In this information age, our libraries have kept pace and have even surpassed what many of us believe them to be. This often underutilized community resource has expanded into so more areas, thanks to funding from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and the internet.
And your library card is the key that unlocks it all – for free! Now, searching the online catalogue of one branch is like searching ALL the branches in your area. If that particular book or DVD is not available when or where you want it, a simple click will have it delivered to any branch for pickup at your convenience. Renewing library materials is easy from home via your online account.
When you’re at a branch, you and your kids can use any of the on-site computers or tablets. While they are being entertained, you might even want to look up some family history with free access to the Ancestry Library Edition.
Even better, if you have a smartphone, tablet, notebook, laptop, or an e-reader like Kobo, you can download e-books or audio books for the ultimate in portability. A download of the OverDrive app will open a world of information and entertainment for you. Visit https://www.overdrive.com/ to learn more.
Even if you don’t happen to find what you’re looking for, our libraries accept online recommendations for e-books, audio books, and videos, too. When your selection arrives, you will receive an email to let you know that it’s available for immediate access to your computer. Depending on popularity, you can renew your electronic materials just as you would a hardcover book for as much as another two weeks at a time.
Magazine readers might want to download the Flipster app which is a digital magazine newsstand for libraries. Flipster will allow you to read all of the available current magazines electronically, at no charge, keeping them until they are replaced by new issues. See https://flipster.ebsco.com/ to get the app for your device.
Beyond loaned materials, you can even take quality, educational courses online through Gale Courses at no charge. Gale offers a varied selection of hundreds of instructor-led courses. They are accessible from your home or office, really anywhere you can be online, and they can be completed on your schedule over a six-week period, with an additional two weeks if you need it. You can even ask questions of the instructor and exchange info with other online students in the Discussion area. See https://education.gale.com/l-ko_cklpl/ to learn a new language, take an accounting, business, technology course, or maybe an arts or writing course, or something else. The choices are extensive.
Just as Cavan-Monaghan Libraries’ slogan says, “a visit will get you thinking,” that goes for online visits, too. So why not stop by, get a new card if you don’t already have one, or get your current one renewed, and make use of this amazing and valuable provincial resource. If you live outside of this area, search for your local library’s website to learn more. There are no limits by boundaries.
By Deborah Carew
