A message from library's board president, Julie Liesse: "Those of us on the board of trustees understand - personally - how much our community relies on the library for entertainment and resources. We were disappointed to have to close the building, but obviously the safety of our patrons and staff comes first.
"But we're so lucky to be 21st century library cardholders, with access to tons of wonderful books and engaging movies and TV shows online - as well as all our online databases. And it's all free to our cardholders!"
The library's digital collection has grown over the years, and we are excited to share updates to our current users and invite others to use our digital content for the first time. Checkout limits have been increased on Hoopla (20 borrows), Kanopy (eight), and Overdrive (10). The collections continue to grow as librarians remotely add new titles to these digital collections.
To get started, visit https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info/downloadables. Each resource includes an orange "show me how" link which gives a brief tutorial. For questions about your library card or account, email [email protected]. For help with any of the digital services, email [email protected]. Voicemails are also being checked if you leave a message at (630) 986-1976. Starting today, librarians also will be available for live chat from the blue box on our website, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hoopla provides movies, television, music, eBooks and eAudiobooks. A special feature of this resource is that the content is always available with no holds and no waiting lists. Collections in Kanopy include thousands of movies, documentaries, Great Courses, and instructional films and lessons. Kanopy Kids is a curated collection featuring Sesame Street, other PBS favorites, storytime readings of classic books and more. The best part here is that Kanopy Kids checkouts do not count against the checkout limit of eight. That's unlimited checkouts for children's material! Overdrive is our eMedia Library, also known as Libby. Popular eBook and eAudiobook titles can be found here with extra copies being purchased to help reduce wait times.
Some favorites from Mr. Ridgeway, the library's youth and young adult services manager, and his family include Hoopla's collection of picture books on video. Search Hoopla Kids for movies to see some family favorites come to life like "Knuffle Bunny," "Dragons Love Tacos," and "Secret Pizza Party." Need to get some wiggles out? Borrow Kidz Bop, Raffi and Disney soundtracks for a family dance party.
From home, adult services manager Cynthia is on a Greta Gerwig kick. Gerwig's 2017 film, "Lady Bird," starring Saiorse Ronan, Timothy Chalamet and Chicago theater favorite, Laurie Metcalf, was nominated for an Academy Award (and won the Golden Globe). It is available on Kanopy. "Little Women," the classic book by Louisa May Alcott, is available as an eBook on both Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby. Amidst all the other news this weekend, country pop singer Kenny Rogers passed away. His classic album from 1978, "The Gambler," is available on Hoopla along with several other albums and compilations.
The staff is working with library board members to prepare for the day when the stay-at-home order is lifted.
"The board is working with our staff on plans to be ready to open again when it's safe to do so," she said. "We can't wait."
Keep following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see how we are working from home, sharing resources and making updates on the closure. Stay home, have fun and stay healthy.
- Molly Castor is the
marketing and outreach manager
at the Hinsdale Public Library.
