Students who have been given homework or self-study curriculums during the extended break are in luck. Kids can get answers to their most complicated homework or research project questions online through local public libraries. Libraries let kids access some of the most exclusive, expensive databases available — for free.
Chandler Public Library
All Chandler Public Library branches are now closed through March 31. For online homework resources, click on the Kids & Teens tab. In addition to grade-level reading lists, kids will find access to Britannica Online and Kids Infobits databases. Teens can access eight more-advanced sites, including the A-Z List of Databases that will provide access to more than 30 additional database resources. These resources allow access to reprinted material from books, magazines and newspapers for free.
Glendale Public Library
All Glendale Public Library branches are currently closed and all programs and classes canceled through March 31. Due dates for all library materials have been extended until April 1. Materials can be returned at drop-off locations.
GPL is the only public library that offers Brainfuse — online, live-chat, all-subject homework assistance for library card-holding students from kindergarten through college — available in Spanish or English, from 1-10 p.m. daily. From the Kids page or Teens page, click Homework Help, then Brainfuse. The Kids page also has links to games for preschoolers and elementary-age kids, plus access to book lists and more. The Teens pages allow access to databases offering newspaper and magazine articles, encyclopedia and dictionary help and much more.
Maricopa County Library District
Maricopa County Library District branches are closed until further notice. Due dates for already checked-out materials are postponed until April 16, at least. Book drops are open. Hoopla account limits have been increased to 15 per card per month.
For homework assistance, visit mcldaz.org and click on the Homework Help button at the bottom of the page to connect with 14 free databases with research and learning resources for children, teens and adults. MCLD has 19 branches serving county residents living outside the greater Phoenix Metro area, but any county resident may apply for a library card and use their services.
Mesa Public Library
All Mesa Public Library facilities are closed through March 28 and all events and room reservations are suspended. Any programs with possible attendance of 50-plus have been suspended through April 30.
The library is not assessing fines or fees; recently expired library cards will be reactivated through April 30. Due dates and pick-up dates are all reset to April 30. All regular online resources are still available.
Resources for Children include Kids InfoBits for students from kindergarten through 5th grade, Miss Humblebee’s Academy for preschool through kindergarten, TumbleBook Cloud (audio and ebooks, graphic novels and videos suitable for students and adults) and Tumble Books animated online picture books for kids. Slightly older students will find additional help under E-Source Categories, which include Homework Help & Student Resources and the meaty A-Z List of Resources.
Phoenix Public Library
All Phoenix Public Library programming and events have been cancelled; all branches and book drops are temporarily closed. PPL is extending its borrowing period and waiving due dates. At present, new hold requests are not allowed and currently held items cannot be picked up. They will remain on hold shelves until the library reopens. All digital services will continue as normal, including “ask the Librarian” reference services.
Visit StudentHQ for online homework help and access to 16 databases for kids, teens and adults.
Scottsdale Public Library
All Scottsdale Public Library branches are now closed until further notice. No book donations will be accepted. For status updates visit scottsdalelibrary.org/COVID19
Homework Help for K-12 offers access to 22 education-related databases for students of all ages or visit the Learning and Research page to browse among 18 database subject icons and access to 50 available databases and an equal number of non-library online resources, such as state and federal agency sites.
Tempe Public Library
Tempe Public Library and book drop are closed until further notice. Due dates on checked-out items have been extended and expired library cards renewed until April 30. OverDrive digital checkouts have been increased to 12 during the closure. Find a variety of resources on the Homework Help page.
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