Getting Ready for Back to School? Don’t Forget Your Library Card

The back-to-school countdown is on. In between shopping, planning tasty school lunches, and packing up that new backpack, be sure to stop by your local library. Prince William Public Libraries offers programs, resources, and services to help make the transition from summer hangout to ultimate study partner.

Back to School + Library Programs = A Great Head Start

Freshly sharpened and ready for fall—we’re not talking about pencils, but our lineup of programs for all ages. Visit our Online Events Calendar for literacy and learning programs, as well as fun programs that offer a break from the back-to-school routine.

For grades K-5, Reading to Dogs helps build confidence and literacy skills by giving children the chance to practice reading aloud with a furry friend. Find upcoming dates at multiple libraries by selecting “Reading to Dogs” under Event Type in the Online Events Calendar.

Haymarket Gainesville, Montclair, and Potomac Libraries are offering Preschool Skill Builders, an interactive program to help children get ready for kindergarten. Drop in for activities that promote literacy, learning, and skills needed for school.

Haymarket Gainesville: Select Fridays, September 11, 18, 25, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Montclair: Monday, September 14, 10:30 a.m. 

Potomac: Thursday, September 24, 10:30 a.m. 

GIVE, a nonprofit organization started and run by high schoolers, will offer free tutoring at Bull Run Library for students in grades K-7. Tutoring is held on Sundays at 1:30 p.m., beginning September 13.

Take Your Reading to the Next Level

Class schedules change, but these fan-favorite programs are here to stay.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten helps babies and toddlers develop important pre-reading skills and build a strong reading foundation before kindergarten. Read three books a day with your little one to reach 1,000 books in a year. Sign up at any Prince William Library branch or through the Beanstack Tracker app to track progress and earn rewards.

Ready to level up your reading? PWPL invites students in grades K-12 to Level Up Your Reading, a gamified challenge to track minutes, earn prizes, and work toward a grand prize drawing. Learn more by listening to the Important Library Stuff episode “The Level Up Your Reading Games” at pwpl.buzzsprout.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Are you an adult who wants to earn your high school diploma for free? Career Online High School offers qualified adult students the opportunity to earn an accredited diploma and prepare for career success. Visit pwcva.gov/COHS and complete the self-assessment to see whether the program is a good fit.

Resources Far and Wide

PWPL’s Digital Library provides access to thousands of online resources. The Homework section includes HelpNow, which offers live, certified educator tutoring 24/7 for homework, research, and writing in all subjects for grades K-12 and college.

The Mailbox Plus makes learning fun while teaching core skills. Its teacher-created, editor-reviewed content includes thousands of worksheets, crafts, games, graphic organizers, and more for pre-K through grade 6.

Need help picking your next read? NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 Plus, available through the Digital Library, can help you discover books you’ll enjoy. You can also visit pwcva.gov/library and select “Booklists & Suggestions,” or try My Next Read. Share your reading preferences and receive personalized recommendations from a librarian in less than a week.

Our librarians are here to help—from offering programs, helping to find resources, to recommending your next read. You don’t have to start the school year alone; PWPL is here for you.