There are many online resources available to you and your children when you are unable to physically visit the Library. Here is a reminder of the resources and databases you can access through the library, and a list of other online resources the Youth Services librarians recommend.
We will be continually updating this list with more resources as they become available. Have a suggested addition? Email us at ysinfo@mgpl.org.
Community resources
Niles Township: Information on the Pop-Up Pantry and additional food available for those in need.
Library resources
Through the Library’s Databases page, you can access these resources and more with your library card:
Help Now (Brainfuse): Live homework help for kids, teens, and adults. All core subjects offered for grades 3-12. Tutors available 3pm-10pm CST. App available.
Kanopy Kids: Get unlimited access to Kanopy Kids, including Sesame Street, Arthur, and even language learning programs for the next 30 days.
NoveList Plus K-8: Recommendations and reviews of fiction and nonfiction titles for young readers.
Tumblebook Library: Animated talking-picture books, videos, and games for new and younger readers. App available.
World Book Early World of Learning: Stories, videos, songs, and games for preschoolers and younger children.
World Book Kids: Short illustrated articles for younger students.
World Book Student: Encyclopedia and research resource for students in upper elementary through middle school.
Other free online resources we love
Scholastic Learn at Home: Free articles, stories, videos, and fun learning challenges each day. For students in pre-K-6+.
Story Starters: Creative Writing Prompts for Kids: A fun story prompt generator from Scholastic that pairs a random writing form, a main character and descriptor, and a situation.
PebbleGo: Curricular content hub specifically designed for K-3 students. Packed with informational articles, ready-made activities, and literacy supports for students of all abilities.
PBS Kids' Daily Newsletter: Sign up for a free weekday newsletter with activities and tips you can use to help kids play and learn at home.
NASA Kids' Club: Games-based website that stimulates children's interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by incorporating five skill levels, national education standards, and NASA content.
NASA Space Place: NASA Space Place's mission is to inspire and enrich upper-elementary-aged kids' learning of space and Earth science online through fun games, hands-on activities, informative articles and engaging short videos.
KidLitTV: Explore the world of children’s literature and enjoy a collection of children’s authors and illustrators reading out loud.
Storytime Online: This award winning children’s literacy website streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books.
Brightly Storytime: YouTube channel for the Brightly: Raise Kids Who Love to Read website.
Teen Librarian Toolbox: A roundup of pandemic resources for librarians, teachers, and parents.
Amazing Educational Resources: Education companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings.
Interactive online events
Many of our favorite children’s authors and illustrators are scheduling online read-alouds and events during this time when the schools are closed.
Favorite Authors & Illustrators Share Resources for Learning Anywhere: Author and former teacher Kate Messner is curating a resource for kids, families, teachers and librarians to make sure that reading & learning can happen anywhere this spring here.
LivBits is also compiling and updating a list of free daily online events.
Want to learn to draw with Elephant & Piggie creator Mo Willems? Join him daily on YouTube for “LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems”. You can also join author/illustrator Jarret J. Krosoczka, creator of Lunch Lady and Star Wars Jedi Academy daily.
Stay tuned for more of our favorite online resources and activities to do at home.
Sarah Mitchell-Mace is a Youth Services Librarian at Morton Grove Public Library.