Children

Library Services for Homeschoolers

The Education Resource Center (ERC) at Middle Country Public Library offers support and enrichment for Middle Country residents, educators, and homeschooling families with children age 5 and older by providing access to the Educational Resource collection featuring science equipment and kits, math manipulatives, curricula and educational games, online resources including subscription databases and ERC specific programming.  The ERC collection and programming is funded with support from the Long Island Community Foundation.  Education Resource Center cards are available to out-of-district homeschooling families. For more information, please contact Deborah Hempe at (631) 585-9393 ext. 223 or hempedeborah@mcplibrary.org.

Curbside Pickup for ERC Cardholders

The library is now open to the public and items from all collections are circulating. If you would like to come to the library to browse and check out items we have in the ERC collection in person you may.

We are still offering curbside pick-up but those items must be requested ahead of time. ERC cardholders may not place holds using our online system, however, if there is an item(s) you would like to pick up via curbside you may call the Youth Services Desk at 631-585-9393 ext. 559. We will pull the item, if available, and schedule the curbside pickup.

ERC items and other “kit” items must be returned to MCPL, they cannot be returned at another library.

Programs for ERC Cardholders

The following programs are open to ERC cardholders for the Spring season. Registration opens on Thursday, March 24th.

Family Programs:

The Great Give Back – Saturday, October 15, 2022; 10:00am-1:30pm For all ages. Join us at the library for a fun-filled morning of community service! All are invited to drop in! The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for patrons of Suffolk County libraries to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. No registration required.

Scales and Tails – Saturday, November 5, 2022; 11:00am-2:00pm at Centereach. Join us for a fun and educational day centered around the health and safety of Long Island’s Pet Population. Exhibiters from local and regional organizations including rescue groups, shelters and pet therapy groups will be in attendance. No registration required.

Local Author Showcase – Friday, December 2, 2022; 5:30pm-7:30pm  at Centereach. For all ages. Come meet local authors, talk to them about their books, and make some purchases…just in time for the winter holidays! Books will represent all age groups. No registration required.

School Age Programs:

Binary Code Necklace – Saturday, October 29, 2022; 1:30pm-2:30pm at Centereach. For children in 3rd – 5th grade. Learn about the binary code and create a necklace spelling out your name in binary. Registration required.

Code with Bee Bot – Monday, October 24, 2022; 5:30pm-6:15pm at Centereach. For children in K – 2nd grade. Our littlest coders can learn the basics of coding with the help of our friend Bee Bot. Registration required.

Buffalo Days: Life on the Plain – Saturday, Nov 26 2022; 11:00am-12:00pm at Centereach. For families with children in 1st – 5th grade. Siblings are welcome. The Wilderness Traveling Museum will be here to show families how to set up a tepee and hear how native people used many parts of the buffalo in daily life. Children will sit in a tepee, play drums, wear buffalo skin, play games and make an authentic necklace to take home. Please register one person per family.

Tweens Chat & Craft – Mondays, 11/7 & 12/12 and Thursdays, 11/17 & 12/1; 5:00pm-6:00pm at Centereach. For children in 4th – 6th grade. Relax, socialize and craft at the library with our MCPL social worker! Registration required.

Teen Programs:

Tell Us About It Book Club – Tuesdays, 10/11, 11/15 & 12/13; 4:00pm-5:00pm on Zoom. For teens 6th – 8th grade. Join a group of teens who love to read! Talk about what books you love or what you didn’t like so much. Get some recommendations from other readers. Registration required.

Zine Club – Tuesdays, 10/11, 11/8 & 12/27; 5:45pm-6:45pm at Centereach. For teens in 6th – 12th grade. Mini-magazine or just Zine! Draw, write and collage about your favorite topic or interest and become the author of your very own zine. Join the club at any session, supplies will be provided. Registration required.

Teens Chat & Craft – Mondays, 11/7 &12/12 and Thursdays, 11/17 & 12/1; 6:30pm-7:30pm at Centereach. For teens in 7th – 12th grade. Relax, socialize and craft at the library with our MCPL social worker! Sponsored by NY Community Bank Foundation. Registration required.

Online Resources

Middle Country Public Library offers a wide variety of online databases providing learning experiences for all ages on a wide variety of topics which can be accessed with your Middle Country Public Library card or ERC card.

                     • MCPL cardholders click here for all a list of all Kids Databases and Online Resources for teens.

                     • ERC cardholders click here for a list of all ERC Databases.

Featured Databases

BookFlix

Scholastic BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. This engaging resource will help early readers develop and practice essential reading skills.

Muzzy Online

In Spanish, French, English, German and Italian, MUZZY Online is a comprehensive, interactive and fun way for kids to learn a second language.

Prenda Code Club

Learn the basics of coding! Make websites, video games, apps, animations, programs, and more. This is a self-paced learn-to-code program for ages 8-18.

Recommended Websites

National Home Education Research Institute

New York State Homeschooling Regulations

Learn and keep up to date on New York State regulations.

NYSED Home Instruction Laws and Regulations

Key laws and requirements related to homeschooling.

New York State Home Instruction Questions and Answers

FAQs covering home instruction, individualized plans, evaluations, suggested strategies, and more.

Cathy Duffy Homeschool Reviews

This site features articles and reviews of books related to homeschooling, education and related political and spiritual issues.

The Homeschool Mom

This portal of free resources available online includes information about many topics including ordering free curriculum, online unit plans, lesson plans, and worksheets, as well as information on supplementing or creating a homeschool curriculum.

The Well-Trained Mind

This site offers a step-by-step, grade-by-grade, subject-by-subject guide to the classical pattern of education called the trivium.

A2Z Homeschooling

An inclusive, non-faith-based homeschooling site offering homeschool help and information for all homeschoolers looking for educational resources without religious influence.

Consumer Affairs: Online Homeschools Guide

Searching for an online homeschool curriculum? Compare the best companies using consumer reviews and our comprehensive buyers guide.