Welcome to Kid City!
This page is dedicated to kids from birth to 8th grade. Our website is an extension of the great resources we offer in person at Kid City. Browse the calendar to see all the upcoming events for kids of all ages. Use the Recommendations for Kids tile to see our newest book suggestions from staff. If you need more personalized book recommendations please use Book Picks for Kids tile. Have a look at the Reading Challenges Tile to make sure your child is signed up for all current reading programs.
We hope you will come check out your Library and discover, engage, and explore our many play-based educational features. Our welcoming staff will assist you with registration, book recommendations, or a take- home craft. Kid City provides a space for you and your child to blast off into a world of fun.
Staff Picks for Kids
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A Bear Is a Bear (except when he's not)
When Bear wakes up early from his hibernation, he can’t remember what he is! Is he a bird? Or a moose? Maybe a fox? Just when it seems like Bear won’t be able to figure it out, he finds his cave and decides another nap might help. Will Bear be able to remember what he is when he wakes up again in the spring?
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All My Stripes
A helpful story for kids with autism spectrum disorders as they follow a young zebra who learns to understand how he is different from the rest of his classmates.
Zane the zebra often feels different. He worries that his classmates don't notice his "curiosity," "honesty," or "caring stripes," just his "autism stripe." With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes, including his "autism stripe," as the unique strengths that make him who he is.Includes a Reading Guide with additional background information about autism spectrum disorders and a Note to Parents and Caregivers with tips for finding support.
Excerpt:
All My Stripes provides readers a small yet enlightening glimpse into a day in the life of a young, smart, caring, honest, and curious zebra named Zane. Zane is experiencing challenges at school often associated with autism spectrum disorders. This story can serve as a teaching tool for caregivers—such as parents, grandparents, and teachers—to help other children and family members understand the various challenges individuals on the autism spectrum face on a day-to-day basis. Those that are highlighted in this story are discussed in more depth in the Reading Guide. -
Watch Out for the Lion!
Readers beware—there’s a ferocious lion in this book! The book warns that it has seen the lion already. First its bristly tail, then clashing claws, twitchy ears, fearsome fangs... and it’s lying in wait to turn any unsuspecting passerby into a child cheeseburger or rugrat ravioli.
But does a brushy tail always belong to a lion? When you touch the curvy claws, will they be attached to a paw? You never really know what might be lurking around the corner in this surprising story that challenges readers to face their darkest fears, and maybe even laugh about them. -
Taylor Swift
Learn about the glittering story of Taylor Swift! The talented singer-songwriter who dreamed of sharing her talent with the world.
Little Taylor grew up on her family’s Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. Her life changed at six years old when she attended her first concert. Dancing and singing in the crowd as country musician LeAnn Rimes performed, Taylor fell in love with country music. Some of the kids at school didn’t understand, but Taylor managed to shake it off.
She took her first steps towards stardom by recording a demo of cover songs and sending it to record labels in Nashville, the home of country music. Yet while she enjoyed singing others’ songs, she knew all too well that she needed to express herself in her own words. When she began writing her own lyrics and melodies, her talent for putting feelings into words shone through.
After signing with a record label, she started working on her first album: Taylor Swift. It became very popular, very quickly. Soon, she had earned a number one single on the country music charts.
Next, she released her second album, a country-pop record named Fearless, it was a hit, and suddenly everyone knew her name. She won a Grammy and started to write more pop music for her albums—all the while keeping storytelling at the center of her work. Several albums and sell-out world tours followed. Despite the obstacles in her way, Taylor has always stood up for what she believes in and always believed in herself!
This powerful book will never go out of style. It features quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Taylor’s life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.
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Force of Nature
A beautiful and hopeful story of how a young impassioned naturalist grows up to change the world. For everyone who cares about our fragile planet.
"An absolute joy to read." --Book Riot
"Gracefully written...pleasing to the eye and ear." --Kirkus Reviews
Rachel was a girl who loved
science and the sea,
books and writing
and all the creatures of the world.
Rachel was quiet,
a listener by nature.
But when she saw problems,
she could not remain silent.
Some people thought girls
shouldn't be scientists.
They thought girls
shouldn't use their voices
to question or challenge,
even to protect
all the creatures of the world.
Luckily Rachel didn't listen
to them.
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The Story of Barbie and the Woman who Created Her
A beautifully illustrated picture book about Barbie--the most famous doll in the world--and her visionary creator, Ruth Handler.
After noticing how her daughter played with "grown-up" paper dolls, Ruth Handler wanted to create a doll that would inspire little girls to use their huge imaginations and big dreams about their futures. While others told her it wasn't possible, Ruth Handler proved them all wrong by creating the most famous doll ever. This beautiful hardcover picture book will inspire children ages 3 to 7 to believe that anything is possible--especially with Barbie!
Since 1959, Barbie has shown girls that they can live their dreams. From an astronaut to a chef to a president, she knows that girls can do anything! -
Who's Afraid of the Light?
Fergus lives down in the deepest, darkest sea and is scared of just one thing ... the light! Fresh and funny narrative non-fiction from the award-winning Anna McGregor.
From award-winning creator Anna McGregor (author of Anemone is Not the Enemy) comes this hilarious tale of the deepest of sea creatures. Seamlessly combining humor, narrative, and non-fiction, McGregor introduces young readers to the wonders of the ocean's 'midnight zone', where no sunlight at all is able to penetrate. We meet Fergus as he hides from a parade of sea-creatures that use bioluminescence to find their way in the dark. At least, we think he is hiding ... or is it something else entirely?
This book is ideal for:
- Educators and librarians looking for humorous stories to use as a launching pad for further non-fiction investigation into the ocean environment;
- Parents and carers looking to combine narrative and non-fiction to entertain and educate their children simultaneously;
- Kids who just want funny books!
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This Is Not a Drill
Told through text messages, this timely story explores the real dangers kids face with humor, insight, and a ton of heart.
Ava is having a really bad day. Her parents are getting divorced. She just had a big argument with her two best friends. And she forgot to charge her phone... again.
To top it all off, while she is hiding out in the bathroom over lunch, the alarm goes off for a lockdown drill. Ava knows the rules. She has to get herself into a classroom, turn the ringer off on her phone, lock the door, and cover the windows. But all of the rooms have already been locked from the inside and there is no one in the halls.
Pretty soon she realizes there is an intruder in the building. This isn't a drill.
From the author of From Me to Youand House Arrest, comes this timely that explores both the effect of school lockdown drills and the relatable struggles of modern middle grade friendship.
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MapMaker
From Lisa Moore Ramée, author of the Walter Honor Award-winning A Good Kind of Trouble, comes her debut middle grade fantasy--an absorbing, imaginative adventure about a Black boy who has the magical ability to bring maps to life. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky and A Tale of Magic.
When Walt and his family relocate to Blackbird Bay, Walt thinks it's the most boring place on earth. While his twin sister, Van, likes to spend her time skateboarding, Walt prefers to hide out in his room and work on his beloved map world, Djaruba. But shortly after their arrival, Walt discovers something extraordinary: He has the ability to make maps come to life.
Suddenly his new hometown doesn't seem so boring after all. And when a magical heirloom leaves Walt, his new friend Dylan, and Van stranded in the fantastical world that Walt created, he'll need to harness his new power to get them home.
But things are changing. People have gone missing, and it's clear that a malevolent rival to the kingdom--a fellow mapmaker--has nefarious plans for Walt. If he's not stopped soon, Djaruba could become nothing but a shadow of itself or, worse, gone forever. And if a mapmaker can destroy one world, could Earth be next?
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The Leaf Thief
Perfect for fans of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, The Leaf Thief is a funny picture book that teaches kids about autumn, adapting to change, and the seasons.
Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree--red leaves, gold leaves, orange, and more. But hold on! One of his leaves is missing! On a quest to find the missing leaf, Squirrel teams up with his good friend Bird to discover who the leaf thief could be among their forest friends.
With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of autumn is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel's forest adventure. Is there truly a leaf thief afoot, or is something else going on in Squirrel's forest? A perfect exploration of change--both seasonal, and the anxiety that change sometimes causes. Bonus material explaining about the changing of the seasons. Poised to be a new fall classic.
Pick up The Leaf Thief if you are looking for:
A classic read for ages 4 and up
Back to school books, ideal for your classroom, homeschool curriculum, and more!
Seasonal and educational stories about the changing seasons
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I See Sea Food
Meet some of the wackiest creatures under the sea--creatures that look like food--through eye-catching photos and engaging text. This funny, informative book introduces readers to the egg yolk jellyfish, the lettuce sea slug, the chocolate chip sea star, and many more! Accessible text and engaging photos make this a very fun read.
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You Are a Reader! / You Are a Writer!
Two rhyming books in one that inspire and encourage children who are learning to read and write.
You are a Reader! / You are a Writer! is a book made to be read twice, once from the front and once from the back. Read one way, children will see all the joys that reading can bring--flip it over and they'll be inspired by the imaginative possibilities of writing!
With a jaunty rhyme that’s great for reading aloud and a diverse cast of characters at various stages of reading and writing, there is something for everyone here. Learning to read? Scan, sound, simmer, think. You can guzzle words and ink. You might stumble, you might sigh. But readers practice, grow, and fly! Learning to write? Wake, watch, wonder, plot. You can weave with words and thoughts. Still staring at an empty page? Every writer knows that stage. Ask "What if?" Change your view. Try a pen--or stick--that's new. But writers read and draft, and fly!
Throughout the book are suggestions for where to find inspiration for reading and writing and different ways to move on if you are discouraged. Christine Davenier's energetic illustrations add to the fun in this true celebration of what it means to be a reader and a writer, no matter how accomplished you are or aren't.
Praise for Snowy Race
"A girl gets to ride on her dad's giant snowplow in this delightful rhyming tale. They race through the heavy snow, but it's not clear where they're going until they arrive at the train station. . . Prince's (What Do Wheels Do All Day?) text is intriguingly spare, letting Davenier's (The First Thing My Mama Told Me) softly exuberant wintertime scenes shine." --The New York Times
Rhyming, minimal text coupled with fetching illustrations by Davenier expertly convey the exhilarating drama of entering into a snowstorm as well as the comfy feelings of being in a warm house while the weather is frightful. --School Library Journal
A winning, winter race. --Kirkus Reviews -
The Biggest Roller Coaster
Siblings Fritz and Franny have fun trying all the rides at the amusement park in this early reader from Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler!
Pick a Book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read text, a short-story format, plenty of humor, and full-color artwork on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and fluency. Acorn books plant a love of reading and help readers grow!Get ready to ride! Fox siblings Fritz and Franny -- and their faithful dog, Fred -- are spending the day at the amusement park. After sizing up the tallest, fastest, and loudest rides they can find, these foxes come together on the perfect coaster. Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler's easy-to-read text and humor-filled, full-color artwork will have young readers everywhere laughing out loud!
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I Am the Longest Dog
From the co-author of the hilarious national bestseller All My Friends Are Dead comes a very tall tale about a very long dog--with a very big surprise at the tail-end! Lucy is the world's longest dog, but just how long is she? Like, are we talking pretty long? Or super-crazy number-one-record-breaking BANANAS long? See for yourself in this hilarious picture book by best-selling author-illustrator Avery Monsen. (Warning: the dog is very long.)
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Front Desk
Four starred reviews and over ten best-of-year lists!* Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children's Literature!* Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewMia Tang has a lot of secrets.Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they've been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?
Seasonal Books
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There's a Ghost in this House
A captivating new picture book with interactive transparent pages, from world-renowned artist Oliver Jeffers.
Hello, come in.
Maybe you can help me?A young girl lives in a haunted house, but has never seen a ghost. Are they white with holes for eyes? Are they hard to see? She'd love to know! Step inside and turn the transparent pages to help her on an entertaining ghost hunt, from behind the sofa, right up to the attic. With lots of friendly ghost surprises and incredible mixed media illustrations, this unique and funny book will entertain young readers over and over again!
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Ghost Afraid of the Dark
Follow Boo the Ghost as he celebrates his first Halloween with all his Monster friends! He is a shy little ghost and quickly realizes he is afraid of many things. Read as Boo the Ghost discovers to be brave in this adorable, spooky story! Once upon a time, in a haunted house near you, lived a little ghost, his name was Boo. October nights should have been such a lark, but poor little Boo was afraid of the dark. Follow Boo as he visits his monster friends and discovers how to be brave on Halloween night! This adorable story with spooktacular illustrations is perfect to make Halloween or any dark night become more fun than creepy. With charming illustrations and a glow-in-the-dark cover, Ghost Afraid of the Dark is sure to delight young readers. - A great read-aloud choice that will resonate with kids experiencing their own fears of the dark - Delivers a timeless message, full of opportunities for empathy, about the power of friendship and creative strategies to help conquer fears - Cute and kid-friendly illustrations feature common Halloween characters, monsters, and scenes with humorous touches - Perfect for Halloween, this splendid story also works perfectly for bedtime throughout the rest of the year - The rhyming text is enjoyable to read and has a natural rhythm that will please children (and adults) of all ages - Includes glow-in-the-dark ink on the cover
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Halloween in the Orchard
The apples are ready for harvest and Halloween is here! What better way to celebrate than by donning homemade costumes and going to the local apple orchard? In this charming story, a boy and his family enjoy everything the orchard has to offer, including searching for scarecrows, getting lost in a corn maze, and going on a hayride. Phyllis Alsdurf's nostalgic storytelling and Lisa Hunt's cozy illustrations will have you counting down the days until Halloween and apple orchard season!
Backmatter includes a search-and-find key for finding scarecrows in the book and instructions for decorating a homemade trick-or-treat bag.
Halloween in the Orchard is the third in the beloved Countryside Holidays series, along with Thanksgiving in the Woods and A Simple Christmas on the Farm.
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No Such Thing
One cool day in late October, Georgia noticed something weird. Objects would move around the house and sometimes they even disappeared. Now, some people may have wondered (especially at this time of year) if this was the work of something spooky? But not clever Georgia! She has all the explanations and none of the fear! Join her in debunking the spookiest of ghoulish and ghostly mischief in this Halloween adventure!
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Happy Halloween, Fiona
Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the beloved internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as she heads out from some trick-or-treating Halloween fun with her little brother Fritz and all their animal friends at the zoo! Happy Halloween, Fiona is another addition to the New York Times bestselling Fiona the Hippo series.
It’s Halloween, and Fiona wants to share all the fun with her little brother Fritz. But Fritz isn’t so sure. It is so dark. And what are those scary screeches and growls all around the zoo? Will Fiona’s encouragement and the thought of yummy treats and seeing friends in fun costumes be enough to help Fritz be brave?
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Not Very Scary
Children's author Carol Brendler and illustrator Greg Pizzoli's Not Very Scary follows a young monster as she makes her way to her friend's house for a Halloween party, despite the not very...slightly...okay, pretty scary creatures dogging her along the way.
Melly is a brave little monster who is not afraid of anything. She loves surprises, and when her fun-loving cousin invites her over for a big surprise, Melly excitedly sets out for a visit. On her way, she notices skittish skeletons, a coal-black cat, and even ghoulish goblins following her. But Melly is not scared, no she's not! Well, maybe just a teensy bit . . . -
Grumpy Monkey Don't Be Scared
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Grumpy Monkey and his jungle friends are trick-or-treating on Halloween amid strange noises and mysterious smells. Along the way, they are reminded that nothing can be scarier than returning home with no treats. Two pages of full-color stickers are included for extra fun!
On the spookiest night of the year, Jim Panzee and his jungle friends brave the dark to collect treats. Not only does the jungle look different at night, it sounds different. What’s that knock-knock-knock and that HAHA HAHA HAHA? And the smell? PEE-YEW! “Don’t be scared,” they tell Jim. But then two glowing eyes flash overhead, and looking for treats is almost abandoned.
Halloween in the jungle can be even scarier than trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood. -
Pug & Pig Trick-or-Treat
Pug and Pig are back for a heartwarming Halloween adventure in this adorable picture book that’s perfect for pet lovers of all ages.
Halloween night has come to Pug and Pig’s house, and the darling duo is sporting matching costumes. The costumes are cozy. They glow in the dark. And they have masks! There’s only one problem—Pug hates wearing his. So he decides to rip it up and stay home. But Halloween just isn’t any fun for Pig without Pug! Can Pug find a way to be a good friend and get back into the Halloween spirit? -
Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins
Author and artist James Dean brings us a groovy rendition of the classic favorite children’s song “Five Little Pumpkins,” sung by cool cat Pete and perfect for Halloween. A New York Times bestselling favorite!
Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins is filled with vibrant, engaging illustrations for even the youngest of Pete fans.
Young Halloween fans will enjoy chanting along with Pete:
Five little pumpkins
Sitting on a gate. The first one said,
"Oh my, it’s getting late."
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Monster Boogie
I’m the biggest monster
that you’ve ever seen!
My eyes are purple
and my teeth are green.
I’m big and I’m scary,
you know what I mean?
And this is what I like to do…
Boogie away those bedtime fears and embrace your inner monster with Monster Boogie, based on Laurie Berkner’s irresistibly fun song and featuring lively, playful artwork by Ben Clanton!
I do the monster boogie.
So can you!
Rraaaahhh! -
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
Desmond and Clayton must work together to win the Biggest Pumpkin competition, in this popular bestselling picture book.
Once there were two mice who fell in love with the same pumpkin....
Desmond the field mouse wants to carve the biggest jack-o'-lantern in the neighborhood with his pumpkin. Clayton the house mouse wants to win the Biggest Pumpkin contest with his. But when they discover that their choice pumpkins are actually the same one, Desmond and Clayton decide to work together to grow the biggest pumpkin ever! -
How to Catch a Monster
Get ready to laugh along in this fun children's monster book as a brave young ninja heads into the closet to meet the monster that's been so scary night after night! But what if our monster isn't scary at all? Maybe our hero is about to make a friend of the strangest sort...This inventive picture book about conquering fears and overcoming anxiety reminds us that things aren't always as scary as they seem!
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Tricks Are Treats
Get up to mischief with the Disney Villains, just in time for Halloween, in this laugh-out-loud storybook that comes with a sheet of villainous stickers! Trick or treat? Disney Villains don't need to choose . . . For them, tricks are treats! Whether they're serving poison apples or wearing sneaky disguises, they adore creating utter mayhem. Join ten mischievous villains to find out why they find trickery so very delightful. Featured Disney Villains include the Queen, Dr. Facilier, Cruella, Captain Hook, Yzma, Hades, Ursula, Gaston, the Queen of Hearts, and Maleficent. This wickedly delightful Disney Villains storybook features a rhyming read-aloud text, vibrant illustrations, and a spooky sheet of stickers--making it the perfect buy for Halloween.
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One Good Night 'til Halloween
Celebrate Halloween in a special way with this bright, joyful board book.
The day is almost here! It's only "one more good night" until Halloween. As a child goes to sleep, they can't wait for all the fun that comes with celebrating their favorite holiday with their loved ones. They know the next day will be filled with the best Halloween decorations, treats, and costumes! Experience familial traditions in this sweet holiday primer. -
How to Be a Ghost (LEGO)
Join Gavin the ghost as he navigates the challenges of making friends while unintentionally scaring them away in this LEGO® Little Golden Book!
Gavin the ghost has always wanted friends, but after so many people run away scared, he’s lost his confidence. When the latest family moves into his house, he’s determined to make them like him. But how can he make friends when he’s not being true to himself? Find out in this sweet and silly LEGO Little Golden Book!
The combination of two classics—Little Golden Books and LEGO—makes this the perfect book for kids ages 4 and up and collectors of all ages!
Upcoming Events
Youth Art & Literary Magazine: Accepting Submissions!
Are you an artist or an author? Submit your original artwork, poetry, short stories, or personal essays for a chance to be published in our first ever edition of the Blue & Berry Bulletin, WAPL's Art and Literary Magazine.
Mystery Box
Take your own mystery home this spooky season with a Mystery Box! Sink your teeth into an engaging story, hunt for clues, and uncover the secrets lurking inside. 1 box per family.
Take & Make Craft- 3D Paper Pumpkin
This paper strip pumpkin is a perfect decoration. Pick up supplies in Kid City and watch you tube tutorial for instructions.
Moon Over Wauconda
Join the Lake County Astronomical Society in the library’s parking lot to view the moon and other objects in the night sky. This is a drop-in program, no registration is required.
Wondertime
For children age 3 and their caregiver.
Each week this lively storytime that features a variety of stories, songs, fingerplays, and other activities aimed at building a love of language, books, and reading!
Book Buddies
KIDS-
Readers looking for a new way to gain confidence and practice reading skills? Kids will enjoy being partnered with a young volunteer buddy. Enjoy great books, a relaxed reading time and making a new friend.
TEENS-
Learning Adventure
The early years are perfect for building a foundation for long-term learning. A great way to prepare your child for a classroom setting.
Take & Make Craft- Ghost
Kids can personalize their own ghost at home. Pick up supplies in Kid City.
Wondertime
For children age 3 and their caregiver.
Each week this lively storytime that features a variety of stories, songs, fingerplays, and other activities aimed at building a love of language, books, and reading!
Resources for Kids
Creative Bug
Nurture your creative side with 1000+ video classes in painting, knitting, crafting, sewing, and more.
Digital Library of Illinois (Libby)
Powered by Libby (formerly known as Overdrive), we have combined our exclusive e-content titles with other libraries to provide a much larger selection of materials to choose from, while still maintaining first dibs on titles we will continue to add regularly.
Explora
Start your research project here. Explora delivers results from multiple sources including articles, ebooks, essays, and primary source documents.”
Hoopla
Stream & download movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on most any device.
KanopyKids
Browse educational and engaging videos for children of all ages that promote positive social and emotional development and inspire creativity in young minds.
Mango Languages
Language-learning software teaches practical conversation in over 70 languages, with free mobile apps, hands-free learning features, and progress tracking.
NoveList Plus K-8
Great for kids, parents and teachers! Browse recommended reads by age, get book discussion guides as well search titles, authors, plot summaries, and series. Includes lexile scoring for both fiction and non-fiction titles.
Primary Search
Primary Search is a full-text database of carefully curated content for elementary school aged children. It includes full text for the most popular children's magazines, e-books, and easy-to-read encyclopedic entries written specifically for kids.
Tumblebooks
For Grades Pre-K - 6. Watch, listen and read your favorite picture books as they come to life with animation.