While the weather outside can still feel like summer, the first day of fall is just around the corner. The fall means many students return to school. At Yonkers Public Library, we have plenty of learning resources for students of all ages, as well as services and programs for students and educators.
For Reading
Libraries are in the business of books, and we have plenty of ways to read ebooks and audiobooks online! Whether you need a copy of a book for your required reading or you’re looking to build your literacy skills, you can access these services on your computer or mobile device.
Libby, Freading, Hoopla offer thousands of options for popular fiction and nonfiction titles in both ebook and audiobook formats. For younger readers, Tumblebooks provides animated, talking picturebooks that children can read or have read to them. Tumblebooks also has educational puzzles and games, reading comprehension quizzes, and language learning resources.
Homework Help
Need a little extra help with your homework after school? All three branches of the Yonkers Public Library will offer in-person tutoring during the school year on most days after school for elementary school and some middle school students. You can contact your preferred branch for specific grade levels and hours, or check out our online calendar.
If you’re looking for accessible online tutoring for older students, check out tutor.com. Tutor.com is a free, online tutoring service that covers important subjects like math, science, social studies and English. Live tutors are available to connect with every day from 9 AM to 10 PM. You can log in using your library card number found on the back of your library card. Your pin number should be the last four digits of the phone number you provided when you applied for your library card. If you’re having trouble logging in, contact your local library and they can reset your pin number for you. Tutor.com is also great for students studying for standardized tests and AP exams.
Learning Express is a great resource for students studying to take standardized tests such as the TASC, SAT, PSAT, ACT, and AP exams. There are also practice sets and tutorials to develop skills in math, reading, writing, and basic sciences.
If you’re working on an assignment, Gale in Context is an online database with resources for elementary and middle school students that has a variety of age-appropriate and curriculum-related content in science, art, cultures, social studies, history and more.
Check out all of our student-focused resources and research databases on our website here.
For Educators
YPL has dedicated School Outreach Coordinators that work closely with Yonkers schools to strengthen the connection between the library and educators. Our goals are to help schools feel supported and connected to the library by being a helpful resource and making outreach feel fun, consistent, and easy for educators to engage with.
Here are some of the great resources and services we offer for Yonkers educators:
Class Visits:
Looking to take your students outside of the classroom? The Yonkers Public Library welcomes students of all ages to any of our three library branches. We can tailor your visits to best engage your students. Types of visits include library card orientation and sign-ups, story time, books talks, teen tours and more.
To schedule your visit, you can fill out this class visit form. Forms should be submitted at least four weeks in advance of your desired visit date. Visits should have no more than 60 students, and schools should provide at least one adult chaperone per every ten students.
Educator Card
The Yonkers Public Library offers special library cards to teachers and faculty at Yonkers schools regardless of whether or not they are residents of Yonkers themselves. A YPL Educator card gives the cardholder access to ebooks and online learning resources for education and enrichment that might typically require a paid subscription.
You can learn more and fill out the application form for a YPL Educator card here.
Assignment Alerts and Book Borrowing
Are you planning a classroom assignment and want support from the library? Contact us using this form or call the Reference Desk at 914-375-7966 to find out how YPL can support your students’ resource needs for completing their assignments. We can discuss the various databases and resources that are available to you and your students.
We also offer certain titles for schools to borrow depending on available quantities. This can be a great resource for book clubs or specific reading assignments if students have trouble getting a book on their own.
Alison Robles, a Yonkers native, received an MS in Information and Library Science from the University at Buffalo. She works at the Crestwood Library and is an avid reader with a passion for YA lit, historical fiction, and fantasy.