Creativebug may have the pick me up project you need to reinvigorate your summer!
I know that I have begun to see back to school commercials, blog posts, and fall updates coming down the line and it has filled me with exhaustion and dread… come on people it is only the beginning of July! Let me enjoy August at least!! But fear not your local librarians and creative gurus are here to highlight what is still bringing us all a little creative joy for these last few sunny seasonal days.
Get that cute embroidery project you want to do started now with the above class now!
This one is just plain fun and you can involve the kids too!
I am not great at taking care of my nails so I am calling in niece reinforcements for this one!
And something for those of us a little more digitally minded who want to expand out horizons!
These are just a few options available for some creative projects on these summery days but there are so many more waiting for you to discover on Creativebug! If you get stuck or need a little help finding a creative class or project that clicks with you don’t hesitate to ask your local librarians.
Summer is a season filled with adventure, relaxation, and fun; however, it can also lead to a decline in the reading skills that students have diligently developed throughout the school year. This phenomenon, known as the “summer slide,” can pose challenges for children as they return to school in the fall, ready to learn.
Fortunately, your library offers a fantastic resource to help families maintain their reading habits all summer long: Scholastic BookFlix.
What Is BookFlix?
Scholastic BookFlix is an engaging digital literacy tool tailored for children in PreK through Grade 3. Each BookFlix pairing features a classic fictional picture book alongside a related nonfiction title, aiding young readers in enhancing their reading comprehension, expanding their vocabulary, and making connections between stories and real-life topics.
Each title also offers interactive features such as:
Read-aloud narration with highlighted text
Educational games and activities
Vocabulary support
Safe, age-appropriate videos
Printable resources for caregivers and educators
These features make BookFlix particularly appealing for emerging readers and those who benefit from audio support.
How BookFlix Helps Prevent the Summer Slide
Establishing a consistent reading routine during the summer is one of the most effective ways to mitigate learning loss. BookFlix simplifies this by providing children with an engaging, interactive reading experience they can enjoy from home or while traveling.
Using BookFlix throughout the summer enables children to:
Regularly practice their reading skills
Build confidence as independent readers
Enhance comprehension through the connection of fiction and nonfiction
Develop background knowledge across various subjects, including science, social studies, animals, nature, and more
Cultivate a lifelong passion for reading
Even dedicating just 15–20 minutes a day to reading can significantly impact students’ retention of the skills they’ve acquired during the school year.
Tips for Families
Encourage parents and caregivers to integrate BookFlix into their family’s summer routine:
Read one BookFlix pair together multiple times a week.
Discuss the similarities and differences between the fiction and nonfiction titles.
Engage in the interactive activities following the reading.
Select topics that resonate with a child’s interests, such as dinosaurs, space, animals, weather, or sports.
Celebrate daily reading with a simple summer reading calendar or sticker chart.
Your Library Is Here to Help
One of the key benefits of BookFlix is its accessibility; it is available anytime, anywhere with an internet connection through the Power Kids Library website. Families can enjoy high-quality digital books from the comfort of their homes, making it an excellent complement to your library’s summer reading program.
This summer, encourage families to explore BookFlix and help young readers continue learning, growing, and discovering. Just a few minutes of reading each day can ensure children return to school prepared for another successful year—and your library is here to support them every step of the way.
No one wants to think about school in the summer, but summer is actually the perfect time for library staff to prepare for the upcoming school year. What better way to prepare for the new school year than a review of Tutor.com.
Please join Maxine Nebro, our Customer Success Manager, for a refresher, or introduction, to all that Tutor has to offer.
Maxine will go over
how to create a free account
how to connect with a live tutor
all the resources we have available on Tutor.com
There will also be time to ask questions about Tutor.com during the Q&A at the end of the session.
You can choose to attend one or more of the following sessions
Jun 17, 2026 04:00 PM
Jul 15, 2026 04:00 PM
Aug 19, 2026 04:00 PM
If can’t make one of these sessions, register and you will receive a recording afterwards.
If you’ve ever encountered a student in need of homework assistance or an adult expressing interest in returning to school, you’re likely aware of how frequently patrons could benefit from a bit of extra support. This is where Tutor.com steps in.
As a member of public library staff, you don’t need to be a platform expert to make a significant impact. A quick and friendly recommendation can effectively connect someone with the assistance they require.
What is Tutor.com?
Tutor.com is a complimentary online tutoring service that many public libraries provide to patrons with a library card. It links users with real, live tutors who can assist with a variety of subjects, including math, writing, science, and test preparation.
The Best Part?
It’s accessible from home or in the library.
Patrons can typically log in whenever they need help.
## How to Bring It Up in Conversation
You don’t need a formal pitch—just keep it casual and conversational. Here are some simple ways to introduce it:
“If you ever need homework help, we actually have free online tutors available through the library.”
“We offer a service that allows you to chat live with a tutor—it’s quite helpful for writing assignments.”
“Students frequently use Tutor.com for last-minute homework inquiries.”
Think of it as planting a seed. Even if they don’t utilize it immediately, they’ll remember it’s available.
What Patrons Can Do with It
Tutor.com offers more than just homework assistance. Here are some notable features to mention:
Live tutoring: Interact with a real person to solve problems together.
Writing help: Upload a paper and receive feedback.
Test prep: Practice for exams such as the SAT, ACT, or GED.
**Quick questions:** Submit a question and receive an answer later.
Sometimes, individuals may not realize the library offers this type of assistance—so your suggestion can come as a delightful surprise.
A Quick Reminder
You don’t need to know every detail about Tutor.com. Simply being aware of its existence and feeling comfortable mentioning it can make a difference.
Ultimately, it’s one more way we support our community in learning, growing, and achieving their goals—and that’s the essence of public libraries.
