November is such a fun month for discovery, celebration, and community in the school library! This month, the School Library Event Promotion Committee is shining a spotlight on four engaging themes that help our learners connect with history, culture, science, and play while sparking curiosity and meaningful conversations in classrooms and libraries alike.

Election Day: Empowering Informed Voices

Let’s help our students discover what it truly means to be engaged citizens! Explore interactive, nonpartisan resources like BallotReady, C-SPAN Classroom, and iCivics Election Headquarters. These will bring civic learning to life in your library.

Need a little professional inspiration? Check out Civic Engagement in the School Library and ALA’s Reader. Voter. Ready. initiative. Both offer fantastic ideas for weaving in lessons on voting, civil discourse, and media literacy.

And don’t miss the Inspiring Future Voters Booklist. It’s a powerful collection of stories for all ages that connect reading to real-world action. Use it to spark read-aloud discussions, build book displays, or start conversations about responsible citizenship.

International Games Month: Learning Through Play

November is also International Games Month, a global celebration of play and learning! Whether you’re planning a board game day, launching a video game club, or trying your hand at an escape room challenge, this month is all about building community through fun and connection.

If you’re new to game-based learning, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! Tune in to the Games in School Libraries podcast, or explore ALA’s Programming Librarian blog for tried-and-true ideas like The Oregon Trail live-action simulation or creating a circulating board game collection.

Pair play with reading using the International Games Month Book List. It’s perfect for gamers (and readers!) of all ages.

International STEM Day: Sparking Innovation

Mark your calendars for November 8: International STEM Day! This is the perfect time to ignite curiosity and encourage hands-on exploration. Try out Scholastic’s STEM/STEAM Crafts or dive into The Show Me Librarian’s STEAM programs for activities that bring science and creativity together.

Looking to grow your own STEM toolkit? Check out ALA’s eLearning sessions like Do the Bot (robotics in libraries) and Cultivate Curiosity (building mechanical computers and circuits).

Need some fresh reads? Browse the Best STEM Books K–12 and Curated Thematic STEM Book Lists from STEMIE. These lists highlight diverse voices and innovative thinkers who inspire the next generation of creators and problem-solvers.

Native American Heritage Month: Honoring Culture and Stories

November is also Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich traditions, languages, and stories of Native and Indigenous communities.

Start with resources like American Indians in Children’s Literature for guidance on authentic representation, and explore the Library of Congress and Smithsonian Institution collections for lesson ideas and exhibits you can bring into your space.

Build inclusive displays and share authentic stories with Indigenous Reads Rising, Dancing with Traditions, and Visual Book Lists that feature wonderful titles across every grade level.

No matter how you celebrate this month, November is overflowing with ways to make learning joyful and meaningful. Take some time to explore these resources, share ideas with colleagues, and make this month one of discovery, connection, and fun in your library!