Public Libraries Have Taken Their Resources Online: Here’s How to Access Them For Free
At-Home Learning: PBS SoCal and KCET, in partnership with LAUSD and in collaboration with California PBS stations, are offering broadcast programming with digital resources that adhere to California’s state curriculum. Download this week’s schedule.
Libraries are vital resources for communities everywhere. Not only do they provide free educational opportunities, but they also create space for entertainment, support and camaraderie. During these unprecedented times, libraries are working around the clock to make their resources accessible to families at a distance.
We spoke to Vivienne Byrd, lead on the Full STEAM Ahead and the Citizen Science initiatives in the exploration and creativity department of the Los Angeles Public Library — a library that usually has thousands of in-person visitors every day — to see how they are navigating this new space.
“It is more important than ever for us to provide educational and entertaining resources for at-home users to keep them productive, safe, healthy, informed, and connected. We want our patrons to know that even though the library's physical buildings are closed, we are still here to help every way we can,” Byrd said.
Physical libraries may be closed, but their online resources are open for business! If you don’t already have a library card, fear not. Libraries are providing free applications online. You can find Los Angeles/Orange County library applications here:
- Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) - The e-Card will give you immediate access to e-Media: audiobooks, movies, podcasts, newspapers, scholarly journals, online learning, and more). Note: an e-Card will not grant you access to the library’s physical collections or use the library’s computers. Sign up here.
- LA County - Library cards are available for free to permanent and temporary residents of California. With an L.A. County Library card, you can access library databases to download audiobooks, books, and music from home. Sign up for a free library card here.
- Orange County Public Libraries - If you don’t have a library card, you can register for a free eCard. An eCard provides access to online databases and downloadable eMedia. It may not be used to borrow, place holds on material from the library, nor is it valid for use of the public Internet computers and WiFi at the libraries. Sign up here.
As schools and families transition to distance/virtual learning, here are some free resources that you can access online via your local library.
Streaming and E-Media: LAPL has been offering free digital content (books, music, movies, workshops, courses) since before their physical closures, and provide a great opportunity for entertainment at home! You can access these resources here.
STEAM Resources: The LAPL Full STEAM Ahead program has collected a list of activities, crafts, lessons and books from a wide variety of resources for families looking to spend time learning and engaging in citizen science at home. The list is available here.
Virtual Storytime: In lieu of in person events, the LAPL has pivoted to providing gatherings online, ranging from teen crafts to chess club to flannel themed storytime! You can find an event that fits your interests here.
Kids Corner: The Los Angeles County Library has created a system-wide Kids Corner with activity ideas for children. The activities are free and accessible to anyone with or without a library card!
Libby: Libby is a free app that uses your library card to access hundreds of e-books and audio books that can be read and listened to offline, and sent to a kindle or e-reader. Find it here.
Hoopla: Hoopla is another free app with access to e-books, children's books, audiobooks, music and more. Borrowed items are automatically returned when they are due.
TumbleBooks: Tumblebooks is available both as an online website and as an app. The app requires you to sign on with your library card. Once signed in, you can access a collection of animated children’s stories. If you access the website through a computer, no library card or sign-on is required.
Tumblebooks is available in Spanish. To change the language setting on the website:
- Visit website
- Find the drop down menu on at the top right corner next to “Language”
- Select your language
With every formal training and workshop canceled, educators everywhere are getting creative. Byrd is currently recording a series of virtual programs to introduce people to citizen science projects they can join to contribute to scientific research from home.
“As a librarian, I have worn many hats, but I had never thought that one day I would be wearing a hat of a film director, editor, and producer!” Byrd said when asked how she is coping with the changes.
She is one of many library professionals across Southern California and beyond who are making a difference every day by adapting and innovating to our current circumstances.
We are all doing our best to learn and have fun while staying home, and these resources make it easier than ever! So, go “out” and enjoy some awesome citizen science or virtual storytime, and remember: Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!