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King County Libraries offering free events, classes to help pass the time at home

With Washington residents staying home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, local libraries are finding ways to offer entertainment and education virtually.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — With more people staying home to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington state, local libraries are finding ways to entertain and educate virtually. 

The King County Library System is offering several tools for parents and kids to help with remote learning since Gov. Jay Inslee announced schools would be closed for the rest of this school year due to coronavirus.

The library system is also offering online classes and events for adults.

Here are 10 of the upcoming events, more can be found here. These events should be accessible without a King County Library card, however, if a card is needed you can register for an eCard here. 

KCLS Online Program: Yes, You Still Have to Study and Learn. Here’s How! -- Friday, April 10, 10 a.m.

  • For teens and adults. 
  • Online webinar presented by CollegeWise.
  • This webinar will show students how, even in a changing educational world, effective study skills are still key to academic success. We’ll reveal how students can manage their time, make decisions about how to prioritize assignments, and find out when and where their most effective learning takes place. Also discuss the neuroscience behind why these strategies succeed and how getting to know themselves can make any student into an effective learner.
  • Please register, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yes-you-still-have-to-studyand-learn-heres-how-webinar-tickets-101839657156.
  • After you register you will be emailed a link to access the webinar on your computer and the dial-in number to listen from your phone.

KCLS Online Program: Small Business Counseling-Navigating COVID-19 -- Saturday, April 11, 10-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12-1 p.m.

  • For adults.
  • Get one-on-one counseling with a SCORE mentor to help you with your startup or assist with your existing business including navigating COVID-19.
  • SCORE is a nonprofit organization supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Register online for a virtual one-hour session that will be conducted over the phone or computer.
  • Brought to you by the Kirkland Library.
  • Register for a one-hour session at kcls.org and a SCORE Counselor will email you about your online meeting preferences.

KCLS Online Program: AP Study Strategies for U.S. History -- Tuesday, April 14, 4-6 p.m.

  • For all King County students taking the AP tests this spring.
  • Presented by Huntington Learning Center of Issaquah.
  • Learn study strategies to prepare for the AP U.S History test. Huntington will cover how to make a study plan and timeline for test day and answer questions you haven't mastered in class.
  • Brought to you by the Sammamish Library.
  • Please register at kcls.org and you will be sent the Zoom link a few days prior to the session.

KCLS Online Program: Kid’s Book Club for Earth Day  -- Thursday, April 16, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

  • Ages 5 to 9.
  • Children and families are invited to listen to and discuss stories on a monthly topic. This will be followed by information about a hands-on activity or art project that you can do at home. 
  • Before book club, read one of these suggested books: https://1.kcls.org/2UDSwGu
  • OR choose to read another book on the topic. Registration required.

KCLS Online Program: An Intro to Zero-Waste Living -- Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

  • Presented by Jenica Barrett, Zero Waste Wisdom.
  • Learn the truth about our trash, recycling and simple tips for reducing waste at home. Explore hands-on items that Jenica uses in her zero waste home and ask questions about those hard to avoid disposable plastics.
  • Please register and view at: 
    https://www.crowdcast.io/e/an-intro-to-zero-waste

KCLS Online Program: Questions about Medicare? -- Monday, April 20, 1-2 p.m., 2-3 p.m., 3-4 p.m.and 4-5 p.m.

  • For adults.
  • The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is a free, unbiased and confidential counseling service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioners (OIC).
  • SHIBA's trained and impartial volunteers are available to assist consumers with their Medicare related questions.
  • Brought to you by the Shoreline Library.
  • Register at kcls.org for a one-hour session that will be conducted over the phone. A SHIBA volunteer will email you about your meeting preferences.

KCLS Online Program: Baby Story Times -- Wednesdays, April 15-May 20, 11:15 a.m.

KCLS Online Program: Toddler Story Times -- Wednesdays, April 15-May 20, 10 a.m.

  • Ages 2 to 3 with adult, siblings welcome.
  • We can't meet in person, but we can still gather wherever we are to share books, songs and puppets!
  • Join Miss Sara for a Story Time on Crowdcast also shared on Facebook Live. Register on Crowdcast for reminders here https://www.crowdcast.io/e/ayc6fvvv. In addition, it will be live-streamed to the Sammamish Library Facebook page. The video will be posted on Crowdcast afterward so you can watch it even if you miss it.

KCLS Online Program: Preschool Story Times -- Fridays, April 10-May 22, 11:15 a.m.

  • Ages 3 to 6 with adult, siblings welcome.
  • We can't meet in person, but we can still gather wherever we are to share books, songs and puppets!
  • Join Miss Sara for a Story Time on Crowdcast also shared on Facebook Live. Register on Crowdcast for reminders here https://www.crowdcast.io/e/53kyg1wp. In addition, it will be live-streamed to the Sammamish Library Facebook page. The video will be posted on Crowdcast afterward so you can watch it even if you miss it.

KCLS Online Program: Girls Who Code Club -- Mondays, 6 p.m.

  • Grades 6 to 12.
  • Access beginner-friendly tutorials in Scratch, Python, Swift and JavaScript. Learn about notable women in tech and soft skills like bravery and resilience.
  • Girls Who Code is a national nonprofit organization aiming to inspire, educate and equip girls with the computing skills they need in the 21st century. This free, afterschool club is for girls (and students of all genders) in grades 6 to 12 looking to explore coding in a fun and friendly environment.
  • In partnership with Girls Who Code and Seattle Tech Guru.
  • Brought to you by the Newcastle Library. 
  • Email jmlockwood@kcls.org to join. 

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