6 Ways Going to the Library Can Have a Positive Impact on Online School Students

January 29, 2025 byJulie Hersum

6 min to read

A learning coach assisting her student on her laptop

Public libraries might seem old-fashioned in today’s digital world, but they remain highly valuable to communities and their citizens—maybe especially for online school students. With treasure troves of resources and support, the benefits of a public library are innumerable.

Libraries Fuel Kids’ Curiosity

While online browsing can be educational, it frequently focuses on specific topics a student or teacher—or even an algorithm—chooses. But visiting the local public library presents your student with opportunities to stumble onto books, media, and ideas that they might never have found otherwise.

Discovering new ideas organically can inspire curiosity and open new corners of the world, expanding your student’s breadth of knowledge in wonderful directions they might not encounter in more structured environments—even the algorithm-driven online world.

Younger students can dive into imaginative storybooks in the children’s section, while older students can immerse themselves in a wide variety of subjects. In addition to books, many libraries house multimedia collections that include movies, audiobooks, and other physical and digital media. These resources allow students to experience stories in different formats, catering to a variety of learning styles and preferences.

Students at every reading level and interest can find materials of interest to read at the library. This includes picture books about dinosaurs for kindergarteners to in-depth research texts for high schoolers. The quiet environment of libraries further encourages students to explore topics in-depth and at their own pace.

Access Additional Learning Tools

Frequently, students can find other learning tools at their library as well. These might include academic journals, e-books, and audiobooks, workshops, or tutorials on using digital tools.

Some public libraries also support makerspaces—dedicated areas equipped with tools like 3D printers, robotics kits, and crafting supplies. These spaces encourage creativity and hands-on learning, giving students a chance to apply concepts they’ve learned in online school in a practical setting.

Beyond books, libraries often keep special collections or themed displays on specific topics. For instance, during Black History Month or National Science Week, libraries may feature resources that delve into these subjects, providing students with timely and relevant learning materials.

Develop Critical Research Skills

Public libraries are the ideal place for students to improve their study skills and learn how to research effectively. Librarians are usually on hand to guide students toward resources like peer-reviewed books and journals. They can also help them learn important skills, like distinguishing credible sources from unreliable ones, which can foster lifelong learning and are invaluable for academic success.

Libraries also provide access to specialized research tools, such as archives, historical newspapers, and digital databases. Many of these tools are unavailable to students through general internet searches and finding them can enrich a student’s understanding of complex topics and allow students to conduct hands-on, high-quality research.

A Quiet Place to Study

Libraries offer a peaceful, productive atmosphere, and often a perfect change of scenery for focused studying.

Some libraries even have private study rooms or designated areas for group work, ideal for when students need to collaborate on projects or prepare for exams without interruptions.

Socialize and Build Community

Public libraries also host events and activities tailored to different age groups, from story times and book clubs to teen meetups and literary festivals. These events allow students to connect with peers and build social skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.

As frequent hubs for cultural engagement, libraries often host author talks, art exhibits, and even film screenings, exposing students to diverse perspectives and creative expressions. These experiences can help broaden a student’s horizons and deepen their appreciation for the arts.

Discover Local Community Resources

Local organizations sometimes host tutoring programs, homework help, and career counseling inside public libraries—opportunities that support students academically and offer families additional tools for success.

Libraries also frequently serve as distribution points for community information about local volunteer opportunities, recreational programs, and family services, which can be invaluable resources for caregivers, Learning Coaches, and their students.

Cost-Free Learning

Public libraries give families the ability to save money on books, learning materials, and subscriptions while accessing high-quality educational support.

For families enrolled in tuition-free online public schools, public libraries can provide a seamless complement. Together, these resources provide a wealth of support academically without financially draining the family coffers.

Benefits of Having a Library Card for Students

If your student hasn’t experienced the benefits of their local public library yet, start by exploring what your local library has to offer. Introduce your student to the children’s section or the teen area for age-appropriate books, and take time to roam through the shelves together.

Having a library card can unlock a wealth of opportunities even beyond those a visit can offer, especially for students learning online, who rely heavily on digital and remote resources.

Borrowing Privileges of a Library Card

The main benefit of having a library card for students may be obvious: Students can check out books, e-books, audiobooks, and other materials to use at home. They can also use their library card to access academic journals and exclusive academic databases from anywhere. This provides more flexibility and time to explore topics, read, or access library assets outside of limited library hours.

Online students might even find individualized learning materials to borrow that match their unique learning pace and curriculum, supplementing their virtual school materials.

Frequently, the benefits of a library card will include allowing students to borrow technology and equipment. This might include laptops, tablets, and Wi-Fi hotspots, which can be invaluable for students learning from home.

Having a library card can also help teach students about community and responsibility, as they will need to care for the items they check out and be sure to return it on time.

Make the Most of Your Visits to the Library

Encourage your student to use the library as part of their regular routine. Visit often, explore new sections, and attend events that align with their interests.

By helping your student realize their local public library is a cornerstone of their education, you can help them broaden their reservoir for gaining knowledge, develop strong research and study skills, and form lasting connections with their community.

Help your student make the most of the public library in between visits with library apps and websites they can use to browse catalogs, place holds, and access e-resources from home.

Like Connections Academy, public libraries give your student the resources they need to learn and grow. To start exploring the benefits of online school for your student, take a look at the latest Connections Academy® eGuide.