Aug. 8, 2025 – Get ready for the new school year with free resources from the library!
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, for use inside the library.
Maker Spaces – New and emerging technology to build, design, craft, and create, including 3D printers, Cricut, laser cutter,s 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
Ebsco – Start your homework research here, with access to hundreds of journals, magazines, newspapers, reference books, and primary documents.
LinkedIn Learning – View thousands of free online training videos and courses on topics like Photoshop, Excel, financial literacy, writing, and more.
Mango Languages – Take online classes in over 70 languages, plus a variety of English course. Try guided classes, learn new vocabulary, stretch your language skills and expand your cultural horizons with Mango’s immersive features.
PressReader – Access more than 7,000 of the world’s newspapers and magazines as soon as they’re available on shelves.
US Major Dailies – Read 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.
Mometrix eLibrary – Prepare for tests with wide range of study materials, including flashcards, practice tests, and guides, covering subjects from foundational education to specialized trades and advanced academic fields.
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.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten – Caregivers track each book they read with their child, from birth until they start kindergarten. After reading 1,000 books, children earn a prize and a completion certificate.
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 and art programs for children, Read to Dogs for emerging readers, educational animal encounters, gaming groups, Chess Club, and more. We also have programs for teens, including art, gaming, and book club, Teen Maker Club, and more. Find them all on our events calendar.