A woman smiles and points at a computer as a girl clicks with a mouse.
Post Author
Alison Gowans
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Aug. 12, 2024 – The return to school is just around the corner, and the library has free resources to help kids and families as they dive into the new year. All are available with a library card.

Books & Beyond

Computers, Printing, and WiFi – Visit the library for free access to computers and WiFi. Printing and copying are also available. Patrons may also borrow Chromebooks as they are available.

Maker Spaces – New and emerging technology to build, design, craft, and create, including a 3D printer, Cricut, scanners, button makers, sewing machines, and more. Trained library staff are available to teach and guide use of the equipment.

Wonderbooks – Print books with a ready-to-play audiobook inside. 

Launchpads – Electronic mobile game devices designed to help kids learn while having fun.

Reading Challenges – The library holds reading challenges throughout the year on Beanstack. Set up a Beanstack account to log your reading minutes, share book reviews, connect with friends, and more.

Homework Help & Learning

Brainfuse – This homework help resource has live tutors available daily from 2-11 pm. A writing lab, skill builders, language lab, and study support are all included.

Ebsco – Start your homework research here, with access to hundreds of journals, magazines, newspapers, reference books, and primary documents.

LinkedIn Learning – Access thousands of free online training videos and courses, on topics like Photoshop, Excel, financial literacy, writing, and more.

Pronunciator – Learn 163 languages with personalized courses, movies, music, and more through lessons for English speakers wanting to learn another language, as well as lessons for English language learners.

PressReader – Access more than 7,000 of the world’s newspapers and magazines as soon as they’re available on shelves.

US Major Dailies – Access the The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and the Wall Street Journal. With print and online editions, the titles offer researchers thorough and timely coverage of local, regional, and global events.

More Digital Resources

Libby – Download ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and comics with OverDrive and the Libby app.

Hoopla – Digital comic books, graphic novels, and manga are just some of the free resources you can access from your phone or computer. 

CloudLibrary – Find thousands of ebooks and audiobooks on demand.

Kanopy for Kids – Part of Kanopy, with unlimited plays from this collection of free, enriching, educational, and entertaining content.

Tumblebooks – Animated, talking picture books to teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love.

Storyline Online – This award-winning children’s literacy website streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books.

Resources for Pre-K Learners

Junior Spark Kits – Designed to allow your child to explore, play, and learn in a new way with items that may be unfamiliar to them. Children explore their world through play, so let your child lead while you explore the items together. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Sign up for free monthly book delivery for Cedar Rapids kids ages 0-5.

Tonies – Tonies are an imagination driven, screen free digital experience for little listeners.

Library Programs

The library has educational and fun programs planned this fall. Some include story times for young children 5-6 days a week, weekly Expressive Arts with Tanager programs that promote processing, feeling, and healing through the arts, and a School Age STEAM after-school program each Monday. We also have programs for teens, including a monthly 3D Print Club and Craft and Games for teens and tweens on days when school is out. Find them all on our events calendar.