Once Upon a Summer: Reading Adventures All Summer Long

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Summer is here, and the library has everything you need to make it the best one yet, no matter where your adventures take you! Whether you're curling up at home, heading to the mountains or exploring somewhere new, your library card is your ticket to a world of free resources right at your fingertips. The best part? All of these resources are completely free with your library card. Read on to learn about some more age-specific resources and get ready for a summer full of discovery!

Resources for all ages

This summer, discover some incredible online opportunities available to library users of all ages. 

• With the Colorado Exploration Pass, you can unlock free or discounted access to museums, nature centers and cultural attractions across the state, perfect for turning a regular day into an unforgettable outing.
• Love the great outdoors? The Parks Pass gets you through the gates of Colorado's stunning state parks without spending a dime.
• For the comic lovers in your family, Abdo Digital Comics offers a massive library of graphic novels and comics readers can access anytime, anywhere, straight from their device.

Resources for children ages 0-5

Check out these online resources to keep young children reading and learning all summer long.

• Watch a recorded storytime.
• Want to incorporate another language as your little one is growing? Enjoy a read aloud with LOTE4kids. LOTE4kids provides read aloud books in 95 different languages. Many titles also contain printable activities to keep learners engaged.
• Kanopy Kids is another resource that provides read-alouds and tv shows for your littles to enjoy! This resource has a mix of books and movies that you could use for a family night in.

Resources for kids ages 5-12

Looking for ways to keep your elementary-aged reader learning and having fun all summer long? Having a library card from Arapahoe Libraries unlocks interactive, skill-building resources that kids can use anytime, not just when the library is open.

• CodeCombat turns coding into an adventure. Through game-based learning, kids can explore programming languages such as Python, JavaScript and C++. Kids can progress at their own pace, and for even more creativity, they can link CodeCombat with Roblox to design their own games.
• If your reader prefers stories they can see and hear, TumbleBooks offers a selection of interactive, animated books, puzzles and games. Stories available in English, Spanish and French. With a mobile-friendly version available, it’s perfect for any summer road trips you have planned. 

Resources for teens ages 13-18

Here are three great resources available to teens through Arapahoe Libraries.

• Creative Bug offers a wide variety of online craft videos, perfect for sparking your creativity and learning new artistic skills from home.
• Brain HQ provides engaging brain-training exercises designed to sharpen focus, improve memory and strengthen cognitive skills ideal for staying mentally sharp during and after the school year.
• Teen Health & Wellness is a comprehensive resource covering topics like mental health, fitness, nutrition and more, giving teens a reliable place to find information that matters to their everyday lives.