For thousands of families and young people across El Paso County, August brings the start of a new school year. For many, this means signing up for classes, ordering textbooks, and picking up school supplies. Students of all ages, from elementary to college, should add a library card to their list of essentials. Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has a wide variety of useful tools and resources to help students achieve academic success this school year, many of which are available outside of a Library location.

Everyone has subjects they struggle with. For many, it is science, math, English, social studies, writing, or reading. Students who need support in these areas can use their library card to access Brainfuse HelpNow. Brainfuse offers live tutoring daily, homework help, online writing assistance, and test prep tools, including customized study plans. For in-person math help, the Library offers weekly math tutoring sessions at Library 21c every Wednesday after school.

The Library’s comprehensive database offerings make finding resources for projects and essays a piece of cake. Elementary-aged students can develop internet search skills while finding information for homework by using databases like CultureGrams and Gale in Context: Elementary. Older students will find the resources they need for nearly any subject on the Library’s databases webpage (ppld.org/databases/all), such as learning about poetic form and finding essays that analyze short stories in the Poetry & Short Story Reference Center.

Homeschool families can find enrichment and academic support on PPLD’s Homeschool Hub page (ppld.org/homeschool-hub). The Library hosts a variety of engaging educational homeschool programming during the school year, including annual events like the Homeschool Science Fair where students prepare and showcase projects. For other hands-on learning opportunities, check out the Educational Resource Center, located at East Library.

Students preparing for college or studying for standardized tests will want to check out the Peterson’s Test Prep database. This database provides study guides and timed practice tests for all major college entrance exams and standardized tests. It also includes information on college planning, searching for scholarships, and exploring careers.

Beyond database subscriptions, tutoring, programs, and test preparation, the Library supports students by providing them with access to the technology they need. Students can use computers, WiFi, printers (with up to $7 of free printing per week), WiFi hotspots, creative programs like Photoshop and Premiere Pro, and even creative technology like cameras and audio recording equipment.

With so many academic tools available at no cost, a library card is a vital tool for students throughout El Paso County. And when it’s time to put the pencils down and relax, the Library has that covered too with a vast collection of books and eBooks, TV shows and movies, music streaming, video and board games, and more. If you are preparing for the upcoming school year, be sure to stop by your closest PPLD location to sign up for a library card. You’ll be glad you did!

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