November Education Explore | | |
Prince William Public Libraries' Education Explore Newsletter features resources, services, and information for parents, teachers, students, and lifelong learners. PWPL is here to support your education and learning efforts!
We also highlight information on digital resources available through the Digital Library, free to all library cardholders, and upcoming programs.
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Note: Update to Minor Library Cards
In PWPL’s ongoing commitment to reducing barriers to access, minors’ library cards will now stay active until their 18th birthday. Learn more at pwcva.gov/library.
| | | November Is Native American Heritage Month | | November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American peoples. Explore these stories and discover books that highlight Indigenous experiences, perspectives, and connections to culture and community. | | |
“Nothing More of this Land”
by Joseph Lee
| In “Nothing More of this Land,” Joseph Lee, an Aquinnah Wampanoag journalist, explores Indigenous identity, family history, and the ongoing efforts of Native communities to preserve their cultures and heritage. | |  | |
“Shadows of the Solstice”
by Anne Hillerman
| “Shadows of the Solstice” is a suspenseful mystery set on the Navajo Nation, which follows tribal police as they investigate a suspicious death and uncover a scheme targeting vulnerable Indigenous people. | | | The winners of the 2026 National Book Awards will be announced on November 18! In the meantime, check out the finalists for Young People’s Literature, including “Holloway” by Elana K. Arnold, a time-travel story exploring family history and healing, and “Shook” by Julian Randall, a novel-in-verse about basketball, anxiety, and learning to ask for help. | | Physical Collection
Explore the Online Catalog to place a hold on the titles above and other titles related to this month’s theme. The Online Catalog will show more titles in the series, if available, other books at a title's reading level, related resources, and more. | | If you're looking for more resources for lesson plans or to help your students learn, be sure to visit PWPL’s Digital Library. | | NoveList K-8 Plus is a comprehensive reading recommendation and book discovery resource designed specifically for young readers in kindergarten through eighth grade. It helps educators, librarians, and parents find age-appropriate books by genre, reading level, and interests, making it easier to inspire a lifelong love of reading. | | Wowbrary helps you discover the latest books, movies, music, and other materials added to your library’s collection. Sign up for free email notifications to see what’s new and find your next great read. | |
Chinn Park ASC Library Will Close
Beginning Thursday, November 26
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Say goodbye to Chinn Park ASC Library! We will close the temporary location beginning Thursday, November 26, as we prepare to reopen Chinn Park Library.
Beginning November 30, pick up holds at Potomac Library or your preferred branch.
Chinn Park Library will reopen in mid-January 2027.
Join us in the spring of 2027 for a grand reopening celebration!
Read more at pwcworks.pwcva.gov/chinn-park-library-renovation.
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GIVE Tutoring: Bull Run
Grades K–7
Select Sundays, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
November 8, 15, 22, December 6, 13
High school students offer free tutoring for students in grades K–7 in math, science, and reading. Registration required.
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Tween/Teen Takeover: Nokesville
Grades 6–12
Junk Journaling: Thursday, November 12,
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Mini Makerspace: Thursday, December 10,
7:00–8:30 p.m.
The library will open one night a month just for tweens and teens! Make cool things using 3D design, Cricut, paper circuits, and more. Registration required.
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Chess Club: Montclair
All Ages/Families
Monday, November 16, 5:00 p.m.
Think you've got what it takes to master the board? Join us for fun, friendly matches and learn new strategies at Chess Club.
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Family Art Night: Potomac
All Ages/Families
Monday, November 16, 6:00 p.m.
Join us for Family Art Night, a creative evening where kids and caregivers can explore art together! All materials will be provided while supplies last.
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Homeschooling With PWPL
Programs and Resources
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Homeschool Hangout: Nokesville
Grades K–12
Monday, November 23, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Spend the afternoon playing games with other homeschool friends. We'll provide board games and LEGOs.
Homeschool Book Club: Bull Run
Grades K–12
Tuesday, December 8, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Join us for a book club geared towards homeschoolers! There are elementary, middle school, and high school groups. Please read the book in advance so you are prepared for the discussion.
Homeschool STEM and Craft Club: Bull Run
Grades K–5
Monday, December 7, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
This fun club gives elementary students the hands-on opportunities to explore crafts and science activities with their peers.
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Homeschooling, Autism Style: Reset for Success
"Homeschooling, Autism Style: Reset for Success,” by Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, will help you plan the best way for your kids to learn at home, according to their own strengths and rhythms, and find varied and fun activities to create teachable moments.
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Homeschool Families Library Needs Survey
Do you have five minutes? We’d appreciate your feedback! Responses to our “Homeschool Families Library Needs Survey” will help us improve library resources and services for homeschool families. Thank you for participating.
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Homeschooling with PWPL:
Virtual Series
Watch recordings of our series, “Homeschooling with PWPL,” to discover free resources available to homeschoolers using your PWPL library card.
Access Video Just for Kids: Access Video Just for Kids offers thousands of educational videos for kids from PBS, Jim Henson & Company, Reading Rainbow, and more. You can even browse by Virginia Standards, Grade, and Subject.
Brainfuse HelpNow: Get free access to live, certified educator assistance, skills-building resources, personalized eLearning tools, and more.
NoveList K-8 Plus: NoveList K-8 Plus is a readers' advisory resource for fiction, nonfiction, and audiobooks aimed at grades K-8.
Transparent Language Online: Transparent Language Online teaches 110+ languages, including English. Children ages six and up can start learning a language through games and activities with KidSpeak. It also includes an American Citizenship Course.
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How can we improve our services to educators?
Public school, private school, homeschool—if you are an educator in Prince William County or the City of Manassas, we’d greatly appreciate your ideas and feedback.
Please complete a short two-minute survey.
| | | 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten | |
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Sign up your little one for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten to help them develop important pre-reading skills that provide a solid reading foundation.
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Sign up at any Prince William Public Library branch and pick up a printed reading log. If you are eager to begin, print your first log.
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Register on a computer by clicking here.
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Register using a mobile device: download and install the Beanstack Tracker app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
When the young reader finishes 100 books, bring the completed sheet to the library, have it stamped "completed," and collect the next page. If keeping track through Beanstack, come in after receiving an online "badge."
Repeat the steps at each level and earn special rewards, including a free book to keep.
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Are you ready to take your reading to the next level? Prince William Public Libraries invites students in grades K–12 to “Level Up Your Reading,” a gamified reading challenge to track minutes, earn prizes, and work your way toward a grand prize drawing!
Here’s how it works: Sign up for Level Up Your Reading online at pwcva.gov/library, on the Beanstack Tracker app, or by stopping by any Prince William Public Library to pick up the Level 1: The Beginning bookmark. You can track your progress on the bookmark or the app.
- Each box = 20 minutes of reading
- 10 levels total
- 400 minutes = 1 level
You’ll start at Level 1: The Beginning and make your way through exciting worlds like Rainbow Ridge, Puzzle Peak, and Mystery Maze before reaching the ultimate Level 10: Champion’s Circle.
Each level you complete earns you a prize. Visit your local library to check in and LEVEL UP! Finish all 10 levels for a chance to win big in our grand prize drawing. Whether you’re reading books, audiobooks, or graphic novels–every minute counts.
Level Up Your Reading is a continuation of the popular 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. The goal is to encourage students to read more and enjoy the journey.
Tune into the recent episode of PWPL's “Important Library Stuff” podcast for more information.
Thank you to our sponsors, Amazon and individual donors.
Ready to play? GAME ON!
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