The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL), a network of 10 neighborhood library branches throughout Santa Cruz County, will host an informational presentation on Saturday, Oct. 3, for teens interested in traveling to Santa Cruz’s Sister City of Shingu, Japan, in Spring 2016.

The presentation, open to all Santa Cruz County teenagers and their families, will share information about participation in the the Sister Cities Teen Delegation. In 2014, the program sent 12 Santa Cruz County students in grades 8-10 to visit Shingu, where they learned about a different culture and experienced the natural beauty of the area.

“Part of the purpose of the Santa Cruz Public Library System is to connect teens to cultural and educational opportunities available throughout our community,” said Janis O’Driscoll, interim director of Santa Cruz Public Libraries. “The Sister Cities Teen Delegation is a great example of program dedicated to broadening the horizons of youth in Santa Cruz County.”

Shingu is one of Santa Cruz’s five sister cities. Others include Jinotepe, Nicaragua; Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela; Sestri Levante, Italy; and Alushta, Ukraine. Shingu and Santa Cruz have been sister cities for more than four decades.

The informational presentation about the next teen trip to Japan will be 1-2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3 in the second-floor meeting room of the Downtown Library, 224 Church St., Santa Cruz.

 

ABOUT THE SISTER CITIES PROGRAM

Established in 1956 by President Eisenhower, as the People to People Program, Sister Cities relationships promote understanding and strengthen international ties. Sister Cities International has helped link many U.S. cities and towns with communities around the world to build friendships, learn about other cultures and foster international understanding. In Santa Cruz, the 11-member Sister Cities Committee serves as an advisory body to the Santa Cruz City Council.

 

ABOUT THE SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) system delivers information, education, enrichment and inspiration through a network of 10 neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile and community-based programs. SCPL serves children, teens and adults with innovative programming, professional services and community facilities that spark imagination and support discovery. Residents can explore a wide range of interests from academic research, book clubs and literacy programs to digital photography, locally-produced music and local history. Branch locations include Aptos, Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, Downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley. Learn more about SCPL at SantaCruzPL.org or via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.