Families with kindergartners starting at Central, Harper, McKenzie or Romona this fall have less than two weeks to prepare, and the Wilmette Public Library is offering more than book recommendations to ease the transition.

The library's back-to-school package, announced Aug. 4, includes a free in-person workshop, two new Scholastic digital platforms and a curated booklist tied directly to District 39's classroom curriculum. Students across the district's four elementary schools, Highcrest Middle School and Wilmette Junior High return as early as Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Aug. 11 workshop: "How to Meet Friends at a New School"

Author Ali Wenzke, who moved 10 times in 11 years and writes about relocation on her blog The Art of Happy Moving, will lead a family workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. at the library, 1242 Wilmette Ave. The session covers body language tips and gives families who recently moved to Wilmette a chance to meet other newcomers before the first bell.

The workshop is geared toward families with children in grades K–4 but open to all ages. Registration is required through the library's event page.

Two new Scholastic digital tools

Any Wilmette library cardholder can now access BookFlix and Watch & Learn, two Scholastic platforms the library added this summer.

BookFlix pairs animated fiction with nonfiction e-books at an early-reader level and includes narration from actors like James Earl Jones and Meryl Streep. Watch & Learn offers more than 230 short videos for pre-K through third grade covering science and social studies topics, with closed captioning that supports beginning readers and English Language Learners.

Both tools are free with a library card. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and families can apply at the circulation desk.

Booklist supports District 39's "Our Names are Important" theme

The library also published a booklist curated in partnership with District 39 staff to support the district's "Our Names are Important" monthly community-building theme. Titles include "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson and "Lena's Shoes are Nervous" by Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina. The full list is browsable at tinyurl.com/OurNamesareImportant.

For families who want personalized picks, the library's Kids' Book Picks Form lets parents request a custom reading list from Youth Services librarians, placed on hold for pickup.

Mental health support through Wellmette

The library is also directing families to Wellmette, the Village of Wilmette's mental health initiative that connects residents with local service partners. The program aims to make mental health resources visible and accessible during what the library acknowledged is "a time of excitement, stress, and change."

The library is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Phone: (847) 256-5025.