Vaughan Public Libraries expands French programming
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Cantook Station offers nearly 7,000 French eBooks and audiobooks
While Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) locations remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the team is expanding its online French materials for residents.
Through Cantook Station, customers will have access to the 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 will be providing 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 video at home; and on Saturdays, there is story time in French for preschool children.
Every other Thursday starting on April 29, VPL will host 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 practice speaking French.
Vaughan is a diverse community, with more than 105 different languages spoken, and these are just the latest measure taken by the City to support the community at this challenging time.
These new offerings are in addition to the vast array of free digital resources already available from VPL’s website, including eBooks, audiobooks, movies and comprehensive databases. The following online services are available to citizens while practicing physical distancing at home:
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 your smartphone, computer or smart TV.
Films and television:
Borrow free digital videos with your library card. Gain access to Hoopla titles – available for instant streaming or temporarily download – and watch on your smartphone, tablet or computer. VPL also provides access to Kanopy, which offers over 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 over 150,000 albums of classical, opera, jazz, and world music with Naxos Music Library. Use your 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 will guide you along in learning the skills for personal and professional development. Also available is Transparent Language – a fun and addictive way to learn a new language. The app aims to lock words and phrases into your memory so you can recall them perfectly.
Databases:
Whether you are doing research for a business or academic project or if you are interested in expanding your knowledge, VPL has a database for you. These resources can even allow you to pursue your hobbies. For example, Creativebug provides on-demand access to our full library of more than 1,000 art and craft classes for artists and makers of all levels
Temporary library cards:
You’ll need a library card to access these services, and you 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 with you to resolve the issue.
Stay informed:
VPL is offering a wide range of online programs, activities, videos and articles during this closure, catering to all ages. Stay informed by signing up for the VPL eNewsletter and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Vaughan Public Libraries' mobile app is available to download from Apple App Store and Google Play.
Visit vaughanpl.info and follow VPL on social media, including Facebook (facebook.com/vaughanpl), Instagram (@vaughanpubliclibraries), Twitter (@vaughanpl) and YouTube.
VPL asks all customers to refrain from returning items to the library until branches reopen. No fines will be charged for late returns during this period.
Learn more
- La bibliothèque municipale de Vaughan accroît sa programmation en français public service announcement (PDF)
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