Back To School With The Seattle Public Library: Free Tutoring, Library Link And Much More
release date: September 21, 2021
With children and teens back in full-day, in-person school, The Seattle Public Library is here to help students. With your library card or Seattle Public Schools ID, you can get instant access to free tutoring, educational videos, curated book lists, language classes and much more.
Here are some top ways that students of all ages can use their Library account this fall.
Free Virtual Tutoring
Does your child or teen need help with math, writing or practice tests? You can access free one-on-one tutoring through the Library’s Tutor.com service. Virtual tutoring is offered at all grade levels and in three languages – English, Spanish and Vietnamese – seven days a week.
Students can connect at www.tutor.com/spl to get instant access to expert tutors in a safe and secure online classroom. Tutors can offer academic help with any subject, college essays, test preparation and more. Students can also take practice quizzes, submit writing for review at the Drop-Off Writing Review service and access video lessons available 24/7.
Connecting with your Library card
Getting started with Tutor.com is simple. All you need is your Library card number and pin, as well as a device to connect to the online service. You don’t need an appointment. Go to www.spl.org/VirtualTutoring to learn more.
If you need help: Call the Library at 206-386-4636. If you need an interpreter, just ask. You can also email or chat with a Library staff member at www.spl.org/Ask.
Connecting with your Student ID
If you are a Seattle Public Schools student or staff member, you don’t need a Library card. You can use your student ID to access all digital Library resources, including Tutor.com, databases, classes and thousands of e-books.
Get started: Go to www.spl.org/LibraryLink to start using the Library’s digital resources with your student ID and pin number. This video also shares tips.
If you need help: Call the Library at 206-386-4636. If you need an interpreter, just ask. You can also email or chat with a Library staff member at www.spl.org/Ask. You can also apply for a full-access Library card, which allows you to check out physical books, at www.spl.org/Card.
More Back-to-School Resources
The Library offers dozens of other resources and services for students, including our vast collection of books and audiobooks (digital and physical), book recommendations, digital magazines, research databases and more. Here are some of our favorites; find more by grade level at www.spl.org/StudentSuccess and www.spl.org/RemoteLearning.
- Access Video - Stream documentaries, independent films and content from channels including PBS, BBC, History Channel and A&E, as well as educational and how-to videos.
- AtoZ the World - Want to learn about another country? Get in-depth information about 175 countries, including history, culture, customs, food, religion, travel information and maps.
- Biography in Context - Get in-depth biographical information about the world’s most influential people throughout history.
- Book lists for kids - Recommended reading lists created by The Seattle Public Library’s youth librarians.
- Bookflix - Animated stories and interactive games keep young readers engaged and help build vocabulary.
- Britannica Library Children - Thousands of articles, images, videos and more to help students from kindergarten through high school learn about the world.
- E-audiobooks available now - Search by age group under “Interest Level.”
- E-books for kids – Thousands of e-books that you can access with a click, including Available Now titles.
- E-books for teens – E-books for teens, including Available Now titles.
- Exploration Guides - From the lore behind the Kraken to the history of dumplings, explore these topic-driven collections of digital media.
- Hoopla – Music, movies and comics, for kids, teens and adults, always available without a wait.
- Kanopy Kids - Browse educational and engaging videos for children of all ages.
- LinkedIn Learning - Learn a new skill at your own pace, with thousands of courses covering animation, business skills, marketing, design, photography and programming.
- NoveList Plus - An extensive database of fiction and nonfiction recommendations on a wide range of reading interests.
- PressReader – Online magazines and newspapers from around the world.
- Mango Languages - This interactive tool offers more than 70 languages, including English, for children and adults.
- Opposing Viewpoints in Context - Perfect for debate prep, this database offers insight and research into today’s hottest topics.
- Virtual story time - Stories, rhymes, songs and fun with our children's librarians and community storytellers.
MORE INFORMATION
The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.
Twenty-six of the Library’s 27 locations are now open! Find operating hours for each location at www.spl.org/Hours. Visit the Library's Road to Reopening page for more information on current Library services.
To learn more about the Library’s work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, read our 2020 Impact Report.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.