K-12 Newsletter May 2024
 
SCPL's monthly library newsletter for 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 - Resources and more
  • Jewish American Heritage Month- Resources and more
  • Mental Health Awareness Month - Local resources for teens
  • The Summer Reading Program - Get ready to read this summer
  • Featured Programs - Special youth programs going on in May
  • Youth Programs - Highlights of some of our regular ongoing programs
  • Educator Resources - Tools and resources for teachers and educators
  • Resource Spotlight - STEM kits
  • Local websites of interest - Links to local organizations with programs and resources for families and educators
Scroll down for more information on all of the above!
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
During May, 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
SCPL Booklist for Kids
May is Jewish American
Heritage Month
A recognition and celebration of Jewish Americans' achievements and contributions to the United States during the month of May.
 Library of Congress Resource Page
 SCPL Booklist for Kids 

 
https://www.meenasrinivasan.com/resourcesMental Health Awareness Month
Check out NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) this website to learn more.
Here are some local resources for teens:
Monarch services
State of Mind
Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance  
Jóvenes SANOS 
Encompass
unité: mental health 
 El Camino Health
Meena Srinivasan SEL


 
Save the Date!
Summer Reading is Almost Here
June 1st - July 31st
This year our theme is "Read Renew Repeat." 
The program is for ALL ages. Get ready to participate! Sign up in June and read to earn great prizes and enjoy library programs and performances.
Learn more here
Featured Programs
Author Talk with Nidhi Chanani
At this interactive program, kids will get to meet a graphic novelist, learn her process for writing and drawing and see a live drawing presentation. 
Friday May 3rd
Capitola Branch Library
2:30-3:30pm
Scotts Valley Library
4:00-5:00pm
May the 4th Celebration
Celebrate all things Star Wars!
Felton Library 
May 4th
May the 4th be with You!
Star Wars Storytime & Craft  11am-12pm
May the 4th Star Wars Celebration 1pm - 4pm
Tiny House Puppetry
A seasonal puppet show with an elaborate “stage.” Spring has come to Old Oak Woods and everyone is getting ready for the Spring Festival. But where is the littlest flower child?
Garfield Park Library
Wednesday May 15th, 10:30-11:15
Boulder Creek Library
Thursday May 16th, 3:00-4:00pm
Graphic Novel Workshop for Teens with Phil Yeh
Saturday June 1st
Felton Branch Library
11:00am
Downtown Branch Library
3:30pm
Youth Programs
 
Make & Explore
Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore.
Click here for branches, times and more information.
 After School STEAM @ Aptos
Minecraft: Wednesdays at 3:30pm


R.E.A.D./Recover & Thrive
R.E.A.D. is the Santa Cruz Public Libraries’
reading and comprehension instruction for
students in 1st through 12th grade. Students receive 25 minutes of individual instruction from a California credentialed teacher.
This program is from 3:00-5:00pm at the following branches and days:
Tuesdays @ Live Oak, Scotts Valley and
Garfield Park
Wednesdays @ Branciforte, Capitola and
La Selva Beach
Thursdays @ Aptos, Downtown and Felton
Reservations required. Call 831-427-7713 to make an appointment.
Lego Programs
Lego Engineering @ Downtown
Wednesdays 4:00-5:30
Lego Simple Machines @ La Selva Beach
(check calendar for dates)
Lego Friday Fun @ Felton 
Fridays  3-4:30 pm 
Click here for more information

 
Tales to Tails
Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by providing them the opportunity to read aloud to certified therapy dogs. 
This program is held at the Aptos, Branciforte,  Capitola, Downtown, La Selva Beach and Scotts Valley Branches.
Click here for times and more information.
Registration is required. Call 831-427-7713 to make an appointment.
Calendar of Events
Click here to visit our online calendar for more events for kids and teens including chess, Advisory Council of Teens, and storytimes.
Educator Resources
Class visits and more
 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 
OR
Visit the Parents and Teachers section of our website to see what other services we offer.
Resource Spotlight
STEM KITS FOR KIDS
SCPL now 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 - not just for preschoolers 
  • 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
  • Start Saving for college with Semillitas and CalKids

 
The K12 Newsletter is published monthly
 
To contact the K12 team, email us at k12@santacruzpl.org