THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED PERIODICALLY

These are challenging times, both professionally and personally, for every family around the world. Historically, quarantine and isolation meant total exclusion from the activities of our neighbors and everyone else on the planet. But the Internet has changed that somewhat.

We will be on the lookout for online sites and programs that will bring art, literature, news, and literally, a world of information to your phone or computer. If you find something that you think should be included, please send a link to ctlreads@ctlibrary.org and we will check it out.

EARLY READERS

1. Obviously, our first listing will be for our own Story Times with Miss Debbie, Monday, 10:30 a.m. and Thursday, 4 p.m.; and Mr. Tim, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Their story times are live on our Facebook page and then will stay posted for one week.
2. Audible.com – during the Coronavirus situation, Audible is allowing free streaming of audiobooks focused on preK – to 12 readers.
3. A very nice presentation of Reading Games from PBS for young readers!
4. Jan Brett’s website and Facebook provides a huge amount of resources connected with her colorful and imaginative stories. There are print-out coloring sheets, videos and a lot more.
5. Candlewick Press is another publisher that is providing more access to appropriate content for young readers. One of their highlights is a free book specifically about the COVID-19 issue and what it means for children and families.
6. A wonderful website with very nice videos of celebrated actors like Chris Pine and Betty White reading books, is Storyline Online, created by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Children Literacy Initiative.

SCHOOL AGE – K-12

1. A nice list of different options, from USA Today.
2. Here’s a good list from Travel & Leisure of some great museums with virtual tours.
3. Charlesbridge is a children’s book and music publisher with a wide variety of publications on many topics. Their works focus on a positive world view and uplifting stories. This is a link to their videos from authors and illustrators.

YOUNG ADULT

1. ComicOnlineFree.com has a daily update of graphic novels and comics for all age levels but there is a PG-13 vibe to some of the YA issues.

ADULT

1. The Virtual Book Channel. A collection of short videos focusing on the literary aspect of our lives. https://lithub.com/literary-hub-presents-the-virtual-book-channel/
2. The Metropolitan Opera – For those of you with a taste for opera, the Met is providing free webcasts of complete productions.
3. The YMCA is providing free exercise videos.
4. Gutenberg Online is a long-time source of e-texts and other material that runs the gamut of interests. There is always something interesting to find here.
5. InternetArchive.org has an amazing amount of archival material including books, old TV shows, vintage radio shows and films. You could spend hours just searching through the digital “stacks” at this site.
6. Hood College has added a great selection of online resources that lean toward the academic. You can find them here.