Newmarket's online library provides virtual story times, increased services during crisis

Like everyone, libraries are learning to adapt amid the coronavirus pandemic

Yorkregion.com
April 23, 2020
Lorne Chase

During this time of social distancing, Newmarket Public Library (NPL) is working to provide residents with virtual programming. The first of these is now up and running: a story time for children.

Children’s librarian Vineeta invites young ones to listen and read along as she reads the book, “I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands” by Tony Ross.

“It’s the first title that came to mind for conveying the importance of handwashing to young children,” says Susan Hoffman, head of Children’s Services. “It’s an entertaining book with a message that is appropriate for the times we’re in right now.”

You can share this virtual story time with the kids through the library’s Facebook account. And look for more story times in the coming weeks.

“These are unprecedented times and library staff are focusing our efforts on finding ways that continue to engage our community online,” says Todd Kyle, NPL’s CEO. “In addition to more online story times, we are looking into providing other types of virtual programming. We will also continue to inform everyone whenever access to our online resources is increased or extended.”

While the library is closed until May 4, its online library is still available to all residents. With ebooks, audiobooks, eLearning, videos and more, you’ll find a wealth of virtual resources to help you pass the time at home.

Some of the library’s online resources offering increased access during this time:

ANCESTRY LIBRARY EDITION

Your library card now gives you free remote access to one of the most popular online genealogy resources until April 30. When you login to your account look for the link on the bottom right side of your page to access this database.

FREEGAL MUSIC STREAMING

Listening to music is a great way to take your mind off things during these uncertain times. From now until Sept. 30, the library’s Freegal music service has temporarily increased streaming from three hours a day to 24 hours a day. Freegal has more than 10 million songs as well as thousands of music videos. Look for Freegal in our Online Library under eMusic.

PEBBLEGO CHILDREN’S RESEARCH

A great resource for children, PebbleGo is now offering free access to all of its content, until May 31. This includes modules for children in kindergarten to Grade Three on a variety of topics, such as animals, science, dinosaurs and more. Content for children in Grades 5 to 8 includes science, biographies and social studies. And its Read More companion audiobooks for both the science and animals modules. Find PebbleGo in our Online Library under Kid’s Online Library, eResearch.

Library staff are available to help with online resources every day from 9 to 5 p.m. If you have any questions, use the AskNPL link at the top right of the library’s home page, text 905-769-0433, or email npl@newmarketpl.ca.

Lorne Chase is the marketing and communications coordinator at Newmarket Public Library. Visit the library’s website at www.newmarketpl.ca.