All resources listed are freely accessible via the Internet or may be accessed by obtaining a library card number. Learn more about how you can get a library card here:
https://www.wlnonline.org/how-do-i/library-card/
All resources are labeled with the following grade level suggestions:
PreK – Preschool
E – Elementary
MS – Middle school
HS – High school
All – All ages
POWERLibrary: Pennsylvania’s Electronic Library
POWERKids (PreK, E)
https://kids.powerlibrary.org/
Access eResources, databases, Chat with a Librarian, books, movies, and PA Photos and Documents, all presented in a single, kid-friendly interface. Additional resources, tools, and lesson plans are also provided for parents and educators. Access for free on library computers or sign up for a free e-card for quick access from home or any location on-the-go.
- Scholastic BookFlix – Watch interactive, fictional video storybooks paired with related nonfiction eBooks. For students in grades PreK-2.
- Scholastic TrueFlix – Learn about people, places, nature, history, and science with videos and eBooks. For students in grades 3-7.
- CyberSmarts – Learn how to be a safe, responsible, and smart citizen online and in real life.
- Gale in Context – Research and ask questions on people, places, and curriculum-aligned subjects ranging from John Adams to Zimbabwe. For school-age elementary students.
POWERTeens (MS, HS)
https://teens.powerlibrary.org/?ID=PL7321
Explore the collection of online resources including full-text databases, archived photographs and documents, the statewide catalog of materials held in libraries throughout Pennsylvania, and Chat with a Librarian, where you can get quick answers to your research questions. Access for free on library computers or sign up for a free e-card for quick access from home or any location on-the-go.
- AP Newsroom
- Gale in Context
- Gale Literature
- Gale Books and Authors
- Gale Health and Wellness
- EBSCO eBooks
- Pennsylvania Job Resources
- Scholastic TrueFlix
Literacy and Reading
Murrysville Community Library YouTube Channel (All)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzjrGO3a9Kc2aEhqUVm4zYw
Subscribe to the library’s YouTube channel to view virtual storytimes and other fun community events for children of all ages.
Westmoreland eBook Network – OverDrive and Libby (All)
https://westmoreland.overdrive.com/
Browse and borrow from the vast collection of free ebooks and audiobooks from the library using a phone or tablet.
Brightly Storytime (All)
https://www.readbrightly.com/topics/brightly-storytime/
Brightly works with a diverse group of contributors, authors, and partners who cover a wide range of topics for children of all ages, babies through teens, in order to cultivate a love of books and reading. Book recommendations and flip-along videos along with tips and advice for parents and caregivers are some of the many resources offered through its digital platform.
Storyline Online (PreK, E)
https://www.storylineonline.net/
An Emmy®-nominated and award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online®, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pine, Kristen Bell, Rita Moreno, Viola Davis, Jaime Camil, Kevin Costner, Lily Tomlin, Sarah Silverman, Betty White, Wanda Sykes and dozens more.
Storytime from Space (PreK, E)
https://storytimefromspace.com/
Story Time from Space sends children’s books to the International Space Station where astronauts are videotaped reading these books to the children of Earth. Cross-content curriculum is designed and posted to complement the science concepts found in Story Time and supports the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core.
KidLitTV (PreK, E)
KidLit TV is a winner of the Parents’ Choice Gold Award and has been selected as an American Association of School Librarians Best Digital Tool for Teaching and Learning. KLTV is a diverse group of parents, educators, librarians, kid lit creators, and award-winning filmmakers working together to create fun new ways to reinforce an appreciation of reading that children will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Starfall Education (PreK, E)
Starfall’s program emphasizes exploration, play, and positive reinforcement for PreK-3rd grade children in the areas of reading, language arts, and mathematics. Free content available on the website includes animated songs, educational games, and more activities that are research-based and align with Individual and Common Core State Standards.
Internet Archive – Children’s Library (All)
https://archive.org/details/iacl
Free digital books and materials are available for children of all ages on a variety of topics and subjects from University of California Libraries (list), the University of Florida’s “Literature for Children” Collection, the National Yiddish Book Center, the New York Public Library, International Children’s Digital Library, and other libraries around the world.
Scholastic Book Lists (All)
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-tools/book-lists.html
Recommended books by genre and age group.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Steve Spangler’s Experiment Library (All)
https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiment-library/
Fun and educational science experiments you can do from home with easy-to-follow instructions and explanations.
Hour of Code (All)
The Hour of Code is a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities. Try a one-hour tutorial designed for all ages in over 45 languages.
Scratch Jr. (PreK, E)
ScratchJr is an introductory programming language that enables young children (ages 5 and up) to create their own interactive stories and games. Download the free app by visiting the website.
Make Me Genius (E)
Science lessons taught through animated cartoon videos for elementary-aged students. Topics include environmental science, the human body, animals, plants, chemistry, physics, and general knowledge.
How Stuff Works (MS, HS)
https://www.howstuffworks.com/
An award-winning source of unbiased, reliable, easy-to-understand answers and explanations of how the world actually works. Writers, editors, podcasters and video hosts share all the things they’re most excited to learn about with nearly 30 million visitors to the site each month
Bedtime Math – Fun Math at Home! (E)
http://bedtimemath.org/fun-math-at-home/
Fun ways to keep kids’ math skills sharp. Bedtime Math uses engaging, research-proven after-school math activities and presents them for families to use for free. Their mission? To make kids love math like dessert!
Cool Math Games (MS, HS)
https://www.coolmathgames.com/
A brain training site that offers “math for ages 13-100,” where logic and thinking meet fun and games. Games are free of violence, empty action, and full of challenges that will make you forget you’re getting a mental workout.
Khan Academy (MS, HS)
Free online courses, lessons, and practice for all students with a mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Subjects covered include math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Check out Khan Academy Kids for content for younger children.
Arts, Music, and Entertainment
Virtual Museum Tours (All)
https://artsandculture.google.com/usergallery/oAKir0hqoP3eKw
Google Arts & Culture’s collection includes the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and literally hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science.
Super Simple Songs (PreK, E)
https://supersimple.com/super-simple-songs/
Super Simple Songs® is a collection of original kids songs and classic nursery rhymes made SIMPLE for young learners. Combining captivating animation and puppetry with delightful music that kids love to sing along with, Super Simple Songs makes learning simple and fun.
Playtime Playlist – Contemporary Children’s Music (PreK, E)
http://playtimeplaylist.com/events/
Looking for some family-oriented entertainment while exercising social distancing? Playtime Playlist has created a list of independent children’s musicians around the globe who have transitioned live shows to live streams to accommodate social distancing recommendations due to the coronavirus crisis.Many performances are available for free but a donation is encouraged.
History, Geography, and Social Studies
Discovery Education – Virtual Field Trips (All)
https://www.discoveryeducation.com/community/virtual-field-trips/
No permission slips required. These virtual events let students of all ages explore amazing places and give them remarkable experiences, without ever leaving the classroom.
Hidden Worlds of the National Parks (E, MS, HS)
https://artsandculture.google.com/project/national-park-service
Experience the national parks in 360° through Google Arts and Culture.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo (All)
Find resources for students in grades pre-K to 12 on science, the natural world, wildlife and conservation, brought to you by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
TedTalks (HS)
Influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity, with subtitles in 100+ languages.
Interactive Games and Activities
Disney LOL (PreK, E)
Disney-themed games, videos, coloring pages, and more.
PBS Kids (PreK, E)
Educational games and videos from Curious George, Wild Kratts and other PBS Kids shows. Parents and caregivers can also find activities, tips, crafts, and more for learning at home.
Highlights Magazine (PreK, E)
https://www.highlightskids.com/
The monthly magazine for kids extends their publishing content into this free resource offering digital games and activities that engage, delight, and foster joyful learning.
Seussville (PreK, E)
Activities, games, stories, and more for kids, parents, and educators all about Dr. Seuss and his creations.
Funbrain (PreK, E, MS)
Created for kids in grades Pre-K through 8, Funbrain.com has been the leader since 1997 in providing a fun and safe space for free educational games. Funbrain offers hundreds of games, books, comics, and videos that develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving and literacy. Visit the website to browse activities by grade level.