Updated at 11:09 a.m. on May 8, 2020
As efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) ramp up with school closures across Ohio, we want educators and caregivers to know that even though our branch libraries are closed to the public for the time being, we're still here for you to provide both information and digital resources to help make teaching and caring for kids a bit easier.
Homework and school assignment help
The Library provides free, online homework help through BrainFuse, opens a new window, where students can connect with educators for assistance. Students can also set up virtual study rooms and meet as a group. The platform also provides online study aids like flashcards.
Best practices for distance learning can now be found at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov, opens a new window.
KidsActivities.com gathered a list, opens a new window of education companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings.
Learning Creative Learning has a whole discussion forum for educators and parents schooling from home to use for resources for creative learning online.
Unboundeq.com shared out a document crowdsourcing and curating teaching tips and teaching online with care, opens a new window.
Gale, a Cengage Company, opens a new window, is offering open access to its resources for teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adobe is offering its online classroom software, opens a new window free for 90 days.
George Veletsianos, PhD's book Learning Online and the Student Experience, opens a new window is now available for free.
24 ways young people can learn digital skills at home, opens a new window from the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.
CASEL has wonderful resources for parents, caregivers, and educators.
Comcast , opens a new windowand Spectrum , opens a new windowinternet providers are offering free internet for students.
Meals and snacks for kids
While our Libraries are closed, curbside meals are available on weekdays for youth ages 18 and under, at select locations. Children must be present to receive a meal. Times and locations are listed on our website, opens a new window.
Santa Maria Community Services published a robust list of where to find food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic on their Facebook page, opens a new window.
COVID-19 resources for parents and caregivers
Resources for Parents & Caregivers to Talk with Kids about COVID-19, opens a new window
COVID-19 Community Resource Guide , opens a new window
Read, listen, watch, learn
Our eBranch, opens a new window has robust digital offerings, including eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, online classes and more for both adults and children.
Library cards
We launched a streamlined library card application, that only allows for the Downloadable card, opens a new window.
The Downloadable card is now available for all ages, and we’re relaxing ID verification so that the card can quickly be moved from temporary status. Once we are back to offering some type of in-person services, we will follow-up with you to verify addresses and update your card type should you so choose.
For the latest Library service updates and resources, please visit our COVID-19 resource page.
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