K-12 Newsletter
January 2026 
 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:
 
National Braille Literacy Month
Positive Parenting Awareness Month
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Library Programs, Resources, and More!
 
 

 
January is National Braille Literacy Month
 
Here is a booklist of Braille books in our library for kids.
 
Get more Braille books from the California State Library- Braille and Talking Book Library. 
January is Positive Parenting Awareness Month 
 
Participate in the 'Laid Back Book Club' (in English and Spanish) throughout January with Triple P at participating libraries. Find a different title at each participating branch. This year's theme is Empowerment. Don't forget to enter the raffle!
 
Participating branches: Downtown, Felton, Live Oak, La Selva Beach, and
Scotts Valley
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 19th
 
Each year, the nation honors the life and enduring influence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is celebrated as a champion of nonviolence in America and as a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
 
Here are some resources from:
The Library of Congress
The Department of Defense
The Smithsonian Institution
 
Featured Programs
 
Chess Club
Play chess, one of the world's oldest and most popular games. Open to players ages 6-18. 
 
Aptos Branch,
Thursdays 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Downtown Branch,
Saturdays 2:00 -3:30 pm.
 
More info
 
Creativity Lab - Arts and Crafts for Teens and Tweens
 Join us on early out Thursdays for Zentangle, collaging, jewelry making, and much more!
 
Thursdays 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Scotts Valley Branch
 
More info

 
Pages & Popcorn: The Cider House Rules (PG-13)
Read the book, and then join us for the movie and discussion. Recommended for 13+.
 
January 10, 1:00-4:00 pm
Scotts Valley Branch

More info
Fratello Marionettes - Carnival of the Animals Puppet Show
Enjoy a puppet show featuring a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and then learn about the Hans Christian Andersen writing contest!
 
January 11, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Downtown Branch

More info

STEM Explorers: Build a Computer!
An exciting six-week STEM adventure designed for kids 8-12! Using Minecraft, participants will learn foundational STEM skills. *Registration required*
 
January 15 - February 19,
4:00 - 5:30 pm
Downtown Branch

More info
Dream It, See It: Teen Vision Board Party
Join us for a Teen Vision Board Party where you'll clip, glue, and design your goals and aesthetic for the year on your very own canvas.
 
January 24, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Branciforte Branch

More info
Resource Spotlight
SAT Prep Workshops
 
Brainfuse is presenting a FREE, live 11-session SAT workshop series beginning on January 7. The workshop is designed to support high school students preparing for the SAT by providing clear strategies across reading, writing, and math. Register using both links for the whole series.
 
Wednesday Weekly Series
Monday, March 9th Session
Educator Resources
 
R.E.A.D Tutoring
 
R.E.A.D. is FREE one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for grades 1-12 with a certified teacher. By appointment only. To make an appointment call 831-427-7713.
 
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