The first few weeks of school are behind us. Poudre School District students flooded classrooms mid-August just as the CSU and Front Range campuses started up their fall semester. Backpacks are filled with brand new notebooks, folders, erasers, and gluesticks; new shoes are broken in and super stylin’; and student planners are being filled in with homework assignments and test dates.
Yet, your student might still be missing the most important school supply of all!
“Not possible,” you think. “I’ve checked off everything on the supply list.”
Does your student have a public library card?
A Poudre River Library District card is perhaps the most versatile and valuable school supply your student can have. It provides access to a wealth of free homework resources, educational activities and programs, and more!
This month the Poudre River Public Library District joins thousands of other libraries in celebrating National Library Card Sign-Up Month. The initiative began in 1987 when then Secretary of Education William J. Bennett set the challenge that “every child should obtain a library card – and use it.” Each year the Library District works hard to ensure every child in our community does just that.
Here’s just a glimpse at what that library card can do:
1. Beat the homework blues
We know homework can be stressful for you and your student. Luckily we have online resources available for card holders to access at the library and from home! Stuck on a math problem? Try BrainFuse Homework HelpNow with live subject tutors available from 3pm to midnight. Looking for help on the ACT or SAT tests? Give LearningExpress a look. Want to learn a foreign language? There’s Pronunciator to help you.
These and many other great homework resources are right at your fingertips with a library card.
2. Access free computers and Internet
Each of our library locations offers free PCs and high speed Internet connection. Write up your school papers and complete assignments using the Microsoft software programs. Need to email your teacher? You can access your personal email online at the library.
Plus, for a small cost, we have printers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines available for use.
3. Support STREAM learning
Participating in science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math activities (STREAM) at the library has never been easier. Students can join in on all the free classes and programs ranging from Minecraft to LEGO, from Anime Club to Animal Afternoon. Check out our online events calendar for all the upcoming activities.
4. Connect to research materials and databases
Sooner or later students are assigned a research project. What better option than to use the library and our collection of research databases and resources. Of course there’s a ton of books available to help with research, but did you also know we have excellent eResources like EBSCO Explora and Science Reference Center? What about the collection of primary source materials?
There’s a variety of Answer Cache eResources available for students of all ages, K-12 and beyond!
5. Get discounts at local businesses
We’ve partnered with more than 30 local businesses to offer library members an extra special discount or perk when you show your library card. Through the Flash Your Card program, we encourage all of our library users to support these local businesses that are supporting us. Take advantage of specials and discounts from Harbinger Coffee, Mindstream Yoga, Ten Thousand Villages, Walrus Ice Cream, and many others. (See the list of participating businesses on the Flash Your Card section of our website.)
6. Open doors to new ideas and new adventures
Looking to explore the depths of the ocean? Or soar to the heights of our universe? The number of books, movies, magazines, and other items available to cardholders tops 422,000. And, this doesn’t even include the variety of electronic materials available for download to eReaders and smartphones. Nor does it include the materials cardholders can access through inter-library loan programs.
7. Access librarians and information specialists
Got a question? The library staff is great at pointing people in the right direction and hooking them up with the resources they need. The staff is just as successful assisting students with research as they are in recommending a new book to read. Not able to make it into the library? Use the Ask-a-Librarian feature on our website for help.
8. Provide a relaxing place to chill out
Each of our three library locations offer private study rooms, quiet work spaces, and comfortable chairs and lounge areas. A few even have food and refreshments available for purchase onsite.
9. CSU and Front Range students
Your Wolf or Ram Card can be used as your public library card. Your opt in is necessary – do it remotely or stop by and we can show you how.
The actual value of a Poudre River Library District card is priceless – who can put a price on knowledge, learning, and curiosity? But signing up for a card won’t cost you a dime!
Stop by one of our three library locations to get a library card or apply for a temporary library card online.