Supporting at-home learning

Oct. 26, 2020 10:00 a.m.
Vaughan Public Libraries launches new programs and databases for students

Are you pursuing remote studies? Learning in a virtual classroom? Taking courses online? Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) is here to help. While several school board and municipal library locations remain closed, VPL’s digital resources, curbside program and support services assist with closing this gap.
 
In addition, VPL has also launched its Brainfuse HelpNow database to provide online tutoring, homework and curriculum help for students from kindergarten to Grade 12 in French and English. This service includes after-hours homework help, Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) content, standardized practice tests and college entrance prep tests. Adults will also have access to a Canadian citizenship skills builder focusing on core academic skills, resume building, virtual resume help and job search and career guidance.
 
Learn more about these valuable at-home learning and online career development services available for all levels of studies at vaughanpl.info.
 
While all in-library programs remain cancelled until January 2021, residents can still gain access to VPL’s physical resource collection by visiting one of three recently reopened resource libraries – Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library. These local branches have opened under strict health and safety protocols, including introducing an occupancy cap of 50 people at a time.  Physical distancing measures and a mandatory mask policy are also in effect, in addition to limiting visits to one hour. Learn more about precautionary measures in place at your local library at vaughanpl.info/reopening.
 
And while VPL’s other library branches remain closed until further notice, customers can take advantage of its curbside pickup program. As the first public library system in Ontario to offer a curbside pickup service in response to the pandemic, the program has resulted in more than 73,000 items borrowed since its launch. To facilitate even easier access to curbside pickup, VPL has removed the requirement to book an appointment to collect an order, making it easier for customers to borrow and request items, and pick up holds. Staff are stationed at the doors to assist in picking up holds for those who do not wish to enter the building. To request an item, visit vaughanpl.info/curbside.
 
Below is more information on modified in-person programs and robust digital offerings VPL has implemented in response to COVID-19.  
 
FINE-FREE
VPL has also eliminated overdue fines, which would have been charged for the late return of library materials. No future overdue fines will be applied and all overdue fines currently on record will be automatically pardoned.
 
WI-FI
Wi-Fi has been extended to reach the parking lot of VPL’s recently reopened resource libraries – Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library. This will allow those who need it to connect to Wi-Fi from the comfort of their car at no cost.
 
LIVE CHAT
The new live chat service on VPL’s website allows customers to directly converse with staff and receive immediate customer service. The live chat feature is visible as an interactive popup icon in the bottom right corner of vaughanpl.info.
 
ASK US
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:
VPL ONLINE
VPL’s fully digital library service is frequently enhanced to engage and educate residents of all ages. Available at vaughanpl.info/VPL_at_home, the 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 also available daily on VPL’s Instagram. More information on online offerings available are as follows:
 
  • 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
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