Written By: Ciera P. with Circulation Services
San Mateo County Libraries offers a wide array of online resources that are excellent for students gearing up to head back to school. Not sure where to begin research for your project? Try World Book Online, opens a new window. Need some help with your math homework? Connect with a tutor on HelpNow, opens a new window. Looking to relax after a long day at school? Download the Calm App, opens a new window or try your hand at crafting with Creativebug, opens a new window.
From science and technology to reading comprehension, history and test preparation, all our eResources for school-aged children, opens a new window and teens, opens a new window are available 24/7.
Research With...
Starting a research project, but don’t know where to begin? We offer a vast number of resources to find information about history, important figures, science, technology and more. A great place to start is the Explora databases that cater to Elementary School Research, opens a new window, Middle School Research, opens a new window or High School Research, opens a new window. If you can’t quite find what you're looking for, check out World Book Online, opens a new window. This interactive database includes primary source collections, educational games, pictures, videos, maps and more. It’s an excellent resource for reports and research papers.
If your research project requires information on current news, check out PressReader, opens a new window, The New York Times, opens a new window, and Wall Street Journal, opens a new window. PressReader is especially expansive with access to over 3,000 newspapers and 4,000 magazines.
For research on current, local events, we recommend NewsBank, opens a new window. There, you can find current and past issues from the San Francisco Chronicle, San Mateo County Times, San Jose Mercury News, Half Moon Bay Review, and more. We also suggest looking at the Daily Headlines and Lesson Plans resource that includes articles to help with research projects.
Read With...
Whether you're looking for resources for your book report or a great read, we have several tools to help you. If you're not sure where to start, try NoveList Plus, opens a new window. Tell NoveList what you like to read, and it will suggest similar books you may also enjoy. And if you’re looking to make your reading experience come alive, check out Book Connections, opens a new window which features meet-the-author videos, book readings and read-alongs.
Of course, don’t forget about the ever-popular Libby by OverDrive, opens a new window which provides access to over 195,000 e-books, audiobooks and magazines! If you’re looking for a popular book, but don’t want to wait in line, check out Boundless, opens a new window, which features popular adult, young adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction titles.
Learn With...
Learning a new skill or concept can be challenging. With HelpNow, opens a new window, log in to receive assistance in English and Spanish for Language Arts and Mathematics. Everyday between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM, assistance is available in core K-12 subjects in the following languages:
- English
- Spanish
- Mandarin
- Cantonese
- Vietnamese
- Tagalog
For younger learners, try ABCmouse, opens a new window. This online resource has over 9,000 English and Spanish interactive books, puzzles and educational games that promote learning and exploration. Lessons are tailored to specific ages and feature an adorable mouse and his friends!
Relax With...
After a long day at school, it's important to relax and take a breath. With the Calm App, opens a new window, you can navigate guided meditations, music, stories and other tools to help manage your stress. We also love the Calm Kids section of the app, which offers features specific to children and young adults.
If you're looking for something hands-on, try out a painting class or learn how to make blueberry jam with Creativebug, opens a new window. With Halloween right around the corner, you can even up your pumpkin-carving skills with carving classes and begin making your Halloween costume with a quick sewing tutorial.
Two resources that are new to SMCL are New York Times Games, opens a new window and New York Times Cooking, opens a new window. Play a game or two of Wordle or impress your family and friends with a new dish after a long day at school. The possibilities are endless!
We wish you an excellent start to the new school year. We look forward to seeing you one of our 13 libraries soon!
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