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K-12 Newsletter September 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:
 
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 to a branch with a photo ID (adults) and proof of address, and we will be happy to issue your card!
 
If you are a teacher, ask us how to get library cards for your students. We also have special library cards just for educators.
 

 
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.
Virtual Author Talk
Virtual Author Talk with Lucky Diaz - Where the Paletero Man Goes

GRAMMY Award-Winning Artist and Celebrated Children's Author Lucky Diaz
 
More info and registration
Featured Programs
STEM Explorers: Build a Computer
 
Downtown Branch Library 
3:45-5:45 pm
 
 This four-week series for kids ages 8-12 meets weekly from September 22nd through October 13th. Registration is required.
More info
Pokémon
Thursdays 3-5 @ the Live Oak Library Annex
Starts September 10th
 
An informal drop-in program for children who want to play Pokémon. Catch 'em all!
 
More info
 
 
Girls Who Code
 
Scotts Valley Branch Library
1st and 3rd Thursdays, starting Sept. 17th. 4:00-5:00 pm
 
Girls and non-binary youth are invited to get together and learn coding skills while having fun, challenging themselves, and creating friendships.
 
 More info
Afterschool STEAM - Minecraft.edu

Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 pm
Aptos Branch Library
Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 pm
Branciforte Branch Library
 
Learn how to craft, build, and survive in the world of Minecraft.edu. Ages 8 to 18 
 
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
 
Cinema and Snacks 
 
Select Wednesdays 3:00-5:30 pm
Branciforte Branch Library
 
Grab a seat, enjoy a snack, and settle in for a movie. For movie titles and dates, please click here.
 
 

 

Make & Explore

Every week we will have a new project for you to build or explore! Make & Explore programming can be found at Capitola, Felton, Garfield Park, Live Oak, and Scotts Valley branch libraries.
 
More info
Tales to Tails
 
Improve your reading skills by reading to a trained therapy dog! Tales to Tails programming can be found at Aptos, Capitola, Downtown, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, and Scotts Valley branch libraries.
 
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