Resources for the school year

Loudoun County Public Library has the FREE resources that students, educators and parents need to succeed in school and beyond. Have a question? Click the Chat Now icon at the bottom right corner of the page (or Contact Us if we're offline) for help finding materials, research guidance and more.

LIBRARY USE & POLICIES

Loudoun County Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment that encourages children to visit the library and use library collections and spaces. Library staff is available to assist and support children in using the library. However, library staff cannot provide child care or assume responsibility for children’s safety. Parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers are responsible for the behavior and safety of children on library premises.

  • Children 9 years old or younger must be attended and directly supervised at all times by a parent/guardian or caregiver age 13 or older. Parents/guardians/caregivers are to remain in the immediate vicinity of their children using the library.
  • If children 9 years old or younger are left unattended, staff will attempt to reach their parents/guardians. If they cannot be reached, staff will contact the appropriate authorities.
  • Like all library users, children are expected to abide by the Library Rules of Conduct (see policy 9). Library staff reserves the right to contact parents/guardians or the appropriate authorities if a child of any age is disruptive or is in distress.
  • Minors younger than 18 who are left at the library without transportation at closing time may be referred to the appropriate authorities for their safety and well-being. Library staff may not transport minors.

Library cards are free to all Loudoun County residents or anyone who attends school, works or owns property in Loudoun County. Residents of neighboring jurisdictions may also be eligible. You can apply for a card online or in person at any branch.

Your PIN is your birthdate in a MMDDYY format. For example, July 4, 1976 would be 070476. Create a custom PIN at catalog.library.loudoun.gov.

With your library card, you have access to eBooks, streaming music and movies, eComics and databases on your computer or mobile device 24/7. Click here to see our most popular online resources and watch tutorials about how to use them.

Wireless internet is available inside all LCPL locations as well as outdoors and from library parking lots.

How do I connect to the network?

To use the network, connect to “LibraryWiFi” or simply open your web browser. You should see a Loudoun County Public Library login page. To begin using the library’s wireless network, you will need to accept the library’s Internet Use Policy and click the “Accept Policy” button.

Where do I go for help if I’m having a problem connecting?

Library staff can give the basic instructions for connecting to the wireless network. However, library staff are not permitted to handle your laptop or other wireless device. For more complex issues relating to your WiFi card and its configuration software, consult your owner’s manual or the device’s customer support.

Is the library’s WiFi filtered or unfiltered?

Wireless internet access is unfiltered.

Is the network secure?

LCPL’s WiFi is as secure as any open public access network. It is always a good idea to make sure you are on an SSL-encrypted webpage prior to sending or receiving confidential data.

GET TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR HOME WIFI: PDF | Video

All LCPL locations have computers with internet access and printing capabilities for public use. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Printing, copying and scanning are available at all LCPL locations. 

Elementary School

Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government: Students 4 to 14 years and older can learn about our government, how laws are made and elections work, Ben Franklin’s life, and the importance of historical documents; and play related games.

eBooks: STEAM Powered Learning on Hoopla: These titles are the perfect gateway to hands-on learning and experiments.

Gale Virtual Reference Library: Download complete text of books in the STEAM and coding fields.

Gale In Context: Elementary (formerly Kids InfoBits): Access kid-friendly reference sources including articles, biographies, news and pictures.

HelpNow: Live tutoring is available seven days a week from 2 to 11 p.m. for students in kindergarten and older. Practice long division, improve reading comprehension and explore interactive self-study tools.

Homeschool with Hoopla: Explore a variety of fiction and nonfiction eBooks and eAudiobooks, geared toward Grades K-5.

Kanopy Kids: Stream hundreds of educational movies and videos about foreign-language instruction, history, and science, math and nature.

Picture Book Bios on Hoopla: Find eBooks about important people in history.

Read-Along eBooks on Hoopla: Narrated eBooks are a wonderful way to get young students excited about reading and introduce them to technology and devices through interactive experiences. The text is highlighted as the narrator reads, enabling students to easily follow along. Choose from 300+ titles!

Scholastic Go!: Use this database to research any topic you can imagine. Internal links help you follow research leads, while informative videos, text-to-speech and reading level guides ensure that all students can find information suited to their needs.

Streaming Music on Hoopla: Reinforce STEAM learning with songs about ABCs, numbers, science and math.

Middle & High School

Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government: Students 4 to 14 years and older can learn about our government, how laws are made and elections work, Ben Franklin’s life, and the importance of historical documents; and play related games.

Civil War by ProQuest: Get a fascinating glimpse of the Civil War era with the complete runs of eight regional newspapers covering 1840-1865.

Classics eBooks: Shakespeare and other classic literature are always available. Check the selections on Hoopla or OverDrive.

EBSCO Read It!: This site is designed for middle and high school students who have a basic foundation in English grammar and reading but need adapted reading material for a variety of subjects.

EBSCO MasterFile Complete: Working on a research paper? This database is your best friend. Get instant access to full-text magazines, reference books and primary source documents, plus an extensive image collection containing photos, maps, flags and videos.

Gale Virtual Reference Library: Download complete text of books in the STEAM and coding fields.

GreenFILE: Find accessible information on topics ranging from global warming and recycling to alternate fuel sources and beyond.

HelpNow: Live tutoring from experts is available seven days a week from 2 to 11 p.m. Access personalized academic assistance in core subjects, a 24/7 Writing Lab, academic content and practice tests for skills-building (including SAT preparation), and much more.

Homeschool with Hoopla: Explore a variety of fiction and nonfiction eBooks and eAudiobooks, geared toward Grades 5-8.

Mango Languages: Learn dozens of languages, all in one easy-to-use app.

Newspapers: Search daily articles and historical publications.

O’Reilly for Public Libraries (formerly Safari Tech Books): Access thousands of eBooks and videos covering all kinds of software, web apps, and digital media, plus math, science, test prep, and college planning.

Scholastic Go!: Use this database to research any topic you can imagine or to find U.S. and international news sources. Internal links help you follow research leads, while informative videos, text-to-speech and reading level guides ensure that all students can find information suited to their needs.

Study Aids on Hoopla: Instantly access book summaries, test-prep guides and more. Can’t find what you need? Check out our other Study Aid eBooks on OverDrive.

Study Music on Freegal: Need to focus? We have four and a half hours of streaming music lined up. If you’re looking for more, check the classical music selection.

Universal Class: Take your online learning to the next level with free, self-paced courses on Universal Class. Click here to create an account, then explore classes related to:

Teachers & Educators

Classics eBooks: Shakespeare and other classic literature are always available. Check the selections on Hoopla or OverDrive.

eBooks on Hoopla: Walk In Someone Else’s Shoes: Check out these picture books if you’re looking to introduce empathy topics. See also: Building Respect & Valuing Diversity.

Gale In Context: Elementary (formerly Kids InfoBits): Scroll to the bottom of the page for a link to Educator Resources. You’ll find lessons and activities, resource guides, scavenger hunts, tutorials and information about using the database in your class.

Kanopy: If you’re interested in incorporating movies into your curriculum, check out our collection of streaming documentaries, instructional films and iconic Shakespeare performances.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com): Choose from hundreds of courses and video tutorials in the Training and Education section that are designed to help teachers leverage new technologies and the latest instructional techniques to increase engagement, be more productive in the classroom, and maximize the potential to learn remotely.

  • Teaching Techniques: Blended Learning
  • PowerPoint 365 for Educators
  • Digital Citizenship
  • Moving Your Class Online Quickly and Efficiently
  • Teaching Future-Ready Students

Scholastic Go!: At the bottom of the page, click “Librarians/Educators” to access hundreds of Scholastic lesson plans (sorted by level and subject), materials aligned to Virginia standards, and resources for professional development, teaching strategies, information literacy, and other key education topics.

Universal Class: Choose from an array of on-demand, self-paced online courses covering teacher education, curriculum and classroom resources. Click here to create an account with Universal Class, then navigate to the Teacher Resources section.

Parents & Caregivers

eAudiobooks: At-Home Learning with Hoopla: Looking for advice about navigating education at home? You’ll find guidance and inspiration among these titles.

eAudiobooks for Homeschoolers on Hoopla: Audiobooks are perfect for struggling or reluctant readers. Be sure to also check out the Learning with STEAM section.

eBooks: Back to School for Parents on Hoopla: Explore a variety of titles about parenting.

eBooks: Homeschooling on OverDrive: Find out how to maximize at-home learning with these titles.

Consumer Reports: In addition to complete ratings, reviews and buying guides, enjoy CR’s unbiased reporting on topics that matter now.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com): Supporting Your Kids' Learning at Home is a free self-paced course where you’ll learn how to structure a successful workday, provide constructive feedback and use games to keep kids engaged. Plus, discover where to find resources to educate yourself so you can provide proper support in core subject areas.

Universal Class: Need to brush up on algebra? World War II history? English composition? We’ve got you covered with on-demand, self-paced online courses on Universal Class. (Click here to set up an account if you’re using Universal Class for the first time.) Once logged on, check out the Homeschooling and General Education sections or choose specific topics from the menu on the left.