Chicago Public Library and the Chicago Public Schools Libraries Team have partnered to ensure all students, from pre-K to high school, have access to the many resources of the public library with our Back-to-School Library Card Initiative. This year’s focus is on updating existing cards online or getting eCards for students who have never had a card before and only need to access online resources. Replacement card fees for physical library cards will be waived through January 8, 2021.
An eCard allows students who’ve never had a library card to check out eBooks, audiobooks, listen to music, watch videos and use CPL’s online resources, including Brainfuse homework help. You can also visit your neighborhood library to update your card or get a new library card.
All school-age kids and teens may participate. Students and their parents/guardians are responsible for updating existing cards online, completing eCard applications or visiting any CPL location to get a physical library card. CPL is waiving the replacement card fee of $1 through January 8.
chipublib.org/StudentLibraryCards
CPL SUPPORTS TEACHING AND LEARNING: HIGHLIGHTS OF ONLINE RESOURCES
(CPL Library Card or eCard Needed for Access)
- Brainfuse – Get help with your homework online from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Available in English and Spanish for early elementary through advanced college prep students in core subjects. For grades K and up.
- CultureGrams – Information on countries, territories and states including customs, lifestyles and social conditions. For grades 3 to 8.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica – Access information about a variety of topics in various formats. Also available in Spanish through Encyclopaedia Britannica Escolar. For grades K to 2.
- Hoopla – Access audiobooks, music, movies, television and eBooks. Each student can check out a copy of a book without waiting on a holds queue (though available content varies month to month).
- Kids Search – Articles related to math, science, language arts, music and more. Use the audio function to listen as you read along. For grades 3 to 5.
- World Book Kids – Grades K – 2: Find articles, play games, view activities to do offline and learn how to set up a science project. Students in grades 3 to 8 can access World Book Students to search for current events, historical timelines, biography collections and more.
SHARE CPL’S NEW LEARNING JOURNEY WITH YOUR STUDENTS FOR EXTENDED LEARNING
Explore CPL’s online resources for kids by taking part in our monthly Learning Journey activities. Kids and tweens who complete at least 4 activities will be entered to win a special prize!
https://www.chipublib.org/learning-journey-for-kids-and-tweens/
ADDITIONAL VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
The Thomas Hughes Children’s Library would love to assist you in your remote learning journey. We can offer the following programs tailored to your students’ needs and interests:
- Story Times/Read Alouds: Story Times/Read Alouds can be tailored to the grade, curriculum etc.
- Book Talks: Book Talks about different genres, award winners, a specific theme etc.
- Virtual Library Visit: A virtual library visit can include a presentation with pictures from our space, information on the library card campaign, and instructions on how to use the CPL website and databases efficiently.
Your students may also want to register for any other virtual programs that the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library is offering to the general public (limited seats available). : https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/search/q=Thomas%20Hughes