We suggest: Family stories

Grandparents reading together

While we may be spending more time apart this year, sharing stories can connect people and families across distances, whether you’re separated by long distances or if you’re social distancing. During Family Stories Month this November, connect with your family—biological, adopted, by choice—by sharing stories, both learning about your family’s story and reading stories about … Read more

Discover & explore for grade schoolers: Physical & human geography

Toy person on a map

By Children’s Librarian Genevieve Grove I have always loved looking at maps and studying about other countries and cultures my whole life. Could it be because my last name was Atlas? While I didn’t become a geographer, I still thinks it’s fascinating! Geography has two main branches:  Physical geography studies the Earth itself: landforms, oceans, … Read more

Discover & explore for grade schoolers: Code, create, design, play & learn digitally

Pixel alien on wall

Learn about new tech information in a safe manner with digital titles available in your digital library, create-on-your-own websites, and tech news sources for kids! Check out these digital titles The Fake News Phenomenon by Duchess Harris Snap It! Snapchat Projects for the Real World by Carolyn Bernhardt The Robot Book by Bobby Mercer: Create projects by repurposing … Read more

Virtual learning for early learners: Explore a world of words

Mr. Dean working on Bones Discovery Kit

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Greetings and salutations! Jenny and I have been having fun sharing words this week, from words about apples to what we can find around our homes. Words are everywhere! Explore words together with these videos, activities, books, and more. Watch these videos Miss Jenny has a book called Be Kind, … Read more

Discover & explore for grade schoolers: Hands-on art

Kid painting

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris There are so many reasons art is important, including that it can reduce stress and anxiety. What child or adult doesn’t need that during this pandemic? This article from NPR goes into the details, joys, and benefits of creating—knitting, writing, baking, collaging, and more. What will your family create this … Read more

We suggest: Disability reads

Child with hearing aide reading book

Each October, we recognize Health Literacy Month, a time to promote the importance of understandable health information. October is also a month chosen to highlight awareness of many disability communities, a time to call for acceptance of and advocacy for people who use communication aids to speak, have Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, … Read more

Discover & explore for grade schoolers: Create videos, podcasts, games & more

Family using laptop

Reimagining how we use technology is very important for families today. Below you’ll find equitable resources featuring safe and reliable tutorials that young adults and kids can use to make podcasts, Youtube videos, and coding. Check out these digital titles The Book of Terrifyingly Awesome Technology by Sean Connolly, Kristyna Baczynski Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone La Energía … Read more

Virtual learning & fun for early learners: Take a brain & body break

Miss Shelley with core board

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Welcome back and happy autumn! Recently, Miss Jenny shared a book about a day that should have been exciting and wonderful turning into a big disappointment. Those days feel pretty common right now. Our kids want to go to school and learn and play with their friends—but right now, it … Read more