Online resources are a hit for library users
People are benefiting from a vast range of digital resources available while Gloucestershire’s libraries are closed – with more than 40,000 items downloaded in March and April.
In March there were 20,740 downloads, while in April so far there have been 21,975. They cover all digital formats, including eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines.
They are all free to use and include a virtual reference library, online learning and plenty of activities for families to enjoy at home.
Make sure you and your family are library members so you can access all of these services – it’s free to join if you live in Gloucestershire:
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/join-the-library/
Digital resources
eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines are all available to download with your library card, join now to take advantage of the digital library.
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/ebooks-eaudiobooks-and-emagazines/
Library catalogue
A new library catalogue was launched this month where you can browse and order digital books and join the library.
Virtual Reference Library
Free digital resources can be accessed from your home using your library card, including the Naxos Music Library.
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/digital-services-library-computers/virtual-reference-library/
Online learning
Brush up your IT skills with the Learn My Way computer courses.
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/library-activities-and-services/learn-in-libraries/
Videos
The Gloucestershire Libraries YouTube channel offers videos and other content to inform and help customers, including how to use the Naxos Music Library.
www.youtube.com/channel/UCRkIKlvvpoajcK3L8dBMx7g
Family activities
Missing storytime and Baby Bounce and Rhyme Times? Some staff and volunteers are recording regular sessions for the public which is being shared on the Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/pg/GloucestershireLibraries/videos/?ref=page_internal
Look out for Lindsay every Wednesday morning at 10.30am sharing a Baby Bounce and Rhyme Time: www.facebook.com/vocalcoachtewkesbury
Fiona from Stroud Library and Jane from Coleford Library are recording sessions on the Gloucestershire Libraries YouTube channel every week and they have a link with a nursery in France, so videos of nursery rhymes in French are also available here:
www.facebook.com/M%C3%A9diath%C3%A8que-de-Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez-220853371265941
Creative crafts – easy ideas for crafts you can try at home:
www.pinterest.co.uk/readiscover/craft-ideas/
For pregnant mums – here are some ideas for communicating early with your baby:
www.ascel.org.uk/bump-booster/ideas-for-parents
Home schooling
Colleagues in Library Services for Education have compiled a useful list of online resources for parents and carers who are helping their children with home learning, which is being regularly updated.
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/lse
Cllr Dave Norman, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “We appreciate it may be disappointing not being able to visit your local library at the moment, but it’s worth exploring the comprehensive range of free online resources at your disposal. I’m pleased to see so many people have been taking advantage of the downloads available.
“Whether you’d like to listen to nursery rhymes or stories, brush up on your IT skills or download some eBooks or music, there is something there for everyone.”