Support for reading skills at the libraryFind support for your students developing their reading skills with decodable books, read-alongs, animated books, library reading tutors, and more!

• Decodable BooksDecodable books are simple books that use basic words and letter sounds to help new readers practice and build upon phonics skills. Decodable books help readers use what they know about phonics to "decode" the text rather than using guessing or recognition. As your reader builds skill with decoding, they’ll be able to use those skills with more complex books. The library has decodable books available for check out, both in print and as eBooks.

• Read- alongs!

Read-alongs are hardcover books with embedded audio players. The permanently attached electronic reader transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read-along book. No need for computers, tablets, or CDs—you simply push a button to listen and read. Read-alongs are especially helpful for both emerging readers and students learning English because they help the reader connect the sound of the word with the print word on the page.

The library has read-along books available for check out. There are titles in English, Spanish, and bilingual Spanish/English and English/Chinese

Animaded books online with your library card

Another way for students to practice reading skills is to watch an animated book, where the text is highlighted as a narrator reads. Hennepin County Library has several options that can be accessed through the library website: 

• TumbleBook Library: Animated storybooks and chapter books with highlighted text. Also includes graphic novels, nonfiction books and videos, puzzles, and games. It is also available in the following languages:
  • The Spanish version called Biblioteca Tumble
  • The French version called BiblioEnfants

BookFlix: Video storybooks and online nonfiction books for young readers. Includes streaming video, games and educator resources.

• Practice reading skills with Let's Read tutors

  K-5 students can get free support in developing their reading skills at some library locations. Students and trained volunteer tutors meet weekly one-on-one to work on grade level reading skills.

  Let's Read is intended for students:

1. In grades K-5
2. Reading below grade level
3. Able to meet with their tutor every week on the same day and at the same time

Find more information and a list of Let's Read locations. 

Sessions are scheduled in advance by appointment only. To schedule a session, please speak with staff at any Let's Read location or email LetsRead@hclib.org

 

• Get a library card

It’s free to get a Hennepin County Library card, and anyone who needs to replace a lost or stolen library card can do so without paying a fee. You can get a new or replacement card in-person at any open library location, or apply online for a digital library card. Apply online for a library card.

Download the Hennepin County Library app

The library now has a mobile app! You can use the app to discover new titles, plan your next visit, and browse recommendations. You can also: 

1. Instantly access your library card barcode 
2. Search the collection 
3. Place and manage holds 
4. Manage multiple accounts 
5. Check library hours and locations 

Discover library events 

Download the free app by searching “Hennepin County Library” in the App Store or Google Play.