iLEARN
Your Library Card...
A Passport to Learning!
by Cassie Johnson
E
very student in western Kentucky finished the 2019/20 school year virtually and many students started the 2020/21 school year the same way. This has left parents helping their children at home with school work some, or all, of the time. Naturally, those of us teaching part or full time at home have questions or concerns about our child’s work. “This math wants us to do what? Where can we do research for this report? We need help with Spanish!” Your library is a great resource for assistance this school year. Did you know that the answers to these, and millions of other questions, could be one click away if you have a local library card?
that offers 71 choices of languages, so you’re sure to find the assistance you’re looking for. Tumble Books is an amazing program for Kindergarten through fifth grade that offers math, stories, and many others on their broad learning database. Parents of homeschoolers have access to several websites as well.”
Each county has their own public library and obtaining a library card is easy. Bring your photo ID and sign up in person at the circulation desk, or even easier, sign up online. Your library card allows more than access to just books and videos. You will have a plethora of online programs, movies, resources, and of course digitally downloaded books at your fingertips. “The library offers so much more than books!” Lenisa Jones, Branch Manager of the Marshall County Public Library in Benton told me. “You can check out books, audio books, DVDs, CDs and games. We also offer equipment you can borrow such as a digital projectors, screens, laptops, and even a 3D printer. Each library has their own limits on how many of each item you can check out at one time."
Don't Just Google It!
Let’s face it, even though it’s convenient there are some things you simply cannot find by searching Google. Search results may be completely off target if your child phrases the question too vaguely. Save yourself a lot of hassle by using the online resources the library offers. You may be surprised to see how many options you have. “Most public libraries have the program Kentucky Virtual Library,“ explained Deana Gschwind, Director of the Graves County Public Library. “You can find programs like Scholastic, Britanica, other publications and even newspapers for research needs. Helping your student learn a foreign language may be challenging. Mango is an online program
20
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2020
Purchase Area Family Magazine
Read online! issuu.com/purchasefamilymag
