Just because we are stuck at home doesn’t mean we can’t have fun and keep learning! We work hard trying to make sure everyone stays informed, safe, active, connected, healthy, and learning. We are still here for you even if we can’t see each other at the library. Subscribe to our Facebook page to stay informed and to find links and videos for all the fun activities that I wish I could do with you. I sure miss seeing the kids and doing all these fun things with them and I am glad that I can still share them so that you can still do them at home. I hope that you will share pictures with us so it will almost be like we are doing them together 😊 If you are interested in what we are doing head over to our Instagram page.
If you are looking for things to read because you can’t come to the library then you should check out the Anytime Library. They have many audio and eBooks available. The Anytime Library has a section for kids and one for teens. You can browse our different collections like Family Read Alouds or Riding With the Wind in Your Hair that is a list full of books about horses! We even have a list of Read Along books that reads the story so kids can follow along. Or maybe you're looking for something available right now -- we have a list for that too! We also have special lists for Teens like their Infectious Reads list with book about "pandemics, viruses, infections, illnesses, and other things that make you want to go wash your hands." It includes books like The Maze Runner, Optimists Die First, and Pride & Prejudice & Zombies. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a kid or a teen to check these books out! I read books for kids and teens all the time 😊 Don’t have a library card with us? No problem you can get an instant digital card using your phone number.
We also have some good resources on our website for kids and teens. We have homework help that have a number of helpful online resources. For example, we have a database just for biographies that has articles, podcasts, videos, and photographs about historical figures or people today. Another database we have is called Opposing Viewpoints that covers the pros and cons of many issues. We also have a Testing & Education Reference Center that has test prep books and more than 300 different practice tests for things such as the SAT’s, ACTS, GED, Cosmetology, real estate, military and so much more. All you need to login is the 14-digit barcode number on the back of your library card! Email us if you need your card number.
While library staff have been working hard from home to stay connected and engaged, I've been searching the internet every week to keep kids entertained and learning. Some of the fun things I've found are podcasts like LeVar Burton Reads (also on Twitter Live Stream), and Julie Andrews' new Julie’s Library podcast. Dolly Parton has a 'Goodnight with Dolly' reading program that can be found on her Imagination Library social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. And if you are looking for more eBooks than what we have on the Anytime Library, Sesame Street recently made 110 of their eBooks free on all major eBook marketplaces with no expiration date at the moment. The Learning Station has “Healthy Music for a Child’s Heart, Body, and Mind!” GoNoodle is another site that gets kids singing, dancing, learning, and having fun!
Last but not least -- stay tuned for more information about our Spring Reading Challenge for all ages, changes to our upcoming Summer Reading Club, a complete resource list with more fun ideas for you and your kids, and starting next week some Facebook Live events for kids!
~Millie Hopkins, Youth Services Library Assistant
