Going back to school is easier than ever when you have a Fountaindale Library card! Now is the perfect time to discover all of the resources your library has to offer students of all ages. Whether you’re looking for homework help, a new book, exciting technology, study rooms or computers, we have you covered. Here are 6 ways to set yourself up for success this school year!

1. Use Your Student Success Card

Every year, we issue Student Success library cards to all Valley View students. Student Success library cards provide the same access to materials and services as a regular Fountaindale Public Library card. Students can check out materials in our building, at Bookmobile stops and at any other Pinnacle libraries in Joliet, Shorewood, Lemont, Plainfield, Crest Hill, Lockport and Romeoville. Your Student Success card is still valid this upcoming school year, so please use it!

2. Rock Your Fall Reading

Going back to school means getting back into good routines: daily reading is one of them. We love rewarding students for reading, so we have programs for all ages to get kids excited about it!

  • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Experts recommend that children hear at least 1,000 stories before they learn to read. Families who read aloud to their children strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary. (Birth–Age 5)
  • Reading Dragons & Friends: Earn unique trading cards and battle your friends as you take flight on this fun, year-round reading adventure. The more you read, the more cards you earn. (Grades K–5)
  • Great Reading Race: Bolingbrook middle school students, join our fall reading adventure where you can win books and cool prizes for your school and yourself. (September 21–October 26; Grades 6–8)
  • Read-a-Palooza: Bolingbrook elementary school students, play Read-a-Palooza bingo to help your school win cool books. You will even get a certificate of achievement, a Culver’s Scoopie token for a free scoop of frozen custard and an entry into our grand prize drawing for participating. (October 1–31; Grades K–5)

3. Discover our eResources

We have a variety of eResources to help students from PreK through graduation. Whether you’re looking for online tutoring, sources for a research paper or videos on topics you’re learning in school, our tools will keep students engaged and learning.

View eResources for kids   View eResources for teens

4. Visit the Vortex

The Vortex is our unique space specifically designed for teens in grades 6–12 to read, study or hang out with friends. Teens can play board games and video games, use the computers or reserve a study room with a library card or school ID. You can also use our maker cart and kits to create blackout poetry, duct tape wallets or beaded bracelets.

Outside the Vortex, you can browse our specialty Test Prep collection, which brings together the most up-to-date study guides needed for school exams all in one place. We own over 100 test prep books to help prepare you for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE and PSAT. We also have guides on various AP courses, including biology, chemistry, computer science, English, European history, U.S. history, Spanish and U.S. government.

Learn more about the Vortex!

5. Secure a Study Room

Our 3rd floor study rooms are perfect for up to four people to meet and work on collaborative projects, and we have additional study spaces in Children’s Services and in the Vortex. Other spaces are also available throughout the building, including our Quiet Reading Room on the 3rd floor and study tables on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

6. Get Ahead at Home

Our Home Learning collection is located in Children’s Services and is full of new materials. We revitalized and modernized the collection with parents and students in mind. This collection contains workbooks, activity books, homeschool resources, parent resources and flashcards on a number of different subject matters.

Explore our Home Learning Collection!

Looking for more help? Our staff is here to help! Stop by a service desk or contact us today!