“Back to school” looks different this year, and in some cases back to school is more like still at home. Let the library help as you continue to navigate this unusual school year.
Table of Contents
Books Research Tutoring Online Classes Inspiration Tech Help Wifi Access Need a break?
Reach out to a librarian with any questions or for one-on-one assistance navigating these resources!
Call 574-282-4646
Email library@sjcpl.org
Visit any library location
Need books?
- Pick up a customized bundle of books (up to ten titles) at your favorite branch. Fill out this form and our librarians can get to work finding books just for you! Fiction, nonfiction, adults, kids – Grab & Go Books are for everyone.
- Pro tip: need books on a specific school topic? Choose “Learn” as the mood you are in and provide details on grade level and subject (i.e., 6th grade biology), to get a selection of books to help with your child’s school work.
- Get a customized list of titles in your inbox. Fill out this quick form and Find Your Next Great Read. This is great if you prefer eBooks or eAudiobooks.
- Buy books, movies, CDs, and magazines at low prices ($1!) from the Friends of the Library Bookstore.
Need to do research for a class paper?
When some of us were kids, a print encyclopedia was the go-to place for finding information. Nowadays there are lots of sources available online. Using databases, like the ones below, have the added bonus of teaching students important research and information literacy skills.
For Social Studies:
- Michiana Memory: digitized historical books, photographs, pamphlets, and documents that tell the story of the Michiana area, including St. Joseph County, Indiana, and neighboring counties
- Newspapers.com: over 16,000 current and historic newspapers from around the world
- Gale in Context: Biography: biographies of influential people
For English:
- NoveList and NoveList K-8: great books for kids from K-8, searchable by award winners or grade level
- TeachingBooks.net: thousands of resources about fiction and nonfiction books for k-12, integration of multimedia author and book materials into reading
- Tumblebook Library: animated, talking picture books for little readers
For a little bit of everything:
- Gale eBooks: online encyclopedias and reference books
- Explora: articles and primary source documents for grades K-12, subjects include art and literature, biography, business and careers, current events, geography, health, history, science and math
- Inspire: journal articles, news, educational resources, and more
Need tutoring?
Brainfuse – HelpNow offers free, live, one-to-one, on-demand help from qualified expert tutors.
Need access to online classes?
- Bendable: learn for work or for fun, classes available from Common Threads, Khan Academy, Penn Foster, Study.com, and edX
- Pro tip: search “Cred” in the explore bar to find courses that offer credit at select colleges and universities.
- Gale Courses: instructor-led online classes on vocational and recreational topics, including accounting, college readiness, healthcare, design, and writing
- LinkedIn Learning: Learn technology, creative and business skills you can use today
Need inspiration?
- Browse our homeschooling resource book list to learn about lesson planning and get resources to supplement your curriculum from preschool to college prep.
- Create your own enriching storytimes at home with this Storytime at Home guide filled with ideas and programs. Compiled by our very own Ms. Darla, social media storytime extraordinaire, it can help you do storytime like a pro.
- Start a new arts and craft project with video classes from Creativebug.
Need tech help?
- Browse our Tech Tips series on YouTube for help downloading eBooks or navigating databases like Explora or Brainfuse – HelpNow.
- Watch online tutorials about Google Classroom.
Need WiFi access?
- Visit the Affordable Connectivity website for more information on Wifi accessibility.
- Visit the South Bend COVID-19 Digital Inclusion Tool Kit for more information on free Wifi accessibility.
- WiFi is available in all SJCPL location parking lots, except the Keller Park Branch.
- E-learning workspaces are available at Western, LaSalle, and River Park branches with a time limit of 1 hour.
- Access the Internet anywhere by checking out a hotspot.
Need a break?
- Visit our calendar of events to see what virtual or in person programs are happening near you. From Animal Crossing Adventures to book groups, there are extracurricular activities for kids and mental breaks for parents.
- Watch and rewatch our storytimes, dance and sing along with Mr. Matt, and experiment with DIY Science videos on SJCPL Jr.
