Important Resources you can use:
Your Library Card:
All teachers and aides who work in the Summit Public School District, or at any private schools within the City of Summit are eligible to receive a library card from Summit Free Public Library. You can use your card to take home resources that will help you through your School Day, as well as access information electronically.
Ask a Librarian:
If you have a question for a library staff member, but you cannot get to the library in time, please click the “Ask a Librarian” form on the library’s website.
Talk to the Librarians
Is there a book or subject that you are searching for? Are you having trouble finding it? Please don’t hesitate to ask the library staff if you need any assistance once you’re in the library. The library has a variety of materials in-house and online to help you and your students.
The library provides ebooks to the general public in the following ways:
eBooks to download:
Libby: a downloadable book and audio collection provided by libraries in central New Jersey. All students who attend the Summit Public Schools have access to these materials using their school ID through the SORA app.
- If you have a device that’s not compatible with Libby, you can use the OverDrive app to borrow and enjoy digital titles instead.
Hoopla: a downloadable book, audio, music and movie collection for Summit Residents who have a library card
World Book Early World of Learning: An online collection of classic stories and songs, as well as easy reader fiction and non-fiction titles that can be accessed on a browser or tablet
Capstone Interactive eBooks: eBooks in English and Spanish that can be read directly from the library catalog, or by downloading the Capstone Interactive app.
Library Materials that you can use in your classroom:
Movies: Feature films and documentaries in DVD and BluRay. You can also stream online using hoopla and Kanopy.
Audiobooks: Full-text books on CD, Playaway MP3 Players, and eAudiobooks for all ages.
Read Along Books: Books with the full-text audio version of the story included on CD, Playaway MP3, or directly on the book.
Foreign Language Materials: French, Spanish and Chinese books for all ages; German and Italian books for adults.
How the library can help your students:
- Booklists: Staff-recommended reading by topic for all ages, and books by Guided Reading Level as needed
- Quiet Study Rooms: Reserve a study room online or at the Reference Desk for 1-4 people to help study for an exam
- Test Prep Guides: PSAT, SAT, and ACT preparation in print and online
- Summer Reading Books: On display every summer for Grades 6-12
Technology in the Library
Computers: The library has 20 free internet computers and 5 free educational Chrome devices.
WiFi: The library has free wifi that can be used anywhere on the grounds of the library, including outside on the ramp.
Charging Stations: There are several places to charge computers and mobile devices around the library.
Laptops: Laptops may be checked out at the Circulation Desk to any adult cardholder for a period of 4 hours, and they may be renewed by bringing them up to the Circulation Desk.
Printing: $0.10 for black; $0.35 for color; $1.00 for 3D Printing.
Mobile & Self Checkout: The Library has a self-checkout machine at circulation. Patrons may also check out books using our mobile app on their smartphones. Find it by searching for “Summit Free Public Library in your app store.
Library technology to use at home
Remote Printing: The library has access to a service that allows patrons to print from home using a laptop or mobile device
Mobile Hotspots: Families may check out free hotspots on an adult library card through the Library of Things
Playaway Launchpads: Android Tablets with age-appropriate educational apps, videos, and ebooks.
Other things you can do with your library card
Video Games: For all major video game consoles. Mature-rated video games may only be checked out by an adult
Museum Passes: Provided by the Friends of the Library, the library has free passes and tickets to several museums in New Jersey and the surrounding communities.
Library of Things: Provided by the Friends of the Library, the library has free devices and other items that can be checked out with a library card.
Programs for Children and Families
Babies, Preschool and Kindergarten:
- 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Families register, read books together at their own pace, and receive incentives for every 100 books read together.
- Storytime: Age appropriate story hours for children in English and Spanish during the week and periodic weekends.
Elementary Children in Grades 1-5:
- Family STEAM Club: Families create science and technology-related crafts and projects to take home and learn some basic science concepts.
- Books and Woofs: Children practice reading aloud to Seeing Eye dogs
- Book Buddies: Teen Volunteers read together with Elementary school children on zoom.
- Chinese Club: A volunteer-led Chinese immersion program.
Teens: Grades 6-12:
Other Important Family Programs:
Summer Reading Program: Annual Reading Incentive program for ages 6 months thru adult.
Chinese New Year Celebration: An award-winning annual program co-sponsored by the Chinese community and the Summit Free Public Library
How the library and the schools can work together
- Invite a librarian to your School: The Youth Services Librarians are willing to visit the library and talk about the programs and services that they provide
- Schedule a Library Field Trip: Have your classes visit us. We will provide age appropriate resources and activities for the students.
