Have you checked out what online library services your local branch has available? Our library shut down on a Saturday back in early March. I was especially sad, because Totoro, an anime by Studio Ghibli, was sitting on the shelf waiting for me.
However, I’m happy that with their “contact free services” I can now place books and hold, and pick them up on a table outside. Returning is a little harder as books have to sit untouched for 4 days before they can be checked back in.
As a result of these rolling lock downs taking place across the country, and across the world, I discovered many online library resources, some that previously you could only access from a in-library computer. I hope these virtual library resources stay, when the physical library reopens!
Why Libraries are an Introvert’s Favorite Place to Go Out
First of all, they are quiet!
Even though as a shy child, I was scared of the school librarian, I loved traveling to the local library with my mom to browse the shelves, and check out books such as “Pippi Longstocking”, the “Betsy-Tacy” books, and another series about a character named Betsy by Carolyn Haywood.
One thing I loved about reading books, and being read to, as a young child is that you have a limited sense of time and place.
For example, I didn’t know that the Betsys I read about lived in the 1940’s. I imagined them existing in my own time. Also, I didn’t think of Pippi as living in Sweden, or Tolly, a character from another favorite “The Children of Greene Knowe”, as an English boy. In my imagination, they all might have lived nearby, and in my current time.
Even when books have illustrations, we aren’t being told how everything appears like in movies. Often books may have multiple illustrators for various editions. Take for example, the different English and American covers of Harry Potter. But once you’ve seen the movies, Harry will always look like Daniel Radcliffe.
I don’t think online libraries can ever replace the services or experience of going to our local libraries in person, but I’m glad so many virtual library services are available right now.
Do You Remember When Libraries Only Loaned Books?
When I was a school girl, libraries only carried books, and maybe a few record albums to check out. Oh, and magazines.
I’m old enough to remember having my card stamped, and the dire warnings about what would happen to you if you brought the book back without the card. Even now, I mainly like to go to the library to check out books. But lately, I’m been delving into online library research.
As an introvert, I love the quiet of libraries. However, one thing I loved about our new, modern libraries are the classes. At my neighborhood library, I learned about MakerLabs, how to keep mason bees, and even how to start a blog through library classes.
Some Ways Online Library Research and Resources Have Expanded During Quarantine
If you haven’t been to your libraries website since “Stay at Home” started, you might be pleasantly surprised. Virtual libraries offer way more services than just checking out digital books. Here is a list of what my local library has available online right now:
- Online book club discussions
- Children’s story times
- Online Pub Trivia (my husband might love this, but they are already full, and yeah, I’m still an introvert, even online)
- Video Steaming movies, I’m excited my library is offering one of my favorites, Legally Blonde!
- Online Learning! (some of these only were available at in library computers in the past)
- Lynda.com
- Ancestry Library
- The Great Courses digital booklists
- Mango Languages
- Consumer Reports magazine, as well as other digital magazines
For younger library patrons, there are:
- Online Tutoring with Brainfuse
- Virtual Study Rooms
- Scholastic BookFLIX Interactive eBooks
- LearningExpress
Most online libraries also have links to local and national resources you might not have known about, such as watching feedings the local aquarium, zoo blogs, art museum activities, and virtual symphony concerts.
In addition, librarians are on hand in continuing outreach programs, like “Ask a Librarian”, where you can get one-on-one help.
How My Family is Enjoying Online Libraries During Shut Down
First of all, I think I must confess I maxed check out limit of books, which I was allowed to keep until the end of June. I had Ghibli videos to re-watch, books on learning Japanese, art, anxiety, and fiction. Yes, I admit it. I’m a library power user.
Also, I was really excited to learn that we could access Ancestry.com at home. My husband and I always said we were going to reserve a library computer, and take along all of our notes and charts to research at the library, but we never did.
I’m hoping my husband will be able to trace his ancestors back a bit more, because his side of the family tree is a little skimpy. I was lucky that several genealogists on my side already researched many lines of my family tree, and posted online.
Also, we started using Lynda.com before the library closed. But the last few months, we added it to our home schooling routine, and was the basis of some summer learning. Besides learning Blender with my son, I’m working through tutorials for both Photoshop and Premier Pro.
I checked out Mango languages, but the Japanese moved a bit too fast for me. Maybe I’ll try French which I learned in college, and stick with the book I have, and other online resource for Japanese.
I think I’ll skip the virtual activities though. As an introvert, things like Skype, Facetime, and Zoom cause me more anxiety than meetings in person.
Looking Forward to the Day Libraries Reopen
While I love being able to do online library research at home, and check out e-books, still I’m sad that local library’s website still has a notice “In building services are not yet available” on each page of their website.
I miss you, public library! I promise I will social distance, just please open soon, even if it’s only at 25% capacity like the retail stores.
Online libraries are nice, but not the same as going in person. I look forward to the day my local library opens it’s doors, and I can browse the shelves, or sit in a cozy chair leafing through a magazine.
Use this time to learn more, if you can, and check out what your library has to offer online. Don’t forget to keep reading too. Books will never go away completely. There are too many of us who love the traditional reading experience, and turning pages while we sip our cup of tea.
So go curl up with your favorite book this afternoon. If you have a cat, they just might join you.