Author: backstage

We’ve all been there. We want to learn a new craft, go right to YouTube, wait through THREE advertisements forced on us before we can hit skip, and then the video that follows is poorly edited with loud obnoxious music and a monotone presenter who seems to have even less of an idea of how origami works than we do. The solution? CREATIVEBUG.

Creativebug’s videos are vetted for content, professionally edited and filmed, and presented by experts who are actually experts. Plus, they are AD-FREE. Read that again, and relax your grip on the mute button you hover over so don’t have to listen to that cringy Aflac duck for the 500th time.

I know, I know – who needs another website to check, right? YOU DO. Plus, it’s easy to get to and the only access required is a library card number. The navigation is simpler (certainly less cluttered than YouTube) and you can easily save your progress and classes you are interested in for later. Whether a casual dabbler or a hardcore crafter, there is content for everyone, clearly rated from basic to advanced. Plus, many videos include free access to supply lists, step-by-step directions, and printable patterns (usually held behind payment walls on other sources).

So skip the ads and take advantage of this hidden gem among your library’s resources. Then share the word, and spread the joy of ad-free, stress-free, subscription-free crafting!

Allegheny County Public Libraries | Creativebug

– Heather Auman, Western Allegheny Community Library

We all know how great (and popular) Mango Languages is – and for good reason! It’s a great resource.

However, there is another language learning resource that we and our patrons can utilize and that’s Transparent Language available through Power Library.

There are many languages to choose from.

Many even offer lessons geared to people who speak another language other than English.

You can sign in as a guest or set up an account which is helpful as it will keep track of your progress.

Be sure to take some time to poke around the site and see if there is a language you would like to learn!

Tracy – Monroeville Public Library

As educators and library staff, we continuously seek high-quality, reliable digital resources to fuel the curiosity of young learners. Gale Kids InfoBits stands out as one of our most dependable and user-friendly tools for teaching students essential research skills, safe information-seeking practices, and age-appropriate content.

Whether a student is delving into animal studies for a class project, learning about historical figures, or exploring their personal interests, Kids InfoBits makes the experience enjoyable, accessible, and secure.

🌟 What Is Gale Kids InfoBits?

Gale Kids InfoBits is an online research database designed specifically for elementary-aged students. It offers:

• **Age-appropriate articles** written in clear, kid-friendly language
• **Engaging visuals** including photos, diagrams, and illustrations
• **Reliable, vetted content** sourced from magazines, reference books, and trusted digital platforms
• **User-friendly navigation** and search tools tailored for developing readers

Think of it as a “starter research database” that empowers children to explore topics responsibly, without getting lost in overwhelming or unverified information.

🎒 Why Should Staff Recommend It?

Here are several compelling reasons to suggest Kids InfoBits to families, educators, and young learners:

• **Fosters Early Research Skills**

The intuitive interface guides students in learning how to search, browse categories, and evaluate sources—skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journeys.

• **Content That Kids Grasp Easily**

Articles feature simple language, helpful glossaries, and read-aloud functions, ensuring accessibility for all reading levels.

• **Curriculum-Aligned Topics**

The database encompasses subjects commonly assigned in school, such as:

• • Animals and nature
  • Science and technology
  • Geography
  • Biographies
  • Social studies and history

🚀 Tips for Introducing Students to Kids InfoBits

If you facilitate classroom visits, research assignments, or library orientations, consider these quick tips:

• **Begin with a tour:** Guide students through the main categories. The icon-based homepage makes this engaging and intuitive.
• **Utilize the read-aloud feature:** This is especially helpful for younger readers or English language learners.
• **Demonstrate a search:** Show how to input a keyword, select an article, and identify key features such as headings, images, and fact boxes.

**Encourage exploration:** Kids often uncover new interests while browsing by topic!

Gabi – Robinson