dish. Hosted by Live Well Project and the Salinas Public Library.
¡No es necesario ser un chef experto para cocinar ricas comidas! Aprende a preparar comidas deliciosas que respladen la longevidad en nuestra demostración de cocina. Aprende a preparar un platillo saludable a base de plantas: Pesto de Col Rizada y Nuez.
La demostración sera en persona y bilingüe. Organizado por Proyecto Vive Bien y la biblioteca pública de Salinas.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
El Gabilan Library
Register here.
Interested in tracing your roots but not sure where to start? Genealogy can seem daunting with so many tools and sources available. This class will walk you through the fundamentals, giving you a solid foundation to begin your search. You’ll learn how to gather information from relatives, which resources are most helpful, how to use the internet effectively, and other tips to help you uncover your family’s story.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Virtual
Register here.
Questions about an adult or literacy program?
Click the button below to send a message!
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Library Collection & Resources
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A leader in educational publications for over 100 years, World Book has now brought its excellence to an online platform for students from primary school to college. Check out ‘Behind the Headlines’ for reliably sourced articles on current events ready with citations and accessibility features for easier reading. Free to use with your Salinas Public Library card.
Do you enjoy the BBC Classics miniseries of old such as the ever popular 'Pride & Prejudice' adaptation from 1995? Stream a selection of classic literary adaptations by the BBC featuring stories from Jane Austen to William Shakespeare and more using Alexander Street through ProQuest. Free to use with your Salinas Public Library card.
Questions about our collection or online resources? Click the button below to send a message!
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Other News from the Library |
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Join us for grand opening celebration at the Hebbron Family Center!
Saturday, January 31, 2026
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Hebbron Family Center
For questions, please contact Ana Ambriz at 831-758-7328 or ana.ambriz@salinas.gov.
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Attention people of Salinas - We want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes out of your day to tell us what you want from your library. Currently, we have two surveys out to the public:
Help Shape Your Library Survey
The Help Shape Your Library Survey is your opportunity to help determine the direction of Salinas Public Library into the rest of 2025 and beyond. In this survey, we want to know who you are, how you use the library, and what you want to see more of from us, whether that's a bigger library collection, more programs and events, more seating and spaces in the library, more online resources and digital materials, more technology and equipment available to use, or something else. Click here to take the survey and help shape your library!
Operating Hours Expansion Survey
The Operating Hours Expansion Survey is your chance to tell us when you want the library open. Are you looking for later nights? Earlier mornings? More weekend availability? More opportunities to visit a specific library location? We want to know how we can best serve you! Click here to take the survey.
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