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K-12 Newsletter August 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:
 
Summer Reading Program
Youth Services Programming Break in August
READ Program Sign-Ups
Library Programs, Resources, and More!
The Summer Reading Program
ended July 31st!
 You have until August 9th to collect your rewards from any branch.
 
The raffle drawing will be run starting the week of August 10th, and winners will be notified by email.
 
Learn more here


 
August Youth Programming Break

Every August our Youth Librarians take a break from programming to recharge and prepare for the new school year and next year of programs.
 
All Make and Explore programs, storytimes, and Tales to Tails will be on hiatus this month.
 
The Advisory Council of Teens groups and volunteer chess clubs will continue to meet.
 
Check our calendar for details.

R.E.A.D. Sign-Ups

R.E.A.D. (Reach Every Amazing Detail) is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 1st through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Sessions are 25 minutes long and are by appointment only. Registrations start on 8/24. 

More Info
Featured Programs
Advisory Council of Teens (ACT)
 
ACT is the SCPL young adult advisory group. ACT is open to all Santa Cruz County young adults, ages 12-18.
 
Aptos Branch Library -August 2nd
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
 
Felton Branch Library - August 8th
2:00 - 4:00 pm
 
More info
SAGA for Teens

Join us for our Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) for Teens group every 2nd Wednesday of the month
 

August 12th
3:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Felton Branch Library
 
More info

Chess
 
Professional chess instruction open to players aged 6-18.
 
Aptos Branch Library - Tuesdays, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Downtown Branch Library - Saturdays, 2:00 - 3:30 pm  

More info
Educator Resources
The school year is starting!
 
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