Caregivers & Teachers
Find help for your little learners!
Homeschooling
Download our Homeschool Resource Guide!
Books
Check out our resources on homeschooling in call number 371.042 and visit our Juvenile Literature section (J-L) for reading suggestions and tips to engage young readers.
Here are two great booklists to get you started:
Education Focus: Homeschooling
Homeschooling Resources: High School Curriculum Guide
Databases
Visit our library databases for kids:
- Kids InfoBits: This database for children ages 5-10 features full-text content from elementary reference sources and magazines. Kids InfoBits covers geography, current events, the arts and sciences, people, government, history, and more.
- Brittanica School: Offers age-appropriate levels for conducting research, completing homework assignments, and working on special projects in the library or at home. Also available in Spanish at Brittanica Escolar.
- TumbleBooks: TumbleBooks is an online collection of animated, talking books which are created from existing books. TumbleBooks also includes puzzles, games and quizzes and a collection of books in foreign languages. The entire site can also be viewed in Spanish and French.
World Language Collection
We have books for all ages in over 40 languages! Learning a new language? We have audiobooks, instructional DVDs, books and Mango, an online language-learning tool.
Local & Regional Resources
Find support in the community for homeschoolers, unschoolers & funschoolers in our Homeschool Resource Guide.
Resources for Families of Children with Autism & SPD
Sensory Station
You'll find weighted lap pads, noise-cancelling earmuffs, fidgets and other sensory tools to use during your visit to the library.
Interactive Storybook Collection
Books that feature clear illustrations, easy-to-follow text, easy-turn pages and movable pieces, encouraging children to connect with the story through hands-on interaction.
Virtual Tour
You can prepare for your visit by viewing our tour of what you'll see when you're here.
Local & Regional Resources
Find support in the community for your family with our guide.
Kids Discover the Trail
TCPL welcomes all of the kindergarteners in the Ithaca City & Trumansburg School Districts for special class visits. Two classes from different schools attend the fieldtrip and each child is buddied up with a kindergartener from another class. Together we celebrate our library, reading and books! Learn more here.
Class & Camp Visits at the Library
Classes and groups are always welcome to visit and use our Library. Please plan to accompany your class or group when they come to the library. If your class or group will require special attention from library staff (story time, library orientation, assistance with using the library's resources) please contact us to make arrangements at least two weeks in advance. For more information regarding individual library card registration prior to class visits, see our information brochure.
Institution Cards
In order to apply for a School/Institution Library Card, the Chief Operating Officer/Director/Principal must complete the Institution Card Application (the form is also available at the Circulation desk). No ID is required.
Please provide the Institution’s federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) on the application, as well as a letter on company letterhead.
The COO/Director/Principal does not need to be present as long as the Institution representative has a completed form and letterhead. Please bring both to the Circulation Desk to apply for the card.
The card must be signed by the COO/Director/Principal. The account is accessible to up to three additional individuals (named on the application) with photo I.D.