Kane County Chronicle

Beat winter boredom blahs through fun, free databases at Batavia Public Library

For many of us, the cold winter days and long winter nights make us want to curl up indoors with something.

Yes, we read, listen to music, play video games and binge-watch some of our favorite shows. Maybe we play board games and musical instruments or bake pies and cakes. The Batavia Public Library provides free access to each of these sources of fun, entertainment and relaxation through the magic of your library card.

But what if we get bored? Or your children or grandchildren say, “There’s nothing to doooo.”

That’s where some amazing databases come in.

All you need is your Batavia Public Library card and you may access a host of databases 24/7. Here’s a smattering of what’s available.

Brainfuse

Patrons may access real-time assistance through the intuitive Brainfuse online classroom in HelpNow. Brainfuse tutors are trained not to provide answers, but to help users master a problem’s underlying academic concepts. Brainfuse also offers tutoring and homework help services in Spanish for all subjects that are offered in English. Tutoring assistance, including prepping for tests, is available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Most online career tools provide “resume-building” software or job-hunting strategies without one-on-one advice from a career coach. But JobNow bridges that gap by connecting patrons with experienced career coaches and resources to assist them throughout their job searches.

Brainfuse’s online counselors help students navigate the college admissions process through CollegeNow, including developing a list of target schools, crafting a well-written admissions essay designed to make students stand out, helping students excel in admissions interviews and offering guidance on financial aid and scholarships.

Creativebug

This incredible database offers online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques. You’ll learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screen print and more. Do you want to create your own perfumes or soaps? Experts will show you how – at your own pace and in your own space.

Little Pim

This award-winning language-learning program is designed for children from infants through age 6. It teaches conversation skills in more than 60 languages including English, French and Japanese. Little Pim helps provide the essential building blocks to learn a language while engaging a child’s natural love of play. It includes relevant words and phrases, features vibrant animation and incorporates highly engaging activities.

TumbleBookLibrary & TumbleMath

These online databases boast uniquely animated talking picture books, chapter books, nonfiction books and videos. TumbleMath is – you guessed it – exclusively math stories. Books featured on these two databases are appropriate for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Visit bataviapubliclibrary.org/homework-resources to explore databases for students, check out the online resources for children at bataviapubliclibrary.org/online-kids and dive into a host of databases broken out by topic at bataviapubliclibrary.org/research-a-topic-new.