Libraries and Community Resources
(Click on the image to access the resource.)
Checkout of library materials is available during Distance Learning!
- Go to the OPALS database (click on the image above).
- Click "Login" in the top right corner.
- Login with your five-digit ID#, (no password required).
- Use Search to find a book! Click on the title. If it is available, click "Request" under the picture of the cover.
- Patrons with reserved books will be notified by email to come to the library for pick-up of materials, weekdays 9am-3:30pm.
- More detailed instructions are available here:
Library Books for Distance Learning Checkout
Instrucciones para reservar libros en español
Social distance guidelines will be enforced; masks are required.
Email [email protected] with any questions.
Sora: Audiobooks and Ebooks
Sora is an app added to Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS) Google suite that allows SCCS students to borrow ebooks and audiobooks. Students logged in through @sccs-stu.net have immediate access.
Follow the instructions here:
Sora access for SCCS
Santa Cruz Public Library includes 10 neighborhood library branches and a web-based digital library. SCPL cards provide online access to subscription databases and other resources.
Biblioteca Pública de Santa Cruz (SCPL) recursos en espanol: Sitíos útiles para educación, familias, finanzas, servicios, y salud. SCPL en Español
Local, independent, book seller and supporter of Santa Cruz City Schools’ Libraries,
Bookshop Santa Cruz sells books in-store and online.
Santa Cruz City Schools Libraries’ Union Catalog
Recommended Titles
The 100 Most Often Recommended Works for College Freshman
Pathfinders - Titles that support Harbor High curriculum and high interest subject areas
Young Adult Book Lists - From the ALA's Young Adult Library Services Association
Book Awards
California Young Reader Medal - the official site. Voting takes place in March each year.
National Book Award - Given by the National Book Foundation for fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and young people's literature
Newbery Award - The books selected as the best literature for youth.
Michael Printz Award - Given for excellence in young adult literature.
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction - The Pulitzer honors excellence in journalism and the arts
Pura Belpre Award - Given to the best books by Hispanic authors and illustrators
Buy the Harbor library a book! 
Check out our wishlist of student and faculty requests.
If you are interested in donating a used book to the library, please contact Ms. Greene directly: [email protected].