Useful links to resources to help you make the most of reading at home for enjoyment, for adults and for children.
Don’t forget to try our free Borrowbox eBooks and eAudio!
For All
Europeana access to millions of books, music, artworks and more.
Google Play A selection of free eBooks and audiobooks.
Open Culture Audiobooks A selection of free audiobooks.
Open Culture eBooks A selection of free eBooks.
Small Talk National Literacy Trust guidance, activities and videos to support parents of children aged 0-5 to chat, play and read with their child at home.
Virtual Reading Groups A variety of virtual reading groups for all ages and interests
Words for Life National Literacy Trust website for parents. Fun activities, recommended reads, tips from top authors.
For Adults
The History Girls Blogspot A blog set up by female adult/teen historical fiction writers that provides well researched pieces that dispel the myths behind their stories
Project Gutenberg A selection of free eBooks
#ReadingWomen A digital bookclub celebrating the Women’s Prize for Fiction
Standard eBooks Public domain eBooks reformatted.
World Book Night a toolkit for celebrating World Book Night (23rd April) at home
For Children
BookTrust Hometime Enjoy storytime with free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters.
CBeebies Bedtime stories
First News A weekly newspaper aimed at 7 to 14-year-olds
Julia Donaldson and Friends Weekly Facebook series
National Literacy Trust Family Zone Free reading and writing resources, audiobooks, videos, competitions and reading challenges. Every resource is available for free, although to access some you may need to create a free account.
National Shelf Service – from CILIP and the CILIP Youth Libraries Group. Book recommendations from librarians at 11am every day for children, young people, and families.
Project Gutenberg (Children’s) Children’s books from Project Gutenberg
Researchify Free Children’s classics eBooks and eAudiobooks
StorylineOnline Online storytime videos featuring celebrated actors and creatively produced illustrations – Readers include Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pine, Rami Malek, and Kevin Costner amongst other stars.
Storynory for ages EYFS, KS1 and KS2. A range fo stories from popular fairytales to classics.
Toppsta Children’s book review website. Over 11,000 reviews from children, teachers, librarians and parents. the aim is to make it easier to find great books.
World Book Day Crafts, activities, videos and more.
Virtual Storytimes!
John Kirk Popular performance storyteller John Kirk (who has been to many events in Rutland Libraries!) performs stories including The Billy Goats Gruff, Romeo and Juliet, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears on his Youtube channel.
Josh Gad’s Gad Book Club – Josh is the voice of Olaf in Frozen. He has been livestreaming himself reading picture books at Twitter/joshgad. Previous performances can be found with the hashtag #GadBookClub
Oliver Jeffers has been reading his books daily. Watch live on his instagram @oliverjeffers at 6pm, or watch his previous recordings
Storyline Online Online video storytimes read by celebrities
Elevenses with David Walliams