Pencils are sharpened. School supplies bought and lunches ready to be packed. But does your student have their Naperville Public Library card ready to go?
As children throughout Naperville head back to school this week, the library is prepared with a variety of resources to help them succeed throughout the 2021-22 school year and beyond.
Homework help
Through the library, students can use Brainfuse HelpNow!, which offers live tutoring from experts in math, science, reading, writing and social studies. The platform includes a writing lab and test center with practice tests for all grade levels taking PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests this year.
Students can also access a variety of e-books, audio books and online research databases. These are available for free while at one of the library’s three locations or at home using library card credentials.
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Recommended reading
Looking for recommendations for independent reading time or at-home assignments? Specially curated book lists for grades 1-5 can be found on the library’s website along with teen reading lists in more than 30 different categories.
Customers can also request personalized reading lists based on grade, favorite genre, favorite authors and more.
Sunday evening hours
Starting Sept. 12, Nichols Library and 95th Street Library will be open 1 to 9 p.m. every Sunday, giving students a place to study, meet for group projects or catch up on homework from over the weekend.
Study rooms
Study rooms are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply sign in at one of the circulation desks and choose an open room. There is a one-hour time limit on the rooms when others are waiting.
Sensory NPL app
Naperville Public Library’s Sensory NPL app helps families and visitors of all ages, including those with autism or other sensory needs, plan for their trip to the library. Customers can create their own customized schedules, explore sensory friendly maps and get tips on ways to improve their library experience.
Early literacy
Children who aren’t ready to pack up their backpacks just yet can still benefit from trips to the library. The most important thing caregivers can do to foster early literacy is to provide an atmosphere that’s fun, verbal and stimulating.
Through storytimes and programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, young readers build connections that encourage curiosity and a love of learning from an early age.
Library card = all-access pass
For full access to all the library’s resources, students can sign up for their own library card in person at one of the library’s three locations or online at www.naperville-lib.org/about/library-card. Residents under 18 need parent/guardian permission to sign up. Cards can also be renewed online.
Trente Arens is the marketing and communications manager at Naperville Public Library.