COVID-19 Information and Free Resources

About this Page

The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic presents many challenges. With new information released every day, it can be hard to stay up-to-date and find the help you need. We can help!

This page provides authoritative information on COVID-19, health and financial information, links to free entertainment for both Kids and Adults, as well as learning opportunities while you’re at home.

If you have any suggestions for additional resources, questions, or need help, please contact us.

Local Information

Town of Cheshire, CT

Source: cheshirect.org
Local information from the Town of Cheshire, including information on closures and available services.

Cheshire Human Services is also providing support.
Call 203-271-6690.

Cheshire Community Food Pantry

Source: cheshirefoodpantry.org
Groceries are provided for Cheshire residents in need. The Food Pantry is also taking donations.

211 of Connecticut

Source: 211ct.org
How to find health and community services when you or someone you know needs help. You can also call 211 or text CTCOVID to 898211.

CT Department of Public Health

Source: ct.gov
Up-to-date coronavirus information from CT’s official state website.

CT Department of Revenue

Source: ct.gov

CT School Emergency Meal Distribution

Source: ct.gov
The State of CT and the CT Youth Food Program Alliance have compiled a statewide list of school emergency meal distribution.

List of Districts

More Info

CT Small Business Resources

Source: ct.gov
The State of Connecticut is continuing to take major steps to protect our businesses and residents during the coronavirus crisis. Visit this page for updates.

CT Unemployment

Source: ct.gov
How to qualify for unemployment, especially as related to COVID-19 related job loss.

Health Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Source: cdc.gov
Up-to-date information from the CDC.

Food Safety and Coronavirus

Source: fda.cov
If you are concerned about contamination of food and food packaging, this page has information to stay safe.

National Institutes of Health

Source: nih.gov
This is a curated collection of information and resources from the NIH.

National Library of Medicine

Source: nlm.nih.gov
The NLM has expanded access to coronavirus literature through PubMed Central, open research datasets, and a variety of other resources.

World Health Organization

Source: who.int
WHO’s primary role is to direct international health within the United Nations’ system and to lead partners in global health responses.

Financial Information

Internal Revenue Service

Source: irs.gov

U.S. Department of Labor

Source: dol.gov
The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers during COVID-19.

Stimulus Payment Checks

Source: irs.gov
Information on economic stimulus payments, including eligibility.

Student Loans and Coronavirus

Source: studentaid.gov
If you’re concerned about your studies or loan repayment, this site can help you understand what to do in certain circumstances

Unemployment Tips from UConn

Source: uconn.edu
Losing a job can be one of life’s most stressful events. UConn has compiled tips to help you cope and move forward.

Books, Audiobooks, Newspapers

Cheshire Public Library

Tens of thousands of audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines are available right now with your Cheshire Library card.

Library of Congress

Access to digital historical newspapers from 1789 to 1963.

CT Digital Newspaper Project

Dozens of newspapers from around CT are now digitized and available for download.

Old Fulton NY Post Cards

Search over 47,059,000 Old Newspaper pages from US & Canada.

Project Muse

Free access to online scholarly content. Click for a list of participating publishers.

Online Activities and Streaming

Cheshire Public Library

Check out our Event Calendar for Live Virtual Storytimes, and more!

15 Amazing Places to Tour Virtually

From National Parks to the Louvre, you can check out these 15 places from the comfort of your own home (source: mentalfloss.com).

50 Childrens Authors Read Aloud

Many of our favorite authors are offering online read alouds and activities on social media. This list has the information for 50 of them.

Armchair Travel with Rick Steves

Dreaming of traveling? Join travel guru Rick Steves on a tour through Europe.

Boston Children's Museum

Take a virtual tour of the museum.

Center of Interactive Learning

Provides core curriculum every day of the week for homebound students in grades K–6th

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

While the Cincinnati Zoo is closed and kids are home from school, let the museum help make your children’s hiatus from school fun and educational.

Explore.org

Live and pre-recorded webcams of animals and nature.

GCF Learn Free

Intimidated by computers? New to email or the web? Watch free short videos on technology topics.

Gina Perry Illustration

Free printable coloring sheets, crafts and how to videos.

KidLit TV

Read alouds, crafts, and video for kids.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

Online art courses on art theory and design offered from MOMA.

Mystery Science

Mini and full science lessons for Grades K – 5.

National Geographic Kids

Free games and educational videos.

Obstacle Courses at Home

List of resources and obstacle courses for kids to make at home.

Old World Radio

Free old time radio shows from The Golden Age of Radio.

Open Culture: Free Movies

A list of 1,150 free movies online. Enjoy classics, indies, film noir, and westerns.

PBS Learning Media

Interactive lesson plans for students from pre-K through high school.

San Diego Zoo

Live feeds of baboons, penguins, polar bears, and more.

Sewing a Simple Face Mask

In this photo tutorial, CPL’s Susan Olesen teaches you how to sew a simple face mask.

Storyline Online

Celebrities and authors read children’s books.

Yellowstone National Park

You don’t have to wait for your trip to Yellowstone. You can start exploring now by virtually touring some of the main attractions around the park.

CT Museum Virtual Tours

Connecticut Historical Society

The CHS has a variety of online exhibitions.

Mark Twain House

Enjoy the magic of Mark Twain’s house from the comfort and safety of your own home.

New England Carousel Museum

Meet the collection in this online tour.