Stay home and go to the library

Like the librarians, these shelves of books are sad and lonely without any readers. Why not visit them virtually and keep your imagination active? (Photo provided)

While the library locations are closed, Carmel Clay Public Library cardholders still have a wide selection of digital titles that they can check out from home.

According to Carmel Clay Public Library Communications Manager Christy Walker, while the physical books are lonely and the library is closed for the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still an abundance of options for current cardholders and there are now options to sign up for a card online.

Walker

“OverDrive and Hoopla Digital are two great sources for ebooks and audiobooks, and each has apps available,” Walker said. “Hoopla Digital also has streaming movies and TV shows, as does another digital service called Kanopy. Both of these work well on Roku, Apple TV, and other streaming services. RBdigital offers hundreds of digital magazines. All of those services carry titles for kids, too. Three services that are geared especially for kids are Tumblebooks, Bookflix, and Trueflix. Look for them on our website.”

Carmel residents who don’t yet have a library card can sign up for a temporary library card number online at carmel.lib.in.us.

Photo provided

“This card number will give them access to these digital resources, and when the library reopens, they can stop by to exchange it for regular library card with full access to the library’s physical collection,” Walker told The Reporter.

Walker also recommends looking at Tutor.com and Pronunciator as online resources.

“Tutor.com is best known as a source of homework help, and it’s perfect for parents who may be struggling to help their kids with virtual learning,” Walker said. “Our cardholders can log in at tutor.com from 3 to 11 p.m. to connect with an online tutor. Tutor.com also offers adult learners and job seekers assistance with things like resume and cover letter writing as well as interview preparation. Pronunicator is a fantastic online language-learning tool. It’s great for people who may find themselves with unexpected downtime and a thwarted desire to travel. Visit our website to get started.”

Due to licensing agreements with these services, access is limited to Carmel Clay Public Library resident cardholders.

Other public libraries in Hamilton County offer similar services, so you should look at your home library’s website to find out what’s available to you.