By Councilwoman Marsha McLean
“Music comes out of silence and at the end it goes back to it. It’s a journey. You see?”- Rachel Joyce, The Music Shop
In Santa Clarita, connection to our neighbors, our shared experiences and our stories ultimately help define our community. One of the most meaningful ways we create these connections each year is through One Story One City, a program that brings residents together throughout the month of March around a shared reading experience and a thoughtfully curated series of events. One Story One City reminds us that community doesn’t always form in big, loud moments. Sometimes, it begins quietly; by opening a book, attending a Library program or sitting beside someone new and realizing you’re reflecting on the same story. Hosted annually by the Santa Clarita Public Library and sponsored by Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library, this program invites residents to explore a single book and its themes together through engaging programs held across the City.
This year’s selection, The Music Shop, by Rachel Joyce, is a novel about Frank, a gifted record shop owner in 1980s London, who has an uncanny ability to choose the perfect song to heal a person’s heart. When a mysterious woman enters his life, he must confront his past and open himself to connection, showing us how music, kindness and presence can transform lives in unexpected ways. These themes have resonated deeply with our community and have been reflected beautifully in the programs that have already taken place and those still ahead.
As the month continues, music lovers can tap into their creativity through uniquely themed, hands-on programs inspired by this year’s selection. In Mixed Tape Platters, readers are invited to design and decorate their own “vinyl records” and custom paper sleeves inspired by favorite songs, albums or playlists. Using materials that resemble real records, participants will craft stylish décor pieces for their walls or shelves while reflecting on the music that has shaped their memories. Mixed Tape Platters will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Valencia Library Branch (23743 Valencia Boulevard, 91355) on Tuesday, March 17, the Old Town Newhall Library Branch (24500 Main Street, 91321) on Wednesday, March 18 and the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Branch (18601 Soledad Canyon Road, 91351) on Thursday, March 19.
Looking ahead, the remaining programs will continue to build on this sense of collective experience. On Saturday, March 28, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., The Right Note: A Community Drum Circle at the Old Town Newhall Library Branch (24500 Main Street, 91321) invites participants of all skill levels to gather, pick up a drum and create rhythm together. As individual beats blend into a shared cadence, the space fills with energy and reflection. This hands-on experience symbolizes the spirit of the book: listening, collaborating and finding harmony as a community. The month will conclude with Acoustic Therapy at the Valencia Library Branch (23743 Valencia Boulevard, 91355) from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, a calming and restorative opportunity centered on wellness and reflection through a sound bath experience. This is a fitting way to close a month dedicated to mindfulness and empathy.
What makes One Story One City so impactful is its simplicity. There are no barriers to participation. Whether you attend every event or just one, whether you finish the book or simply engage with the themes, you are part of the experience. It is a reminder that our Library Branches are not just places to borrow books, they are community hubs where ideas are shared, creativity is encouraged and relationships are built.
As a longtime resident and proud lifetime member of Friends of the Library, I am continually inspired by programs like One Story One City that strengthen the sense of community in Santa Clarita. At a time when it can feel easy to be disconnected, this program gently invites us to slow down, listen and engage with one another in meaningful ways. I encourage everyone to take part in One Story One City before the month comes to a close. Attend an event, visit one of our Library Branches or simply start a conversation with someone about The Music Shop. I have finished reading The Music Shop and it is indeed a fun and interesting book.
To learn more about One Story One City and view the full schedule of remaining events, visit Library.SantaClarita.gov/OSOC.
Councilwoman Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at mmclean@santaclarita.gov.
