Tag: libraries

Library Career Resources

Posted on by Nicol Walsh

Whether you are a job seeker or want to improve your skills and knowledge in a particular subject area, libraries have free resources to help. Each library will have different resources, trainings, and events available to the public. These resources include trainings both in-person or online, resume development assistance, digital literacy programs, and language learning opportunities. Additionally, libraries provide free physical books and e-books for individuals with a library card and access to computers, Wi-Fi, and even some hotspots.

 It is possible to get multiple library cards with access to library systems throughout Washington State and nationwide. Each library has different resources, including memberships with other organizations such as databases, local museums, and more!  Please note that not all library cards are free if you do not live in the library’s district.

In the video above, you will hear from Librarians Rhonda Kristoff and Darian Lorrain as they take you on a visual tour of where and how to access resources at the Tacoma Public Library.

Find your local library on the Washington State Library website directory.  

Resources mentioned in the video in order of appearance:

  • Libby: An eBook, eAudiobook, and eMagazine all-in-one app called Libby, created by OverDrive. Libby is a streaming, reading app experience and is available for Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad), and Kindle Tablets.
  • Hoopla: Enjoy movies, TV shows, eBooks, comics, music albums, and audiobooks.
  • Kanopy: With Kanopy stream “thoughtful entertainment” including independent and popular films, documentaries, The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, PBS and more to your preferred device, including Roku.
  • HelpNow: (Grades 3-12) Live Homework Help, Skills Building and Writing Workshops.  Usually available on your library’s website when you’re logged in with your library card.
  • JobNow: Personal job coaching, resume and cover letter review services, live interview practice plus other resources to help you in your job search.  Live job coaches are available online! Usually available on your library’s website when you’re logged in with your library card.
  • Northstar Digital Literacy: Practice and improve skills in the following areas: Microsoft products like Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, Gmail, internet basics, Google Docs, social media and more.  Find a Northstar location and click “Sign Up as a Learner” to make an account!
  • Certifications: Many libraries partner with the Washington State Library and can proctor certification tests for free!
  • Peterson’s Test Prep: Includes full-length practice tests for GED, SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL, U.S. citizenship, and more. Find information on undergraduate and graduate programs and tuition and scholarship assistance, as well as a resume builder and interviewing advice. Usually available on your libraries website when you’re logged in with your library card.
  • TPL Maker Space: In-person resource focused on practicing and enhancing your artistic, technical, and technological skills. Ask your local library if they have a similar resource available or will in the future!
  • Printing and copying: Many libraries have low or no cost printing and copying options! Ask your local library if they have a similar resource available or will in the future!
  • LinkedIn Learning: Learn software and technology skills through LinkedIn Learning’s video library of engaging, top-quality courses. Ask your local library if they have a similar resource available or will in the future!

Summer Reading Tips for Families

Posted on by Nicol Walsh

A Brief Overview

  • Learning Heroes provides help to figure out a child’s reading level, useful when asking for summer reading recommendations from a teacher or librarian.
  • Any format that captures a child’s imagination and makes them enjoy reading is valuable. Consider graphic novels, audio books, read aloud online videos, or e-readers in addition to traditional books.
  • Consider rewards and prizes for reading achievements. The local library might have a summer program. Read on for ideas.
  • Some students will have school-based services over the summer through Extended School Year (ESY), Recovery Services (additional services due to pandemic impacts), or something else. See PAVE’s article: ESY Helps Students Who Struggle to Maintain Skills and Access FAPE.
  • PAVE provides a video and an article about supporting students with specific learning disabilities related to literacy.

Full Article

Summer days offer time to focus on play, creativity, and family fun. Reading can also be fun! If summer days include time for reading, it helps children keep the skills they worked on during the school year. PAVE has some tips for families to keep kids interested in reading, while still having fun! 

Check your child’s reading level

If possible, ask a teacher for information about the child’s reading level before school’s out. This information will help you use any reading guides provided by the school or library. Here’s another option: Learning Heroes provides help to figure out a child’s reading level.

Follow your child’s lead

Ask a librarian to show you where to find books in your child’s general reading level, then turn your child loose to explore. Children will often gravitate to books that look interesting and accessible.

Don’t worry if the child wants to explore a book that seems too easy or too hard. Keep in mind that the point is to keep the child interested in reading. Sometimes children need something easy to keep it fun, and sometimes the subject of a harder book makes it more fascinating.  

Some children choose comic books or books with diagrams, which are rarely included on teacher lists but can keep kids going to the library. Consider whether guilt-free reading options might reduce battles and keep eyes engaged on the page. Any format that captures a child’s imagination and makes them enjoy reading is valuable. Consider graphic novels, audio books, read aloud online videos, or e-readers in addition to traditional books.

Pull words from the page

Some children prefer or need books that are more interactive. Here are some options:

  • A read-aloud, with an adult or child doing the reading
  • Read together and share questions and answers along the way
  • Act out a book
  • Participate in a read-a-thon
  • Check out audio books
  • Seek applications and video programs that show words and provide narration

An agency called Bookshare provides e-books for children with learning disabilities, vision problems, or conditions such as cerebral palsy.  The agency provides alternative reading options, such as braille, audiobooks, large print books, and more.

Make reading part of everyday activities

Children learn reading habits from their family, and when adults show they love to read children will often model that behavior.

Read during everyday activities. Notice and read signs and billboards while you travel around town. Ask children to read the recipe while they help prepare a meal. They can help read a text message, an email, or a letter that came in the mail. Turn on the television’s closed caption feature so a favorite show includes the words to read and follow along.

Understand reading milestones

Washington State’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) provides guidance for teachers and families through Early Literacy Pathways. The downloadable booklet provides a chart of developmental milestones linked to literacy. An alternative place to get this type of information is from Understood.org: Reading skills at different ages.

Resource locations for summer reading

Washington’s Secretary of State provides a website page with information about a statewide Summer Reading Program. Included is a tool to find your local library.

Ask the teacher or school district what they offer over summer. Many schools partner with local organizations or offer school-supported access to digital learning applications, such as

The Barnes & Noble summer reading program is for all ages and allows any child to pick a free book from a predetermined list of books after completing the program. Visit the store to ask for a journal to track summer reading.

Scholastic Summer Challenge (Scholastic.com) has a summer reading challenge called “Readapalooza.” Kids log their reading minutes, unlock badges, and earn rewards.

Search locally online for “summer reading [your city]” or  “summer reading program near me” because many local or state-specific businesses and restaurants host summer reading programs.

Happy reading this summer and always!