With the start of school is just around the corner, the Kenton County Public Library is helping students and teachers prep by offering them access to a vast array of public resources.
“Access to books is super important,” said Lise Tewes, children’s services coordinator at the library. “That’s part of how kids develop their literacy skills. You can’t learn to read if you don’t have things to read. You can’t learn how to ride a bike if you don’t have access to a bike. They’ve got to have books, and this is a really great way to make sure they have access.”
The library is offering educators a vast array of digital and in-person resources.
One of the resources the library offers are book collections on specific topics for their students. Another is Teachables, an online educational resource that provides teachers with free worksheets, lesson plans and learning games. KCPL also offers BrainFuse, an online educational database that gives students access to free homework support.
“In the BrainFuse site, students could input a question that they’re struggling with, say a chemistry question, and and can’t figure out the answer,” Tewes said. “They can type it into the BrainFuse site, and they’ll get an answer from a live person.”
The library also offers free online live tutoring and homework support, which is available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Teachers have access to the educator library card, which allows teachers to borrow up to 100 items at a time. KCPL will waive up to five lost or damaged items per school year. Teachers who live in Kenton County but teach in a different district will also have the ability to sign up for the educator library card.
Students can access a student library card through the library. There is no fee or financial obligation for students in order to access the card. Tewes said the card allows students to access a library card that may have never had one before.
“The student card lets the child do anything on our website, our electronic databases and eBooks, eAudio, all of our streaming services,” Tewes said. “They can also check out five print items from our actual branch collections.”
Teachers can request a visit from a library staff member to read to students or to discuss library services. Special visits to the library, such as field trips, can be scheduled and tailored to the teacher’s specific needs.
“We will also come and visit your classroom and do whatever kind of presentation you need,” Tewes said. “If you want us to come and show your kids how to use BrainFuse, we can come to your classroom and do that.”
KCPL offers story times for younger students, who may not get read to in the home by their parents.
“We just come and read books that they enjoy, just to give them an idea of what’s available for what they might like,” Tewes said.
Finally, KCPL offers a special program for homeschool students. Resources include an educator card, library tour, requesting a book collection and offering special homeschool programs.
