Fall is just around the corner! It’s a perfect time of year to establish healthy routines, build brain power, discover helpful resources, and become part of a culture of learning with the Library. From LEAP (Literacy Enrichment After-School Program) to the online reading challenge and other digital resources, discover all the ways the Free Library can help you in school and out!

LEAP Afterschool Program

If you visited your library this summer, you already know that learning doesn’t just happen in school! Libraries across the city present exciting clubs, programs, and classes all year round. Check out our events calendar to find out what’s happening in a library near you, or discover a new-to-you library that’s hosting a special event that piques your interest.

Every library branch in the city hosts the LEAP (Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program) every Monday through Friday after regular school hours. All youth in grades K–12 are invited to visit their library for homework help and daily enrichment programming. LEAP activities include hands-on STEM and literacy experiences that encourage youth to explore new ideas, learn about a wide range of topics, and create what interests them. Contact your local library to learn more about the exciting activities they have planned.

Homework Help

In addition to getting homework support from After School Leaders, librarians, and peers through LEAP, you can access the following digital resources for free using a library computer or from any mobile device with your library card.

Homework Help Online, powered by Tutor.com, is the perfect digital resource when you don’t know how to get started with your homework. Log in to chat with a live tutor in English or Spanish. They can help you with any subject at any grade level, including math, writing, and test preparation. Create your own free account to access additional subject matter videos and get tips for developing great study habits.

World Book Encyclopedia is still a reliable first step for research projects and learning more about your favorite topics. There are separate digital editions written for kids and teens in both English and Spanish. The extensive global timeline is filled with historical events and important people.

If you’re studying for a big test, get a boost with Mometrix. This digital resource specializes in test preparation. It contains study guides, flash cards, and practice tests for over a thousand exams.

For lifelong learners, check out Learning Express Library, available in English and Spanish. This database includes resources for college entrance exams and study guides for numerous professional exams. 

Find more homework help resources on our blog.

Fall Into Reading with Beanstack

School year schedules are busy and unpredictable, but reading together each night creates a consistent connection with your family and gives you all something to look forward to. Time together is important! 

The Free Library’s online Fall Into Reading Challenge can help you establish a regular reading routine with everyone in your family. Sign up through Beanstack on the web or download the free Beanstack Tracker app on your mobile device. Earn points and badges for logging your nightly storytime, or challenge your household to a little healthy competition with the friends and leaderboard feature in the app!

Nurturing Lifelong Learners

Whether you read out loud with your loved ones or read quietly together in the same room, this nightly routine provides shared time together away from screens and other distractions, reduces stress, and improves sleep. Reading to relax can help little learners and lifelong learners alike by improving memory and listening, increasing vocabulary, and building communication and writing skills. Even reading for a short time helps to practice focus and concentration. 

The new school year can bring about a lot of excitement and a lot of big feelings surrounding change and transitions, including anxiety about the first day of school, understanding friendships, resolving conflicts, feeling misunderstood, overcoming failure, and growing up. Reading nurtures positive emotional development by providing models of how others discuss emotions, overcome obstacles, and manage conflict. For books on special topics, explore the community booklists or ask your librarian for suggestions!