Children

Library Services for Homeschoolers

The Education Resource Center (ERC) at Middle Country Public Library offers support and enrichment for Middle Country residents, homeschooling families and educators 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, but please note that our play area is not currently open and seating in the library is limited.

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 Winter season:

School Age Programs:

Weird But True Trivia – Saturday, January 16th, 2021; 10:30am-11:30am. For children in 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 trivia game!

Dog Man Book Club – Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021; 4:00pm-5:00pm. For children in 1st – 5th grade. Let’s talk about the Dog Man graphic novel series.

Black History Month: New Kid Children’s Book Discussion – Tuesday, February 16th, 2021; 6:30pm-7:30pm. For children in 3rd – 6th grade. Join us for a discussion of the award-winning graphic novel New Kid by Jerry Craft. This story follows Jordan, who is starting over at a new school where diversity is low, as he struggles to fit in. He must learn to navigate his new school while staying true to himself. Participating children should read New Kid prior to the discussion. This title is available in print or online through Libby or Hoopla.

Muttigrees: Virtual Pet Meet & Greet – Saturday, February 27th, 2021; 10:30am-11:30am. For children in Kindergarten – 5th grade. Show and tell us about your furry friends at home! Join us for a meet & greet with your pets and some animal-themed trivia.

Captain Underpants! – Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021; 4:00pm-4:45pm. For children in 1st – 5th grade. Discuss Dav Pilkey’s award winning series Captain Underpants and talk about how this series is connected to the Dog Man Universe!

Storytelling Performances by Motoko – Monday, March 22nd, 2021; 3:00pm-4:00pm. For children in Kindergarten – 5th grade. Enjoy these storytelling performances by Motoko. In a Chinese folktale find out how four kind dragons work together to save villages. In two short Korean folktales, learn about a boy who loved stories and hear about a disobedient frog! Watch these pre-recorded folktale performances via link, videos will only be available for 2 weeks.

Teen Programs:

Tell Us About It Book Club – Tuesdays: January 12th, February 16th, March 16th, 2021; 5:15pm-6:15pm. 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.

Staying Safe Online: Passwords – Monday, January 25th, 2021; 6:00pm-7:00pm. For teens in 6th – 12th grade. Strong passwords are very important. Learn a fun way to come up with a super secure password and about password manager programs.

Folk Tales, Myths, and Fairy Tales: A Museum Corner Writing Workshop – Wednesday, February 17th, 2021; 6:30pm-7:30pm. For teens in 6th – 12th grade. Many popular authors credit folk tales, mythology, and fairy tales as inspiration for their writing. Learn how writers use these themes then put your own creative writing skills to the test by developing your own story! Participants will receive a Zoom link upon registration.

Black History Month: Long Way Down Teen Book Discussion – Monday, February 22nd, 2021; 7:15pm-8:15pm. For teens in 7th – 12th grade. Join us for a discussion to explore both the award-winning novel in verse and graphic novel adaptation of Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds. This powerful, gripping novel takes place over the course of 60 seconds in an elevator – the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he’s going to avenge his brother’s death. Participating teens have the option to read the regular novel or graphic novel adaptation, available in print or online through Libby.

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.