K-12 Newsletter June 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- Starts today!
Pride Month
Juneteenth
Library Programs, Resources, and More!
 



 
The Summer Reading Program Starts Today!
 
June 1st - July 31st
 
The program is for ALL ages. Sign up and read to earn great prizes and enjoy library programs and performances.
Learn more here
 
 
Kick off a summer of reading with ice cream, henna, face painting, and more! 

Downtown Branch 
June 1, 2:00-4:00 pm

Celebrate the end of the school year in Boulder Creek!

Boulder Creek Library
June 4, 12:00-3:00 pm
Paint a rock and sign up for Summer Reading! Teens receive a beach bag full of books!
 
Aptos Library
June 6, 1:00-3:00 pm

June is Pride Month!
Pride Month is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. This month-long celebration demonstrates how LGBTQ Americans have strengthened our country, by using talent and creativity to help create awareness and goodwill. 
 
See our calendar for Pride month events.
 Resources from the Library of Congress.
 
Pride booklist for kids.
Pride booklist for teens.


 
Juneteenth - June 19th
 
On June 19, 1865 — over two years after President Lincoln declared all enslaved persons free — Major General Gordon Granger and Union Army troops marched to Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas.
 
Click here to find out about local Juneteenth celebrations 
 
Smithsonian Institution -
Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
Featured Programs - Summer Reading

Summer Reading Performances
Look for special activities and performances for kids and families at all of our branches this summer.
Featured in June:
Zany Zoe - June 4
Pop and Go Puppets - June 10
Claytopia - June 13
Perry Yan - June 17
Village Rhythms - June 20
 
Check our Calendar for dates and times.
Summer Reading Crafts
Some crafts will be offered during regular Make & Explore or Crafternoon programs. Check the calendar for more information.
 
Aptos Branch Library
Select Saturdays at 1:00pm
June 6 - Rock Painting
June 20 - Paracord Survival Bracelets (teens)
June 27 - Mini suncatchers
Branciforte Branch Library
*During a Special Pride Storytime*
Saturday, June 13 - Ceramic Owls, 10:30 am
Boulder Creek Branch Library
Wednesdays at 1:30 pm
June 3 - Paint a Pot
June 10 - Birdseed Ornament
June 17 - Grass Pet
June 24 - Garden Gnomes
Downtown Branch Library
Select Tuesdays at
3:00 pm
June 9 - Grass Head Planters
June 23 - Rock Painting
 
Felton Branch Library
Thursdays at 3:00 pm
June 4 - Paint a Bookmark
June 11 - Ceramic Owls
June 18 - Grass Head Planters
June 25 - Salt Painting
 
Garfield Park Branch Library
Wednesdays at 3:00 pm
June 3 - Book Bag Painting
June 10 - Seed Bookmarks
June 17 - Paint a Pot
June 24 - Bean Mosaics
 
Live Oak Branch Library
Fridays at 3:00 pm
June 5 - Book Bag Painting
June 12 - Seed Bookmarks
June 19 - Sand Art
June 26 - Seed Bombs
La Selva Beach Branch Library
Thursdays at 4:00 pm
June 4 - Salt Painting
June 11 - Garden in a Jar
June 18 - Bean Mosaics
June 25 - Rock Painting
Scotts Valley Branch Library
Tuesdays at 3:00 pm
June 9 - Bean Mosaics
June 16 - Garden in a Jar
June 25 - Paint a Pot
June 30 - Salt Painting

Youth Programs
 
Most regular youth programs will continue this summer
Storytimes, Make & Explore, Chess, Tales to Tails, R.E.A.D., Lego, STEAM, Crafting programs, Advisory Council of Teens and much more will take place during regularly scheduled times through June and July.
 
Check our Calendar for a full list of youth programs
Educator Resources
 2026 ALSC Summer Reading Lists
 
Keep kids reading over the summer with this book list from the Association for Library Service to Children's Summer Reading List
Resource Spotlight
Download/Stream
 
Did you know that you can download ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies and music using your library card?  It's free!
 
Learn more here.
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