Back-to-school season is here, bringing with it an adjustment as families transition from vacation mode to the rhythms of the school year. For many parents, grandparents and caregivers, this includes looking around for tools and resources to help students achieve academic success. A PPLD library card is a great place to start for public school, homeschool and college students alike.

Pikes Peak Library District offers a wide variety of no-cost homework and study help options to support students of all academic levels. Students are learning not only the subject matter, but also how to research, identify trustworthy sources and build on their own curiosity. The library’s databases offer reliable, trusted sources of information for projects ranging from elementary animal facts and geography to high school literary analysis and science.

These database offerings make it so you can be confident that you will find quality sources of information for projects. Some of the databases are tailored specifically to elementary and middle school students so that they can develop their online research skills without being overwhelmed.

If your student needs assistance in a particular academic area like reading, science, or social studies, the HelpNow database offers a range of study tools, as well as live online tutoring daily from 2 – 11 p.m. Using other databases like LinkedIn Learning and CustomGuide, older students can go beyond their classroom studies and learn new skills in leadership, creative technology, software, career development and more. For students preparing to take ACT/SAT tests for college or studying for tests in particular subject areas, Peterson’s Test Prep provides comprehensive study guides.

To thrive in school, students need more than just informative resources and study guides. They also need places to study, do homework and work on creative projects. At the library, students can find computers and workspace, and they can reserve study rooms for quiet work time or group projects. Some library computers offer editing and design software for creative projects, and students can tap into the library’s makerspaces and studios for projects as well.

While academics are important, it is also crucial that students take breaks throughout the week to lower their stress levels. They can de-stress with books from PPLD’s physical and digital collections, enjoy movies and TV shows through Kanopy or by checking out DVDs, or stream music on Freegal. For more social options, teens can visit library teen centers to hang out with friends and other teens or enjoy gaming in locations with a teen game center. There are also boardgames to check out at select library locations to take home and enjoy with friends and family.

For a more educational relaxation option for younger students, check out a discovery kit for hands-on extracurricular learning in robotics, coding, earthquake science and more. Students can also learn through play at the Educational Resource Center at East Library. This unique learning space comes equipped with a wide variety of engaging learning tools to explore topics in math, science, social studies, language arts, music and art. This space is open by reservation only and fits up to eight people so you can bring your whole family or invite friends.

Your library hopes you have a strong school year. Find the full list of academic resources for students, parents and caregivers, and educators at ppld.org/back-to-school.

Carla Bamesberger is the Public Relations and Marketing Manager for Pikes Peak Library District. Besides reading and touting all that the District offers, this Coloradan enjoys spending time with her husband and pets, biking, crafting, and gaming. She can be reached at cabamesberger@ppld.org or by calling (719) 531-6333, x6259.