October 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.
| | | Mystery Series Week in October | | The first week of October is Mystery Series Week. To celebrate, we’re highlighting mystery series that will keep young readers guessing and turning the pages. From clever kid detectives to twisty teen investigations, these mystery series offer something for readers of multiple ages and reading levels. | | “Cam Jansen” by David A. Adler (Ages 6–9) | A classic early-chapter mystery series featuring a girl with a photographic memory. Short, accessible mysteries that are great for beginning independent readers. Here is the first book in the series: | |  | “The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart (Ages 9–12) | Clever puzzles, secret missions, and a group of gifted children. A good choice for readers who want a more complex mystery without the darker themes of YA. Here is the first book in the series: | | | |
“Truly Devious” by
Maureen Johnson (Ages 13–17)
| A contemporary teen investigates an unsolved murder at a Vermont boarding school. Atmospheric, twisty, and a strong choice for older teens. Here is the first book in the series: | | | |
“A Good Girl's Guide to Murder” by
Holly Jackson (Ages 14–18)
| A high-school student reopens a supposedly solved murder case for a school project and discovers that the official story may be wrong. Fast-paced and particularly appealing to teens who enjoy true-crime-style mysteries. Here is the first book in the series: | | | 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. | |
Trick-or-Treat Yourself to Fall Fun at
Prince William Public Libraries
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Whether you want to make spooky crafts, stir up new mocktail potions, or show off your furry friends' fang-tastic costumes, Prince William Public Libraries has you covered.
Halloween Programs for All Ages
One of our most popular programs of the year, Halloween Story Times and Parades, is returning to several libraries. Costumes are encouraged! Here’s a quick rundown of the locations and dates to help you plan your visit:
- Dale City (Halloween Story Time): Wednesday, October 28, 10:30 a.m.
- Central: Thursday, October 29, 10:30 a.m.
- Bull Run: Friday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.
- Haymarket Gainesville: Friday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.
- Montclair: Friday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.
- Lake Ridge (Family Story Time): Saturday, October 31, 10:30 a.m.
Need a new spooky potion to sip this season? Adults are invited to join us virtually on Friday, October 16, at 6:30 p.m. for Halloween Mocktails. Register in advance to receive the login link.
Teens and adults can visit Central Library on Tuesday, October 20, from 2:00–7:00 p.m. to create their own Punch Needle Jack-o'-lanterns.
Browse Booklists and the Digital Library
The spooky spirit doesn’t end there. Visit the Online Catalog or click the links below for librarian-crafted booklists and place holds on horror titles. Our librarians are also happy to share recommendations for great books for babies and toddlers.
Horror Reads for Ages 8–11
Horror Reads for Teens
Horror Reads for Adults
Explore our Digital Library for free resources, including Creativebug for craft tutorials, Explora Secondary School (Grades 6–12) for articles to help with homework, and Kanopy for streaming your favorite Halloween movies.
Halloween is a time to celebrate reading, creativity, and community through festive events, costumed story times, and seasonal activities here at the library. However you celebrate, we witch you a wonderful Halloween and may your book stack never be frighteningly low!
| A New Online Catalog is Here at PWPL | |
We’re excited to announce that Prince William Public Libraries’ new Online Catalog launched on Wednesday, August 26. The new Online Catalog will make it even easier to search, discover, and keep track of the books, movies, and more you want to enjoy next.
With the new Online Catalog now live, please remember:
- Update any saved bookmarks with the new Online Catalog web address.
- Your PIN has changed to the last four digits of the primary phone number listed on your library account.
- We encourage you to change your PIN after logging in. If needed, you can reset your PIN as long as the account is linked to your email address.
Once you’ve explored the new Online Catalog, create lists to save titles for later—whether you’re building a fall reading list, keeping track of favorite authors, or planning your next movie night.
| | If you're looking for more resources for lesson plans or to help your students learn, be sure to visit PWPL’s Digital Library. | | 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. | | BookBrowse for Young Adults helps teens discover their next great read with book recommendations, reviews, and resources tailored to young adult readers. Explore a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, find read-alikes for favorite books, and discover new authors and titles. | |
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Renaissance Faire: Potomac
All Ages/Families
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Hear ye! Hear ye! Lords, ladies, and all good patrons, we invite you to attend the annual Potomac Library Renaissance Faire! Join us for themed crafts, an opportunity to meet live falcons, and more.
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VA250: Jack's Adventure in American History
Dumfries: Saturday, October 17, 10:30 a.m.
Manassas City: Saturday, October 17, 1:00 p.m.
When Jack's history book magically bursts, he meets some of the most exciting people in our nation’s history! Help write the Constitution, work on Ford’s assembly line, and more.
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GIVE Tutoring: Bull Run
Grades K–7
Sundays, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15
High school students offer free tutoring for students in grades K–7 in math, science, and reading. Registration required.
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Teen Manga Club: Central
Grades 6–12
Monday, October 19, 6:00 p.m.
Join us for Manga Club! Discuss your current manga reads, enjoy Japanese snacks and stickers, and practice your drawing skills! First come, first served, while supplies last.
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Puzzling with a Purpose: Potomac
All Ages/Families
Saturday, November 14, 12:30–2:00 p.m.
Exchange jigsaw puzzles with fellow enthusiasts. There will be time to assemble a puzzle. Light refreshments provided.
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Homeschooling With PWPL Programs
and Resources
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Homeschool Hangout
Grades K–12
Montclair: Wednesday, October 14, 2:00 p.m.
Nokesville: Select Mondays, 1:30–3:00 p.m.
October 26, November 9
Spend the afternoon playing games with other homeschool friends. We'll provide board games and LEGOs.
Homeschool STEM and Craft Club: Bull Run
Grades K–5
Monday, November 2, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
This fun club provides elementary students with hands-on opportunities to explore crafts and science activities with their peers.
Homeschool Book Club: Bull Run
Tuesday, November 10, 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.
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The Homeschool Handbook: Your Guide To Educating At Home
“The Homeschool Handbook: Your Guide to Educating at Home” by Dax Wilder offers a comprehensive, flexible framework for balancing traditional academic subjects with vital character development and life skills. It serves as a practical, step-by-step roadmap for parents looking to design an adaptable, well-rounded home education plan tailored to their child's unique needs.
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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.
| | Chinn Park ASC Library is Open | | |
Chinn Park Library is closed for an extensive renovation and is expected to reopen in the winter of 2027. The renovation, a collaboration between Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism (PWCDEDT), will introduce new spaces for the greater Prince William community, focusing on resources, support, and tools for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and ensuring greater benefits for the public.
During the closure, Chinn Park ASC Library has opened in the Administrative Support Center's Trustee Conference Room at 13083 Chinn Park Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22192, on the lower level of Chinn Park Library. It is open to the public during the renovation on Mondays–Fridays, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., offering access to the library’s collection, computers, Wi-Fi, and additional services.
Read more at pwcva.gov/library.
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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.
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