February Education Explore 

Each month's Education Explore Newsletter will have updates from Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL), as well as information on an amazing digital resource available through our Digital Library, free to all library card holders.

High School Juniors and Seniors: You Could Win $300! 

Attention High School Juniors and Seniors! Answer this question in 350 words or less and win a $300 grand prize sponsored by the PWPL Foundation: 
 
What has the library meant to me in my preparation to becoming a new adult? 
 
Completed essays can be delivered in person to any full-service library or emailed to Rebecca Lowe ([email protected]) between March 1 - 31. 
 
Include your name, age, email, and phone number with your submission. 
 
The grand prize winner will be announced on April 22. 

Complete a Brief Survey! PWPL Exploring More Ways for You to "Visit" and Check Out Materials 

We are researching new ways for you to pick up materials and use our computers, Wi-Fi, and other technology without coming into one of our libraries. We are asking for your input: this brief, eight-question survey should take no longer than three minutes to complete. 
 
Some possible expansion ideas include: 
 
Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL
A Parked Van or RV: This "mobile" library would travel around Prince William County and the City of Manassas and would park in highly-visible locations, like a grocery store parking lot or outside a shopping center. The "mobile" library may offer things such as physical books, CDs, and DVDs to check out; computers; and may act as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for you to connect to from your own device.
 It may also be used for programs and outreach visits.
 
Self-Service Holds Pickup Locker: Similar to Amazon lockers that are popping up around Prince William County, these lockers would be available for you to pick up items that you previously put on hold.  
 
Vending Machine: Just like a food vending machine, these vending machines will be stocked with new and popular book, CD, and DVD titles. Just like the lockers, these vending machines will be available beyond traditional library hours, but a hold request isn't needed. 
 
If you have heard of other libraries around the country offering new and innovative ways to access materials and resources, let us know in the survey! 

Featured Digital Resource: Gale in Context: Elementary

Gale In Context

This database is for students in grades K - 5. It features a developmentally appropriate graphic interface with easy to use subject access to topics like sports, people, arts, science, and more.  

Gale in Context: Elementary is available without a library card by visiting our Digital Library and clicking on Gale in Context: Elementary.  

Featured Digital Resource for JanuaryTumbleMath
 
TumbleMath
Missed last month's resource? Click to explore
 TumbleMath, which offers a math-focused collection of picture books for students in grades K - 6. 


Read Featured Programs for February and March

Tuesdays, March 9 and 23, 6:00 8:00 p.m. 
If you need help in reaching your personal financial goal, join these two classes led by representatives of the Financial Education Program at Virginia Cooperative Extension. Registration required.  
 
2020-2021 H2Go Kids Classroom Presentations
Multiples Dates and Times
 
Provided by Prince William County Service Authority, this is a series of pre-recorded and live classroom lessons via Zoom, perfect for kids in grades K - 6. Each lesson aligns with the Virginia Standards of Learning, and is a great way to incorporate lessons on drinking and wastewater into your curriculum. Registration required. 

Check out all of our virtual programs this month, available on Facebook and Twitter
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Want to organize a library card drive, coordinate on a special virtual program, or discuss other collaborations? We can help! Just contact the Office of Programming and Outreach at [email protected] and we will get you started! 

How to Get a Library Card 
Sign Up for Your Library Card Today
Show your students how to get a library card 
with the help of a parent/guardian by telling them to:


  1. Visit pwcgov.org/library to start the application.  
  2. Follow the prompts for a temporary digital library card.  
  3. To upgrade to a physical library card, call any PWPL branch.   
*Remember: Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian complete the online registration or sign the paper registration. 
 
For questions, feedback, or suggestions on newsletter content, contact the Office of Programming and Outreach at [email protected].


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February 2021 - pwcgov.org/library
Make sure to download our Winter 2020 - 2021 Explore magazine, or grab one at your nearest library, to learn more about our upcoming events.

[email protected] or 703-792-8150
Questions and comments are always welcome.
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