Back to School = Back to the Library!

Back to School = Back to the Library! 

By Amy Lee, Brandon Public Library Branch Manager 

It seems like the time to head back to school gets here earlier and earlier each year. That also means back to homework, projects, and tests. Guess what? You are prepared! Yes, YOU! You are prepared because you’ve got a CMRLS Library Card! Your library card (and local library branch) gives you 100% access to the best books and resources. With your library card in your back pocket, you are sure to be a star student!   

From learning the ABCs to research databases to tracing family history, CMRLS has everything you need for test prep, homework help, and more!  Under our “Digital Library” and “Virtual Reference Collection” pages, you can access our “extensive digital library” (Central Mississippi Regional Library System 2015). Thanks to our local and federal legislative and government agencies (Central Mississippi Regional Library System, 2015), many FREE resources are available at your fingertips!   

Here are several examples of the academic resources provided by your local library. These are only a few programs, which you can take advantage of with your CMRLS card: 

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  Magnolia- This is a collection of online databases, as well as different journal articles, newspapers, scholarly papers, and more (Central Mississippi Regional Library System, 2015). A unique feature that helps put parents at ease is the “under 18” and “over 18” passcodes that can be given to a student and/or parent/guardian from a librarian.  This resource is ideal for papers and research projects that require multiple sources! Other great reference and research-based resources offered through CMRLS include Gale Virtual Reference Collection, Explora, and Mississippi Encyclopedia.
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• Rocket Languages- True to the name, this resource offers a unique, interactive way to learn new languages.  There are foreign languages, as well and English (ESL) and sign language tutorials. There are audio and visual prompts, as well as easy-to-navigate lessons.  Users also have opportunities to practice with the flashcards and “listening,” “writing,” and “speaking” features. There are also short video clips in the sign-language lessons, demonstrating the proper way to sign each word/phrase. Learning a new language has never been easier!   
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• Worldbook Online- You’ve heard of the Worldbook Encyclopedia’s. Now, you can access “Worldbook Online” through our virtual reference database.  Worldbook offers reliable information for ages elementary through high school.  Interactive and colorful grade-level articles, timelines, videos, photographs, games, and other activities really make this fun database stand out. It’s especially the top pick of many patrons that are students, parents, and teachers at our library branch, and it’s easy to see why! It is very user-friendly and engaging. 
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• Free online tutorials, such as Learning Express Library and GCF Learn Global offer a variety of age-levels and subject areas for extra practice and review.  Not only is it user-friendly, but I am amazed at the wide selection of topics, as well as the fact that the youngest child to an adult can learn something new!  Need help prepping for the ACT?  We have help for that too!  
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• Free Ebook and Audiobook Downloads – Apps such as Hoopla and cloudLibrary give you full access to awesome digital reads, for school or for fun! 

ComicsPlus is our newest resource recently offered by CMRLS! ComicsPlus is perfect for all readers at “any age, any stage.” What I love about this app is that it not only offers something for every reader, but it reaches those “reluctant readers.” Let’s be honest - it’s hard to motivate some kids to get excited about reading. Fortunately, that’s where Graphic Novels come in.   Graphic Novels offer a real novel, with a beginning, middle, and end, with enhanced reading features such as comic-style panels, colorful illustrations, and dialogue boxes. It’s the perfect way to introduce your young readers to the magic of reading and learning. The best part?  ComicsPlus offers the full reading experience for any CMRLS card member for FREE, just like our other amazing resources. After logging into the “Comics Plus,” user-friendly platform, all you have to do is hit the play button (no waiting, no reservations or holds) and POW! You are transported into a magical land of endless reading! What could be better? 

The above list of resources is just a fraction of what your local library (and library card) has to offer you. No back-to-school worries here! Your library “has your back”! New school year? Bring it on!  

The full list of available resources through the Central Mississippi Regional Library System are available here:  https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/digital-library/virtual-reference-collection 

Of course, if you need additional help or have any other questions, feel free to ask a librarian for help! After all, that’s what we’re here for! Happy school year! Go, CMRLS!