Pima County Public Library (PCPL) supports learning and education in a variety of ways. Library staff provides programming in technology, creativity, skill building in reading and math, and STE(A)M topics that supplement and enhance what a student learns during the regular school day. Electronic resources include databases, tutorials, videos, audiobooks, ebooks, and access to practice tests and a writing lab, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online tutors are available for students (K-College) to help with all subject areas from 2pm-11pm every day of the week. Face-to-face homework help is also available at a limited number of locations.
College-bound students can practice taking the PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams using Learning Express Library or they can use tools to prepare for college and the entrance exams with Gale Reference Center (http://www.library.pima.gov/resources/learn/study.php). PCPL also provides access to the Regional College Access Center in partnership with the Metropolitan Education Commission as well as other information related to colleges, scholarships, and financial aid (http://www.library.pima.gov/research/guides/colleges.php).
What do you need to access all of these great resources? A Library Card. September is National Library Card month and PCPL is dedicated to making sure every student has a card. Students can check out materials, use electronic resources at school or at home, or they can come to the library and use the public computers available at every location. In order to increase children's access to library resources, PCPL implemented a policy that no late fees are ever assessed to children's or teen's materials.
Where do you find all of this great information? http://www.library.pima.gov/resources/learn/ Our website has links to every resource you need to help your student learn. The information is easy to access and encourages parent participation in the process. Electronic resources include sample lesson plans, content level based on lexile scores, and cross-reference to other databases so you can create a comprehensive learning environment. Make flashcards, games, and interactive practice tests for any subject area.
How do you get your student a library card? You can have students take home a library card request form to be filled out by parents. Students return them to you with a parent signature and then you turn them into the library for issuance of a library card. Even if a child cannot get a parent signature, he/she can be issued a limited (complete computer and electronic resource access, 2-item checkout limit) library card. The request forms can be mailed, hand carried, or scanned in and emailed to a library staff person. Library cards can be delivered or mailed to your classroom.
Please visit our website (www.library.pima.gov) to explore all of the great things the Pima County Public Library has to offer!
