Accessing Your Library From Home
Catherine Coles
While all library branches are currently closed due to COVID-19, we are ramping up our digital services to support your reading and learning needs while we all navigate through this tough time. Here are some services and resources available on www.CountyLibrary.ca for you to note.
Online cards
You can register for a library card through our website. Just fill out a form with your contact information and you’ll be automatically emailed a temporary library card number that you can use to access our digital services. If you have a card that is lost or long expired, please reach out and we can make sure that your information is up to date and you are ready to download.
Digital Collections
We have 100,000s of items available between our two core digital materials services: Overdrive (aka Libby) and Hoopla Digital. You can access both these services from your desktop or an app (free from your app store). Overdrive is primarily comprised of ebooks and audiobooks, whereas Hoopla has books, plus movies, television, comics, and music. Each service has its benefits and limitations (visit our website to learn more), but I am confident that when used together Overdrive and Hoopla can meet all your reading needs.
Educational Resources
Our website will link you to a wide variety of resources to support parents trying to educate and entertain kids home from school. We’ll point you to some great online storytime options, tools for curriculum-based learning, and homeschooling workbooks that you can download. Even through searching our catalogue you can find learning resources (videos, eBooks, games, and self-paced courses) thanks to our Digital Academy subscription.
Databases
We have several online databases that you can access by entering your library credentials. One of my favourites is Mango Languages. For no charge, Mango gives you access to lessons for 70+ languages, including ESL. It will teach you conversational language along with grammar explanations and cultural notes. It's easy to set up an account and you can use it in your web browser or download the app to take it along with you anywhere.
Online Reference Services
Have a research question? Need to be walked through how to set up a library account online or to download digital content? Want personalized reading suggestions? We can help! Visit our website to access the contact form and a member of our staff will get in touch with you.
A quick note for existing library users: if you have materials on loan, rest assured that you will not accrue fines while the libraries are closed. We have extended all due dates and ask that you please do not attempt to return materials at this time. Please take care, stay healthy, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our library branches when this is all over.
Online cards
You can register for a library card through our website. Just fill out a form with your contact information and you’ll be automatically emailed a temporary library card number that you can use to access our digital services. If you have a card that is lost or long expired, please reach out and we can make sure that your information is up to date and you are ready to download.
Digital Collections
We have 100,000s of items available between our two core digital materials services: Overdrive (aka Libby) and Hoopla Digital. You can access both these services from your desktop or an app (free from your app store). Overdrive is primarily comprised of ebooks and audiobooks, whereas Hoopla has books, plus movies, television, comics, and music. Each service has its benefits and limitations (visit our website to learn more), but I am confident that when used together Overdrive and Hoopla can meet all your reading needs.
Educational Resources
Our website will link you to a wide variety of resources to support parents trying to educate and entertain kids home from school. We’ll point you to some great online storytime options, tools for curriculum-based learning, and homeschooling workbooks that you can download. Even through searching our catalogue you can find learning resources (videos, eBooks, games, and self-paced courses) thanks to our Digital Academy subscription.
Databases
We have several online databases that you can access by entering your library credentials. One of my favourites is Mango Languages. For no charge, Mango gives you access to lessons for 70+ languages, including ESL. It will teach you conversational language along with grammar explanations and cultural notes. It's easy to set up an account and you can use it in your web browser or download the app to take it along with you anywhere.
Online Reference Services
Have a research question? Need to be walked through how to set up a library account online or to download digital content? Want personalized reading suggestions? We can help! Visit our website to access the contact form and a member of our staff will get in touch with you.
A quick note for existing library users: if you have materials on loan, rest assured that you will not accrue fines while the libraries are closed. We have extended all due dates and ask that you please do not attempt to return materials at this time. Please take care, stay healthy, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our library branches when this is all over.