This page offers a list of resources that are currently free (at time of posting) during the COVID-19 crisis for libraries to promote to their patrons. This is not an exhaustive list of the resources that are currently available, and we encourage libraries to reach out to online content or database providers that you are interested in offering to your patrons to ask if they will grant free access during this time. The first few resources on this list have done an excellent job of compiling public library resources.
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): Relevant tips and recommendations; operating as a clearing house for material useful to all libraries.
IMLS COVID-19 Resources for Libraries and Museums: Resources from many library and museum organizations on COVID-19.
OCLC: Listing of extensive online partner content and journals that are free during this time. (This will download as a spreadsheet.)
Library Journal Info Docket: Exhaustive list of resources and vendors offering free access during this time.
Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative: Well-organized resources for dealing with disasters and how to bring places like libraries back online after disasters hit.
Virtual Resources with Engaging Content
National Parks: Online virtual tours.
Hour of Code: Coding basics anyone can learn.
Scholastic: Free educational content for children.
Tumblebooks: Libraries across North America can email info@tumblebooks.com with subject line Free TumbleBooks in order to receive free links to all five of its databases until August 31.
Cornerstone Confessions: Online list of music education games.
Netflix: Full access to a set of full documentaries available on You Tube.
Internet Archive: “7 things to do when you can’t leave the house” blog post includes activities like MS-DOS games like the Oregon Trail that you can play online for free.
Free Virtual Resources: Crowdsources list from librarians to streaming content such as concerts and zoo tours.
Library Underground: Virtual story time resources and topics.
Databases Offering Free Trials
Just about every major database vendor is offering free resources at this time. Here’s a sampling of some that might be most relevant for libraries.
The National Emergency Library: A “temporary collection of books that supports emergency remote teaching, research activities, independent scholarship, and intellectual stimulation while universities, schools, training centers, and libraries are closed.” A vast collection of ebooks and materials; click on the grade school level books from this collection.
Gale: Online learning tips and tricks using Gale resources for homeschoolers and anyone looking to improve their skills.
ProQuest: Free trial access to titles for a limited period of time since many libraries are closed and microfilm is inaccessible.
Credo Reference: Homeschool resource stocked full of reference material and useful for anyone teaching children at home.
EBSCOHost and Rosetta Stone: Free access to all levels of languages through June 2020. Other EBSCOhost resources are available as well at this time; follow the link with instructions on how to get access.