PCL Learning Center
Welcome to the PCL Learning Center! Your library card grants you access to many online learning resources! Our staff has compiled an educational list by age to help you and your family prepare for school and thrive through the school year and semesters. Whether you are preparing a child to start school, it is your child’s first day of school, a teen that knows the drill, a college-bound student, or you are gaining career skills, try out these helpful databases and tools.
Our online databases are great for research. Some are full of articles from well-known newspapers and magazines, feature videos, audio, and maps.
Need a card? Fill out our online form here to get started. A library staff member will contact you to complete your application.
My First Library Card
It’s never too early to start visiting the library! My First Library Card is an early literacy program for children ages birth through 5. My First Library Card is accepted at all LCLC libraries.
Teens can access this helpful list of e-Resources for test prep, online tutoring, research, study aids, and more, all FREE with your library card.
This list features some of our favorite back-to-school books. These titles show young learners that school can be fun and exciting while tackling common fears like first-day jitters and fitting in.
Crafternoon: Backpack Buttons
Thursday, August 31, 4:30–5:30pm
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration
Saturday, September 30, 10–11am
All programming is sponsored by The Friends of the Parkland Community Library.
Learn more about The Friends on their webpage.
Find the tools you need to keep learning, studying, and growing!
Try out our online study aids, test prep, and more, all free.
Launchpads
Our Collection
Have you heard about our Launchpads? Launchpads are pre-loaded learning tablets with apps, ebooks, and no Wi-Fi required! The ones below focus on early literacy and reading skills.
Gale Middle School
Database
Gale informational topics that provide content that supports national and state curriculum standards for grades 6 to 8 in English language arts, social studies, and science. Features nonfiction, and informational formats, including images, audio, video, newspapers, primary sources, and more to support learning.
Gale High School
Database
Access thousands of topic overviews, primary sources, biographies, and critical essays on core subjects. Periodical coverage includes full-text newspaper, magazine, and journal articles from reputable sources like The Economist, The New York Times, National Geographic, Newsweek, PopularScience, and Smithsonian.
Brainfuse Tutoring
Online Tutoring
Your library card grants you access to free LIVE online homework help from a professional tutor.
Brainfuse LearnNow
Database
Prepare for upcoming tests by taking a practice test online. Continue building your skills with lessons and videos.
Brainfuse HelpNow
Help for All Ages
With your Parkland Community Library card, students of all ages can log in to Brainfuse HelpNow for free access to study tools and more!
Universal Class
Free Online Courses
Free access to over 500 courses from computer skills to business to cooking to pet care. Learn at your own pace. Earn CEUs and certificates. This resource is for patrons whose home library is in Parkland. Log in using “PCL” followed by your library card number.
Power Library
e-Resource
Access thousands of full-text periodical articles, newspapers, a major encyclopedia, photographs, pictures, charts, maps, and reference material for all ages.
Britannica
Available for All Ages
Get free access to 3 comprehensive databases, including the Encyclopedia Britannica, articles, Merriam-Webster Dictionary in English/Spanish, images, and more!
hoopla
Hoopla is a Free at-home streaming courtesy of your library for Parkland School District and Northwestern residents only!
This groundbreaking digital media service allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later.
Download the hoopla app to get started, or contact the reference desk if you need help at 610-298-1361×106 or info@parklandlibrary.org.
Please note these limits: Patrons can have up to five monthly borrows. Items listed as “bonus borrows” do not count toward the monthly limit. This resource is only available to Parkland School District residents.
Young Critics Book Club
2024 Monthly, on the third Thursday Young Critics Book Club is a monthly book discussion for ages 8-12. We will share ideas for other great reads while enjoying fun activities and snacks. Join us anyway if you did not finish the book. A parent or guardian must be present for this event. January: “Critic’s Choice.”Read…
Senior Book Club
2024 Reading List Senior Book Club meets at 3pm on the second Tuesday of the month at Luther Crest in Allentown. All are welcome. Non-residents may participate with their own copy of the book. Drop-in Event *The reading list is subject to change. PCL Event Calendar January When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, 2016…
PCL Book Club Reading List
2024 Reading List PCL’s book club for adults meets to discuss our latest book pick at 7pm on the third Tuesday of the month. Join us each month for a lively book discussion. New members are welcome! Non-residents may participate with their own copy of the book. Be sure to RSVP on our events calendar.…