This holiday season, cozy up with Kanopy, a video streaming service available for free with your card from the Contra Costa County Library system.
Cardholders can access thousands of movies, documentaries and kids’ favorites — from the comfort of their homes, when they’re traveling or anywhere else with their mobile devices.
Kanopy’s holiday recommendations include festive films like “A Very Merry Toy Store” and “Lost at Christmas” that are perfect for family movie nights. You can also catch Kanopy’s most-watched films of 2025, including “Anora,” “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Miss Marple” and “The Return.”
Families with little ones can enjoy unlimited viewing with Kanopy Kids, which is full of holiday-themed options to keep children entertained. From timeless classics to new releases, Kanopy makes celebrating the season easy. Get started by visiting ccclib.kanopy.com on the Contra Costa library system’s Digital Resources webpage (ccclib.org/resources).
See Read Contra Costa event: The recording of this year’s featured Read Contra Costa event — an in-person conversation with acclaimed author Percival Everett — is now available to watch through Dec. 23 on the Library’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@theccclib.
More than 800 people attended the live and streaming program at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, where Everett offered engaging and thoughtful insights into “James,” his award-winning book that reimagines Mark Twain’s classic “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
This event was presented in partnership with Los Medanos College, the Richmond Public Library Foundation and the Library Foundation of Contra Costa.
Consumer Reports: For people looking for gift ideas, deals and holiday shopping on a budget, look no further than Consumer Reports online. Save money and time by comparing products and brands before making a purchase.
Consumer Reports includes in-depth reviews and buying advice across many categories including electronics, appliances, home and garden, babies, health and wellness, travel and pets. Visit the library system’s Digital Resources webpage above to get free access with your library card.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Contra Costa library services and programming or account information, contact the library system via email at ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to 925-344-5524.
Brooke Converse is the Contra Costa County Library system’s public information officer and can be reached at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us.
Library calendar
‘Calladita No More’ — Real Talk on Courage & Leadership: 11 a.m. Dec. 3 via Zoom. Join Hady Méndez and Anna Dapelo-García as they explore what it means to lead with authenticity and courage. Expect refranes, real talk, and stories from “Calladita No More.” Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
Screen Printing Workshop — Create Your Own Tote Bag: 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the San Pablo Library. In this hands-on workshop for middle and high school students, participants will learn the basics of screen printing and have the chance to create their own unique design using water-based inks with sponge stamps and stencils only. Space is limited; registration is required.
Family Paint-and-Sip with Rachel Gold: 2 p.m. Dec. 13, at the Rodeo Library. Enjoy a seasonal paint-and-sip party with local artist Rachel Gold. Each participant will paint a seasonal art piece to take home. All materials and instruction are provided. Registration is not required, but supplies are limited and participation is first-come-first-served.
Noon Year’s Eve: 11 a.m. Dec. 31 at the Ygnacio Valley Library. Join us for a fun and festive celebration for the whole family as we count down to noon! Enjoy a fantastic performance by Coventry and Kaluza, then continue the excitement with a balloon drop, crafts and snacks in the meeting room.