Back to School Success Starts at Your Library! Free Resources for All Grades

Posted on: August 1, 2025 | Category: News

As a new school year begins, the Hawai‘i State Public Library System (HSPLS) is here to support young learners, from toddlers to teens, with recommended back to school book titles and free online tools available 24/7 with a library card.

For Preschoolers

Young girl with backpack arriving IN classroom

Recommended Book Titles

Online Resources

  • BookFlix – Bring reading to life with animated storybooks paired alongside engaging nonfiction videos that build early literacy skills.
  • Kanopy Kids – Stream educational films, documentaries, and animated stories perfect for class projects or enrichment.
  • Scholastic Teachables – Engage your preschool learner with fun, easy-to-use printable activities.

For Elementary Students (Grades K–5)

Male student seated in a classroom using an iPad tablet

Recommended Book Titles

Online Resources

  • BookFlix – Explore reading with engaging animated stories paired with nonfiction videos that boost comprehension and curiosity.
  • Kanopy Kids – Stream educational films, documentaries, and animated stories perfect for class projects or enrichment.
  • Primary Search – Find kid-friendly magazine articles, images, and reference materials for school projects and curiosity-driven research.
  • Scholastic Teachables – Download printable worksheets, activities, and mini-books to support learning at home.

For Middle School Students (Grades 6–8)

Male student studying

Recommended Book Titles

Online Resources

  • Explora Middle School – An online research tool that offers age-appropriate articles, videos, and reference materials for middle school students.
  • Kanopy – Stream educational films, documentaries, and animated stories perfect for class projects or enrichment.
  • Middle Search Plus – Explore biographies, historical documents, and full-text articles tailored to middle-grade readers.

For High School Students (Grades 9–12)

Female Teen looking at books in libraryRecommended Book Titles

Online Resources

  • CQ Researcher & Points of View Reference Center – Find trusted, research-ready sources for essays, reports, and speech & debate.
  • Kanopy – Access a huge collection of movies and documentaries for free, perfect for high school students who want to explore new ideas and stories.
  • Mango Languages – Learn over 70 world languages—including ʻōlelo Hawai‘i—through fun, interactive lessons.
  • Peterson’s Test Prep – Practice for the SAT, ACT, AP exams, and explore tools for college and career planning.
  • PressReader – Stay informed with digital access to thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world.

If you need assistance obtaining a book copy or with an online resource, please contact your local library.

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ALERT | In holiday observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, all public libraries will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Presidents' Day, all public libraries will be closed from Saturday to Monday, February 14 to 16, 2026.

ALERT | In holiday observance of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Day, all public libraries will be closed on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

ALERT | The ʻAiea Public Library parking lot and access stairs from Hakina street will be closed beginning January 17 due to an unforeseen electrical issue. The Library will be open with parking on the street available. We apologize for the inconvenience as we work to resolve the issue.