Libraries offer online resources

With the shelter-in-place order, local libraries have closed their doors to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. But that doesn’t mean that patrons–library card holders–are without library resources to pass the time as they practice social distancing and stay away from others.

Jenna Diedrich, director of the Galena Public Library, points library card holders to the library’s website, galenalibrary.org, where there are numerous resources available to keep people busy and entertained.

Kanopy is a film-streaming service, Diedrich explained, that offers all sorts of different films for people of all ages. Library card holders will need to create an account and download an app to any device to be able to get 10 free streams a month.

For those looking for a challenge, the library offers Mango Languages, a language learning resource featuring over 70 languages that can be used from a downloadable app or internet browser. Diedrich said Mango is really easy to use. Those who sign in with their library card will be able to save their progress in the program, while those who use Mango as guests can still access it but not save their work.

Axis360 allows library card holders access to an e-book and e-audio service through a downloadable app or internet browser, Diedrich said. Patrons can place up to five holds on materials and make wish lists of materials in which they’re interested. The service works on most devices with the exception of a basic Kindle, Kindle Paper White and Nook. Five check outs are allowed at one time. Diedrich suggests downloading the materials so that materials can be used without an internet connection.

For Biblioboard and Inkie.org services, it’s not required to have a library card if consumers are in the state of Illinois. Biblioboard, Diedrich explained, offers a variety of content in audio, book and image form for patrons to listen to, read and view. Inkie.org features e-books by self-published Illinois authors. Users, mostly geared toward adults, can also create their own e-book to share with others throughout the state.

Finally, Diedrich pointed patrons to the Illinois Digital Archives, idaillinois.org, which hosts the library’s photograph collection. There are over 1,000 historic local images available for viewing, and to the Illinois Digital Newspaper Collection, idnc.library.illinois.edu, which contains the digitized bound volumes of The Galena Gazette. There are several years available from 1876 to 1908.

Diedrich said that Larissa Distler, adult services librarian, and Rachel Lenstra, children’s and teen services librarian, are posting regularly on Facebook, offering ideas for parents. Diedrich, Distler and Lenstra are responding to emails as well and are happy to answer patrons’ questions regarding the available online services.

For those in need of Wifi access, Diedrich said the library’s service stretches to the front steps of the building and into the back parking lot, although closer to the building is better.

 

Hanover

The last day of operation for the Hanover Township Public Library was Monday, March 16, following the same schedule as the River Ridge School District, according to Denise Tollensdorf, library director.

“I just feel so bad,” she said. “Closing my library is one of the saddest things I’ve ever done.”

Tollensdorf said library card holders have access to Online Media of Northern Illinois, which offers ebooks, audio books and video. The company has relaxed restrictions, so those who would be considered to have too many fines under normal circumstances, will be able to continue access.

Books no longer needed in the library’s collection are available outside the library, free for the taking.

Tollensdorf also suggested perusing the library card catalog, Prairie Cat, to see what is available for that time when the library reopens.

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East Dubuque

The East Dubuque District Library closed March 18 through April 7, pending board review of conditions.

Fines will not be assessed during that time.

“As part of our commitment to serve the community, we will continue to offer our virtual and remote services so long as it is possible to do so,” the library announced in a press release. “We are happy to guide you to our online resources you can access with your library card.”

Hazel Green

The Hazel Green Public Library is closed for public in-library use, but is offering curbside pickup 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. People can reserve items with a call 608-854-2952, email hazelgreendirector@swls.org, or reserve items online through the library catalog that can be accessed at hazelgreenpubliclibrary.org. According to library director Megan B. Flatley, the library’s website has online resources, some of which are open to everyone, some of which require a Southwest Wisconsin Library System library card: Overdrive digital books and audiobooks, BadgerLink for research and newspapers, and Transparent Languages for learning a wide variety of different languages (including English as a Second Language).

 

Stockton

The library closed at 6 p.m. Tuesday with the plan to reopen on April 7. Patrons can access the library’s three e-book apps: Libby, Axis360 and BiblioBoard, from home at any time.

Kim Scace, library director, suggests all patrons with questions contact stocktonlibrary@gmail.com. Staff will respond as soon as possible.

“While we do not want to be closed, we want to keep our patrons and staff as safe and healthy as possible,” said Scace.

 

Elizabeth

Library director Deborah Wunsch said the library closed March 17 and will remain closed until at least April 7, following the River Ridge School District.

Patrons can also access two e-book vendors, OMNI Overdrive and axis360, through eReadIllinois. Call the library at 815-858-2212 or email elizabethtownshiplibrary@gmail.com, and staff will be in touch as soon as possible.