While the doors might not be open to the public, Powell River Public Library remains busy.
Chief librarian Rebecca Burbank said she was thrilled to hear about the generous boost to connectivity and digital resources the province, through the libraries branch, is providing.
The province has announced it is providing $3 million to BC libraries to provide enhanced digital and connectivity services by expanding WiFi capabilities, offering community digital literacy training, enhancing online library programs and purchasing technology, such as scanners, tablets, microphones and cameras. Libraries will work together to deliver a province-wide collection of eBooks, magazines and other online services people will be able to access with their library card.
Burbank said the provincial funding will enable libraries to put digital content into more hands.
“While the grant is not tied to the current health crisis, the timing of this support is ideal,” said Burbank. “In the past month we have seen a dramatic uptick in the use of our online resources. Growing those in this moment will support our patrons who are looking for learning and recreation opportunities from home. This funding is the direct result of the advocacy work of the BC Libraries Partners, who have been sharing the stories of libraries and patrons across the province.”
Burbank said while the physical library has been closed, it continues to offer digital content and resources.
“We have even transitioned a few of our programs to an online format,” said Burbank.
She said the most popular digital resource during the closure has been Overdrive, which is the main eBook and eAudio platform. The holds placed on items have skyrocketed in the past month, she added.
Other favourites include Mango Languages for language learning, and lynda.com, which is an online professional development resource. The library also provides free access to the New York Times and a huge variety of magazines, films and eAudio through RBdigital.
The following is a list of databases maintained by the library: prpl.ca/research/databases/complete-list/.
“It’s important that people have access to digital literacy programs, ebooks and online learning,” stated provincial minister of education Rob Fleming in a media release on April 8. “I am proud to see the innovative ways our libraries continue to support and connect people who want to learn, explore and be entertained through digital resources. This funding will help bring libraries into the homes of families throughout the province.”
Burbank said programming the library is offering currently includes a webcast of preschool storytime, video guides for digital resources, one-to-one tech support by phone, and a digital meetup of a weekly writers group. Library patrons can follow on Instagram or Facebook for updates.
The following link is a connection to the library’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCPX1uMLo89xVw6Ux5h4S2FQ/playlists.
“Our staff has been working to make sure people know that if they have the internet at home, they have access to library resources with their card,” said Burbank. “For those in town with no card, we are issuing new cards by email every day.”
For more details on how to stay connected with Powell River Public Library and its resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, go to prpl.ca.
