Library Databases & Online Resources for Kids (& Parents)
Kids need a safe environment to browse the library. Just as the children’s section of the physical branch is creatively sectioned off, we worked with our library partners to develop appealing, user-friendly digital kids rooms for your Libby eBooks and audiobooks. Get the Libby app Libby Help
Hoopla Digital is a streaming service that allows Mendocino County Library cardholders to borrow audiobooks, movies, music, comics, ebooks, and television shows and immediately begin watching, listening or reading. Once you sign into Hoopla you will see KIDS in the upper righthand corner. Click on KIDS and turn on KIDS mode for your child to find the perfect books, music, movies, etc without having to worry about content.
Kanopy Kids – Streaming Videos for Kids
Kanopy is an award-winning video streaming service providing access to more than 30,000 independent and documentary films. In the Kanopy Kids section, you’ll see only content that’s suitable for children, with a focus on ages 2-8. Kids can browse this section freely, and you can set up parental controls to ensure children can’t view content outside of Kanopy Kids. Once parental controls are enabled, a PIN is required to exit Kanopy Kids.
Kanopy Kids titles don’t use play credits, so you have unlimited access to everything in the Kanopy Kids section!
PebbleGo Science & Capstone Interactive eBooks
Explore like never before, and find amazing facts about animals, science, history and geography with National Geographic Kids.
Find an age appropriate book at your library
Check out this great resource provided by Sonoma County Library.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Free program which encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she starts kindergarten.
A PDF you can print out and bring with you to the library
Help for students in elementary, middle, and high school – improve math, reading, writing, science skills, and more. Extra help with assignments and test preparation.
Learning for primary school students.
Research for middle school students.
Proquest – try using Proquest for your searches instead of Google
Discover & Go.
Free & discounted tickets to Northern California museums for library card holders!
Britannica School
Welcome to Britannica School, a safe, up-to-date, and age-appropriate information resource for Elementary, Middle, and High School.
Britannica Escolar
Un excelente recurso digital en español que ayuda a enriquecer el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de primaria y secundaria.
Other Fun Online Resources for Kids
(Some lists and links compiled by Whatcom County Public Library, Bellingham, WA)
Arts/Crafts:
- Hands On Crafts for Kids
Crafts for age 7-12. - Kaleidoscope Painter
A simple creative exercise for all ages. You can change the size of your brush to create your own kaleidoscope image or choose auto to let the program create by itself. - PBS Kids
Lots of fun activities - Travel to Oriland
Transform ordinary sheets of paper into surprising origami models.
Fun and Games:
Good Books:
- ALA Children’s Notable Books
- AR BookFinder US
Finding accelerated reading titles is fun and easy with this online tool. - ATN Reading Lists – a compilation of lists by librarians
- Award Winning Books
- A Book and a Hug
Create your own list of reading suggestions based on category, reading level, and key words. - Children’s & Young Adult Literature and Culture Links
This site links to all kinds of web pages concerning children’s literature. - Database of Award-Winning Children’s Literature
- Guys Read
Book recommendations for boys. - Scholastic Book Wizard – great tool for creating book lists, finding similar books, or searching by reading levels.
- StoryPlace.org – a children’s digital storytime & learning website
- Teacher’s Top 100 Books for Children
The result of a 2007 survey of teachers by the National Education Association.
Children’s Authors and Illustrators:
- Children’s Literature Web Guide
Children’s authors and illustrators on the web.
Family Media Guide:
- Alliance for Childhood
The Alliance for Childhood promotes policies and practices that support children’s healthy development, love of learning, and joy in living. - Common Sense Media
Family friendly entertainment guide - Growing With Media
Practical articles and tips on how to enhance your child’s media experience. - Kids Source Online
- Parent’s Choice
The Parents’ Choice Awards Committees search out and recommend products that help kids grow – imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally – fairly priced products that are fun, safe and socially sound. Children’s media that helps children. - Plugged In
Movie ratings with detailed information in the language, nudity, sex and violence categories. Also rates music and TV shows.
Other Resources:
- Healthy Sleep
Check out this article on the importance of reading bedtime stories for early childhood literacy, along with tips on getting a good night’s sleep.