By Mayor Bill Miranda
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ― Benjamin Franklin
When I was a kid, I loved the excitement of the circus—the lights, the laughter and the feeling that anything could happen. There was something special about how it brought people together, families sitting side by side, sharing smiles and amazement at every turn. That same sense of wonder is coming to life once again at the Santa Clarita Public Library’s 18th Annual Family Literacy Festival. This year’s theme, Under the Big Top: Where the Story Never Stops, invites families to celebrate reading through creativity, fun and discovery.
On Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Old Town Newhall Library Branch will become a lively circus, with laughter and cheer. Families can enjoy classic carnival games like balloon darts and ring toss or take part in hands-on crafts, like painting clown hats and bright ties. If you’re feeling a little famished after all the activities, make sure to visit the Old Town Newhall Farmers Market happening at the same time. Every part of the event is designed to spark imagination, encourage learning and give families a chance to make lasting memories together.
Our favorite storybook characters—Piggie, Elephant and Pete the Cat—will return to the festival, bringing stories to life and smiles to every corner of the festival. For families who need a moment of calm between activities, the Chill Zone will provide a welcoming, sensory-friendly space designed for children who may need a quieter area to relax, regroup or self-soothe before returning to the fun.
A popular highlight returning this year is the Wonder Wheels section, where kids can explore the vehicles that help keep our community running. The City’s Library Express will join the lineup—a mobile library filled with books, technology and activities that bring Library resources directly to neighborhoods across Santa Clarita. This year’s display will also feature the City’s new Mobile Command Unit, which brings emergency preparedness directly to the community and gives families a closer look at how Santa Clarita stays ready to respond when it matters most. Seeing the excitement on children’s faces as they explore these displays—discovering new ways to learn, connect and stay safe is a perfect example of how our Library continues to make learning fun and accessible.
The Family Literacy Festival has grown into one of Santa Clarita’s most treasured traditions. Every year, I enjoy seeing parents and children as they share a book, laugh during storytime or discover something new together. It’s a celebration of community, connection and the simple joy that comes from experiencing something new.
I invite you to bring your family and join us Under the Big Top for the 18th Annual Family Literacy Festival. Come be part of a morning filled with laughter, learning and imagination on Saturday, December 6, at the Old Town Newhall Library Branch. Together, we’ll continue building a community where stories inspire us all.
For more information, visit SantaClaritaLibrary.com or call (661) 259-0750.
Mayor Bill Miranda is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at bmiranda@santaclarita.gov.
