Learn about ABCmouse's free in-library service for public libraries. This article addresses common questions regarding setup, usage, and support for library staff and patrons.
It explains who can use the program, what content is included, how to access it on library devices, and troubleshooting tips. Library staff and patrons can use this guide to better understand the features, limitations, and setup of ABCmouse for Libraries, ensuring a smooth and beneficial experience for all users.
- Signing up for a Library Account
- How patrons use ABCmouse in the Library
- Library account details
- How to offer your library patrons ABCmouse access from home
- Technical Support for Library Accounts
- Usage and resources for Library Accounts
ABCmouse for Libraries: Signing Up
How can we register for an ABCmouse for Libraries account for our library?
Subscriptions to ABCmouse are free to qualifying public library branches that want to provide access within the library.
- To see if you are eligible and to sign up for an account, go to www.ABCmouse.com/Libraries, enter your email address where it says Free Library Account, and click the Sign Up button in the upper-right corner of the page.
- Complete the form on the following page. All fields are required.
- Configure your new Librarian Admin account (see the following screenshots).
Once your account is properly set up, go to http://www.abcmouse.com/library_account. That is the page that patrons will see when the launch ABCmouse for free in-library use.
How Patrons Use ABCmouse in the Library
Patrons can use ABCmouse in your library by opening a web browser and going to http://www.abcmouse.com/library_account. This will take them to the Welcome screen (see the following screenshot), where they will choose a child’s age, and select an Avatar. A child’s progress on their learning activities does not get saved at the end of a session with the free, in-library account.
Library Account Details
How do I update our IP addresses?
If the IP addresses we have for your library are now incorrect, please email us at BLHSupport@abcmouse.com. Send us your updated IP addresses so that our Customer Care team can add them to your library account. Be sure to include the IP addresses for both your Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet networks.
I don't know our account information; how can I access our library account?
Contact our Customer Care department, and provide the name and location of your library so we can help you locate your library account.
How do I change our library name on the welcome page?
You can change the name that appears in your greeting from the Settings section of the Librarian Homepage. Click on the Admin Homepage link at the bottom of the Welcome screen, enter your password, click on Submit. Then go to User Settings and update the Library System and/or Library Branch fields. Remember to click Apply Changes before leaving the Settings page.
Can we access ABCmouse.com for Libraries through our library’s Wi-Fi network?
Yes, but first you need to send us the IP address for your Wi-Fi network so we can add it to your account.
How to offer your library patrons ABCmouse access from home
If you’re interested in providing home access for all patrons as an extra library service, please email us at BLHSupport@abcmouse.com with the following information, and we will contact you regarding ABCmouse Home Access:
- Contact Name
- Library Name
- City, State
- Email Address
- Phone Number
Patrons can also choose to subscribe to ABCmouse for home use on their own.
Technical Support for Library Accounts
What should we do if we are having trouble accessing ABCmouse.com at one or more of our library locations?
These are the most common reasons for a library not being able to access ABCmouse at one or more locations:
- We don’t have your IP address or the IP address we have is incorrect. You should email us at BLHSupport@abcmouse.com to give us an updated IP addresses for your library to our Customer Care team so we can add them to your library account.
- Library patrons are using an outdated web browser and should be encourage to update their browser.
If neither of the above solutions remedies the situation, you may need to reset your account. Please read the following three steps before starting this account reset process:
- Have your login credentials handy: the email address used to create your account as well as your password.
- Click https://www.abcmouse.com/stop_testing_library from a computer within your library, which will reset your account. Please note: this step will temporarily disable ABCmouse in all your locations (this should be no longer than 15 minutes).
- Log back into your account at https://www.abcmouse.com/libraries using your library email address and password.
How do I link to ABCmouse.com from my library's website?
To enable your patrons to access ABCmouse.com from your library's website, link to www.ABCmouse.com/library_account. This URL filters approved library IP addresses, allowing access from within the library.
Does ABCmouse.com for Libraries work on tablets and smartphones?
Yes, ABCmouse.com for Libraries works on iPads, Android tablets, and many smartphones, especially those with larger screens.
To enable ABCmouse on a device, download the free ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy mobile app from your device’s App Store (this must be done on each tablet). This will create an ABCmouse.com icon on the tablet’s Home screen. Provided that the IP address for your Wi-Fi network has been added to your ABCmouse.com for Libraries account, patrons in your library will now be able to access ABCmouse.com from the tablet by tapping this icon.
We are seeing this error message on our Library account: “This account can’t be logged into with a mobile device.”
You will need to download the ABCmouse app from the App Store on all your mobile devices and log in once on each device. From there, the patrons should be able to access within the library.
How can I create an ABCmouse shortcut on the virtual desktops of our library computers?
- Go to www.abcmouse.com from each computer, click Log In, and enter your credentials (if not already logged in).
- Click the Admin Homepage link near the bottom of the Welcome screen, enter your password, and then click Submit.
- Click Settings, then Add a Shortcut, and drag and drop the ABCmouse.com image onto your desktop. Click Apply Changes before leaving the Settings page.
Usage and Resources for Library Accounts
Is there a way to get additional ABCmouse.com for Libraries promo materials?
Yes, printable copies of one-page flyers, bookmarks, table tents, and posters are available in the Library Resources section of our Librarian Homepage. Click on the Admin Homepage link at the bottom of the Welcome screen, enter your password, click Submit, then go to Library Resources.
Is there a way to access our usage statistics?
Yes, you can access your usage statistics in the Usage section of the Librarian Homepage.
- Click on the Librarian Homepage link at the bottom of the Welcome screen. e
- Enter your password and click Submit.
- Click on the Usage button.
You can view the statistics online or download them into a spreadsheet for more detailed information.