Email the Children's Department
If you wish to contact any of the children’s or teen librarians, simply send us an email! We will respond as quickly as we can.
New Teen Page!
Vist our new webpage devoted just to Teens!
Book Match
Need help finding your children something great to read? Fill out one of our online forms and our librarians will curate book recommendations just for your family!
National Homeschool Association
The NHSA is the national headquarters for home schooling in America. The NHSA provides comprehensive support, programs, activities, and resources to the nationwide community of homeschoolers.
6 Homeschooling Ideas for Parents
Tips from a parent who homeschooled her children.
Common Core
What is Common Core? What every parent needs to know about these standards for education.
How to Homeschool Your Kids
Some basics about homseschooling your kids during the coronavirus from CNN.
Summer Reading Program: Imagine Your Story
This year’s summer reading program has ended.
Time Management for Kids
How to help your kids manage their learning time while at home.
Please note: The companies that provide our databases often set residency restrictions. Russell Library cannot do anything to provide access to non-residents. If you are not a resident of Middletown, please see the resources that say No Library Card Required.
READING
Audible
A free audiobook database for kids. (No library card required.)
BookFlix
Over 120 animated stories designed to strengthen early literacy skills. (Russell Library card required.) Click here to access from home.
Downloadable Magazines for Kids
From RB Digital. No limit and permanent checkout! (Russell Library card required.)
eBooks, Audiobooks, Movies, Magazines
Downloads are available 24/7. (Russell Library card required.)
Graphic Novel Book List
Our children’s department’s list for kids grade 3-5 that are vailable online from hoopla. (Russell Library card required)
International Children's Digital Library
Children’s literature in multiple languages from the world community. (No library card required.)
Julie's Library
Join Julie Andrews for a new storytime podcast! Julie and her daughter, children’s author Emma Walton Hamilton, read their favorite children’s books. Every story comes to life with sound, music and activities. (No library card required.)
Learn to Be Anti-Racist
Reading lists, TED Talks, resources for kids & parents
Online Book Recommendations by Grade Level
Our children’s department’s list of books for kids, Grades K-5 that are available online from hoopla. (Russell Library card required)
Project Gutenberg
Free downloadable classic children’s books. (No library card required.)
Reading Beyond
A list designed to help adults recommend age appropriate titles that will challenge advanced readers. (No library card required.)
Tumble Books Library
K-6 children’s ebook database. (No library card required.)
LEARNING
Bill Nye: Science Experiments
Science experiments you can do at home. (No library card required.)
Connecticut Science Center
There’s plenty to do online at the CT Science Center! (No library card required.)
Denison Pequot Nature Center
Homeschool nature curriculum. (No library card required.)
Insitutue for American Indian Studies
Activities, websites, and other information. Many of the activities are aligned with Common Core Standards and are intended for various grade levels. (No library card required.)
NASA at Home
Let NASA bring the universe into your home. (No library card required.)
National Geographic Kids
Learn about geography and animals. (No library card required.)
researchIT CT
Online reference databases: history, science, biography & more. Also, newspapers, magazines, genealogy, ebooks, audiobooks. (No library card required.)
Scientific American: Bring Science Home
Fun science activities, which parents and their kids ages 6-12 can do together. (No library card required.)
Skype a Scientist
TEDEd
Online content covering a vast array of topics. Fun, educational, and constantly updated! (No library card required.)
Tumble Math
A K-6 ebook math database. (No library card required.)
Universal Class
Over 500 courses including parenting, homeschooling, special education, teacher resources, how-to & much more! (Russell Library card required.)
FUN
18 Unusual Crafts for Kids
Make floam, glow in the dark bubbles, chalk and more! Lots of fun!
Harry Potter at Home
Welcome to the Harry Potter At Home hub where you’ll find all the latest magical treats to keep you occupied – including magical craft videos, fun articles, quizzes, puzzles and plenty more for first-time readers, as well as those already familiar with the wizarding world.
Highlights Kids
Read, play games and conduct cool science experiments. (No library card required.)
Home-Based Art Making
An elementary art teacher blog with art projects and lessons. (No library card required.)
Librarian-Recommended Apps & Games
Librarians’ 2020 picks for Notable Children’s Digital Media. (No library card required.)
Nature & Wildlife Livecams
Webcams from around the globe. (No library card required.)
Nomster Chef
Learning through cooking. (No library card required.)
Non-Screen Activities
Activites for kids that do not involve a computer. (No library card required.)
Russell Library on YouTube
Visit our YouTube channel for arts & crafts, science and more! (No library card required.)
Stimola Live
Live stream events for kids, tweens, and teens by professional authors and illustrators. (No library card required.)
Storyline Online
Your favorite stories read to you by movie stars. (No library card required.)
Virtual Field Trips
Many museums, zoos and aquariums have set up virtual tours and webcams of their facilities. Check them out.
Virtual Tours of Famous Places
Russell Library has gathered together some of the best virtual tours on the Internet. Travel the world from home! (No library card required.)