Schools and libraries may be temporarily closed during the COVID-19 response, but library resources are available online, 24/7, to help students complete their homework and to assist teachers and parents with preparing lessons and managing children's education from home.
A library card login is required to use most of the "Library eResources" below. You can now get an eLibrary Card online for access to most electronic resources.
For Teachers
Services for Teachers and Educators
- Educator Card - San Jose educators can now get a special library card that allows for an extended checkout and renewal period and no fines on overdue materials.
- Virtual Class Visit - Bring the library to your classroom virtually.
Library eResources
- PowerKnowledge: Earth & Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science – Includes Teacher section with lesson plans for Grades 3-6.
- TeachingBooks – Activities and lessons about books and authors for PreK-12.
- Novelist K-8 Plus – Curated articles for teaching language and literary elements. Use the drop-down menu "Quick Links" at the top then select Curricular Connections.
- Scholastic Teachables – Printables, lesson plans, mini-books for PreK-8 educators (temporary open access).
Free Resources on the Web
- RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching) STEAM learning activity sheets using common household items
- Smithsonian Digital Education Resources – Eight topical resources curated by the Smithsonian.
For Parents
Early Education (0-5)
- Online Storytimes & Crafts – Videos of out library staff reading their favorite children’s books aloud, plus STEAM activities you can do at home.
- Virtual Preschool Programs - Help your child prepare for kindergarten.
- Telephone Tales - Stories, songs, rhymes, and more in English, Spanish, Vietnamese or Chinese.
- Wee Reads Booklists – Our staff picks for children of different ages.
- Ready4K - A research-based text messaging system for caregivers of children age 0-8.
- Parenting Blogs
- Caregiver Café - A calm, safe, and non-judgmental space for caregivers to chat & connect with adult peers in an informal setting, with discussions led by Library staff.
Free Resources on the Web
- Storytimes and eRead-alongs at Home – More virtual storytimes from authors, publishers, and celebrities; plus eBook recommendations for your children.
- Play and Learn at Home: Online Learning Resources - Highlights different online activities, virtual tours, and podcasts the whole family can enjoy at home.
- Resources for Kids About the Coronavirus
For Elementary School Students
Library eResources
- ABC Mouse – Learning tool for kids ages 2-8+.
- Explora for Elementary School Students (Grades K-5) – Magazines, reference books, photos, videos, images, and flags.
- MackinVIA – Easy access to eBooks, eResources, librarian-curated web links, videos and more, For kids K-8.
- PowerKnowledge: Earth & Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science – Comprehensive science resource for Grades 3-6.
- Homework Help – More online resources to help with homework assignments.
- Tutor.com – Get homework help from a live certified tutor or use study guides, worksheets, and tutorials on common subjects, and various state standardized tests.
- Kids Reads – Book recommendations, eBooks, and reading resources for kids.
For Middle and High School Students
Library eResources
- Explora: for Middle School Students (Grades 6-8) and for High School Students (Grades 9-12) - Popular magazines, biographies, reference books, videos, photos, maps, and flags.
- Homework Help – More online resources to help with homework assignments.
- Tutor.com – Get homework help from a live certified tutor or use study guides, worksheets, and tutorials on common subjects, and various state standardized tests.
- Teen Reads – Book recommendations, eBooks, and reading resources for teens.
Free Resources on the Web
- For Teens Sheltering at Home – Ways to learn, stay healthy, help out, and pass the time.
For College Readiness
Library eResources
- Archives Unbound – Access digital collections of primary resources for a variety of historical periods from the Middle Ages to current events.
- College Admission Test Preparation (LearningExpress Library) – Study resources for ACT, SAT, AP and other exams.
- College Center (LearningExpress Library) – Compilation of online-learning resources for college students for a variety of subjects, from math to graduate school admissions exams.
- Tutor.com – Online tutoring for a variety of subjects.
Free Resources on the Web
- Big Future – Online guide to over 2,000 colleges in the United States.
- College Board – Free AP exam study resource as well as online testing for AP exams (temporarily available, due to COVID-19).