The beginning of a new school year always feels like a new chapter, with students from preschool to college starting fresh on a year full of learning and growth. Theyre working toward goals like reading independently, conquering quadratic equations, creating a website or writing a research paper.

Whatever a students level, the public library has resources and tools to help them be successful.

If you have a child who is learning to read independently, and find you dont have enough books at their reading level, the childrens librarian at the public library is ready to offer assistance with the librarys supply of leveled readers for children. For older students who may be looking for their next great read, or who need to choose a good book for a school assignment, Central Rappahannock Regional Librarys Book Match and My Librarian services provide personalized reading recommendations based on the readers interests. Both services can be found under the Explore tab at librarypoint.org; simply fill out the online form and click Submit.

All you need to have full access to the online tutoring via Credo Online Reference database is a CRRL library card. Credos Homework Help offers online tutoring in science, math, social studies, reading and writing for students in grades 3 through 12.

With tutors available Monday through Thursday and on Saturday, Homework Help connects students with trained teachers through a live chat where students can ask questions and show their work on a virtual blackboard. Credo Online Reference database can be accessed on CRRLs website at librarypoint.org and then clicking the Research tab.

For high school, college, grad school and other post-secondary students, CRRLs Testing and Education Reference Center is a goldmine of test prep help with online tutorials, question banks and practice tests for AP, SAT, ASVAB, GED, LSAT and more. Simply have your CRRL library card handy, click on the Research tab at librarypoint.org and select Testing and Education Reference Center to begin studying.

While older students may be accustomed to the routine of starting a new school year and dive into studying, younger children may want some help easing into a new school year. These picture books can help by providing some reassurance and humor about their new school experiences.

Here Comes Teacher Cat by Deborah Underwood. When Ms. Melba has to go to the doctor, Cat needs to fill in as teacher for the kittens. Things dont go quite as planned. Cat is not excited about kittens, especially when it means interrupting nap time. Cat doesnt have a plan for what to do with the kittens all day, so makes due with inspiration from the supply closet. Ms. Melba comes back to find both Cat and the kittens had a day filled with fun and learning (which involved making a bit of a mess).

Tool School by Joan Holub. Five cool tools head to school with their super building skills. They find each of their skills is impressive, but they can only do so much alone and can accomplish much more by working together as a team.

Fall is for School by Robert Neubecker. Sister is excited for fall because that means it is time for school to start, but brother is not excited at all. He wants the running and playing of summer to continue. Sister tells him how fun school is, learning about the planets and the stars, and dinosaurs and mummies, and reading about fascinating people. His sisters enthusiasm finally convinces brother that summer might be a little too boring, and that he really is excited for school to begin.

The Teachers Pet by Anica Mrose Rissi. After the class science project hatches, Mr. Stricter decides to keep one hatchling, Bruno, as a class pet. Little does he know how big and out of hand Bruno will become. Mr. Stricter loves Bruno so much he cant see all the problems the class pet creates, so the students try to show their teacher just how troublesome Bruno is. A farcical story about a science experiment gone wrong.

Darcie Caswell is youth services coordinator at Central Rappahannock Regional Library.

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Book Corner: Books are picture perfect way to start school year - Fredericksburg.com