K-12 Newsletter September 2024
 
SCPL's monthly library newsletter for school-aged kids, parents, and educators
 There are so many educational programs, events, and resources available at your local library! In this month's newsletter:
 
September is library card sign up month  
Latin American/Hispanic Heritage Month
Back-to-School Library Resources for Students
Library Programs, Resources, and More!
September is Library Card
Sign Up Month!
 
If you don't have a card yet, come into a branch with a picture ID (adults) and proof of address and we will be happy to issue you your card!
 
If you are a teacher, ask us how to get your students library cards.
 
k12@santacruzpl.org
 

 
Latin American Heritage Month
September 15 - October 15th
 
 National Hispanic/LatinX Heritage Month is annually celebrated in the United States to recognize the contributions and influence of Latinx/Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. 
 
 Resources from The National Museum of the American Latino.
 
Booklist for picture books
Booklist for middle grade readers
Booklist for teens.
Back To School Resources
 
Santa Cruz Public Libraries have many resources available to all students to ensure they are supported and successful during the new school year
 
Please find more information here.
Featured Programs
After School STEAM Programs
 
From Minecraft to Makerspace, Legos to Chess, and Robotics to Stop Motion Movie Making, SCPL meets all your STEAM needs and desires with a program for everyone!
 
Please see our calendar of STEAM programs here.
Pokémon
Thursdays 3-5 @ the Live Oak Library Annex
Starts September 11th
 
This is an informal drop-in session for children who want to play Pokémon. Catch 'em all!
 
Girls Who Code
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 pm, Scotts Valley Library
 
Girls and non-binary youth are invited to get together and learn coding skills while having fun, challenging themselves, and creating friendships.
 
 More info
Explore, Express, and Empower - Teen Workshops
Thursday, Sept. 4th and Thursday, Sept. 18th, 4:00-5:00 pm
Garfield Park Library
 
In this workshop, teens will explore what truly matters to them and dream into different areas of their life—from friendships and learning to creativity and adventure. 
 
More info

 
 
Kids Crafternoon
Thursdays, 4:00-5:30 pm,
La Selva Beach Library
 
Get creative with a new craft each week! From fuse beads and mosaics to fun yarn projects, there's always something new to make. For ages 6-11.

More info
 
Minecraft Movie Screening 
Thursday, Sept. 11, 3:00-5:00 pm
Branciforte Library
 
Come watch the Minecraft movie with us! This is the kickoff event to celebrate Minecraft programming coming to Branciforte!
 
Minecraft programming starts on
Thursday, Sept. 25, 3:00-5:00 pm.

More info about the movie screening
More info about the Minecraft program

After School STEAM: Explorers and Creators
2nd and 4th Tuesdays
3:30 - 5:00 pm

Explore STEAM concepts in a fun and welcoming environment. Designed for ages 8-12.
 
More info
Santa Cruz Shakespeare @ Aptos
Saturday, Sept. 27, 1:00 - 2:30 pm

Join us for Santa Cruz Shakespeare's production of A Midsummer's Night's Dream. This adaptation is appropriate for children of all ages.
 
More info
Educator Resources
Back to School!
 
SCPL offers class visits (at the library or in your classroom), library card drives, and special library cards just for educators. 
 
Contact us to learn more about these services.
 
Visit the Parents and Teachers section of our website to see what other services we offer.
Resource Spotlight
 
Brainfuse HelpNow
 
 Offering free academic help at all levels, Brainfuse has live online tutoring in elementary, middle school, high school, college, and adult education. Writing a paper? Send your paper to a tutor and receive a response within 24 hours.
 
More info
Local Websites of Interest
Check out these local organizations with programs and resources for families and educators:
  • Santa Cruz Parent - We connect families and family resources
  • Growing up in Santa Cruz - Online resources
  • KidPower - Interpersonal safety resources
  • First 5 Of Santa Cruz County - Triple P - Positive Parenting Program
  • O'Neill Sea Odyssey - OSO Goals and Curriculum
  • Museum of Art and History - Educational Resources
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium - Resources for Educators
  • Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History - For Educators

 
The K12 Newsletter is published monthly
To contact the K12 team, email us at k12@santacruzpl.org