K-12 Newsletter May 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:
 
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Summer Reading Program 
Library Programs, Resources, and More!
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
During May, we recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
Library of Congress Resource Page
Jewish American
Heritage Month
A recognition and celebration of Jewish American's achievements and contributions to the United States during the month of May.
 Library of Congress Resource Page
 SCPL Booklist for Kids 

 
Mental Health Awareness Month
Check out NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) to learn more.
 
Local resources for teens:
Monarch services
Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance  
Jóvenes SANOS 
Encompass


 
Save the Date!
Summer Reading is Almost Here
June 1st - July 31st
 
This year's theme is "Plant a Seed, Read." 
The program is for ALL ages. Sign up in June and read to earn prizes and enjoy library programs and performances.
 
Don't Miss the Summer Reading Kick-Off Parties @ Downtown, Boulder Creek, and Aptos!
Featured Programs
 
Kids' Day Downtown with SCPL!
Visit the Library's booth for a fun craft and info about the library. 
 
Saturday, May 2
12:00 - 4:00 pm
Cooper St. and Pacific Ave.
 
Sewing For Kids
 May's project is a bunny and a carrot. No sewing experience needed. Registration required.
 
Saturday, May 2
10:30-11:30 am
Downtown Branch Library
More info
 
Teen Manga Book Club
Manga-themed book sharing, crafts, activities and yummy snacks in the Teen room!
 
Every Sunday
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Capitola Branch Library
More info
 
Hula Workshop For Kids
Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month by learning how to hula!
 
Thursday, May 7
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Felton Branch Library
More info
Sugar Cookie Decorating
Celebrate Mother's Day with a creative cookie decorating workshop! Registration is required.
 
Saturday, May 9
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Branciforte Branch Library
More info
May Seasonal Crafts for Kids
Join us in making egg carton flowers, button snakes, and stamped dish towels. All materials provided
 
Tuesday, May 12
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Downtown Branch Library
 More info 
Navigating College Admissions
Learn about the world of college admissions, academics, and college counseling from Pacific Collegiate School's college counselor, Maiya Marshall.
 
Saturday, May 16
1:00 - 2:00 pm
La Selva Beach Branch Library
More info
Jr. Rangers For Families
Join us for a collaboration between California State Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries! 7 to 12-year-olds can earn Junior Ranger badges & stamps. May's program is about nature art.
 
Thursday, May 21
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Garfield Park Branch Library
More info

 
Literacy Programs
 
SCPL offers programs to help
kids with reading.
  • R.E.A.D. - FREE Reading help with a credentialed teacher
  • Tales to Tails - Read to a therapy dog 
Check out our calendar for locations, times, and more information.
STEAM Programs
 
Check out one of our STEAM programs for kids and teens:
  • Chess
  • Lego programs
  • Make & Explore
  • Minecraft
  • Sewing, coding, and more!
Check out our calendar for more information.
Educator Resources
Class Visits
 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.
 
Visit the Parents and Teachers section of our website to see what other services we offer.
Resource Spotlight
Boy Constructing Robotic Toy with Electric Gears
STEM Kits for Kids
SCPL offers 5 different STEM kits for families to check out and use at home. Topics include: coding, levers and pulleys, switches and circuits, building, and microscopes. 
You can find them in our catalog under
"Stem Kits"
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