Back-to-School with the Christian County Library

A new school year is always an exciting and stressful time for children and parents and this year is no exception. Whether the instruction is in-person or virtual the Christian County Library is here to help with the back-to-school transition by adding more Wifi Hotspots, opening study rooms, conducting test proctoring, offering online databases for research, and introducing our new educational supplement resource Lessons with the Library

Additional Wifi Hotspots Added
Internet access has become a necessity for students. Each branch provides free public computers and Wifi services for all community members. Yet, getting to a branch may be difficult at times. Thanks to Library Services and Technology Act CARES grant funds made available by the Missouri Secretary of State and the Institute of Museum and Library Services we were able to add an additional 15 Wifi Hotspots for residents of Christian County for use at home. Reserve your hotspot today.

Study Rooms Are Open
Need a quiet space to study or complete online classes? The library’s study rooms are open and available in the Nixa and Ozark Community Branches. Reserve your study space up to a week in advance. There is no daily time limit on a study room booking but there is a maximum of two people per study room. Following best practices, there will be 30 minutes between study room reservations to allow library staff to properly disinfect the space. To book your space contact your closest branch.

Test Proctoring Available
If you’re taking a class there is a good chance there will also be an exam. For when that day arrives, the library offers Test Proctoring services at the Nixa and Ozark Community Branches. The cost to have a test proctored is $10. Each school’s proctoring requirements vary and the library will try to meet those standards when possible. For more information and to schedule a proctored test call for more details.

Online Databases
Inevitably students will have to write a research paper or report. Don’t know where to start? The library provides dozens of research databases and digital content platforms for free. Grab your library card to explore thousands of books, articles, videos, pictures, graphs, and more to start the research process. For a complete list of databases visit christiancountylibrary.org/research.

New Service Added: Lessons with the Library
Starting this month we are premiering an exciting new service called Lessons with the Library! These are interactive and fun educational supplement resources to assist educators, parents, and at-home learners. Each month, library staff will create lesson plans and activities that follow state and national learning standards centered around a common theme designed to be completed at home.

Lessons include printable PDF handouts, guided activities, virtual storytimes, and library resource tutorials. Lesson plans are modified with specific age-ranges in mind. One for Pre-K to 2nd grade for adult-led instruction, and one for grades 3-5 designed for more independent learners.  It’s anchors away as we set sail with our first Pirate-themed lesson. For more information visit christiancountylibrary.org/lessons.

The school year might have changed for this year but what has not changed is the library’s commitment to providing residents of Christian County the tools they need for lifelong learning. For more information about any of these services or to apply for a library card stop by your closest branch!