Fond Memories of Library Visits
Every time I walk through the doors of the library, I am immediately taken back to those formative years as a child when my mom would walk us into our local library. From the Porter’s branch in Stafford to the Spotsylvania branch, where Mr. Bond always had the perfect book recommendation, libraries were natural parts of my world. Mr. Bond was great! He was a happy and distinguished man who looked like he should be the captain of an old ship, just what a library needed.
Exploring New Worlds Through Books and Beyond
As a child, I devoured books, spending entire days immersed in adventures of the past, present, and future. But books were not the limit of my library experiences. I still remember my father hanging a white sheet on the wall and loading a filmstrip or movie borrowed from the library into a movie projector. Watching “The Little Prince” (1974) at home was an exciting treat, especially with Jiffy Pop popcorn ballooning into a tinfoil bubble of awesomeness on the stove. Over time, I migrated to audiobooks on cassette tapes, then CDs, VHS videos, and DVDs.
The Library’s Evolution with Technology
Those were awesome times, and as enriching as they were, time and technology have marched on, creating new resources and tools. Thankfully, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library has kept up with these advancements. Now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, these resources are more needed than ever by many families. Here are some of the most useful resources available right now.
#1 Lynda For Free
For years, I paid hundreds of dollars per year for this treasure trove of education. Lynda is a fantastic resource for personal development. With over 6,000 video training services on everything from new technology skills to starting a business, Lynda delivers quality training. Using Lynda through the library is a great way to upgrade your skills and invest in your personal development while spending downtime at home.
#2 Tutor.com
Every day, I read social media posts filled with thinly-veiled panic from parents who now find themselves more responsible for their children’s education. Virtual learning at home creates questions about fourth-grade math that we all worked hard to forget. When asked for help, parents often feel lost. This is where Tutor.com comes in. Through The Princeton Review, the library offers FREE tutoring services from kindergarten to adult in over 60 subjects. One-on-one tutoring is available, and there’s even career coaching for adults who need to polish their resumes and find new careers.
#3 Audiobooks
If you love to read but struggle to find the time, audiobooks might be the solution. Another subscription service might not be in your budget, but don’t worry! Libby from OverDrive has your back. OverDrive, available through a free app on any mobile device or tablet, partners with the library to let you check out and listen to millions of audiobooks. This is a great way to keep up with literature while doing chores or relaxing.
#4 Rocket Languages
Do you want to learn sign language, Spanish, French, or one of 12 other languages for free? Use your library ID to sign in to Rocket Languages through the library. Additionally, CRRL has partnered with Mango Languages, allowing you to download a mobile app and quickly pick up conversational skills in a new language. This is also a free service and an excellent way to use your downtime wisely.
#5 Great Courses
I love learning new things. There’s something compelling about understanding history, how the world works, or the fundamentals of nature. Knowledge is so important, and in this crazy world, we don’t take enough time to understand things. The Great Courses series is perfect for this. With hundreds of courses, you can listen to college-level instruction on everything from history to the fundamentals of photography. The library offers both the audio and video learning series. It’s time well spent, and you should treat your mind to something new.
That’s Not All!
CRRL has been doing some awesome virtual reading clubs, book clubs for kids, ingenious curbside service, phone support, and much more. Check out their website, subscribe to their newsletter, and follow them on Facebook. Their website is full of resources, tools, and information that you shouldn’t miss..