Kids

Check out the Public Library Association (PLA)'s 2025 Early Literacy Calendar - in English and Spanish - with great tips to use, games to play, and book suggestions that will help your baby or young child get ready for reading!

2025 English PLA Early Literacy Calendar

2025 Spanish PLA Early Literacy Calendar

For monthly pages, go to:

https://www.tulsalibrary.org/2025-pla-early-literacy-calendar

Download and print these adorable Build A Reader coloring pages from the Tulsa City-County Library!

• Cat
• Dog
• Elephant
• Fox
• Giraffe
• Hedgehog
• Octopus
• Penguin
• Rabbit
• Skunk
• Turtle

We don't just have fun at our storytimes... we help get your child ready to read! Led by professional library staff trained in supporting children's literacy and learning development, our Build A Reader storytimes follow the Every Child Ready to Read initiative established by the Public Library Association.

Playing is a cornerstone of literacy development. That’s why after many of our storytimes, libraries offer “Stay & Play” sessions where librarians break out developmentally appropriate toys for families to play with together. We’ll also show you some ideas of how to play with those toys and re-create the play experience at home.

We are building readers at every library location in Tulsa and Tulsa County! But four libraries – Hardesty Regional Library, Herman and Kate Kaiser Library, Martin Regional Library, and Owasso Library – offer even more specialized programming, parenting collections, and learning resources for families based on the “playing is learning” concept.

When you can’t make it to the library for storytime, you can still get storytime…in your pocket! Search for “Tulsa City-County Library” in your app store on your phone or electronic device and download the FREE Build A Reader app. You’ll find videos demonstrating songs and fingerplays as well as great book recommendations.

Children's librarians and library staff LOVE to help you find books for your child based on their age and interests! Ask your library location's children's staff person for recommendations and suggestions.

During the school year, students in grades 3 through 8 can register to receive homework assistance at five libraries. For more information, click here.

Every year, the library celebrates the beauty and power of children’s literature with the Books To Treasure program. Sponsored by the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation since its inception in 2003, Books To Treasure has grown into a Tulsa tradition for all second-grade students in Tulsa County. These youngsters receive a free copy of the featured illustrator’s book, the chance to get their very own library card, and an opportunity to see the illustrator in person.

The world is big, and kids are curious about it! Browse high-interest themes with great reading lists, videos, and printables on the Kids Read Curious World website.

PAWS for Reading is a literacy program that matches young readers (children ages 5 to 12) with certified therapy dogs in order to improve reading confidence, motivation, fluency, and joy. Supported by the Raymond and Bessie Kravis Foundation.

Keep school skills fresh and help your child discover the joy of reading! Every year in June and July, children from babies to entering 5th graders are invited to participate in the Summer Reading Program. Reading books and visiting the library during the summer allows them to earn great prizes and coupons for food and local recreation.

Find out more here: https://www.tulsalibrary.org/summer

Our goal with this weekly blog is to support parents, caregivers, and educators as they usher children into the world of literacy. We want to help you develop children into curious readers, motivated learners, and fully literate citizens.

Check back every week for articles with tips about how to support your children’s literacy and suggestions of great books to make reading both fun and empowering.

The Tulsa City-County Library collection is a perfect supplement to any classroom curriculum. An Educational Institution Card allows teachers to check out books for classroom use for 42 days, instead of the usual 14. Teachers/child care leaders must show verification of employment to be issued an Educational Institution card.

To get an Educational Institution Card, ask at any Tulsa City-County Library location for an application and complete it with employment verification. Call the library at 549-7323 with any questions.

Database African American Experience

Tags History, Humanities/Culture, Student Resources, Teacher Resources 

Grade Levels 4-12+

Description

• Wide variety of materials available for instant use by students and educators about the African American Experience from historical to contemporary times.
• The database is organized along a timeline starting with Africa & the Atlantic through Rise of Jim Crow, Urban Politics & the Shifting Landscape, and the New Millennium
• Available 24/7
• Full-Text

Great for …

• Articles
• Audio & Video content
• Primary Source materials
• Photographs, Images & Illustrations
• Maps
• Reference works
• Speeches
• Letters & Narratives

Special features

• Translate: on-screen content to one of a dozen languages
• Listen: content read aloud, in the language of your selection
• Citations for all records
• Filters to narrow searches
• Explore by Historical Time Periods
• Explore by Topic Centers

Export Options

• Save to: Google Drive, Google Classroom, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox
• Print
• Email

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

More Information Video: How to Use the Database

Database American Indian Experience

Tags History, Humanities/Culture, Student Resources, Teacher Resources 

Grade Levels 4-12+

Description

• Wide variety of full-text materials available for instant use by students and educators about the American Indian Experience from the historical to contemporary times.
• The database is organized along a timeline starting with Early Native America, Precontact-1527 to Modern Native Nations, 1988–Present.
• Information about specific tribes or nations easily found.
• Available 24/7

Great for …

• Articles [full-text]
• Primary Source materials [full-text]
• Photographs
• Maps

Special features

• Translate: on-screen content to one of a dozen languages
• Listen: content read aloud, in the language of your selection
• Citations for all records
• Filters to narrow searches
• Explore by Historical Time Period
• Explore by Topic Centers

Export Options

• Save to: Google Drive, Google Classroom, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox
• Print
• Email

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

More Information Video: How to Use the Database

Printable Database Card with special features, export options and more.

Database Biography in Context

Tags Biography, History, Student Resources

Grade Levels 3-12+

Description

• Contemporary and Historical individuals and groups
• Full-text content from specialized encyclopedias, books, magazine articles and websites
• Browse over 50 groups of People including:  Inventors, Athletes, Criminals, Actors, Musician, Writers and more
• Person Search with Limiters of: Gender, Nationality, Ethnicity, Occupation, and more
• Print, Audio, and Video content
• Easy to use interface, is highly searchable
• Available 24/7

Great for …

• Primary Source materials [full-text]
• Specialized encyclopedias [full-text]
• Unique reference books [full-text]

Special features

• Translate: on-screen content to one of a 40 languages
• Listen: content read aloud, in English, Spanish & several other languages
• Citations for all records in MLA, APA, Chicago and Harvard
• Highlight & save sections of text
• Filter searches by: Subject; Document Type; Publication Languages; Content Level
• Filter searches to sources with Image or Video content
• Filter by Content Level: Lexile; Accelerated Reader; or Guided Reading Levels
• Font Size: Increase or Decrease on-screen content
• Explore with links to related materials and subjects all within Biography In Context
• Further Resources with links to books, articles, and websites

Export Options

• Save to: Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive
• Print
• Email
• Download a PDF
• Citations can export to EasyBib, RefWorks, & more
• Google Classroom: teachers may share content via the Classroom plugin

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

Printable Database Card with special features, export options and more.

Database Daily Life Through History

Tags History, Humanities/Culture, Student Resources, Teacher Resources 

Grade Levels 4-12+

Description

• Content from historical to contemporary times
• Collection of resources including timelines depicting essential activities of daily living.
• Available 24/7
• Full-Text

Great for …

• Articles
• Audio & Video content
• Primary Source materials
• Photographs, Images & Illustrations
• Maps
• Reference works
• Speeches
• Letters & Narratives

Special features

• Translate: on-screen content to one of a dozen languages
• Listen: content read aloud, in the language of your selection
• Citations for all records
• Filters to narrow searches
• Explore by Historical Time Periods
• Explore by Topic Centers

Export Options

• Save to: Google Drive, Google Classroom, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox
• Print
• Email

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

More Information Video: How to Use the Database

Database eLibrary

Tags All Subjects, Articles, Books/Literature, Student Resources 

Grade Levels 4-12+

Description

• Images, video, eBooks, and full-text articles from newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, and more
• Research Topics from Careers to Environmental Events, Performing & Visual Arts, Sports & Health, and more
• Available 24/7
• Full-Text Content from over 2,000 Sources

Great for …

• Research Topics covering over 11,000 common assignments & research subjects
• Articles
• Images
• Multimedia
• Web resources
• Transcripts

Special features

• Citations for all records
• Filters to narrow searches
• Translate articles only
• Listen
• Primary or Scholarly Sources filter
• Lexile Score filter
• Link to a Google Classroom account - student or educator

Export Options

• Save to cloud: Google Drive, Google Classroom, Microsoft OneDrive
• Print
• Email
• Download PDF
• Citations can export to EasyBib & NoodleTools

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

Database Gale Virtual Reference Library

Tags Books/Literature, Student Resources

Grade Levels 6-12+

Description

• A full-text one-stop-shop for credible online reference anytime, anywhere in eBook format.
• Subjects include art, business, education, engineering, general reference, health & medicine, humanities & social sciences, law, science, technology, and more.
• Easy to use interface
• Table of Contents for each book
• Available 24/7

Great for …

• Primary Source materials [full-text]
• Specialized encyclopedias [full-text]
• Unique reference books [full-text]

Special features

• Translate: on-screen content to one of a 40 languages
• Listen: content read aloud, in English, Spanish & several other languages
• Citations for all records in MLA, APA, Chicago and Harvard
• Highlight and save text sections
• Filter searches by: Subject; Document Type; Publication Languages; Content Level
• Filter searches to sources with Image or Video content
• Filter by Content Level: Lexile; Accelerated Reader; or Guided Reading Levels
• Font Size: Increase or Decrease on-screen content
• Text or Book View

Export Options

• Save to: Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive
• Print
• Email
• Download a PDF
• Citations can export to EasyBib, RefWorks, & more
• Google Classroom: teachers may share content via the Classroom plugin

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

Printable Card with special features, export options and more.

Database Issues & Controversies

Tags Articles, News/Current Events, Student Resources 

Grade Levels 6-12+

Description

• Hot topics in politics, government, business, education, and popular culture are updated weekly, with a 13-year backfile of in-depth articles.
• Search by Keyword, by Issues, or by Subjects
• Available 24/7
• Full-Text

Great for …

• Articles
• Primary Source materials
• Audio & Video content
• Court Cases
• Infographics
• Editorials
• News
• With each Issue: Pro/Con Articles, Chronologies, Statistics, Special Reports, and more
• Tools for Educators from Lesson Plans, Assessing Student Speeches and Using Editorial Cartoons to Learning Through Debate
• Tools for Students from Analyzing Your Sources to Presenting Your Research
• National High School Debate Topics from 1997 and for each topic: Overview, Background, Pro/Con Articles, Chronology, Discussion Questions, and more

Special features

• Create an account to access this full range of options:
• Citations for all records
• Filters to narrow searches
• Translate articles only
• Read Aloud articles only

Export Options

• Create an account to access this full range of options:
• Share to: Google Classroom
• Print
• Email
• Download PDF

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

More Information Training Tools, including a Guide for Educators and an Overview Video

Database Latino American Experience

Tags History, Humanities/Culture, Student Resources, Teacher Resources 

Grade Levels 4-12+

Description

• History and culture of Latinos living in the United States from historical to contemporary times.
• Content spans from the pre-Columbian Indigenous civilizations of the Americas to present-day U.S. Latinos.
• The database is organized along a timeline starting with the 1490s to the present day.
• Available 24/7
• Full-Text

Great for …

• Articles
• Audio & Video content
• Primary Source materials
• Photographs, Images & Illustrations
• Maps
• Reference works
• Speeches
• Letters & Narratives

Special features

• Translate: on-screen content to one of a dozen languages
• Listen: content read aloud, in the language of your selection
• Citations for all records
• Filters to narrow searches
• Explore by Historical Time Periods
• Explore by Topic Centers

Export Options

• Save to: Google Drive, Google Classroom, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox
• Print
• Email

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

More Information Video: How to Use the Database

Database LearningExpress

Tags Education/Learning, Student Resources

Grade Levels 3-12+

Description

• Prepare for an exam, explore a new career path, and improve your basic writing, math, and computer skills.
• Achieve your educational and career goals with online practice tests and study materials for occupation exams, GED, ACT, and SAT, reading skills, ASVAB and more.
• Account Registration Required, free with TCCL library card
  • Users must create personal accounts to save their work in progress, store score reports, and revisit any practice tests, tutorials, or eBooks.
  • Registration only requires a valid email address and a password.
• Available 24/7

Great for …

• Practice tests are based on real exams to help you gain confidence and knowledge regarding the type of material you need to know to succeed on real exams.
• Structured courses & practice tests divided into various centers:
  • School Centers: Elementary, Middle, and High School
  • Career Preparation: Electrician, EMT, Nursing, Military, Real Estate, and more
  • High School Equivalency Center: GED Prep in English & Spanish
  • College Admissions Test Prep: ACT, SAT, AP, TOELF, PSAT
  • College Students: Grad School Admission, CLEP®
  • Adult Core Skills: Math, Reading, Writing, U.S. Citizenship
  • Computer Skills Center
• Each course can contain tests, ebooks, courses, tutorials, and articles

Special features

• Each practice test varies in the number of questions, types of questions, and test length.
  • Clicking on the name of a test will display a detailed description of the test.
• Some of the tests are practices for official examinations, such as the ACT® exam. For these types of resources, you’re provide the amount of time allotted for the official test.
  • By taking a timed test, you can learn how to pace yourself and not spend too much time on any one section, to help you prepare for the official exam.
• Retake practice tests as often as you like
• Test Modes
  • Learner: View the answers to test questions as you go along, to help you study
  • Practice: Displays time allotted for that test, but if the timer runs out you aren’t prevented from completing the test. The timer is intended to help you pace yourself in preparation for real testing situations.
  • Simulation: Simulates an actual testing environment, only available for practice tests that are based on official tests. In this mode you aren’t able to continue taking a test when the time is up.
• For the hearing impaired, scripts are available for most audio components of tests and tutorials.
• For the visually impaired using assistive technologies, all images and tables have corresponding Alt Tags that can be read by these devices.

Export Options

• Save to:
• Finish Later: If you can’t complete a test in one sitting, you have the ability to click the “Finish Later” button.
  • Finish your test at a later time through the “My Center” link, clicking the plus sign next to the test name, and then selecting “Resume Test.”
• Ebooks can be downloaded
• Print Test Scores

Access

• Home, School, Work, All Libraries
• Desktop computers
• Android and iOS smartphones and tablets

More Information

• LearningExpress Library - Learn Something New Introduction to the service, learn how to register for an account, take a quick tour of the service
• Click Help when you’re logged into the resource and then click LearningExpress Video Guides

Database Pop Culture Universe

Tags Humanities/Culture, News/Current Events 

Grade Levels 5-12+

Description

• An authoritative digital library of information on American and world popular culture, past and present without the bias, advertising, suggestive content, or questionable authorship of commercial or fan sites.
• Content from the 1900s Age of Innocence through the 1950s Cold War & Conformity to the Big 1980s and 2010s Social Revolution.
• Learn about each time period through resources aligned with The Arts, Sports & Recreation, Everyday Life, and Communications
• Available 24/7
• Full-Text

Great for …

• Articles
• Audio & Video content
• Primary Source materials
• Photographs, Images & Illustrations
• Maps
• Reference works
• Speeches
• Letters & Narratives

Special features

• Translate: on-screen content to one of a dozen languages
• Listen: content read aloud, in the language of your selection
• Citations for all records
• Filters to narrow searches
• Explore by Historical Time Periods
• Explore by Topic Centers
• Activity Worksheets

Export Options

• Save to: Google Drive, Google Classroom, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox
• Print
• Email

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

More Information Video: How to Use the Database

Database Universal Class 

Tags All Subjects, Education/Learning, Jobs/Careers, Student Resources 

Grade Levels 8-12+

Description

• Continuing education service designed specifically for use by public library patrons. 
• Over 500 courses including those in GED, fitness, entrepreneurship, art and music, home and garden care, career training, cooking, computers and technology, health, homeschooling, job assistance, law, ESL, parenting, spiritual studies, pet care and more.
• Self-paced learning
• Account Registration Required, free with TCCL library card
  • Users must create personal accounts to save their work in progress, store score reports, and revisit any practice tests, tutorials, or eBooks.
• Registration only requires a valid email address and a password.
• Available 24/7

Great for …

• Courses include: lessons, exams, assignments, discussion boards, progress assessments, and learning outcomes
• Popular courses include: Slack, Product Management, Acrylic Painting, Beginners Guide to Wine, Western Calligraphy, Collaboration Skills, Serial Killers, and more

Special features

• Video Only Mode means no assignments or class participation
• Normal Mode for those who want to earn CEUs, a certificate, and feedback assessment
• CEUs and Certificates at course completion in Normal Mode learning

Export Options

• Share achievements through various social media outlets

Access Home, School, Work, All Libraries

Parents, do you need to keep your kiddo entertained during a rainy weekend? Educators, are you looking for a selection of books to help you complete a lesson or homework assignment? Our librarian-curated book bundles can help you meet these needs!

Many TCCL branches have book bundles on a variety of topics that you can check out, but you can also request specific, curated bundles from any TCCL location. Whether you need a bundle of books on a specific topic in 3 Minutes, 3 Hours, or 3 Days, TCCL is here to help!

There are many ways you can request book bundles, such as:

• Calling the AskUs Hotline at 918-549-7323 

• Texting ASKTCCL to 918-876-5533

• Sending your local TCCL branch a Facebook message

Book Bundles are a great resource for educators AND voracious readers! Check out this quick video to learn about the benefits of this resource and how you can use it!

How to TCCL: Book Bundles

U.S. Government agencies are among the best resources for information. The Teaching & Education (PreK-12 Resources) research guide is packed with materials to assist all variety of educators.

Sorted by Oklahoma Academic Standard, the U.S. government’s vast digital collections include:

• Primary sources

• Artifacts

• Lesson plans

• Many other innovative online resources

Teaching & Education [PreK-12 Resources]