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Teen Reference: Gaming and Programming

Reference materials for teens.

Introduction

Are you an avid gamer or an aspiring computer programmer? Explore the digital resources available to teens who love to play with technology! Learn to code, explore career paths, or try your hand at some of the New York Times puzzles.

Brainfuse HelpNow

Brainfuse HelpNow Logo

Brainfuse HelpNow offers free, online homework help for K-12 and adult learners. Connect with a live tutor to improve your chess game. Learn chess strategies and improve your cognitive thinking with an expert chess coach.

Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy LogoFrom Rosen Digital, Digital Literacy empowers learners in grade levels 7-12 with digital citizenship skills to navigate today’s digital landscape. Interactive activities guide students through project-based learning activities using digital tools to create podcasts, PSAs, multimedia presentations, digital business plans, social media campaigns and more. Database articles explore cyber bullying, digital research skills, citizen journalism and more. Learn all about gaming from the history of video games to selecting the right games for you to staying safe while gaming.

EBSCO eBooks

eBooks on EBSCO logoWith EBSCO eBooks, search the full text of over 4,200 fiction and nonfiction ebook titles. This database includes a variety of books on gaming, programming, and careers in these fields. Read the books on your computer, or download the app to your phone or tablet.

Gale eBooks

Gale ebooks logoGale eBooks is a database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. These reference materials once were accessible only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or remotely 24/7. Select the Technology category on the left side of the screen to access all kinds of books about coding.

Hoopla

Hoopla logoHoopla is ​​a​​​​ web and mobile library media streaming platform for audio books, comics, e-books, movies, music, and TV. Enjoy lots of ebooks and audiobooks about gaming and coding. Hoopla is only available to residents of St. Louis County. Limit of 10 titles per month.

Kanopy

Kanopy logoWith Kanopy, browse hundreds of movies on your computer or mobile device. Kanopy has a strong collection of independent, international, and documentaries to stream. Check out the great selection of computer science films. Only available to residents of St. Louis County. Limit of 10 titles per month.

LearningExpress Library

Picture of three teens working on a computer

LearningExpress Library provides access online mini-courses to help students improve their computer skills. Improve your understanding of computers, brush up on your typing, or go more in depth with Micosoft and Adobe products.

Treehouse

Treehouse LogoTreehouse is an online learning platform that teaches coding and web development skills, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Complete the registration form to access Treehouse. Once your request is processed, Treehouse will send you an email confirming your account. Please be patient as account creation may take a few days. Library account holders may only have ONE account with Treehouse.

Libby

Libby LogoLibby is an innovative mobile app from OverDrive designed to make borrowing and enjoying e-books, magazines, and audiobooks from the library easier than ever. Find all kinds of books related to gaming and programming, and be sure to check out magazines like Tabletop Gaming, PC Games, and Greatest Gaming Icons.

LinkedIn Learning

Linkedin Learning LogoLinkedIn Learning provides access to thousands of online courses and tutorials in seven different languages. Many of the courses are business related, but there are also a number of courses on gaming and programming. Choose from courses about game design, the gaming industry, and coding. These self-paced courses include videos that vary from a few minutes long to multi-hour courses with downloadable exercise files. You can use LinkedIn Learning on your computer, or download the app to your phone or tablet.

Udemy

Udemy logoUdemy offers thousands of on-demand video courses including game design, careers in the industry, and programming in many different languages. Courses are replaced monthly with new material addressing emerging topics. On-demand videos in eight different languages taught by native-speaking instructors are also included. You must be 13 years or older, and have your parent or guardian create your account if you are younger than 18.

New York Times Games

New York Times LogoNeed a break from your Xbox or PS5? Check out the New York Times Games database. New York Times Games includes Wordle, daily crossword and crossword mini, Spelling Bee, Sudoku, and more.

Coding for Kids and Teens LibGuide

Learn about different programming languages, and discover some of the great resources the library has to help you learn to code with the Coding for Kids and Teens LibGuide.