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 Summer season:

School Age Programs:

Tweens Chat & Craft – Thursdays, July 1 through July 22, 2021; 5:00pm-6:00pm in Centereach. For children entering 4th – 6th grade. Relax, socialize and craft at the library with our MCPL social worker! Sponsored by NY Community Bank Foundation. *This program meets in person*

Cat Kid Trivia – Thursday, July 8, 2021; 2:00pm-2:45pm on Zoom. For children in 1st – 5th grade. Impress Ms Caroline with your knowledge of Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey!

Gamers Unite! – Tuesday, June 15, 2021 and Thursday, July 15, 2021; 5:00pm-6:15pm on Zoom. For children entering 4th – 5th grade. Love video games? Let’s meet virtually on Zoom and play them together! Games like Animal Crossing, Super Smash, Among Us or bring something new to us.

Weird But True Trivia – Thursday, July 29, 2021; 6:00pm-7:00pm on Zoom. For children entering 3rd – 5th grade. Can you tell which of these crazy facts are weird but true, and which are completely made up? Find out in this fun online trivia game!

Teen Programs:

Teens Chat & Craft – Mondays, June 28 through July 26, 2021; 7:00pm-8:00pm in Centereach. For teens entering 7th – 12th grade. Relax, socialize and craft at the library with our MCPL social worker! Sponsored by NY Community Bank Foundation. *This program meets in person*

Tell Us About It Book Club – Tuesdays: June 22 and July 27, 2021; 5:15pm-6:15pm on Zoom. For teens in 6th – 8th grade. Welcome to the no-pressure book club! We’re not going to ask you to read another book. Instead join a group of readers to talk about what you’re already reading. Come prepared to talk about at least one book, whether you liked it or not.  .

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

CultureGrams

Did you know the United States has more than 250,000 rivers! Access interesting facts, information and even recipes from 182 countries around the world! There are three editions: World, Kids, & States.

National Geographic Kids

Reputable, authoritative, and age-appropriate content that brings kids the world in a way they’ve never seen it before. Fun and substantive, National Geographic Kids will take them on amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space.

Science Reference Center

A comprehensive research database that provides easy access to a multitude of full text science-oriented content. This database contains full text for nearly 640 science encyclopedias, reference books, periodicals, etc. Topics covered include: biology, chemistry, earth & space science, environmental science, health & medicine, history of science, life science, physics, science & society, science as inquiry, scientists, technology and wildlife.

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.

Homeschool Diner

A fun and informative site about homeschooling with articles & how-tos.

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.

The Secular Homeschool Community

Provides information, resources, and a place to share and connect with secular homeschoolers across the world.

Consumer Affairs: Online Homeschools Guide

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