Summer’s end has always been one of my most favorite times of year. I loved going back to school. It meant seeing my friends again, and a fresh start with new teachers and new challenges. The key was having the right tools – No. 2 pencils, plenty of paper and a brand new Trapper Keeper to hold it all together.

Although I wasn’t really aware of it at the time, I started back to school ahead of the curve because I had spent part of my summer participating in my library’s annual Summer Reading Program. We didn’t talk about things like the “summer slide” back then, but we now know how important it is for young minds to stay active when school is out.

For those who don’t believe young people read anymore, we definitely disproved that. Here at the King County Library System (KCLS) we kept a lot of minds active this summer with more than 31,000 kids and teens participating in the 2016 Summer Reading Program. Reading helps young people succeed in school, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you haven’t been to a KCLS library recently, you may not realize what lies inside or online: many essential tools for ensuring a great academic year.

• Online Tutoring – If your child needs help, trained professional tutors are available through the library web site. A KCLS library card is your connection to free tutoring for every grade level in any subject, available online from home, school library computers or your own device. This is a lifesaver. http://kcls.org/kids‐subject/tutoring/
• Study Zone – Most KCLS locations offer Study Zones during the school year, where students can come after school to work on assignments, get help from a trained volunteer, or make use of library resources. Study Zone starts up again on Sept. 6. Stop by your nearest library for details or visit online. http://kcls.org/study‐zone/
• Homework Help – No matter the assignment, KCLS can help. Our staff will guide your child to the best resources for any homework topic. We have many tools to supplement school media centers, both online and in community libraries. From biographies to science fair ideas, you will find everything you need at KCLS, including computer workstations for completing school reports and projects. http://kcls.org/browse/k‐12/
• Test Prep – KCLS offers access to an online study and test preparation service that helps students prepare for dozens of standardized tests. From AP exams to the SATs, you will find plenty to ensure that your child performs at their very best. http://kcls.org/teen‐subject/a‐z‐resources/
• K‐12 Newsletter – To stay on top of all the great support services available at your library, sign up for our monthly newsletter. It offers great information that you can put to use immediately. https://kcls.org/newsletters/

A library card is the most important item on your back‐to‐school list—it’s your ticket to everything the library has to offer. To make it even easier, KCLS is partnering with most school districts to create student accounts, allowing students to access KCLS online resources with their student ID number.

Check with a teacher or librarian to learn more and to see if your school is participating.

Have a great school year, and we look forward to welcoming you and your children to the library.

Gary Wasdin is the director of the King County Library system.