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:

Touch-a-Truck – Saturday, May 14, 2022; 11:00am-1:00pm at Centereach. An event not to be missed, Touch-a-Truck is for one and all, big and small! Children can explore various vehicles, sit in the driver’s seat and discover the world of trucks. No registration required.

Spring Jubilee – Thursday, June 9, 2022: 10:00am-6:00pm; Friday, June 10, 2022: 10:00am-6:00pm, Saturday, June 11, 2022: 10:00am-4:00pm at Centereach. Welcome to the 2022 Spring Jubilee! A celebration of the 12th year of the Nature Explorium. No registration required.

School Age Programs:

Fun With Ozobots – Monday, April 11, 2022; 5:30pm-6:15pm at Centereach. For children in 3rd – 5th grade. Learn the basics of programming with Ozo!

Aluminum People Sculptures – Tuesday, April 26, 2022; 5:30pm-6:30pm at Centereach. For children in K – 2nd grade. Learn about the sculptor Alberto Giacometti and create your own foil sculptures of people.

Meet the Author: Spider in the Library – Saturday, May 7, 2022; 1:00pm-2:00pm at Centereach. For children in K – 3rd grade. Meet author Kristen Petr as she reads her story Spider in the Library then do a fun spider craft!

Fun With BB8 – Monday, May 16, 2022; 5:30pm-6:30pm at Selden. For children in 3rd – 5th grade. Play with BB8 and do a fun BB8 themed craft!

Teen Programs:

Tell Us About It Book Club – Tuesdays: April 12 and May 10, 2022; 5:15pm-6:15pm on Zoom. For teens in 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.

Nature Art Therapy Workshop – Monday, April 18, 2022; 5:30pm-6:30pm at Centereach. For teens in 6th – 12th grade. Express yourself through art while centering yourself in nature.

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.