Parents and Teachers

Internet Access for Kids

Six computers and two iPads are available in Kids Crossing. Children must be 9 years of age or older to use the Internet alone (without a parent).  Otherwise, a parent/guardian must be present with his/her child(ren) during computer usage.

Online Storytimes for Kids

If you cannot make it into the library for one of our storytimes, there are online options.  Head over to either The Nook Blog or Storytime Online to find a variety of stories for your child.

Digital Tools for Kids

Use these resources to do homework, download ebooks, stream media, and much more…available 24/7 from your library.

Kids Book Newsletters

Sign-up to receive free book newsletters by email. Links to our online catalog make it easy to check availability or to place a hold.

Recommended Links

• Awards
  • Monarch Award
  • Bluestem Award
  • Rebecca Caudill Award
  • Caldecott Medal Winners
  • Newbery Medal Winners
  • Geisel Award Winners
  • Belpre Medal Winners
  • Sibert Information Book Award Winners
  • Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners
• Children’s Literature Web Guide
• FreeBooknotes.com – Reading/Study guides for school books
• AR Book Finder
• Common Sense Media – Reviews on kid-friendly apps, games, websites, and more
• Homeschooling Resources
• Reading Fluency and Literacy in School
• Kids’ Tools for Searching the Internet
• Parents Magazine
• ALA Resources for Parents and Caregivers
• Stop Cyberbullying
• Wonderopolis – Learn about a new topic each day

The Library offers a variety of services to you and your students.

Educator Library Cards

The Franklin Park Public Library District recognizes the importance of education and seeks to share our resources and to support our local school districts, educators, and students. Educator Library Cards are now available to district #81, #83, #84, and #212 administrators, teachers, school media specialists, and school librarians. Please see this page for more information.

Assignment Alert

Notify us of upcoming student projects and homework assignments. We will set aside your requested materials and make them readily available for your students. We appreciate the advance notice.

Computers and Internet

Six computers are available for your students. PCs run Microsoft Office 2013, which includes PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word. Black and white printouts are 10 cents a page and color printouts are 50 cents a page. Your students will need to bring their library cards to access the computers. Nonresident students can be issued guest passes.

Library Visits

Your class is welcome to visit the Library for an orientation and tour or to do research. We will structure the visit to meet the needs of your class.  In order for us to meet your needs, it is important to arrange your visit at least two weeks in advance. As an alternative, we can visit your class for stories and book talks. Contact us at kidscrossing@fppld.org.

Requests

You can request books and other materials to be set aside for pick-up. Contact us at any of the above methods. Please allow 5-10 days per request. Books will be held for three days after the pick-up date.

Deciding to opt out of traditional schooling can be a daunting task. Whichever homeschool method your family is thinking about implementing, here are some resources to help.

Know the Requirements and Know Your Rights

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association offers resources on the Illinois requirements for homeschools, how to homeschool legally, and your legal rights. Explore the website for legal help. 

Explore Franklin Park Public Library’s Physical Resources

Our librarians are here to help. We have non-fiction books dedicated to homeschooling for parents, a large collection of picture books for early literacy, beginning reader books for reading comprehension, graphic novels and more. Explore some below. 

Homeschool Your Child for Free

Second Grade Skills

Booklists Curated by FPPLD Librarians

Targeted Phonics

More than “Just Books”

Your library card also grants access to online resources like ABCMouse and Brainfuse. You can also take home materials like STEAM and Early Literacy kits.

Discover Other Free Resources

Popular websites like Khan Academy and Crash Course offer educational videos for free. The website The Homeschool Mom offers articles on curriculum building, lesson plans and more.

Join a Homeschooling Group

You don’t have to do this alone. Meet other parents who can offer advice and support. Find groups on meetup.com or join a Facebook group.

Become a “Library Hopper”

You may have exhausted all of our resources but surrounding libraries can also help. Visit them, attend their programs, and as long as they are part of SWAN, your library card works there too.