PSA: More than 47,000 items borrowed through Vaughan Public Libraries curbside pickup
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Appointments no longer
needed to pick up order
As part of Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) response to
COVID-19, its curbside pickup program continues to flourish – with more than 47,000
items borrowed by customers since its launch at the end of May.
VPL was the first public library system in
Ontario to offer this service and has recently made access to curbside pickup
even easier by removing the requirement to book an appointment to collect an
order. When holds are ready, the customer receives an email notification that
includes the curbside service hours for the selected library location. To
request an item, visit vaughanpl.info/curbside.
Although VPL has cancelled all in-library programs
until January 2021 in response to COVID-19, its online programming continues to
grow and evolve to meet the needs of users.
Summer Reading Club
Summer reading programs – including the TD
Summer Reading Club and the Teen Summer Reading Challenge – have been enhanced
and optimized for at-home, online participation. Registration for
the Summer Reading Club is still open. Visit vaughanpl.info/SRC for more details.
Web hub
VPL offers a fully digital public library
service to engage and educate residents of all ages. The new web hub features a variety of free online resources,
including eBooks and audiobooks, films and television programs, music streaming
services, e-learning courses, bilingual materials and more. Additional content,
such as virtual story time, is available on VPL’s Instagram.
Fine-free
VPL also made the decision to eliminate overdue fines (PDF), which were charged
for the late return of library materials. No future overdue fines will be
applied and all overdue fines currently on record will be forgiven.
Wi-Fi
VPL has extended its Wi-Fi at the Civic Centre
Resource Library, Pierre Berton Resource Library and Bathurst Clark Resource
Library branches to reach the parking lot. This allows those who need it to
connect to Wi-Fi from the comfort of their car for free.
Ask Us
While VPL branches remain closed as a result of
COVID-19, the team has launched an online service to support its customers
remotely. Ask Us is a virtual reference desk supported by more
than 20 VPL staff who can help with customer inquiries by phone, email and
social media. There are three ways to Ask Us:
- by phone at 905-653-READ (7323)
- on Facebook Messenger, Twitter and Instagram
- by email through an online form
VPL offers a wealth
of resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, online learning, movies and more –
all of which can be accessed and enjoyed from the comfort of home.
The following online services are available to
citizens practising physical distancing:
eBooks and audiobooks
VPL provides customers with free access to a
number of digital platforms, including Hoopla, Overdrive and Tumblebooks.
Adults, teens and kids will find something they love, allowing them to bring a
little piece of the library home without leaving the house. Titles include
novels, animated picture books, non-fiction, graphic novels and more. Audiobooks
can be played on a smartphone, computer or smart TV.
Films and television
Residents can borrow free digital videos with a library
card. Gain access to Hoopla titles –
available for instant streaming or temporary download – and watch on a smartphone, tablet or
computer. VPL also provides access to Kanopy, which offers more than 30,000
critically acclaimed films. The selection ranges from new popular titles and
classics, to world cinema and art and indie as well as top-rated documentaries.
Music
Stream more than 150,000 albums of classical,
opera, jazz and world music with Naxos Music Library. Use a library card and
PIN and start streaming today for free.
Online learning
Lynda.com gives users free access to thousands of
video tutorial courses with a focus on such areas as technology, software
development, business skills, project management as well as creative skills
like animation and video editing. The courses are taught by recognized industry
experts who guide participants along in learning the skills for personal and
professional development. Also available is Transparent Language – a fun way to
learn a new language. The app aims to lock words and phrases into participants’
memories so they can recall them perfectly.
Newspapers
For
customers who want to read newspapers in languages other than English and
French, VPL provides access to Press Reader, a database which allows customers
to access more than 4,000 newspapers from 100 countries in 60 languages.
French
offerings
Through Cantook Station, customers have access
to nearly 7,000 eBooks in this collection and 39 audiobooks. VPL customers can
check out up to seven eBooks at a time and have up to three on hold.
Three
times a week, VPL French-language specialists provide video content through social
media. On Tuesdays, there are French-language activities for school-aged
children. On Thursdays, staff offer tips on how to access French-language
eBooks, audiobooks and videos at home. On Saturdays, there is story time in
French for preschool children.
Every
other Thursday, VPL hosts an online French Meet Up through Zoom. Each meeting
will provide a theme for discussion. This is open to people of all ages and
provides an opportunity to practise speaking French.
Databases
Whether a customer is doing research for a
business or academic project or is interested in expanding their knowledge, VPL
has a database that can help. For example, World Book Online for Kids brings
the classic encyclopedia set into the home.
Temporary library cards
Customers need a library card to access these
services, and can obtain a temporary digital card for free by visiting vaughanpl.info/Services/Membership and clicking on ‘Apply Now.’ This will deliver a library card
number to the email address provided in the application form. Any customers
receiving an error can reach out to VPL through this contact us form and staff will work to resolve the issue.
Stay informed
VPL's
mobile app is available to download from Apple App Store and Google Play.
Visit vaughanpl.info and follow VPL on social media,
including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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