Vaughan Public Libraries launches new online service
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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:
- By phone at 905-653-READ (7323)
- On Facebook Messenger, Twitter and Instagram
- By email through an online form
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.
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