Hello all!
Even though the school and library is closed, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have library fun at home! For all pupils, teachers, parents, carers and anyone with an interest in books and reading, I’ve compiled this list of free online resources that you can access from home!
Glasgow Libraries are available online! All pupils, as well as anyone with a library card, are able to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and music for free online through the Glasgow Libraries eLibrary. All you need is your library card number and four-digit PIN to access.
If any pupil needs help accessing these resources please get in touch with your English teacher.
#UnitedByBooks
Follow this hashtag on Twitter and other social media to see an amazing range of free resources online, promoted by a range of organisations, authors and illustrators. This will provide a variety of activities to do at home, as well as access to free reading materials.
Also, keep an eye to your favourite authors on Instagram and Twitter, as many are doing live readings of their books, offering free eBooks and a variety of other activities during the lockdown that anyone can join in with from home.
Scottish BookTrust: Live Author on Demand
Watch videos of talks and discussions with authors and illustrators of children’s books for a range of age groups. There are accompanying activities with each video. You can find the schedule for promoted events at the link above or visit the Authors Live on Demand page to browse the authors and illustrators available.
Enjoy free online books and videos, games, quizzes, competitions and a host of other activities with BookTrust HomeTime. There are a variety of activities suited to a range of age groups so there’s something for everyone to get involved in!
Elevenses with The World of David Walliams
A free audio story is released every day featuring a character from David Walliams popular books, which I know many of our pupils will be familiar with! Previous audio stories are available for a limited time so make sure you take the opportunity to listen in every day! The website also has other activities available to help pass the time in lockdown.
Dekko Comics have made a variety of their educational comics available to read for free online. These can help pupils keep on top of school work during the lockdown as they cover a range of topics including maths, english, science, history, geography and PSHE. Find them at the link above.
Coronavirus: A Book for Children
The situation we find ourselves in is scary and confusing for everyone. This free illustrated book, which can be accessed online, helps to explain what’s happening for children and answers many of their questions and concerns.
A free online resource good for any budding writers out there! Find creative writing resources, activity packs, and writing masterclasses from well known authors. People everywhere are getting involved in their 10-minute challenges – why not give it a try yourself!
For Witches, Wizards and Muggles alike
For fans of Harry Potter, there are a variety of free resources to explore, including the first book in the series which now has unlimited access on the Glasgow Libraries eLibrary for every library user. See Glasgow Libraries eLibrary for information on how to access.
In addition to this, you can also visit the British Library: A History of Magic exhibition online for free, which explores magic in muggle history, as well as the wizarding world.
You can also visit Harry Potter at Home where you can find a variety of Harry Potter and magical activities to keep you occupied, including videos, games, quizzes and puzzles.
I’ll do my best to keep this post updated with resources as I find them, but remember to keep an eye on the library Twitter page @JPaulLibrary for more regular updates and to take part in our Wednesday #virtualbookclub – I want to hear all about what people are reading during lockdown!
Stay safe and well.
