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Richmond Public Library offers free resources and programs to help kids and teens get back to school.

Photo courtesy Richmond Public Library

Library offers resources to help with back-to-school

By Hannah Scott

Published 2:27 PDT, Thu September 1, 2022

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Kids and teens returning to school should take note of free resources available at Richmond Public Library branches.

“The library offers a number of digital literacy resources specifically designed for students of all ages and their families, including BookFlix, Solaro, and Ebsco,” says Kate Adams, the library’s head of children and family services.

BookFlix allows people to watch and read interactive children’s stories online, as well as play games and do puzzles. Solaro provides access to tutorials, flash cards, and practice tests for Grade 3 to 12 math, science, and English classes. Through Ebsco, students can access many academic and popular magazines, reference books, maps, photos, and more. All three resources are free and available online.

The library is also marking the end of a successful Summer Reading Club season, with more than 3,700 children having participated in the program. The finale event will take place on Sept. 11, and people can register online through the library’s website.

Other summer programs offered this year included Read to a Dog, Introduction to Public Speaking, and an online visit with Summer Reading Club artist Elaine Chen.

“We’d like to thank the North Richmond RBC community, who generously sponsored many of the prizes given away this year, a gift that helped to inspire children to keep reading all summer long,” says Adams.

This fall, the library’s Storytime, Babytime, and Learning Together programs will help young children build literacy skills. Emerging readers in grades 1 to 3 can be matched up with a teen volunteer reading buddy. Early French Immersion students can join Le Club Français, which provides reading practice and language support.

“Teens looking for leadership opportunities can join our Teen Ambassadors, or support the library as a teen mentor in a variety of programs,” says Adams. “(Those) looking to connect with others and talk about books (can) join our teen-led Fiction Addiction program, a book club for teens, led by teens.”

As students head back to school, the library is an accessible resource that creates opportunities to learn, connect, and belong.

“We offer ample places to sit and study, (and) all four library branches are open seven days a week. The library’s website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving children and teens round-the-clock access to ebooks, digital resources, and community information,” says Adams.

Library staff are available every day and ready to answer questions and suggest books for students of all ages. Local educators can also sign up for class programs or tours.

The library remains permanently fine free, meaning customers are no longer charged for items that are returned late. This decision was made to ensure library resources remain accessible to all community members.