Your local public library- more than you thought

January 5, 1:32 PMDC Family ExaminerRisa Sanders

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the DC Family Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

The public library has changed, A LOT, since we were kids. You can now access books and videos online, from home! And, there's more. Did you know:

•  Most public libraries now allow you to download EBooks and EVideos to your home computer, view/listen at home, and even burn some of them to a CD? This is fantastic for anyone who is unable to go to the library, and also for kids who are home from school because they're sick. It's a great way to entertain (and educate) little ones, and for you to access what you need on your own schedule. Check out your library system for a detailed list of online resources. The Fairfax County Public Library, Montgomery County Public Library, and the DC Public Library all participate.
• Many library systems now offer proctoring services for exams. You must make advance arrangements, and not all branches provide the service. Contact your branch for details. Also, it's always a good idea to check with your testing service to make sure this arrangement is sufficient.
• All libraries offer internet access,  printers and faxes (copies are charged on a per page basis). Power Point and Microsoft Word software is available for users. Bring a disk or flash drive to take your work home.
• Meeting rooms for non-profit groups who wish to hold programs of a cultural, civic or educational nature
• Seminars and classes for pre-schoolers through Seniors. Topics range from hands-on science to using internet technology and foreign language classes. Check the monthly Program Guide for your library system for details
• Meet the author programs
• Book groups and writers groups (great way to get feedback on your writing)
• Free, homework help. Librarians serve as helpful resources to direct you to needed reference material and online resources
• Online sites that help students with citations for bibliographies, identifying research topics, and primary resource material
• Provide Income Tax Preparation Assistance, Speakers Bureaus for your organizations' next meeting, purchase SmarTrip cards, and offer collaborative programs with local hospitals on current health topics  
• Libraries offer plant and insect identification services at no charge
• Sign Language interpretive services can be provided for your library meeting if you make arrangements in advance (generally 2 weeks)
• A great source for research on local/state facts and also for genealogical research .What you need may be right in your own back yard.
• Access to huge databases, including transcripts from radio and TV shows, online magazine and newspaper articles, and more.
• Special events, including vision fairs, popcorn and PJ movies for the little ones, and a variety of other community activities.

 Check it out!!!