K-12 Newsletter November 2025
 
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:
 
Native American Heritage Month
Dia de los Muertos Celebrations
Library Programs, Resources, and More!
 

 
 
November is Native American Heritage Month 
 
In November, we pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.
 
Picture books booklist
Biography and history nonfiction booklist 
 
Here are some resources for teachers from the Library of Congress
 
 
Dia de los Muertos Celebrations
 
Nov. 1 - Bilingual Storytime
10:30-11:30am - Branciforte Library
 
Nov. 1 - Coco Movie Streaming 
12:30-2:30 pm - Branciforte Library
 
Nov. 6 - Storytime & Craft
11:00-12:00 pm - Felton Library
 
Nov. 6 - Cascada de Flores: Una Ofrenda Musical - A Musical Altar for our Muertos
11:00-12:00 PM - Boulder Creek Branch
4:30-5:30 pm - Live Oak Branch  (Cuéntame un Cuento)
 
Click here for more info.
Featured Programs
Journal your Way to Writing Success
Tuesday, November 4, 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
Felton Branch
 
Learn how to begin a writing practice in this workshop for teens and adults.
 
More info.

Youth Poet Laureate
 
There are three poetry workshops for teens scheduled for November - click here for dates, locations and times. You do not need to apply for the Youth Poet Laureate position in order to participate in the workshops.
 
 
Game Zone
 
Thursdays
1:00-3:00pm, Scotts Valley Library
 
Video gaming and traditional gaming for teens and tweens.

Click here for more info
Handmade Thanks: Cards, Letters, and Pillowcases for Veterans
Saturday, November 8, 2:00-4:00 pm
La Selva Beach Library
 
Write a letter, create art, or send a decorated pillowcase to our deployed, hospitalized, and homeless veterans. This program is for teens.
 
More info.


Drag Story Time @ Branciforte

Saturday, November 8, 4:00-5:00 pm
Branciforte Library
 
 A family-friendly program where drag performers from Drag Story Time Santa Cruz read children's books that highlight themes of diversity, self-expression, and community.
 
More info.
Junior Rangers

Thursday, November 20, 4:00-5:00 pm
Garfield Park Library
 
Join us to learn about nocturnal animals of Santa Cruz with Big Basin State Park!
 
More info.

Family Crafternoon @ Downtown

Tuesday, November 25, 3:30-5:00 pm,
Downtown Library
 
Make a circuit turkey and colorful beaded corn decorations. All supplies will be provided.
 
More info.
 Check our Calendar of Events for even more youth programs!
 
We have STEAM programs, chess, storytimes, Advisory Council of Teens, crafts and much, much more.
 
Calendar of Events
Educator Resources
 
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.
 
Resource Spotlight
ParentTV
 
 Search and find videos on general parenting, play, behavior, child development, mental health, sleep, nutrition, technology and more. Most videos are under 10 minutes in length and can be accessed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
 
You will need your library card and password to access this service.
Click here to access Parent TV
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