Library News

Your Library at Home

Posted on April 14, 2020

Library retools for digital delivery

The Sonoma County Library has tracked a steady shift from physical to digital use over the past few years. “Every year, we see more and more patrons checking out electronic books, streaming movies, tracing their family tree or conducting research,” said Ann Hammond, Sonoma County Library Director. “Some of our most loyal and active patrons rarely come into a branch.”

In fact, up until recently, the digital library was almost as busy as the physical library. For example, while Sonoma County Library patrons checked out 2.9 million physical items in the fiscal year ending in June 2019 (the most recent state figures), the library recorded 2.4 million website visits and 829,121 instances of electronic usage of materials.

That all changed on March 14, when all Sonoma County Library branches closed, in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the county’s shelter-in-place order. Since then, as physical circulation has come to a halt, digital circulation is skyrocketing.

OverDrive, a popular way to check out electronic books and audiobooks through the library, had a 356 percent increase in website page views in the 23 days from March 17 to April 8. In the same time period, the library’s Hoopla platform, which offers books, films, TV, music, comics and more, had a 786 percent increase in page views.

Kanopy, a resource for classic films and documentaries, had a 298 percent increase, and RBdigital, an easy way to read thousands of current issues and back issues of magazines, topped all Sonoma County Library digital resources with a 2,434 percent increase in page views.

Library patrons are discovering other digital resources as well, learning languages with Mango, brushing up on software skills with LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), deciding what home appliance to purchase with Consumer Reports, researching car repairs with Chilton, looking up ancestors on Ancestry.com, or reading the New York Times – all free with a library card.

“We don’t see this shift as temporary,” Hammond said, reflecting on what to expect when library branches reopen. “There is no substitute for a one-on-one conversation with a friendly librarian, or attending a library event, or bringing your child to a story time, but a lot of our patrons are discovering how easy it is to try the digital option, and we’ll be prepared to keep supporting them. We’ve already added or expanded digital resources, and we will keep looking for ways to serve our community, in person or online.”

But, not everyone has reliable internet access. That worries Hammond, a lot. “We do so much to help bridge the digital divide,” she said. “We have free high speed WiFi in our branches, and it’s still on during the closures so people can access it from outside when the building structure permits. We also have more than 500 WiFi hotspots and more than 100 Chromebooks in circulation, but it’s not nearly enough.”

Hammond and her staff are busy adapting to the temporary closures, and she knows they’ll be busy again when branches reopen, but she vows not to forget about the people who are left out because they can’t afford broadband. “This is a wake-up call for every library in America,” said Hammond. We can’t close the digital divide by ourselves, but we intend to be loud and persistent voices in finding a solution.”

– Submitted by Ray Holley

Recursos de la biblioteca

Posted on April 08, 2020

Recursos digitales ampliados

Durante la pandemia de coronavirus, la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma, junto con varios proveedores de recursos digitales, les ofrecemos más oportunidades para leer, disfrutar y aprender en casa.

Para más recursos, por favor visite la página de recursos digitales.

Además de miles de películas y programas de televisión, libros electrónicos, recursos de aprendizaje, periódicos y revistas, cursos en línea y mucho más, los servicios nuevos o ampliados incluyen:

Mango Languages

Mango Languages es un importante servicio de aprendizaje de idiomas.

Esta herramienta de aprendizaje de idiomas es gratis para todos los titulares de las tarjetas de la biblioteca y se puede acceder a ella en cualquier lugar con una conexión a Internet. A través de Mango, se ofrece a los usuarios de la biblioteca la oportunidad de aprender 60 idiomas extranjeros y 17 cursos de inglés que se imparten en la lengua nativa del usuario.

MakeMake

Libros digitales, interactivos y animados para niños

MakeMake ofrece acceso a literatura infantil y juvenil única, proveniente de América Latina. Cuenta con 200 libros digitales, interactivos y animados. También proporciona boletines y otros recursos para familias y maestros para apoyar el desarrollo lingüístico en español de los niños desde su nacimiento hasta que cumplen la primaria. Creado en Colombia, MakeMake es totalmente en español y fácil de usar.

Escolar

Escolar es un recurso en español para los nativos del español, para los estudiantes bilingües y para los estudiantes que están aprendiendo español.

Existen dos niveles distintos de contenido único: Primaria y Secundaria, los cuales ofrecen información de interés para cada estudiante. Las llamativas páginas de inicio para cada nivel permiten el acceso a miles de artículos, imágenes, videos, mapas y tablas, y muchas son actualizadas diariamente. Las secciones de Reino Animal y ¿Sabías qué? despiertan la curiosidad de los estudiantes y su deseo de saber más. Mi Britannica ofrece un lugar conveniente para guardar, organizar y compartir las colecciones de contenido que los usuarios encuentren en Britannica Escolar. El acceso es proporcionado por la Biblioteca del Estado de California.

Hoopla

Haga click aquí para acceder a varios títulos en español (tome en cuenta que la página web se encuentra en inglés).

Hoopla es una tienda única para la transmisión de medios digitales. Con 8 préstamos al mes, usted puede disfrutar de audiolibros, comics, películas, televisión, libros electrónicos y música. Desde los materiales más populares de la actualidad hasta los clásicos, Hoopla sobresale por su variedad y calidad. El equipo digital de Hoopla ha creado una colección especial de Préstamos Adicionales [Bonus Borrows] de los títulos más importantes, entre los que se incluyen los nuevos lanzamientos, series populares para niños y varios títulos acerca del manejo del estrés, cocinar en casa, aptitud física y actividades de Hágalo Usted Mismo [DIY, por sus siglas en inglés]. En Préstamos Adicionales, usted contará con préstamos ilimitados que no tendrán ningún impacto sobre su límite mensual.

Kanopy

Haga click aquí para acceder a varios títulos en español (tome en cuenta que la página web se encuentra en inglés).

Una colección de películas en línea que presenta más de 30,000 de las mejores películas, las más clásicas y las más innovadoras. Las personas que tengan un carné de Sonoma County Library tienen acceso a películas increíbles, como Criterion Collection, documentales ganadores de varios premios, las películas favoritas de los festivales de cine y películas extranjeras.

Además de los seis préstamos mensuales que están disponibles sin costo alguno con su carné de la biblioteca, Kanopy también ha puesto a su disposición una selección de películas que no afectarán sus facturas. Visite la sección de “Vista Gratuita” de Kanopy. Siendo un líder de contenido y de facilidad de uso en la industria, Kanopy también es el hogar de la Criterion Collecion, y otras increíbles películas.

LearningExpress

Recursos para Hispanohablantes

Esta es la parte de Biblioteca LearningExpress dedicada a los hablantes del español, que ofrece preparación para el examen de ciudadanía estadounidense y para la obtención de un Diploma de Educación General [GED, por sus siglas en inglés] y otras herramientas.

Revistas Libby, por OverDrive

Ahora las revistas RBdigital están en nuestro sitio web OverDrive y la aplicación Libby. La aplicación Libby le permite leer en su dispositivo móvil.

Ahora las revistas RBdigital están en nuestro sitio web OverDrive y la aplicación Libby. El sitio web y la aplicación RBdigital se retirarán el 31 de marzo. Acceda a revistas digitales gratuitas a través de su biblioteca. Disfrute de más de 3000 revistas, incluidas varias en español y otros idiomas. Desde ¡Hola! Fashion hasta Capital Extra, desde Computer Hoy Extra hasta Grazia México, este increíble recurso tiene una interfaz fácil de leer. Con miles de libros electrónicos, audiolibros electrónicos, y revistas en todas las áreas temáticas para elegir, siempre hay algo para leer.

Libby, por OverDrive

Una plataforma líder de lectura para bibliotecas y escuelas a nivel mundial.

Con miles de libros electrónicos y audiolibros en todas las áreas de ficción y no ficción que hay para elegir, siempre hay algo que leer. La aplicación Libby le permite leer en su dispositivo móvil.

Periódicos ProQuest

U.S. Hispanic Newsstream, a través de ProQuest, ofrece acceso a la más grande colección de los periódicos hispanos más importantes, noticias por cable, páginas web y blogs en texto completo de los editores de los Estados Unidos.

Disponible tanto en español como en inglés; incluyendo El Diario/La Prensa (New York) La Opinión (Los Angeles), La Prensa (San Antonio) and Extra (Chicago).

Tutor.com

Apoyo en español para los estudiantes que buscan ayuda en vivo para la mayoría de los temas de matemáticas, ciencias y estudios sociales.

Un solo click hace que la interfaz de la página principal y que el cuestionario previo al inicio de sesión cambie del inglés al español. Las materias, los niveles de grado y las instrucciones de los formularios están traducidas para que exista una conexión fácil con los tutores bilingües expertos en la materia. La ayuda personalizada en vivo está disponible todos los días, de 1:00 pm a 10:00 pm, y la Biblioteca de Recursos SkillsCenter está abierta 24/7.

MedlinePlus

Información para ayudarlo a contestar preguntas médicas.

MedlinePlus une información autorizada de la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina [NML, por sus siglas en inglés], los Institutos Nacionales de Salud (NIH, por sus siglas en inglés) y de otras agencias del gobierno y organizaciones relacionadas con la salud. MedlinePlus también contiene mucha información sobre medicamentos y suplementos, y una enciclopedia médica ilustrada.

So, You're Stuck Inside...

Posted on March 25, 2020

Even though our library branches are closed, our online library is open 24/7 and we are here to help your family with online resources during the coronavirus epidemic and beyond.

In addition to our online library and expanded digital resources, we’ve also compiled this list of free links and resources to help you expand your world outside of your home. They include educational ideas for homeschooling, enrichment activities, ideas for family time, entertainment, and downtime, and even ways to give back to your community.

Visit the links below and discover, learn, contribute and create, from your own home:

Hear a story

Here are some websites where you can hear a picture book read aloud:

Picture Books

Kids books on Audible are temporarily free
Hear Quackenstein Hatches a Family read by Kristen Bell
Listen to Harry the Dirty Dog read by Betty White
Listen to a story read in space!
Children’s publisher shares read aloud picture books on YouTube
Subscribe to this publisher’s YouTube channel for weekly storytime videos
Hear kids’ stories read by author Neil Gaiman
Author Nick Bruel reads some of his Bad Kitty stories
Author Kate Messner reads her book, The Brilliant Deep
Author Carole Lindstrom reads her picture book, We Are Water Protectors
Author Kate Messner shares an excerpt from her non-fiction book, Tracking Pythons
Author-illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi reads her picture book Where Are My Books? and gives a drawing demonstration
Author Kate Messner reads her picture book Up in the Garden
Author Nancy Castaldo reads from her non-fiction book about endangered species, Back From the Brink
Author Aisha Saeed reads her picture book Bilal Cooks Daal
Author Emily Jenkins reads her picture book A Greyhound, a Groundhog

Chapter Books

Author Leah Henderson reads the first chapter of her middle-grade reader, The Magic In Changing Your Stars
Author Jason Reynolds shares an extract from his novel, Ghost
Author Jo Knowles reads from the first chapter of her book, Where the Heart Is
Author Chris Tebbetts reads the first chapter of his book Stranded and gives you a writing prompt
Author Ann Braden reads the first chapter of his book The Benefits of Being an Octopus
Author Mae Respicio shares an excerpt from her book, Any Day with You and gives a writing prompt where you imagine a day at the beach gone wrong
Author Lisa Schroeder reads an excerpt from her book My Secret Guide to Paris and shares a writing exercise
Author Janet Fox reads an excerpt from her book The Artifact Hunters
Author Abby Cooper reads the first chapter of her book Friend or Fiction

Young Adult Books

Read a synopsis for popular teen titles. After you’ve read one of the books, use the discussion questions provided and host a virtual book club
Read books for grades 7-12 here (Username: Learning20 Password: Clifford)

Listen to music

Here are some sites with book-related songs, early literacy songs, and educational songs:

Picture Books

Go on a Bear Hunt with author Michael Rosen
Listen to songs inspired by children’s books
Listen to a song about protecting the oceans
Learn all 50 states with this song

Discover

Here are some sites with book-related songs, early literacy songs, and educational songs:

Animals & Nature

Investigate some of the exhibits at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum
Look at the fish and other animals at the Georgia Aquarium. How many different species do you see?
Check out some of the animals at the San Diego Zoo. Can you find one mammal and one bird? What about one primate and one marsupial?
Watch wild animals from around the world. What do you like to watch?
Take a virtual field trip to learn more about the world of polar bears
See what’s happening at the Monterey Bay Aquarium by looking at their webcams. Can you find a mammal, a bird, a fish and a reptile?
Take a virtual tour of the US Botanical Gardens in Washington, DC
Fancy a dip? You can virtually swim with dolphins and learn some dolphin facts here
Meet a hammerhead shark in this 360 degree video
Virtually explore an active volcano
Take an up close look at a beehive
Take a look at a desert biome. What plants and animals do you see
Look at a temperate forest. How does it change with the seasons? What signs of animals do you find?
Learn more about the life found in a rainforest here

Art

Watch 360 degree videos and explore fashion, art, architecture, space, dinosaurs and more
Check out the works at the National Gallery of Art
See if you recognize any faces from the National Portrait Gallery
Take a virtual tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Learn about the creations of Latinx artists in this exhibit from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Famous Places

Check out the view from the Statue of Liberty
Take a virtual tour of the Great Wall of China. No passport required
What do you think it looks like on Mars? Take this virtual tour to see
Can’t make it to the beach? Take this virtual tour of Hawaii
See a virtual tour of the pyramids of Egypt without leaving home.
Take a virtual stroll through the Taj Mahal
Become an armchair traveller with virtual tours from places around the globe
See the view from the top of the Washington Monument
Drive across the Golden Gate bridge using just your computer
Take a virtual tour of the Eiffel Tower
Watch the cherry blossoms bloom on the National Mall
Take a virtual look at Buckingham Palace
Check out a 3D map of Mt. Everest

Sports & Mores

Visit online exhibits at the National Football Hall of Fame
Even if there are no games being played, you can still see the online exhibits at the National Baseball hall of Fame. Who is your favorite team?
GOAL! Take a quick virtual tour of the National Soccer Hall of Fame
Take a virtual ride on a roller coaster. Count the number of drops. Can you draw a picture of a roller coaster with as many drops?
While you are eating the things from your pantry, do you ever wonder where that food comes from? Explore farms with 360 degree virtual tours
Tour the Ferrari Museum to see some fabulous cars
Learn about the secret gadgets of spies while you explore these items from the Spy Museum

Learn

Check out these sites with all kinds of information about the world around us.

Here is a kid-friendly comic that explains the COVID-19 pandemic
This podcast episode gives family friendly advice on staying healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak
Learn about the Civil Rights Movement by looking at this photo display from the High Museum of Art in Atlanta
Here’s a mini-lesson on comparative mythology from kids’ author Tracy Baptiste
Learn the sad story of Anne Frank with a virtual trip through her home
Learn more about President George Washington with a virtual tour through Mt. Vernon

Test your math skills for grades K-6
Print out some simple space themed activities to do at home
Learn your family history with these genealogy tips from the Ellis island Museum of Immigration
Help kids learn social and emotional skills with this video
Learn about nuclear power with this virtual field trip
Explore the world of technology with this virtual field trip
Learn how pharmaceutical companies use science with this virtual field trip

Here are some websites that will inspire you to make social media content, kid friendly crafts, and more!

STEM

Do a pet-themed kids maker activity led by kids’ author with Megan Frazer Blakemore
Solve a STEM mystery with author Sarah Albee
Learn from Disney’s imagineers and explore methods to create your own theme park

Writing

Author Veera Hiranandani gives a writing prompt to help you with creating characters
Author Erin Entrada gives you a writing challenge about keeping notebooks
Author Chris Tebbetts gives you a writing challenge about being stranded in a strange setting
Author Chris Tebbetts talks you through a mini-workshop on creating characters
Author Nikki Grimes gives you a prompt for writing poetry
Author Paula Chase gives you a writing prompt to help you build stories about yourself
Author Michelle Cusolito offers a mini-lesson on how to make your writing a more sensory experience for the reader

Art

Author-illustrator Jarrett Lerner teaches kids how to draw anything
Author Grace Lin teaches you how to draw a Chinese dragon
Illustrator Kelley McMorris talks about how to illustrate a book cover and prompts you to design your own book cover
Author- illustrator Lita Judge gives advice on sketching

Author Permissions

Learn from Penguin House how you can temporarily upload your own storytime video without concerns for copyright infringement
Kids’ author Todd Parr gives permission for you to record storytimes of his books
Kids author BJ Novak gives permission for you to record storytimes of his book
Kids’ author Peter H. Reynolds gives permission for you to record storytimes of his books
Kids’ author Mo Willems gives permission for you to record storytimes of his books
Kids; author Karma Wilson gives permission for you to record storytimes of her books

Contribute

Help the world around you through citizen science projects:

Count chimps in Africa, help identify stars, read historical documents or fight resistance to antibiotics. A world of science, arts, history and other projects can use your help
Play a game while helping scientists defeat Alzheimers
Do you have a Twitter account? Help MIT improve AI recognize emotions with this quick survey
Help scientists learn about the effects of screen use on our sleeping patterns
Help scientists learn about light pollution

Do you have a bird nest in your yard? Monitor it carefully and report results to help ornithologists learn about bird populations
Watch the birds in your yard for just a few minutes and report what you see
Do you have a rain gauge? Monitor rainfall and report your findings here
Concerned about climate change? Submit your observations about weather and wildlife in your area as part of an effort to collect data
Observe how plants are changing each season and report your findings here

And More!

Hear read-alouds, book talks, get art instruction, play games and more – all led by authors!

See if you can set a Guinness World Record. Here are some feats you can try at home

Las sucursales de la biblioteca se encuentran cerradas, la biblioteca en línea se encuentra disponible

Posted on March 18, 2020

Sobre la biblioteca

El brote de la nueva enfermedad coronavirus (COVID-19) sigue aumentando a nivel mundial, lo que representa una grave amenaza para la salud pública de las comunidades de todos los tamaños. Al ser una fuente confiable de la comunidad, Sonoma County Library está comprometida a servir a nuestra comunidad en estos tiempos difíciles.

Las sucursales de nuestra biblioteca están cerradas, ya que estamos comprometidos con la salud y seguridad de nuestra comunidad y de nuestro personal. Por favor, no regrese los materiales de la biblioteca a las sucursales. Quédeselos y disfrútelos sabiendo que hemos extendido todos los plazos establecidos para la devolución de todos nuestros materiales.

Adicionalmente, las donaciones para la venta de libros de los Amigos de la Biblioteca quedan suspendidas hasta nuevo aviso. Amamos sus donaciones de libros, pero no podemos aceptarlas en este momento.

Biblioteca en línea 24/7

Nuestra biblioteca en línea nunca cierra, y usted puede ingresar para ver películas y series de televisión, leer o escuchar libros electrónicos, investigar sobre su historia familiar, aprender un nuevo idioma, o navegar por nuestras bases de datos y otros recursos.

Si no posee una tarjeta de la biblioteca, aún podemos ayudarlo. Haga clic aquí para obtener una tarjeta electrónica temporal y así empezar su aventura digital.

Información y recursos sobre el COVID-19 (nuevo coronavirus)

Le recomendamos que sea escéptico a los rumores no confirmados que circulan en las redes sociales, y únicamente confíe en fuentes fidedignas del gobierno para obtener información precisa sobre la pandemia.

Confiamos en los consejos de los siguientes enlaces:

Library branches closed, digital library open

Posted on March 18, 2020

About the library

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues to accelerate globally, representing a serious public health threat for communities of all sizes. As a trusted community resource, the Sonoma County Library is committed to serving our community in this uncertain time.

Our library branches are closed, as we are committed to the health and safety of our community and our staff. Please do not return library materials to the branches. Keep and enjoy them, knowing that all due dates have been extended on all materials.

Also, donations to Friends of the Library book sales are suspended until further notice. We love your book donations, but cannot accept them at this time.

24/7 digital library

Our digital library never closes and you can go online to stream TV shows and movies, read or listen to electronic books, research your family history, learn a new language, or browse databases and other resources.

If you don’t have a library card, we can still help you. Click here to get a free library eCard and start your library journey.

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) information and resources

We recommend that you be skeptical about unverified rumors circulating on social media and elsewhere, and rely on trusted government resources for accurate information on the pandemic.

We rely on these links for advice:

Todos los edificios de la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma están cerrados al público

Posted on March 14, 2020

Efectivo sábado 14 de marzo del 2020 a las 6pm, todos los edificios de la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma están cerrados al público hasta el 31 de marzo.

Esto nos dará más tiempo para evaluar los próximos pasos y esperar por más direccion del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Sonoma. Es posible que cerremos por más tiempo, después de aprender más.

Esta decisión fue difícil. La decisión viene despues de una semana de avisos más y más estrictos. Continuaremos a cumplir con las recomendaciones de los oficiales del condado de Sonoma y del estado de California, y abriremos cuando nos digan que es seguro a abrir.

Las cajas de regresar libros cerrarán. Ustedes pueden usar y disfrutar los materiales de la biblioteca. Las fechas de regreso serán extendidas para todos los materiales de la biblioteca, incluyendo tecnología como hotspots y chromebooks. Nuestros recursos digitales están disponibles 24/7.

Estoy segura que sobreviviremos esta crisis juntos, y el apoyo para nuestras bibliotecas me consuela en este tiempo incierto.

Ann Hammond, Directora de la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma

Coronavirus and your library

Posted on March 10, 2020

Coronavirus and your library

The Sonoma County Library is carefully monitoring information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and following the recommendations of the County of Sonoma Health Services Department. We are mindful of impacts on our patrons and staff of being in public spaces together and are taking steps to keep everyone safe.

Staff and patrons are encouraged to stay home if they don’t feel well.
News and information are monitored daily.
We have increased cleaning measures in all public areas.

It is important to seek trusted, factual advice about COVID-19 and not be taken in by fake news and rumors circulating on social media. Local information and updates are available at the county health department webpage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers updates and advice.

The Sonoma County Library has cancelled all public events and programs, at all library branches, through March 31. This is a precaution to protect our public and our staff. All library branches will stay open for check-outs, returns and day to day activities. You can also access our wide range of digital resources from home, including access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, audiobooks, TV, movies, magazines, newspapers, and online learning and research tools. For information about library services and schedules, visit our website, sonomalibrary.org, or call your local branch.

To keep yourself and others safe:

Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (long enough to sing “Happy Birthday”).
Cover your cough or sneeze, then wash your hands.
Avoid touching your face. If you do, wash your hands.
Stay home if you are sick.
Get your flu shot to protect against flu.

Ann Hammond
Sonoma County Library Director

El coronavirus y su biblioteca

La Biblioteca de Condado de Sonoma está monitoreando cuidadosamente la información sobre el nuevo coronavirus (COVID-19) y está siguiendo las recomendaciones dadas por el Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Sonoma.

Somos conscientes de los impactos para nuestros clientes y personal de estar juntos en espacios públicos y estamos tomando medidas para mantener a todos a salvo.

Se anima al personal y a los clientes a que se queden en casa si no se sienten bien.
Todos los días monitoreamos las noticias e información.
Hemos incrementado las medidas de limpieza en todas las áreas públicas.

Puede encontrar información local y actualizaciones ingresando a la página web del departamento de salud del condado: socoemergency.org/emergencia/novel-coronavirus/

Es importante buscar consejos confiables y objetivos sobre el COVID-19 y no dejarse engañar por noticias falsas y rumores que circulan en las redes sociales.

Como precaución contra COVID-19 (nuevo coronavirus), todos los eventos de las sucursales de la biblioteca se han cancelado hasta el 31 de marzo.

También puede acceder nuestra amplia gama de recursos digitales desde su hogar, incluyendo acceso a libros y audiolibros electrónicos, TV, películas, revistas, periódicos, y herramientas de aprendizaje e investigación en línea. Para conocer sobre los servicios y horarios de su biblioteca, visite nuestra página web, sonomalibrary.org, o llame su sucursal local.

Para mantenerle a salvo a usted y a los demás:

Evite el contacto con personas que estén enfermas.
Lave seguido sus manos con agua y jabón por al menos 20 segundos (el tiempo suficiente para cantar “Feliz Cumpleaños”).
Cúbrase cuando tosa o estornuda, luego lave sus manos.
Evite tocarse la cara. Si lo hace, lávese las manos.
Permanezca en casa si se encuentra enfermo.
Vacúnese contra la gripe para protegerse de ella.

Ann Hammond
Directora de la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma

March is Women's History Month

Posted on February 19, 2020

Since 1987, March has been designated as National Women's History Month, a time to pay tribute to the generations of women who changed the face of society through courage and activism.

Did you know that the origins of Women's History Month actually began in Sonoma County?

The National Women’s History Project, now known as the National Women’s History Alliance, was founded in Sonoma County 40 years ago. In the 1970s, although groups like the National Organization of Women (NOW) and ERAmerica were fighting to have the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) ratified as the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, the topic of women's history was unknown in the public consciousness and in school curricula.

To address this perceived lack, in 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women initiated the first-ever "Women's History Week" celebration. It was a success, with school programs, speakers, an essay contest, and finally a parade held in downtown Santa Rosa as the week’s finale.

Upon hearing of the success of the Sonoma County program, several prominent women's groups began lobbying for a national celebration—and in 1980, President Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring the first-ever "Women's History Week" in early March of that year. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women's History Month in perpetuity.

All thanks to the local community support in Sonoma County!

2020 is the centennial of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women’s right to vote. Organizations across the country are celebrating this historic milestone, including Sonoma County Library and the National Women’s History Alliance. The theme of the month-long celebration is “Valiant Women of the Vote,” honoring women from the original suffrage movement as well as 20th and 21st century women who have continued the struggle to ensure voting rights for all.

Sonoma County Library celebrates National Women's History Month with a variety of events, displays, and resources, such as the ones highlighted below. Help us share in this annual tribute by celebrating and learning about the generations of women who have influenced and enriched our nation and society.

Events

The Sonoma County Library is offering a number of events throughout the county to celebrate women. These events include:

Other events happening around Sonoma County in March include:

History of Letter Writing a Santa Rosa AAUW event at Tudor Rose, Santa Rosa – 3/12
Roundtable on Inter-Sectional Feminism at SRJC – 3/14
Lucy! Fussbudget to Feminist – Charles M. Schulz Museum 3/15/2020 to 3/7/2021
Rosie the Riveter Rally in Courthouse Square – 3/18
• Panel Discussion on the 19th Amendment & Equal Rights – Sonoma County Historical Society – 3/29

Books and materials

Featured websites

Fire Insurance Maps Online (FIMo)

Posted on February 11, 2020

Do you love California history? What about maps? Maybe you’re a historian or enjoy researching your family history.

Explore historical Sonoma County and California maps—including Sanborn Fire insurance maps—with Fire Insurance Maps Online (FIMo), a complimentary addition to Sonoma County Library’s historical and genealogy research resources.

The Sonoma County Library’s subscription to FiMo provides cardholders with access to thousands of high-definition, color, and grayscale images displaying important historical maps. FiMo makes it possible to explore how your neighborhood developed over time and learn when a particular building was constructed and how it was used. You may even locate a home once occupied by an ancestor using FiMo!

Enjoy FIMo from your home or office for historical research.

Mock Caldecott 2020 Results

Posted on January 24, 2020

The votes are in! Sonoma County has chosen the best picture books of the year!

Drum roll please . . . The Sonoma County's Mock Caldecott Winner is...There Are No Bears in this Bakery, by Julia Sarcone-Roach.

Every year, children’s book illustrators hold their breath as the Caldecott committee members read, examine, and critique the best illustrated children’s books of the year to finally determine which one deserves the highly regarded award.

For the fifth year in a row, you let us know which books you thought would win by voting in our Mock Caldecott contest.

The children's librarians of Sonoma County Library read hundreds of picture books published in 2019, narrowed their favorites down to 8 (not an easy task!), then left it up to you to choose our winner by voting for your favorites either online or at the library.

The numbers were close, but the following titles are our three Honor Books for the year.