#SaxonsRead: May 2025 newsletter

May is a chance to pause and think about mental health—something that affects all of us, whether we talk about it or not. Stress, anxiety, and tough days are part of life, but they don’t have to be things you go through alone.

Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to mean making big changes. It can be as simple as getting enough sleep, taking a break when you need one, or spending time doing something that helps you feel grounded. And if you’re struggling, reaching out—whether to a friend, a counselor, or an adult you trust—can really help.

This month in the library, we’ve put together a collection of books that talk openly about mental health—some are personal stories, some offer practical advice, and some just help you feel seen. Come take a look, or ask if you’re not sure where to start. No matter what you’re dealing with, your mental health matters.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a comprehensive list of resources for Los Angeles-area residents struggling with everything from suicidal thoughts and panic disorders to addiction and PTSD. It's overwhelming to sift through if you need immediate help, though, so here is a quick way to reach out:

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME or HOLA to 741741

A free, confidential, 24/7 support line for those in crisis in the U.S. Within minutes, a live trained crisis counselor will answer your text. It’s been instrumental in helping millions of people, and especially teens. If you prefer WhatsApp or an online chat, just click the link.

FREE Language Learning With the Torrance Public Library

A Torrance Public Library card will allow you to access Mango Languages, an online program that uses conversations and real-life scenarios to teach a bunch of different languages. It's free, fun, and super easy to use; you'll be amazed by how much you can say and understand after just the first lesson! Follow these directions to get a Torrance Public Library card, then access Mango Languages here.

Also In May...

The North High Library celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. For more information and great reading lists, see the displays in the library or visit the "Books" page of the library's website!

Library Closures

Saxons, the end of the school year is wild, but this year is especially so because Ms. Masters is chaperoning North's annual visit to Torrance's sister city in Japan, Kashiwa. Not having a librarian for a full week means limited library services, but we assure you this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

5/2-5/19: The library will be closed during this time due to AP testing. The security of the test is very important, so please do not enter the library if you are not taking a scheduled AP exam. After-school tutoring has been relocated to the College and Career Center (K1) for the duration of the APs. Once APs start, a large sign letting you know the library is closed and giving you options for checking out books will be located in front of the library.

5/22, 27 & 29: The library will be open before school, at break, and at lunch, but only for bathrooms, printing, and book checkout. There will be no hanging out on couches or at tables in the library during this time. Tutoring will be in the library after school, as usual.

5/23, 28 & 30: The library will be completely closed these days, from before school until tutoring begins around 3:30. There will be no access to the bathrooms and the textbook window will not be open. Tutoring will be in the library after school, as usual.

6/4-11: The library will be open before school, at break, and at lunch, but only for bathrooms, printing, and book checkout. There will be no hanging out on couches or at tables in the library during this time. Tutoring will be in the library after school, as usual, up to June 5, when it ends for the year.

Please remember that even when you can't come inside, we can usually help you at the textbook window. Don't be afraid to stop and ring the bell! Additionally, the College & Career Center has computers and a printer year round. Please see Mrs. McKelvey for her schedule.

Book Delivery

During AP testing, you can't come in the library, so we're bringing the library to you. Use our catalog to browse for a book you'd like to read, then order it online, and it will be delivered straight to your classroom!

Seniors!!

Prom tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 7, but you won't be able to purchase yours until you've cleared your library record of overdue books and fees from past school years. If you aren't sure what you owe, check your email--you've been getting notices about it all year long! You can also check your library record yourself using our online catalog.