Kids & Teens: Resources
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.
Apply for a Library Card
Middletown residents can apply online for a Russell Library card. We will mail the card to you & email you the card number so you can begin using it right away! New applications only!
Renew Your Library Card
Middletown residents: If your card has expired or you think you already have an account but have lost your card, please use this form.
Russell Online
We have even more online services at Russell Online: Ted Talks, Consumer Reports, Hartford Courant, Geneology & more!
Time Management for Kids
How to help your kids manage their learning time while at home.
READING
Audible
A free audiobook database for kids. (No library card required.)
Audiobook Cloud
An all-ages audiobook database. (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.)
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
123 Homeschool 4 Me
Free homeschool worksheets for grades K-12 plus articles on how to teach your children at home. (No library card required.)
Bill Nye: Science Experiments
Science experiments you can do at home. (No library card required.)
BrainPOP
An education website offering free access during the COVID-19 crisis. (No library card required.)
BrainPOP Jr. (Grades K-3)
An education website offering free access during the COVID-19 crisis. (No library card required.)
Connecticut Science Center
There’s plenty to do online at the CT Science Center! (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.)
Scholastic Learn at Home
A free resource that provides articles, stories, videos, virtual field trips & fun learning challenges. (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
This site connects teachers and families with scientists from many disciplines. Children can learn more about a field of study or what it’s like to be a scientist. (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
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.)
Relaxation & Recreation
Virtual field trips, crafts, games, music, meditation & more! Also, tips on working & learning at home. All ages. (No library card required.)
Russell Library Storytimes
Visit our YouTube channel to hear stories read by our librarians, board members, and other friends! (No library card required.)
Stay-at-Home Bingo
Play Russell Library’s Stay-at-Home Bingo Game.
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 Tours of Famous Places
Russell Library has gathered together some of the best virtual tours on the Internet. Travel the world from home!
Teens
Audiobook Cloud
An all-ages audiobook database. (No library card required.)
Britannica Online
Articles, multimedia, primary sources, e-books, and other resources. (Russell Library card required.)
Coursera: Free Classes for Teens
From calculus to guitar for beginners, Coursera helps high school students everywhere keep learning. (No library card required.)
eBooks, Audiobooks, Movies, Magazines
Downloads are available 24/7. (Russell Library card required.)
Happiness
Happiness is… baking for others, blanket forts, gratitude, music and more. Discover the things that make us all happy.
Mango Languages
Need help with a class? Over 70 languages available. (Russell Library card required.)
Novelist
Book reviews, sample chapters, suggestions & read-alike lists. (Russell Library card required.)
Relaxation & Recreation
Virtual field trips, crafts, games, music, meditation & more! Also, tips on working & learning at home. All ages. (No library card required.)
researchIT CT
Online reference databases: history, science, biography & more. Also, newspapers, magazines, genealogy, ebooks, audiobooks. (No library card required.)
Standardized Tests
JobNow’s Skillsurfer module includes full practice exams and study guides for standardized tests: pre-secondary school exams, including the HSPT, ISEE, and SSAT. It also has pre-college options, such as the PSAT, SAT, TOEFL, and ACT, as well as AP Test prep. (Russell Library Card Required).
Stimola Live
Live stream events for kids, tweens, and teens by professional authors and illustrators. (No library card required.)
Tech Topics
Finishing up the semester? Russell Library has recommendations on using the Internet safely, learning new programs, and staying up-to-date.
TED Talks
3300+ talks to stir your curiosity. (No library card required.)
Teen Book Cloud
eBooks for Grades 7-12. (No library card required.)
Universal Class
Over 500 courses including parenting, homeschooling, special education, teacher resources, how-to & much more! (Russell Library card required.)
Outreach and Group Visit Request Form
Our librarians will present storytimes via Zoom to your organization. Click the link to fill out the form to request a virtual visit.
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.