ENRICHMENT
How to Find Suggested Reading Titles Online
We are keeping a list of ways to find our suggested reading titles as well as how to get access to books in general, either free or at very low cost. Contact UOD Program Director Jenni Acosta if you have recommendations:
Check with your school librarian
School librarians are working really hard to create resources to help you find ways to read, learn and play. They will likely have some great ideas for finding online resources to help find the suggested reading online.
Check with your local library and other libraries
And, be sure to get free library cards to use online to have access to ebooks and audiobooks.
In Newton, MA:
Newton Free Library is part of the Minuteman Library System, which includes other areas in Metrowest Boston (click this link for the full list of towns and colleges in this network). They have a guide to help you understand different resources available to you: e-Books, Streaming and More
How to get a FREE online Library Card in Newton (and Metrowest):
If you don’t have a library card and live in Massachusetts, try this page that guides you through the process of getting a free library card for 6 months:
Library Cards and Borrowing
Boston Public Library digital eCard – available to Massachusetts residents!
eCards are available to anyone who lives, resides part-time to attend school, owns property, or works in Massachusetts. If you are a Massachusetts resident and don’t already have a Boston Public Library card, you can register for one online. This provides access to all online resources, including OverDrive and Hoopla.
State of Massachusetts – find your library and other free resources
https://libraries.state.ma.us/pages/free-resources
Not in Massachusetts? Try your local library.
You can search the following websites to find your nearest libraries:
Libraries Online – United States > Public Libraries
WorldCat.org: Find a library near you (includes countries beyond the United States)
Try the Open Library
Free lending library of eBooks: The Internet Archive’s Open Library has millions of eBooks for 2-week borrowing. Everyone is eligible to sign up. There are no residency requirements. For more information, you can read their frequently asked questions: https://openlibrary.org/help/faq
Youtube
**Use with adult supervision, only. Youtube is not recommended by some school districts.
However, there are often teachers, or sometimes even students, reading one of the selections in a storytime session!
Audiobook versions and materials for people with print disabilities
Definitely check with your library. They often have both an ebook and audiobook version and can help you connect with other resources.
Bookshare.org
An Online Library of Books For People With Qualifying Print Disabilities. Bookshare makes reading easier. People with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers can customize their experience to suit their learning style and find virtually any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading. Find out if you qualify for this service here: https://www.bookshare.org/cms/bookshare-me/who-qualifies
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) – Find Your Library
National Library Service (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS circulates books and magazines in braille or audio formats, delivered by postage-free mail or instantly downloadable.
Youtube
There are often teachers, or sometimes even students, reading one of the selections in a storytime session!
Want your own copy of the book?
Not everyone loves an ebook and some want a physical copy of the book. However, there are some great used bookstores online that you can try. Most of the suggested titles in paperback format can usually be found for around $5 or less with free or low cost shipping. Here are just a few places you can check in addition to Amazon:
AbeBooks | Shop for Books, Art & Collectibles
Alibris.com – new and used books, textbooks, music and movies
Better World Books: Buy New & Used Books Online with Free Shipping
More Than Words online (local Boston nonprofit empowering youth)
Thriftbooks: New & Used Books | Buy Cheap Books Online
And finally, should you want to buy a new copy, you can support your local independent bookstore during these difficult times
Bookshop.org
Here’s what they say on their website: “If you want to find a specific local bookstore to support, find them on our map and they’ll receive the full profit off your order. Otherwise, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookstores (even those that don’t use Bookshop).”
