Library Resources
As a homeschooling family, the public library is one of your greatest resources. Check out these fantastic resources available for free with your Oconee County Public Library card!
Book Kits
Literacy Kits
Make your way through the rainbow as you read popular books and play exciting games — all while improving your reading skills!
- Each kit contains:
- Multiple books on various reading levels
- Hands-on reading skill games to boost understanding
- Comprehension questions to discuss with children as they read
Literacy Kits are available at all four library branches and on the Bookmobile. You can:
- Check them out for four weeks on any library card (including kids' cards)
- Renew them if there are no holds
- Check out multiple kits – there are no checkout limits
Storytime Kits
Storytime kits are just what they sound like – collections of books and activities with a central theme that help you create meaningful literary experiences with your child. With kit themes like counting, colors, ABCs, and much more, you and your little ones are sure to find a fun kit to take home and enjoy.
Each kit comes with several picture books, an interactive toy, a suggested craft, and a tip sheet featuring songs, rhymes, and activities caregivers can use to supplement the materials and have their very own storytime at home, or in the park, or on the go! The kits have been thoughtfully developed to build important early literacy skills in young children. Engaging in a variety of storytime activities – both at home and at the library – builds a foundation for life-long reading skills.
Stream & Download
CloudLibrary
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks to read on your phone or tablet using the cloudLibrary app. It’s free and easy to get started for new users. All you need is a library card!
Hoopla
Borrow from a collection of movies, music, eAudiobooks, eBooks, comics, TV shows, and magazines right from your computer, tablet, phone, or TV.
TumbleBooks
Access animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love through TumbleBooks.
BookFlix
A resource for new readers that pairs video storybooks with related eBooks to build a love of reading.
Teachables
Scholastic Teachables offer printable lesson plans, reading passages, games and puzzles, clip art, bulletin board ideas, and skills sheets for kids in any grade.
Tutor.com
Tutor.com offers 24/7, on-demand, 1-to-1 tutoring and homework help in more than 250 subjects.
Museum Passes
Check out passes for local museums and parks including The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, South Carolina State Parks, and Oconee County Parks.
Parental Resources
Recommended Websites for Book Reviews
Below is a list of websites that provide valuable insights into books your child may encounter in public libraries. Each resource offers unique tools to assess content suitability.
1. Rated Books
https://www.ratedbooks.org
The site includes a searchable database with ratings based on content, such as explicit material, and provides page numbers and quotations to support the ratings.
2. Pavement Education Project
https://www.pavementeducationproject.org/recommendedreading
The Pavement Education Project offers a recommended reading list tailored for educational settings. This resource focuses on books deemed appropriate and beneficial for young readers, helping parents identify positive reading options for their children.
3. Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com
Goodreads is the worlds largest community for book lovers, offering user-generated reviews and ratings. Search for a book by title or author to find summaries, reader feedback, and age recommendations. Its a great tool for discovering what other parents and readers think about a books content and suitability.
4. Common Sense Media
https://www.commonsensemedia.org
Common Sense Media provides parent-friendly reviews with detailed breakdowns of books, including age appropriateness, themes, and potential concerns like violence or language. Each review includes a “What Parents Need to Know” section to guide your decisions.
5. Book Marks
https://bookmarks.reviews
Book Marks, part of Literary Hub, aggregates professional book reviews from reputable sources. While primarily focused on adult literature, it can be useful for older children's books or young adult novels, offering critical insights into content and themes.