Felton Library
Library Location
831-427-7708
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Library Hours
Monday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday closed
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For updates and to access the library’s virtual resources, go to santacruzpl.org.
Community members can also utilize the SCPL app for quick and easy online materials check-out.
Felton Library Features & Resources
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A children’s area for story time and early literacy experience
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A teen/multi-purpose room for study, meetings, recreation
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A community meeting room with flexible furnishings for programs and events
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Outdoor patio for reading and relaxing
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Children’s gardening beds
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A fireplace reading area and two reading nooks
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Events, programs, activities, and services for all ages
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Free laptops and Wi-Fi available for public access
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Laptop and computer plug-ins around the library and meeting rooms
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Steve Dondero Environmental Collection focused on environmental literacy
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Microscopes, special collections on nature, and supplies for discovering the outdoors
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Adjacent Felton Discovery Park
Felton Library Design
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Building Design​
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Local architect Teall Messer created a beautiful design for the Felton Library. Teall’s work can be seen throughout the region and includes many public buildings of note.
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Read the Press Banner interview.
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Art in the Library​
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Permanent
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Artist Lea de Wit was awarded the commission to create an original work of art for the new Felton Library and Park as part of the Santa Cruz County Percent for Art Program for new projects. Her work includes over 200 hand-blown glass butterflies, sculptures in the courtyard, and book-like sculptures in the park depicting day and night pollinators. You can read more about the process When Dreams Take Flight by public artist Lea de Wit here and view her website here.
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Rotating
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FLF hosts two rotating exhibits featuring local artists and topics of interest. One can be found in a display case near the entrance to the teen room. The second is located near the entrance and features local artists on the Les and Nancy Gardner Community Art Wall.
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Felton Library History
July 1893 - Dedication of First Presbyterian Church of Felton.
June 1942 - Felton Branch library established in a former coat closet at Community Hall.
January 1955 - Presbyterian church moves to new location. Old building purchased by Nick and Faye Belardi who plan to build a home on the site.
July 1955 - Facing threat of closure, Felton residents rally to save library and church. Nick Belardi offers to sell historic building for $1,000 on condition that it be moved to former school property.
September 1955 - After his wife dies in an auto accident, Nick donates church and land site for “Faye G. Belardi Memorial Library.”
April 15, 1956 - Opening of Belardi Library.
January 1999 - Library board sets two-year deadline for renovation or replacement.
April 2000 - Verutti family offers land on Gushee Street as site for new library.
May 2, 2005 - Local residents successfully protest proposed “temporary” closure.
May 23, 2005 - Felton Library Friends formed to actively advocate for a new library.
March 2008 - Joint Powers Board prioritizes Felton branch.
June 7, 2016 - Measure S passes—$67 million library bond with $10 million earmarked for Felton.
September 21, 2018 - Groundbreaking for new Felton library.
February 22, 2020 - Grand Opening celebration for new Felton library.
March 2020 - The historic Belardi building becomes the Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery of the San Lorenzo Valley Museum.
More About the Library
“By creating libraries with integrated natural spaces, we create a center for developing kids’ intelligence, curiosity and imagination. Books nurture learning and inner imagination, while play in nature engages the sense of curiosity and exploration critical to healthy brain development. Putting both of these essential childhood experiences in one place is a simple idea, but one that could have profound effects on whole neighborhoods.” — Richard Louv
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