September is Library Card Signup Month. That makes it a great time to remind everyone of the services that libraries offer. For free. The following are all accessible right from your home, so they’re great for anyone who might be stuck at home and strapped for cash. You just need to have a library card!
Do you have a library card but aren’t sure it’s still active? Call your library, and they’ll check for you and advise you on how to update it.
Don’t have a card? Check your library’s website. There will be information on what’s needed to get one. You might even be able to get a digital service or a full services card right from the website.
Not even sure which library you would belong to? Google “Public Library” and your zip code. This will narrow it down by showing you which are closest to where you live.
The following are some of the most common digital services that libraries offer.
Some libraries may not have these specific options, and some libraries may offer other services. Check your library’s website, especially under the headings of “digital services” or “virtual library”.
Libby by Overdrive
This is the most common digital service libraries offer. It has e-books and audiobooks to borrow. They have a huge selection, including new titles. Popular titles may need to be reserved if all copies are currently in use, and you will receive an e-mail when your reserve is ready. Libby is compatible with the most common e-readers, as well as accessible through a web browser or on their app.
RB Digital Magazines
RB Digital Magazines has over 100 titles of magazines on all sorts of subjects. They have current and back issues and even adult coloring books. There is no waitlist or checkout limits. RB Digital Magazines is accessible through your browser or their app.
Hoopla
Hoopla has a little bit of everything—e-books, audiobooks, comics, music, TV, and movies. All materials are available for immediate streaming, or you could download them for later use. Hoopla is accessible through web browsers, smart TVs, or through their app.
Kanopy
Kanopy is focused on movies and TV. You could stream classic films, documentaries, foreign-language films, independent cinema, and educational videos. Kanopy is especially good for anyone interested in international films. You can stream them through your browser or smart TV.
Free Services For Kids
All of the previous services have materials for children, but there are also additional digital services designed specifically for kids. Some of these have interactive options that allow for more than just reading or listening to a book.
These services are for pre through elementary school age kids and for middle and high school teens looking for “young adult” or “teen” content.
Tumble Books/Tumble Math
Interactive e-books.
Sesame Street E-books
A collection of e-books from everyone’s favorite street.
BookFlix by Scholastic
E-books published by Scholastic.
There are also children’s specific databases to help young children with homework and research.
Check to see what virtual programming is run for children on your library’s website. There may be story times, sing alongs, and book shares for kids to participate in. These usually require pre-registration so that the children’s librarian can send a secure link to you.
Other Services
Virtual Programming: The book clubs, lectures, games, and other activities normally held in your library may have moved online. Some may require pre-registration for a secure link and some may be streamers directly.
Learning For All Ages: Libraries may offer digital courses for learning, including:
- Universal Class: Courses on over 100 subjects, certificate options available.
- CreativeBug: Arts and crafts classes.
- Transparent Language: Over 100 languages to choose from.
- Research Databases: Accessible from home, these research databases are for all ages and contain a huge number of topics. Look under “research tools” or “virtual library”
Career Help: Libraries have tools to help with job searches and maybe even a career counselor that can do virtual advice for you.
Public libraries have really stepped up to keep their services available this year. They want you to use them.
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