On April 26, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom visited the Felton Branch Library and Felton Discovery Park to promote local libraries, spotlight State Park passes and Get Out and Explore kits, and read a book at a special outdoor storytime.
From Left: Nicole Coburn, Yolande Wilburn, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Park Ranger Jackie Jurek, Supervisor Bruce McPherson, and Felton Branch Manager Phil Boulton.
The event was part of National Library Week.
In 2021, Siebel Newsom, the mother of four children, launched a summer book club to help unlock children’s curiosity and passion for learning.
The First Partner’s Summer Book Club initially featured 23 books for children ages 3-12.
Siebel Newsom read “Fatima’s Great Outdoors,” a picture book about an immigrant family embarking on their first camping trip.
Author Ambreen Tariq is an outdoors activist and founder of @BrownPeopleCamping.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom reading “Fatima’s Great Outdoors”
The visit included a nature-themed craft, a tour of the Felton Library’s spaces for teens and children, and a look at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, which has been operating out of the Felton Branch Library off and on since the epic storms earlier this year.
“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to host First Partner Newsom and highlight all of the great work happening at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries,” said Yolande Wilburn, director of libraries. “The Felton Branch Library is a great example of all the ways Libraries can support their community through dynamic programming, free resources, educational materials, and critical community services.”
The branch is at 6121 Gushee St., Felton, which has a population of 3,500.
Wilburn greeted Siebel Newsom along with county Supervisor Bruce McPherson, Assistant County Administrator Nicole Coburn, State Park Ranger Jackie Jurek, and Library staff.
Attendees join First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom at the Felton Library for a group photo outside.
The First Partner’s Summer Book Club was launched in partnership with the California State Library.
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries supports community members of all ages in learning, exploring, and getting outdoors.
Did you know California State Park Passes are available to be checked out online or at a Library branch? This gives library patrons access to any of the 280 state parks located across the state.
Community members also can check out a “Get Out and Explore” kit, which includes a State Park Pass, pocket guides, binoculars, and a compass.
All Library resources are free and available to all community members.
Photos Credit: Amanda Rotella