INDIANAPOLIS — As schools and families face difficult decisions on plans for reopening this fall, The Indianapolis Public Library is reminding parents, teachers and school administrators of its vast array of free books and online resources to keep students engaged in learning.
Not only are IndyPL locations open, with necessary safety precautions in place, for students and families to visit and check out books and other materials, but the Library is accessible online 24/7 to help get the most out of distance learning. A huge assortment of popular and curriculum-supporting e-book, audiobook and video titles is available for download or streaming, and schools can benefit from shared purchasing of multiple titles for classroom needs.
For teachers seeking electronic resources that target specific subject areas and support curriculum standards, IndyPL has over 30 individual research and study tools for all grade levels. Examples include National Geographic, World Book, Literature Reference Center, CultureGrams, Sirs Issues Researcher, Gale Opposing Viewpoints, and African American Experience. Additionally, The Library’s blog can assist teachers and caregivers with book suggestions, science experiments, games, read-alouds, and links to help children with homework and research.
Some resources don’t require a Library card, but those that do will benefit a large number of Marion County students who have received free cards as part of an ongoing campaign with local school districts. Over 90,000 students in grades K – 12 have received their cards in the past four years thanks to the initiative.
Additionally, there is still time to participate in the Library’s 2020 Summer Reading Program, “Imagine Your Story.” The program invites children to experience the joy of reading and earn prizes for their reading activity generously donated by community sponsors. Families can register online or in-person and complete activities until August 1.
To access the Library’s many online resources and learn about these services, visit indypl.org.