The Gilroy Library now offers free ESL classes. According
to Yoshimura, “Students can develop basic English language
skills and then move into our adult literacy program to
become proficient in reading and writing in English.”
U.S. Citizenship classes are also available at the Gilroy
Library. “We’ve had a lot of interest,” Yoshimura said. “The
class helps people navigate the application process and prepare
for the citizenship test.”
When it comes to personal investing and retirement plan-
ning, Morgan Hill and Gilroy Libraries provide free access to
Morningstar and Valueline business and financial databases,
two respected online services that normally require a paid
subscription.
Tomasso also mentioned that people looking to learn or
brush up on a foreign language can access audiobooks or
Pronunciator, the world’s largest language-learning service,
through the library district website.
Savvy shoppers can research the pros and cons of top
brands before they buy, with free access to library dis-
trict resources including Consumer Reports and Bay Area
Consumer’s Checkbook.
Two library services with that “coolness factor” include
Grandparents Gone Wild tech workshops for seniors (at
Gilroy Library) who want to learn how to use Facebook and
other social media. A Pinterest Craft Club meets monthly (at
Morgan Hill Library) to work on craft projects featured on
the fast-growing social media platform. and Rock is a bi-lingual program at both libraries that gets
kids moving and helps them build beginning reading skills.
“When parents bring their children to read and play
together, the parents end up getting to know each other too,”
Yoshimura said. “The library also gives teens a place to meet
after school and work on projects together.”
Participants in the Morgan Hill Library Cook Book Club
bring a dish (and recipe) to share, with a different theme each
month. Gilroy Library also hosts cooking workshops, which
have ranged from sushi to cake decorating.
In response to community interest, both libraries have
held gardening workshops with a master gardener. Fans of
Downton Abbey met recently at the library for a presentation
and discussion of the hit TV series.
Crochet and knitting groups are ongoing. “Sometimes
people just want to get away from the screen, and make
something by hand,” Yoshimura said, adding that hand-made
holiday gifts are a popular idea. Many adults are borrowing a
page from kids, and relaxing with a good coloring book.
If you’re looking to start or join a writer’s group, check
out the Gilroy Library. Or, if you enjoy talking about current
events, politics and social issues, check library calendars for
upcoming opportunities to watch recordings such as TED
Talks.
Library patrons looking for a little free legal advice can
even sign up for a “Virtual Lawyer” session to meet with a
lawyer online.
Community Connections Silicon Valley Reads…at the Library
For those who like to keep active and fit, there are classes
from Zumba to YogaKids. The ever-popular Rhythm Rattle
The entire Santa Clara County Library District participates in
the annual Silicon Valley Reads program, which encourages
Our Libraries
by the Numbers
Gilroy Library
Opened in 2012
53,000 sf
193,000 items onsite
617,000 circulation
294,000 gate traffic
Morgan Hill Library
Opened in 2007
28,000 sf
189,000 items onsite
740,000 circulation
308,000 gate traffic
30
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
MARCH/APRIL 2016
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