Summer reading helps kids stay engaged when school isn’t in session, ensuring that students are prepared and ready to learn when they return to the classroom in the fall. Libraries have long played a key role in hosting summer reading programs that are free and accessible to everyone in their communities, but due to the …
COVID-19 Won’t Stop Librarians from Promoting Summer Reading Read More »
The recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black Americans are an urgent reminder of the importance of learning and self-reflecting about structural racism and racial justice. Wondering where to get started? The American Library Association’s Great Stories Club has reading lists, discussion questions, and other resources for critically examining …
Racial Healing Resources from Library Workers and Scholars Read More »
Need a break during these challenging times? The American Library Association has shared a free PDF with coloring pages, writing prompts, and inspirational quotes for the library community to enjoy while social distancing. The printable coloring pages let you decorate book covers, flowers, geometric patterns, and more. Writing prompts offer inspiration for creating whimsical poetry, …
Free Coloring Pages and Writing Prompts for Library Lovers Read More »
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, students and their families are facing uncertain times, but one thing remains as true as ever: reading is a great way for kids to stay engaged with learning during the summer. Every year, youth librarians from the Association for Library Service to Children compile a list of their top summer …
Libraries across the country have been pulling out all the stops to create engaging, educational online read-alouds for the millions of children staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago Public Library’s Live From The Library Facebook series has featured appearances from authors, actors, and musicians; the latest guest readers on the list are Chicagoans Barack …
Barack and Michelle Obama Join Chicago Public Library for Virtual Storytime Read More »
Families across the country count on library storytime programs to teach kids early literacy skills—but with most libraries closing to the public to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, these in-person read-alouds have been put on hold. Fortunately, America’s libraries have gotten creative, using video and audio technology to keep reading to children while maintaining social …
National Library Week is April 19 – 25—and what better way to celebrate than by downloading free eBooks and audiobooks from your local library system? Through the end of April, participating libraries are offering unlimited free loans of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an eBook and audiobook through the Libby app. With no …
Read Harry Potter for Free This National Library Week Read More »
With coronavirus continuing to spread, in-person gatherings are off the table—but one librarian in South Carolina is using video games to bring her community together virtually. Tina Chenoweth, Young Adult Services Manager at the Baxter-Patrick James Island branch of Charleston County Public Library, has been recreating her library in the popular new video game Animal …
Visit this Library’s Virtual Branch in Animal Crossing: New Horizons Read More »
With schools closing across the country to slow the spread of COVID-19, parents and caregivers are in a challenging position: keeping kids engaged and entertained at home, often while working remotely at the same time. The internet offers countless children’s apps and games that purport to be educational, but choosing which ones to download can …
Kids Staying Home? Librarians Recommend These Apps and Games Read More »
Libraries across the country are closing their doors to slow the spread of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped serving their communities. One library in McMurray, Pennsylvania created an online Harry Potter escape room to keep local teens entertained at home. Peters Township Public Library’s digital escape room includes a variety of magic-themed puzzles, …
Experience Hogwarts with This Virtual Library Escape Room Read More »
