Category Archives: Uncategorized

Are you wondering how you can help the community during COVID-19? Here’s a list of ways to get started:

1. Check on neighbors via call or text
2. Look for neighborhood groups on Facebook to see how you can help in your immediate area
3. Donate food to Meals on Wheels or other local food banks
4. Sew face masks for donation to local facilities in need (non-sewing options and instructions can be found here)
5. Write letters for care packages being sent to those who are working on the front lines during the Coronavirus
6. Contact nearby organizations and ask about donating spare medical supplies. Currently, the City of Philadelphia is seeking donations for certain unused personal protective equipment (PPE), which, if approved, can be scheduled for delivery or pick-up. Further details and forms can be found here
7. Contribute artwork and poetry to the Fill the Walls With Hope campaign, a volunteer-run project committed to decorating the city of Philadelphia with positive, colorful messages. You may also download and print free artwork to display in your windows at home
8. Consider scheduling an appointment for a blood donation via the American Red Cross if you’re healthy and able. Find a drive near you, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
9. Animal shelters and rescue groups are continuing to care for pets during this time. The Pennsylvania SPCA is seeking in-kind donations of pet supplies, including blankets, toys, and food. More details can be found here
10. Continue to follow the recommended guidelines and safety precautions: wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, wear a face mask whenever you must leave your home, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unclean hands or while outside your home, and maintain social distancing of six feet apart

“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought, and the thought has found words.” –Robert Frost

April is National Poetry Month! Recognized as the largest literary celebration around the world, this event encourages people to read and recite poems, as well as try writing their own. To keep the celebration going this year, the Aston Public Library is holding a poetry contest, open to all!

GUIDELINES FOR ADULTS:

1. All adults who live in Delaware County are eligible to enter.
2. Only 1 original poem per person.
3. Entries may be submitted to frontdesk@astonlibrary.org via Microsoft Word or PDF file attachments. Be sure to write “Poetry Contest Entry” in the email’s subjectline.
4. Please include your full name and preferred method of contact (phone number or email address) in your entry.
5. Deadline for submission is THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH, by the end of the day.
6. The winner will be announced and contacted in May.

GUIDELINES FOR KIDS:

1. All children grades 1-12 who live in Delaware County are eligible to enter.
2. Only 1 original poem per child.
3. Entries may be submitted to frontdesk@astonlibrary.org via Microsoft Word or PDF file attachments. Be sure to write “Poetry Contest Entry” in the email’s subjectline.
4. Please include the following in entry: child’s full name, parent’s phone number and email address, and child’s grade, school and school district .
5. Deadline for submission is THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH, by the end of the day.
6. Poems will be judged by grade level. Winners will be announced and contacted in May.

Good luck and happy writing!

Looking for something to do while you’re at home, but want a break from screen-time? Check out this list of ideas for activities geared toward parents and kids that don’t require using your device.

Elephant Toothpaste
Make a batch of super foamy toothpaste that’s big enough for an elephant! Science Buddies teaches how to do this bubbly science experiment with household items.

Galaxy In-a-Bottle
A fun project that anyone can enjoy doing. Galaxy Bottles are not only a colorful and little-to-no mess craft, but they also encourage kids to use their senses and to learn about the universe and outer space.

Handmade Soap
PBS For Parents gives simple step-by-step instructions on how to make soap using every day ingredients, even small plastic animals and trinkets.

Homemade Instruments
From Learning Lift-Off. Get inventive and learn how to DIY 6 of your own musical instruments, including a banjo, rainstick, and water xylophone.

LEGO Challenge
This free, printable calendar offers 30 days’ worth of LEGO-themed challenges, from building a robot to a marble maze. Other ideas for things to do with LEGOs are provided and can be used for fun and for education.

Origami
Origami is a special way of folding paper into designs without the use of glue or tape. Here are several diagrams and instructions on how to make origami animals, toys, and more that range from very simple to more advanced shapes. You can also download and print colorful origami papers for free.

Playdough DIY
Learn how to create playdough that can be customized with different colors and scents, and will last a long time when stored in plastic bags.

Printable History Board Games
Beat boredom with some board games. Here are 13 free printable games that offer engaging ways to find out about different periods in history.

Read-Alouds for Together Times
From the blog Orange Marmalade Books. A guide to gentle, rather short chapter books and picture books to read with your kids. Many of these are classics but also include more modern titles.

Science Experiments
A list of over 60 neat science experiments that can be done with simple household objects. Make a volcano out of baking soda, vinegar, and glitter, create invisible ink with lemon juice, build a parachute for a light-weight toy, and more!

Suggested Reads for Teens
Another link from the blog Orange Marmalade Books. A list of tried-and-true books for middle graders and teens, covering genres such as fantasy, historical fiction, nonfiction, and mystery.

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Looking for something to do while you’re at home, but want a break from screen-time? Check out this list of ideas for activities that don’t require using your device.

Container Gardening
A large amount of yard space isn’t required to grow your own produce. This article provided by Farmer’s Almanac, recently updated for 2020, provides detailed advice and instructions on how to start growing various greens and vegetables using containers, window boxes, and plant supports.

Baking
From the hit TV series The Great British Bake-Off, try out these recipes created by contestants from nearly every season. Sort by classic treats, technical challenges, and showstoppers. “On your mark, get set, bake!”

Faux Calligraphy
Modern calligraphy doesn’t require a special dip pen or a quill and ink. You can learn with a pen or mechanical pencil. Lettering Daily teaches how to emulate beautiful calligraphic writing without special tools. Free printable worksheets are included.

Food Canning
Rural Sprout teaches you how to can (or preserve) fresh fruits and vegetables that can be stored away for an extended period of time to be enjoyed at a later date. Links to supplies, directions, and additional canning recipes are provided.

Nature Journaling
Nature journaling has proven to be beneficial in more ways than one. It allows you to be artistic while at the same time offering relaxation. Many supplies to get started can be gathered around your house, and inspiration can be found right outside your door, in your backyard, or just by looking outside a window.

Old Book DIY Crafts
Presented by BookRiot. Looking to unload some old books? Instead of throwing them away, BookRiot offers 30 suggestions (and tutorials) for upcycling them into works of art that can be used to decorate your home, or saved as future gifts. From garlands, to keepsake boxes, to whole wall displays, there’s something for everyone.

Quilting
By Missouri Star Quilt Co. Learn how to quilt different patterns based on your skill level. Choose from several types of projects taught by various instructors. There is also a forum for quilters to ask for advice, display their pieces, and just chat!

Seed Saving
Learn how to preserve seeds from a variety of crops and flowers you’ve already planted, saving you money and helping to save rare, heirloom plants from disappearing. Seed Savers Exchange offers tips and guides on how to keep seeds from year to year.

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Looking for something free to do while at home?  Click on the links and use your library card number to access.

Ancestry
We received temporary at-home access to this resource during the Coronavirus pandemic. Further your genealogical research with digitized images of the U.S. Federal Census from 1790 forward, the American Genealogical Biographical Index, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, and more.

Classical Music Concerts – Live Streamed
Presented by Classic FM. A comprehensive list of live-streamed classical music concerts from renowned groups around the world. Watch archived shows, and check the schedule for upcoming performances.

Food Assistance for Residents
Food assistance is available to residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and organizations across the County are providing grab and go meals to residents in need. An interactive map and more information are provided.

Exercise Videos
A YouTube playlist of exercises you can do at home. Includes chair yoga, cardio workouts, and tai chi.

Google Arts & Culture
Explore hundreds of famous galleries and landmarks from around the world. Study detailed works in HD, and explore sites from Google’s street view. Museums and collections may be sorted by location, popular topic, and even color.

JobNow – Online Career Assistance
From Brainfuse. Get expert assistance throughout the job search process, including resume review and interview coaches. Take advantage of the 24/7 templates, tips and resources, including eParachute, which matches your interests and skills with careers.

Kennedy Center Digital Stage
Brought to you by the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., explore thousands of shows and concerts by singers, musicians, and other performing artists. New videos are added daily.

LibriVox
Public domain audiobooks read by volunteers, made free for safe download to your device. Browse the catalogue for short stories, full novels, poems, and more.

Magazines – RBdigital
Get access to full-color, interactive digital magazines including the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Harper’s Bazaar and many many more. Create an account using your library card. Read on your computer’s browser or download the RBDigital app to your tablet or phone.

National Emergency Library
From The Internet Archive. The National Emergency Library offers free, public access to an online collection of books to assist with online teaching, professional needs, and personal edification while libraries, universities, and other institutions remain closed.

Newspapers
The Delaware County Library System provides digital access to current issues of the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, Daily Times and more.

OverDrive and Libby
Check out eBooks and audiobooks for all ages on your computer, tablet or phone. Overdrive is available for most phone’s and tablets. Libby, Overdrive’s newer, more user friendly app, is available in the Apple App Store, Microsoft Windows Store, and Google Play. Read in your computer’s browser or download the Overdrive or Libby app to your tablet or phone.

Philadelphia Inquirer
Get access to full-text Philadelphia Inquirer issues and articles. Published daily and available for download.

Pronunciator
Get access to basic through advanced language learning through activities, drills, quizzes, interactive coaching and live practice with native speakers. Plus feature films, music and more. There are over 80 languages available as well as ESL learning in your native language.

Slightly Foxed Podcasts
Based in the UK, Slightly Foxed is a quarterly magazine that focuses on books that may have gone under the radar of big publishers and newspapers, but are still worth reading! The Slightly Foxed podcast is run by its staff, and covers a variety of literary topics, including excerpts from unusual written works, and interviews with established authors and contributors.

Watching Wildlife
Explore nature without leaving your home. The National Park Service provides webcams that give an up-close look at land and sea creatures in action.

We Are One: A Global Film Festival
From May 29th to June 7th, YouTube will be hosting a free (and ad-free!) 10-day digital event of “feature films, shorts, documentaries, music, comedy and panel discussions” from 20 top film festivals, including Tribeca, Sundance, and Berlin International. A full schedule of featured films will be released in the weeks to come.

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Looking for something educational to do with your kids at home?  Click on the links and use your library card number to access these free resources.

Academy of Natural Sciences – Science From Home
From the Academy of Natural Sciences. Printable coloring sheets from the academy’s collections, and other hands-on activities that can be done from home.

Audible Stories
From Audible by Amazon. Discover children’s classics, teen picks, and Audible Originals for free. Some audiobooks are narrated by well-known actors and authors, and several are available in different languages, including Spanish and French.

Beanstalk
Watch interactive lesson plans and try out offline crafts and activities. Beanstalk offers videos live and on-demand on all sorts of topics, from art, to exploring the human body, to cooking, and much more! There’s something available for kids of all ages.

BookFlix
Watch videos and read books about family, community, music, adventure, and more. Kids will enjoy read aloud books with words highlighting and interactive games. Some films and books are available in Spanish too!

Caring for Each Other – Sesame Street
From the friends of Sesame Street, the Caring for Each Other campaign provides children with tons of fun videos, games, and coloring pages about staying safe during COVID-19. Parents are also offered tips and ideas on how to keep their kids happy and healthy. New content is added daily, including resources available in Spanish!

Descanso at Home – Virtual Garden Tours and Activities
Explore the Descanso Garden Guild in California. Watch virtual tours of the grounds, including the Ancient Forest and Rose Gardens, print out nature-themed coloring pages, and access journals and habitat guides to help you explore your backyard and neighborhood.

Escape from Wonderland – Digital Escape Room
Inspired by the classic story Alice in Wonderland and its film adaptations, this free online escape room offers a challenge for all ages. Solve the riddles using counting and critical thinking to escape from Wonderland!

Food Assistance for Residents
Food assistance is available to residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and organizations across the County are providing grab and go meals to residents in need. An interactive map and more information are provided.

Studio Ghibli Museum Virtual Tour
The Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, Japan is providing virtual tours/staff video journals on YouTube. Each clip is short, but there are plenty of beautiful details to look at, accompanied by calming instrumentals. Check out artwork and buildings inspired by the films created by Studio Ghibli, including popular favorites such as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Howl’s Moving Castle. (Fun fact: Howl’s Moving Castle was originally a novel written by Diana Wynn Jones in 1986!)

HelpNow – Online Homework Help
From Brainfuse. Get one-on-one online homework help with certified tutors for grades K- college, covering a wide range of topics. Live tutoring 2pm-11pm daily and a 24/7 writing lab, lesson library, language lab, collaboration tools and more!

Kids Listen – Kid-Friendly Podcasts
From the creators of Kids Listen. A comprehensive list of podcast recommendations that educate and entertain families.

Magic Tree House Home Adventures
Mary Pope Osbourne, author of the Magic Tree House series, invites kids and parents to listen to the adventures of Jack and Annie, and to try out various activities, crafts, recipes, and much more! Each week focuses on a different theme found in the Magic Tree House books.

Make a Miniature Book
From The British Library. Did you know that children use to learn how to read by using tiny books to read to their dolls? Take a look at these mini creations from over 200 years ago, then learn how to make your own!

Scholastic Learn at Home
From Scholastic. Explore day-by-day projects, articles, and quizzes to do with your kids based on grade level (PreK – 9). New projects are added weekly on Mondays, and additional resources such as videos and printable activities are constantly provided and updated.

TedEd
From “Think Like a Coder” to “The Myth of Hercules: 12 labors in 8-bits,” TedEd provides live and animated lesson-based videos organized by subject.

TumbleBooks
Animation, sound, music and narration are added to existing picture books, early readers, chapter books, graphic novels and more for children to read at home in a format they’ll love.

Virtual Storytimes (via Delco Libraries)
Give your child some of the experience of storytime while libraries are closed. There are videos of librarians and authors reading their books.

Zoos with Live Shows (via CBS)
You can still “go to the zoo” and show the kids wild animals.  There are zoos all over the country and world with broadcasts.

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