Backpack? Check. School supplies? Check. First day outfit? Narrowed down to two options. We know those back-to-school checklists can be daunting, but the library is here for you and your family as you kick off another academic year. A library card gives you free access to several resources and, in our opinion, is your number one school supply! Read on for our top six library resources for students.
Start school off on the right foot with a library card. If you haven’t already, visit your local branch to register. Library cards are free and available to residents of Henrico County as well as the City of Richmond and Chesterfield. A photo ID and proof of address is required to obtain most types of library cards. If your home address is in Goochland or Hanover County, you may qualify for a card through our reciprocal agreement with Pamunkey Regional Library System. Learn more about library card registration and eligibility requirements.
Here are just a few ways your card can come in handy throughout the year:
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Tutoring and homework help.
Tutor.com provides support to kindergarten through early college-level learners (as well as career seekers) and gives you access to live tutors and an interactive classroom with text, video, and voice options. You can also submit papers and math questions for review, take practice tests, prep for college admissions, and more. Similarly, you can also find live tutoring support through HelpNow, which offers a writing lab, adult learning center, and Spanish-speaking support.
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Reliable sources for research.
Go beyond Google and browse our list of databases to find trustworthy sources that can take your research to the next level. Access scholarly journals, magazines, newspaper articles, book excerpts, and more, and feel confident in the reliability of your information.
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Study rooms for individual and group work.
Can’t concentrate at home? With a library card, you can book a study room to prep for that upcoming test or work on a group project with friends. Visit our Reserve a Room page to see what’s available at a library near you.
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Spaces to de-stress.
When you’re not busy with school work, take a minute to relax and de-stress. Cozy up with a book, browse our magazines, or video game with friends (available to teens in grades 6-12).
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Creative tools for school projects.
Put a creative spin on your next school project with tools available in our Digital Media Labs (located at our five area libraries). Record a podcast, 3D print a prototype, try out our green screen, or work on multimedia projects in software like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere. For more details about how to use our Digital Media Labs, visit our website, or give your nearest area library a call to ask staff specific questions about your project.
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Free Programs.
Last but not least, check out our online calendar to view the hundreds of free programs we offer throughout the year for kids, teens, and adults. A library card is not needed to attend programs. Whether you’re looking to de-stress, socialize, or learn something new, the library offers a variety of events to support your interests.