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Public Library

Homeschool Resource Center

Homeschool Resource Center logo
The San Diego Public Library’s Homeschool Resource Center is available to homeschooling families and others engaged in non-traditional learning. Located inside the Mission Valley Branch, our Homeschool Resource Center is available whenever the library is open.
 
Microscope, calculator, and other educational tools.

Resources at the Homeschool Resource Center

Here you’ll find educational kits available for check-out, homeschooling theory and support titles for parents and nonfiction titles for youth, laptops for in-library use, sample homeschooling curriculum, and homeschool company catalogs. In addition, we provide office supplies, including a laminator and binding machine with free laminating pouches and coil binders. Homeschoolers can also reserve the room (maximum capacity of 18 people) for co-op meetings, get-togethers, and programs.
 
Large monitor on wall; in front are desks with various materials.

Online Educational Support

In addition to our physical resources, the library offers a plethora of free, well-established academic resources on a variety of subjects. Please see our list below. Resources are broken down first by grade level, and then by subject. Most resources require a San Diego Public Library card. Don't have a card? You can get one at no cost here.
 
Balboa Park dome

Museums and More

A San Diego Public Library card also gives you free access to Chromebooks and wi-fi hotspots, California State Parks Passes, museum passes, and more.
 
Homeschool Resource Center brochures

Contact Us

The Mission Valley Branch Library is located at 2123 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92108. For questions, please contact us at mvstaff@sandiego.gov or 858-573-5007. The Homeschool Resource Center is open during the library’s open hours.

 

Digital Resources for Students

Please visit our eLibrary  page for a complete list of electronic resources.

 

 

Preschool–2nd Grade

  Reading

Bookflix logo
Focus: Book videos and eBooks with accompanying lessons and games
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
TeachingBooks logo
Focus: Info on specific authors and titles
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
NoveList logo
Focus: Book recommendations based on a reader's preferred authors, titles, subjects, or reading levels
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Home Reading Helper logo
Focus: Resources for reading, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension
 
Khan Academy Kids logo
Focus: Reading and writing games
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on English/Language Arts
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on language arts
 

Focus: LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English) is a collection of picturebooks (eBooks and eAudiobooks) in over 65 languages. There is also an app available for Android and Apple devices.
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*


  Math and Science

Khan Academy Kids logo
Focus: Math activities and games
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: Math lessons
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on math, science, technology
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on math, science, technology
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on STEAM
 
explore.org logo
Focus: Live cam feeds of animals

  Computer Science

code.org logo
Focus: Computer science lessons

  Social Studies/History

PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on social studies
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on social studies and geography
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on history
 
Teaching Tolerance logo
Focus: Lessons for students on social justice and anti-bias

  Art and Music

PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on the arts, including dance, music, theater, and visual art
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on art and music
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on art and music
 
NCMA Learn logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and other resources on art making and art history

  Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship

Common Sense Education logo
Focus: Lessons on online privacy, cyberbullying, media literacy
 
Be Internet Awesome graphic
Focus: Resources and games on digital citizenship and online safety

  Learn Spanish

PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Learn Spanish

  Resources for Non-English Speakers

Bookflix logo
Focus: Videos of children's books plus eBooks in Spanish
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Unite for Literacy logo
Focus: Picturebooks narrated in a variety of languages
 

Focus: LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English) is a collection of picturebooks (eBooks and eAudiobooks) in over 65 languages. There is also an app available for Android and Apple devices.
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*


  eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and Videos

cloudLibrary logo
Focus: eBooks and eAudiobooks for reading and being read to
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Bookflix logo
Focus: Book videos and eBbooks with accompanying lessons and games
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
comics plus logo

Comics Plus

 

Focus: Digital comics, graphic novels, and manga

*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*

 
Kanopy Kids logo
Focus: Educational and entertaining videos for children
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Storyline Online logo
Focus: Videos of children's books read aloud plus curriculum
 
Unite for Literacy logo
Focus: Picturebooks narrated in a variety of languages
 

Focus: LOTE4Kids (Languages Other Than English) is a collection of picturebooks (eBooks and eAudiobooks) in over 65 languages. There is also an app available for Android and Apple devices.
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*

3rd Grade–5th Grade

  Reading/English/Language Arts

Bookflix logo
Focus: Book videos and eBooks with accompanying lessons and games
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
TeachingBooks logo
Focus: Info on specific authors and titles
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
NoveList logo
Focus: Book recommendations based on a reader's preferred authors, titles, subjects, or reading levels
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Help Now logo
Focus: The "Writing Lab" provides specific essay and writing assistance
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Home Reading Helper logo
Focus: Resources for reading, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: English and language arts lessons
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on English/Language Arts
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on language arts

  Math, Science, and Technology

Gale Science in Context
Focus: Info for research projects on math, science, technology
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Britannica School logo
Focus: Encyclopedia with science and technology content
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest SIRS Discoverer Database button
Focus: Info and resources for animal research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
National Geographic Kids Database logo
Focus: Find issues of the National Geographic Kids Magazine as well as books, videos, and images.
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: Math lessons
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on math, science, technology
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on math, science, technology
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on STEAM
 
explore.org logo
Focus: Live cam feeds of animals

  Computers

code.org logo
Focus: Computer science lessons
 
Google CS First logo
Focus: Computer science lessons

  Social Studies/History

Gale US History graphic
Focus: U.S. history info for research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale World History graphic
Focus: World history info for research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Biography in Context graphic
Focus: Biographical info on current and past people
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Britannica School logo
Focus: Encyclopedia with social studies content
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest CultureGram Database button
Focus: Info on countries, U.S. states, and Canadian provinces and territories
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest SIRS Discoverer Database button
Focus: Info on countries, U.S. states, Canadian provinces and territories; biographical content; info on complex issues (e.g., vaccines, global warming)
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on social studies
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on social studies and geography
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on history
 
Teaching Tolerance logo
Focus: Lessons for students on social justice and anti-bias
 
Newseum Ed logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on civics, current events, free speech

  Art and Music

PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on the arts, including dance, music, theater, and visual art
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on art and music
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on art and music
 
NCMA Learn logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and other resources on art making and art history

  Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship

Common Sense Education logo
Focus: Lessons on online privacy, cyberbullying, media literacy
 
Be Internet Awesome graphic
Focus: Resources and games on digital citizenship and online safety
 
Sifting Through the Pandemic graphic
Focus: Identifying misinformation and "fake news" online
 
Newseum Ed logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on media literacy and free speech 

  Learn Languages

Rosetta Stone logo
Focus: Learn a variety of languages
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Learn Spanish

  Resources for Non-English Speakers

Britannica Escolar logo
Focus: Encyclopedia in Spanish
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Help Now logo
Focus: Live homework help with online tutors available in Spanish
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
 

 

Unite for Literacy logo
Focus: Picturebooks narrated in a variety of languages

  eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and Videos

cloudLibrary logo
Focus: eBooks and eAudiobooks for reading and being read to
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
comics plus logo

Comics Plus

 

Focus: Digital comics, graphic novels, and manga

*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*

 
Kanopy Kids logo
Focus: Educational and entertaining videos for children
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
 
Storyline Online logo
Focus: Videos of children's books read aloud plus curriculum

6th Grade–8th Grade

  English/Language Arts

TeachingBooks logo
Focus: Info on specific authors and titles
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Literature Resource Center logo
Focus: Info on specific authors and titles
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Middle School in Context graphic
Focus: Info on specific authors and titles
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
NoveList logo
Focus: Book recommendations based on a reader's preferred authors, titles, subjects, or reading levels
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Help Now logo
Focus: The "Writing Lab" provides specific essay and writing assistance
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: English and language arts lessons
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on English/Language Arts
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on language arts

  Math, Science, and Technology

Gale Science in Context
Focus: Info for research projects on math, science, technology
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Britannica School logo
Focus: Encyclopedia with science and technology content
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Middle School in Context graphic
Focus: Info for research projects on science topics
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest SIRS Discoverer Database button
 
Focus: Info and resources for animal research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
National Geographic Kids Database logo
Focus: Find issues of the National Geographic Kids Magazine as well as books, videos, and images.
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Interactive Science logo in Navy blue
Focus: Delve deeper into science by exploring 3D models where users can zoom in, rotate, or pull them apart.
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale environmental studies logo in navy
Focus: Learn about environmental topics, such as pollution, ecotourism, and more.
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: Math lessons
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on math, science, technology
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on math, science, technology
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on STEAM
 
explore.org logo
Focus: Live cam feeds of animals

  Computer Science

code.org logo
Focus: Computer science lessons
 
Google CS First logo
Focus: Computer science lessons

  Social Studies/History

Gale US History graphic
Focus: U.S. history info for research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale World History graphic
Focus: World history info for research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Biography in Context graphic
Focus: Biographical info on current and past people
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Middle School in Context graphic
Focus: Focus: Info on history, geography, civics, government
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Opposing Viewpoints graphic
Focus: Info on current social issues, such as immigration, abortion, gun rights
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Britannica School logo
Focus: Encyclopedia with social studies content
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest CultureGram Database button
Focus: Info on countries, U.S. states, and Canadian provinces and territories
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest SIRS Discoverer Database button
Focus: Info on countries, U.S. states, Canadian provinces and territories; biographical content; info on complex issues (e.g., vaccines, global warming)
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest SIRS Issues Researcher Database button
Focus: Info on complex issues (e.g., medical marijuana, gun control)
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on social studies
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on social studies and geography
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on history
 
Teaching Tolerance logo
Focus: Lessons for students on social justice and anti-bias
 
Newseum Ed logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on civics, current events, free speech

  Art and Music

PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on the arts, including dance, music, theater, and visual art
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on art and music
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on art and music
 
NCMA Learn logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and other resources on art making and art history

  Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship

Common Sense Education logo
Focus: Lessons on online privacy, cyberbullying, media literacy
 
Sifting Through the Pandemic graphic
Focus: Identifying misinformation and "fake news" online
 
Newseum Ed logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on media literacy and free speech 

  Learn Languages

Rosetta Stone logo
Focus: Learn a variety of languages
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Learn Spanish

  Resources for Non-English Speakers

Britannica Escolar logo
Focus: Encyclopedia in Spanish
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Help Now logo
Focus: Live homework help with online tutors available in Spanish
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 

  eBooks and eAudiobooks, eMagazines and Videos

cloudLibrary logo
eBooks & eAudiobooks for reading and being read to
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
 
 
comics plus logo

Comics Plus

 

Focus: Digital comics, graphic novels, and manga

*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*

 
Flipster logo
Flipster is an easy-to-use digital newsstand the offers access to bestselling digital magazines. When using the Flipster app, the patron ID is your library card number.
 
Kanopy Kids logo
Focus: Educational and entertaining videos for children
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Storyline Online logo
Focus: Videos of children's books read aloud plus curriculum

9th Grade–12th Grade

  English/Language Arts

TeachingBooks logo
Focus: Info on specific authors and titles
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Literature Resource Center logo
Focus: Info on specific authors and titles
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest eLibrary Guided Research Database button
Focus: Info and resources for English/Language Arts research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
NoveList logo
Focus: Book recommendations based on a reader's preferred authors, titles, subjects, or reading levels
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Help Now logo
Focus: The "Writing Lab" provides specific essay and writing assistance
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: English and language arts lessons
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on English/Language Arts
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on language arts

  Math, Science, and Technology

ProQuest Coronavirus Research Database button
A health and medical research database for openly available content related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
Gale Science in Context
Focus: Info for research projects on math, science, technology
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Britannica School logo
Focus: Encyclopedia with science and technology content
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest eLibrary Guided Research Database button
Focus: Info and resources for math and science research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Interactive Science logo in Navy blue
Focus: Delve deeper into science by exploring 3D models where users can zoom in, rotate, or pull them apart.
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale environmental studies logo in navy
Focus: Learn about environmental topics, such as pollution, ecotourism, and more.
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: Lessons on math, science, and technology
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on math, science, technology
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on math, science, technology
 
hhmi BioInteractive logo
Focus: Science lessons, videos, labs, and more
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on STEAM
 
explore.org logo
Focus: Live cam feeds of animals

  Computer Science

code.org logo
Focus: Computer science lessons
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: Computer science lessons
 
Google CS First logo
Focus: Computer science lessons

  Social Studies/History

Gale US History graphic
Focus: U.S. history info for research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale World History graphic
Focus: World history info for research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Biography in Context graphic
Focus: Biographical info on current and past people
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Opposing Viewpoints graphic
Focus: Info on current social issues, such as immigration, abortion, gun rights
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Britannica School logo
Focus: Encyclopedia with social studies content
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest eLibrary Guided Research Database button
Focus: Info and resources for history, political science, and social science research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest CultureGram Database button
Focus: Info on countries, U.S. states, and Canadian provinces and territories
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
ProQuest SIRS Issues Researcher Database button
Focus: Info on complex issues (e.g., medical marijuana, gun control)
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: Lessons on history, government, economics
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on social studies
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on social studies and geography
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on history
 
Teaching Tolerance logo
Focus: Lessons for students on social justice and anti-bias
 
Newseum Ed logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on civics, current events, free speech

  Art and Music

ProQuest eLibrary Guided Research Database button
Focus: Info and resources for visual and performing art research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Khan Academy logo
Focus: Lessons on art history
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and interactive content on the arts, including dance, music, theater, and visual art
 
TKSST logo
Focus: Curated videos on art and music
 
National Geographic Education logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on art and music
 
NCMA Learn logo
Focus: Videos, lessons, and other resources on art making and art history

  Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship

ProQuest Research Companion Database button
Focus: Tutorials on finding and evaluating information for research projects
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Common Sense Education logo
Focus: Lessons on online privacy, cyberbullying, media literacy
 
Sifting Through the Pandemic graphic
Focus: Identifying misinformation and "fake news" online
 
Newseum Ed logo
Focus: Lessons and activities on media literacy and free speech 

  Learn Languages

Rosetta Stone logo
Focus: Learn a variety of languages
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale database icon
Focus: ESL and sign lauguage lessons
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
PBS Learning Media logo
Focus: Learn Spanish

  Resources for Non-English Speakers

Britannica Escolar logo
Focus: Encyclopedia in Spanish
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Help Now logo
Focus: Live homework help with online tutors available in Spanish
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale database icon
Focus: ESL and sign language lessons
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*

  Testing

Help Now logo
Focus: "Skill Surfer" section provides practice for AP, PSAT, SAT, ACT, GED, ASVAB, TOEFL, US Citizenship
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test and Career Prep.
Focus: AP, PSAT, SAT, ACT, CLEP, GED, TOEFL, US Citizenship, and much more
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
driving-tests.org graphic
Focus: Practice the California driver’s license test, read the DMV handbooks, and find FAQs

  eBooks and eAudiobooks, eMagazines and Videos

cloudLibrary logo
eBooks & eAudiobooks for reading and listening
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
comics plus logo

Comics Plus

 

Focus: Digital comics, graphic novels, and manga

*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*

 
Flipster logo
Flipster is an easy-to-use digital newsstand the offers access to bestselling digital magazines. When using the Flipster app, the patron ID is your library card number.
 
Kanopy Kids logo
Focus: Educational and entertaining videos for children
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*
 
PorQuest eBook Central icon
Focus: eBooks to support learning and research in multiple subject areas, including English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Technology, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, and Information Literacy
*Requires a San Diego Public Library Card*