Screens should benefit the whole family, as Gamer Educator tells us (their book is coming out later this year!!!). And that means making choices about what your family needs from screens this summer. As your library, we want to provide you with lots of great screen time options, like apps and online portals that you know are safe, fun and that spark discovery for kids – with no sketchy ads, weird algorithms or pop-ups in sight. You can see all the offerings in our Digital Library, but here are a few of our faves:
Our Top Picks for Summer Screen Time:
LOTE4Kids
Available as an App
Aimed at ages 4+
Great for: Language Learning LOTE4Kids Gives kids access to picture books in dozens of languages (including Canadian French), that kids can either read as eBooks or have the app read to them. This is ideal for kids in French programs who don’t want to lose their skills over the summer!
Create your free account with your library card, then download the app to any device.
Fiero Code
Best used on a desktop
Aimed at ages 8+
Great for: Tech-Curious Kids Fiero lets kids explore computer science by creating their own video games, websites and more. Guided videos and step-by-step instructions make it very kid-friendly, and kids can choose the topics that interest them the most.
Create your free account with your library card, then save the log-in page to your bookmarks bar.
Era Books
Available as an App
Aimed at ages 4+
Great for: Early-Stage Readers Era Books provides read-along books as well as activities and games for kids who are just beginning to read. This is great for kids who are just getting started as well as those who have been working hard to gain new skills through the school year.
Create your free account with your library card, then download the app to any device.
Kanopy Kids
Available as an App; plays on SmartTVs, too!
Aimed at ages 4+
Great for: Streaming Shows Kanopy Kids includes TV series from PBS and the BBC, as well as movies, documentaries and read-along stories.
Bonus: Kanopy Kids has no limits on how many shows you can watch, unlike Kanopy for adults.
Create your free account with your library card, then download the app to any device or cast to your SmartTV!