Learning Support at Your Library
Washington County Library is here to help with all of your school and learning needs! Check out library materials, access research databases, and browse online tools to assist with class assignments in any subject.
Are you a teacher or an educator? Learn how we can best support you on our Resources for Educators page!
Can't find what you need? Contact us by chat, phone, or email!
Connect with a Librarian | Need sources to help with a new assignment? Looking for recommendations when reading for fun? We can help! Fill out our education support form to connect with a librarian who can find exactly what you need. |
| AskALibrarian@washcolib.libanswers.com | |
Reference by Appointment | Contact your library to schedule up to 30 minutes with a librarian for expert help with in-depth questions or personal technology assistance. |
Ask a Question | Use this form to submit your question to a Washington County librarian. |
You can also call your local branch to speak with a librarian directly.
Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms can be reserved for individual studying or meeting in small groups. Tables, chairs, and computers in common areas are available without reservations. Learn more about meeting rooms.
Wireless Printing
Send documents to the library's printers and pick them up when you're ready. Items can be sent from your computer or mobile device at home or within the library. You can pick up and pay for printed items at the library. Learn more about wireless printing.
Curbside Pickup
Curbside pickup appointments are available to pick up materials without enter the library. Once you receive an email confirmation that your holds are available, schedule an appointment online at least 24 hours in advance to pick them up.
Not sure how to get started at the library? We've developed some online tutorials for common questions and services. Check them out below!
Check out ebooks, digital audiobooks, and emagazines using one of our mobile apps.
Large Print Materials
We offer a variety of large print materials specifically for kids and teens, as well as a large collection of adult materials. You can find large print books on our shelves next to regular titles or by searching for "teen large print" or "children's large print" in our catalog.
Road to Decode Collection
All branches include a specific collection of "decodable" materials for beginning readers and readers who may have reading issues like dyslexia. Decodable titles help readers connect phonics and word analysis to understand what they’re reading and build reading fluency. Browse at your branch or view the collection online.
Check Out a WiFi Hotspot or Chromebook
Washington County Library has hotspots and Chromebooks available for checkout. Access the internet and use a computer outside the library! You can place a hold on a device through our catalog, by contacting us, or visiting your local library and requesting one in person
Encyclopedias
Tired of looking at a screen? We have updated encyclopedias to help you with your project. You can check them out and bring them home, too. Find encyclopedias in our catalog or on the shelf at your local branch.
Sensory Kits
Sensory kits include items that can help assist in behavior management and early learning for families with children who experience sensory processing disorder or are on the autism spectrum. Sensory kits are housed at Hardwood Creek Library, but can be picked up at any branch by placing a hold in the catalog.
Instant Book Club Kits
Everything you need to have a book club at home is packed into on of our book club kits! Kits contain 10 copies of one title, discussion questions about the title, and information about the author. A kit is checked out to a single group member who is responsible for all of the materials. The group may keep the kit for 6 weeks.
Homework HelpNow
Connect with free, online tutoring services for kids, teens, and adults daily from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Learn more in this video overview.
LearningExpress Library
Take online practice tests, view tutorials, and find resources for school and career exams. Popular tests include: ACT, AP, GED, Nursing, Real Estate, TOEFL, and U.S. Citizenship.
Driving-Tests.org
Prepare for the Minnesota driving tests with online tests. Driver’s manuals and other information covering permits, automotive, motorcycle, and commercial driver license tests. For students or anyone looking to brush up on their knowledge of Minnesota’s traffic laws.
Contact Us!
Washington County Library staff are available to help you find materials for research projects and other assignments.
Resources by Subject
Our librarians have put together their most recommended online databases for every subject below. You can find a full list of learning databases here.
- Art, Drama, and Music
- Computers and Tech
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science and Health
- Social Studies
- World Languages
Explora Kids
Explora Teens
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LinkedIn Learning
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General Science Collection
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LearningExpress Library
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Academic Search Premier:
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BookFlix
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Britannica Online - School Edition
Britannica Fundamentals
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Explora Teens
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Gale In Context: High school | Middle School
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Literature Resource Center
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NoveList Plus
NoveList Plus K-8
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Britannica Fundamentals
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Explora Teens
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Homework HelpNow
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LearningExpress Library
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Academic Search Premier:
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Britannica Online - School Edition
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Consumer Health Complete
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Explora Kids
Explora Teens
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Gale In Context: High school | Middle School
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PebbleGo: Animals and Biographies
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Science Reference Center
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Washington County Library has access to many online tools to read biographies, find primary sources, and stay connected to current events. If you need help navigating any of these tools, reach out to a librarian.
General Tools
Academic Search Premier:
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Britannica Online - School Edition
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High School (Gale In Context)
Middle School (Gale In Context)
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Biography in Context
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PebbleGo: Animals and Biographies
PebbleGo Next
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Primary Sources
- American Antiquarian Society (AAS) Historical Periodicals Collections: Search thousands of American historical magazines and newspapers published between 1691 and 1876. Great for history projects!
- ArchiveGrid: Search through historical documents, personal papers, and family histories held in archives around the world.
- Minnesota Digital Library: Find images, maps, and documents from more than 150 cultural heritage organizations from around the state.
- Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub: Search Minnesota newspaper articles from the Minnesota Historical Society archives. Find geographically and culturally diverse newspapers published between 1856 and today.
- Umbra Search: Explore African American history through hundreds of thousands of digitized materials from over 1,000 libraries and archives across the country.
Current Events
- America's News: Read local, regional, and national news articles from thousands of U.S. newspapers and other resources. Features many Minnesota based newspapers including: Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Rochester Post-Bulletin, and Duluth News Tribune. Learn more: NewsBank Help Video
- Points of View Reference Center: Provides students with a series of essays that present multiple sides of a current issue. Here you can find 250 topics, each with an overview (objective background / description), point (argument), counterpoint (opposing argument), and critical thinking guide.
- ProQuest US Newsstream: Find newspaper articles from hundreds of papers from around the United States.
Transparent Language
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Search for language learning materials in our catalog! |