Vaughan Public Libraries launches new online service

April 27, 2020 10:00 a.m.
​Ask Us – VPL staff make recommendations on materials to educate, entertain and inspire citizens
 
While Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) branches remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the team has launched a new online service to support its customers remotely. Ask Us is a virtual service supported by more than 20 VPL staff who are able to help with customer inquiries and offer reading and viewing suggestions by phone, email and social media.
 
There are three ways to Ask Us:
 
The Ask Us program is another example of how VPL is serving the Vaughan community during this time. 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 practicing 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 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.
 
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 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 videos 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.
 
Databases:
 
Whether you are doing research for a business or academic project or 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 a 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:
 
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.
 
-30-
All News