COVID-19 Youth Services Resources – UPDATED 4/9

This post was contributed by Beth Crist, Youth & Family Services Consultant, and will be updated on an ongoing basis as new info and resources become available.

COVID-19 is affecting communities–and libraries–across Colorado. These youth services resources may be helpful as your library considers making adjustments to protect, serve and support your community at this challenging time:

Free Feeding Sites for Kids

Cleaning & Disinfecting

Virtual Storytimes

More coming soon from CLEL!

Ideas for Programming While the Library is Closed

Free Resources for Libraries

  • Reader Zone –Through May 1st, the full version of Reader Zone is free for schools and libraries, regardless of the number of readers in your programs.You don’t need to enter a credit card or a coupon code. Just make an account, build your reading program and engage your community.
  • Booklist –All Booklist and Book Links content is now freely available until further notice.

Free Resources for Kids Provided during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Ebooks and Audiobooks:

  • Audible Books –Now for free, kids everywhere can instantly stream a collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
  • Capstone Interactive ebooks: Interactive ebooks for PreK-high school
  • TumbleBooks is inviting public libraries across North America to email info@tumblebooks.com with subject line Free TumbleBooks in order to receive free links to all three TumbleBook databases so they can be shared and accessed by their patrons from the comfort and safety of their homes. Includes audiobooks.
  • PebbleGo–Capstone is offering FREE access to PebbleGo (K-2) Databases and a large collection of Capstone Interactive eBooks (3000+ titles) in addition to remote learning resources through June 30, 2020. Simply fill out the online form. Once you do, you’ll get an email with a username and password to share with your educators and parents
  • Sebco Books –Sebco Books is making multi-user e-books available for free until June 30th. Username: Keepreading Password: Sebco ID#:1
  • TeenBookCloud – A collection of eBooks and educator resources perfect for your middle school, high school, or public library. Find a robust selection of Graphic Novels, Enhanced Novels, eBooks, classic literature, National Geographic videos, educator resources, and audiobooks.
  • ABDO: Free digital content through June 2020:
  • Epic!–This massive digital library for kids 12 and under is offering free Remote Student Access through June 30th through Educators (and Educator accounts are free).
  • Gumdrop Books –free ebooks from Gumdrop Books and a few of its partners

Online Kids Book Read Alouds:

  • Authors Everywhere, a Youtube Channel created and run by children’s book writers and illustrators. With all this talk of potential quarantines and school closures, we wanted to do something to offer relief for parents and kids who might find themselves stuck at home. On this channel, you’ll find workshops, readings, activities, art projects, writing games, writing advice, and more. We hope that we can offer you some fun, some distraction, and a creative outlet for any feelings that might come up during this time.
  • #StoryMarch–The Greater Boston Illustrators’ Group dreamed up #StoryMarch as the Covid-19 pandemic took over the daily lives of everyone we know. As schools and offices close and people are stuck at home without their usual activities and diversions, we hope that #StoryMarch might be a fun way for all artists of every age to stretch themselves a little and have fun
  • Stuck Inside: Authors’ Virtual Book Club (well, this one’s just getting started but maybe it’ll grow)

Databases:

Activities:

Free Resources for Kids Available Anytime

Resources for Kids about COVID-19

Resources for Parents about COVID-19

Resources for Anyone that Has or Works with Kids

Media Literacy Focused on COVID-19

Considerations for Increased Screen Time for Kids

General Resources

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