Ways to use your library card during the quarantine

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Along with schools and many public spaces, the Jefferson County Public Libary System is also closed until further notice. This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all their FREE online activities, though. Below, we’ve listed some ways to use your library card during the quarantine.

If you have items checked out, no worries. All fines are waived and new due dates are currently set for May 1st. Holds on materials are still in place. You can pick up items on hold after libraries re-open.

Don’t have a library card? No problem! You can apply online for a temporary ecard here. This will get you limited access to their databases, but it’s a good way to get started while they’re closed. It can be used for one month before it will expire. (We will update this information as more is available with the closure.)

 

Overdrive

Do you have Libby?  Libby, by Overdrive, is a free app designed to help you download ebooks and audiobooks. There are thousands of titles to choose from. No waitlists or holds on popular titles. All branches in our area currently offer Overdrive.

Get started with Libby by Overdrive here!

Hoopla

Check to see if you’re local branch offers Hoopla. If you have access, you can download audiobooks, television shows, movies, and music. Just sign up for an account, enter your library card and local branch (use the branch where you’re a resident) and you’re all set. Sign up for Hoopla here!

Niche Academy

Niche Academy offers online tutorials and classes on many basic online sites and programs. Learn how to tweet with the Twitter tutorial. Learn the basics of Facebook, auto repair, how to use Excel, or even download legal forms. All this and more at your fingertips with Niche Academy. See the links here (from the Hoover Public library).

eMagazines and research tools

This is a great place for research and homework help. Access dictionaries, encyclopedias, newspapers, and even information for small businesses or health topics. Check it out here.

kanopy

Kanopy brings you a huge variety of movies in every genre–romance, action, comedy, horror–as well as classics, independent films, and world cinema. You can also watch documentaries or even take classes. Choose from business, health, foreign studies, languages, and more! See the kanopy link from the Hoover branch here. 

 

For information on how the library system has stepped up to help with homework during school closures, check out our recent article here.