Prince Edward County Public Library can support your children’s education.

If you have school-aged children, you may be looking for things to entertain and educate them while they’re at home. Prince Edward Public Library gives you access to a variety of online resources that can help you support your child’s learning.

Audiobooks, which are books read aloud, are a great tool for children. For children who find it challenging to sit still for a prolonged period to read, audiobooks allow them to move their bodies while taking in a story. For others, drawing or building Lego while listening to an audiobook can help keep their hands busy while listening. Listening to a book also allows children to enjoy a story that might be beyond their reading level but within their level of understanding. If you have more than one child learning at home, you may find it helpful to get one set up listening to an audiobook on headphones while you work with another. You can find audiobooks to download or stream at peclibrary.org, using your library card and PIN. If you do not have a card, call (613) 476-5962 and leave a message, or email [email protected].

Libby is an app released by Overdrive that gives you access to audiobooks and ebooks for all ages. During April they have Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone available as an ebook and audiobook in many languages, available with no wait time. Most of Libby’s collection functions just like a regular library book – you may have to wait for others to finish the titles before they are available. If you don’t want to wait, you can look at “available” titles to see what is available now.

Hoopla, another service from your library, also offers ebooks and audiobooks. No waiting period ever on Hoopla, but the collection is not quite as extensive as Libby. You can borrow up to ten items per month per library card, so don’t forget to sign up everyone in your household!

Kanopy Kids has video content for children, including TV shows, movies, classic tales, science and math, language learning and more. If you have an Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV, you can watch on your television. There is also an app available. If you need help, join Dave for a workshop online on Wednesday, April 29 at 2 pm about home entertainment or get one-on-one help by contacting [email protected].

Library staff members Joanna Howard and Belicia Vukovic have been presenting children’s programs through Facebook. Joanna’s storytime happens every day, Tuesday to Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and it often features a special guest, the Black Cat. Joanna also leads Friday morning Baby Rhyme Time at 11:30 a.m. On Mondays, Belicia is leading an engaging STEAM program called Makerstation at Home that features activities you can try at home. Joanna has also been contacting teachers who normally bring their classes to the library to offer specific programming carried out via video.

We’re open to all suggestions how we can support your children’s education. If you have any ideas or questions contact Joanna [email protected].

-Liz Zylstra