Library's Back-to-School Toolkit

August 29, 2022 | By Baltimore County Public Library

Another school year is underway for Baltimore County Public School students and staff. As a community hub, Baltimore County Public Library wants to help families navigate the year with several in-person and online tools, e-sources and engaging programs. 

While all Baltimore County residents are able to obtain library cards in person or online, BCPS student identification numbers already serve as library cards. With a library card, materials and myriad e-sources are available instantly. Read below to learn more or explore our youth offerings. 

Free Snacks 

Starting Monday, September 12, eight branches will provide snacks daily to youth ages 18 and under. The snacks, which are made up of a grain, fruit and juice, may only be eaten in the branch, grab and go is not available. Branches distributing snacks include: 

  • Essex

  • Lansdowne 

  • Loch Raven 

  • Randallstown 

  • Reisterstown 

  • Rosedale 

  • Sollers Point 

  • Woodlawn 

Programs 

The library holds in-person and virtual programs nearly every day. Programs include: 

  • STEM

  • STREAM demonstrations 

  • Nature clubs 

  • Chess clubs 

  • Anti-racism book discussions 

  • Anime and manga clubs 

  • Writers' club

Search for programs by date, location and age group. 

Digital Library 

Our digital library is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Download or stream using a computer, tablet, phone or smart TV. Options include: 

Homework Help 

Learn more about the following homework help resources: 

  • Brainfuse—Get expert help from tutors through a live chat from 2 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Send a question and get an answer within 24 hours. Have your library card number and password available. Spanish-speaking tutors are available.  

  • SkillSurfer—Practice long division, improve reading comprehension and learn other key skills.  

  • Writing Lab—Submit a writing sample and receive feedback on structure, grammar, style and content to help you better organize and present your thoughts and information.  

Research Databases   

Use our online databases for research and school assignments. Many contain full-text articles from magazines, journals, current and historical newspapers, encyclopedias and more. A valid library card is required to access some databases.  

For the Little Ones

It is never too early to start learning! Parents can enroll their children younger than 5 in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. There is no minimum age to sign up! Reading out loud with your child helps them develop important early literacy skills—such as speaking, listening and communicating—before they start kindergarten. Parents can sign up through Beanstack, or by downloading or picking up a paper reading log (pdf) at their home branch. For every 100 books read, children can collect a special sticker. When they get to 1,000 books, there is a completion prize.  

Category: Collection and Materials