Vaughan Public Libraries continues to launch new virtual programs
Although Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) has cancelled all in-library
programs until January 2021 in response to COVID-19, its online programming
continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of users.
Summer Reading Club
Summer reading programs – including the TD Summer Reading Club and the Teen Summer Reading Challenge – have been enhanced and optimized for at-home, online participation. Registration for the Summer Reading Club is now open. Visit vaughanpl.info/src for more details.
Web hub
VPL is offering a fully digital public library service to engage and educate residents of all ages. The new web hub features a variety of free online resources, including eBooks and audiobooks, films and television programs, music streaming services, e-learning courses, bilingual materials and more. Further content, such as virtual storytime, is available on VPL’s Instagram.
Fine-free
The Library also made the decision to eliminate overdue fines (PDF), which are charged for the late return of library materials. No future overdue fines will be applied and all overdue fines currently on record will be forgiven.
Wi-Fi
VPL has extended its Wi-Fi at the Civic Centre Resource Library, Pierre Berton Resource Library and Bathurst Clark Resource Library branches to reach the parking lot. This allows those who need it to connect to Wi-Fi from the comfort of their car for free. To learn more, visit vaughanpl.info.
Curbside Pickup
The Curbside Pickup program has now been extended to every library in Vaughan to provide customers with quick and convenient access. Reserve books and arrange a pickup date at vaughanpl.info/curbside.
Ask Us
While VPL branches remain closed as a result of COVID-19, the team has launched an online service to support its customers remotely. Ask Us is a virtual reference desk supported by more than 20 VPL staff who are able to help with customer inquiries by phone, email and social media. There are three ways to Ask Us:
- By phone at 905-653-READ (7323)
- On Facebook Messenger, Twitter and Instagram
- By email through an online form
VPL offers a wealth of resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, online learning, movies and more – all of which can be accessed and enjoyed from the comfort of home.
The following online services are available to citizens practising physical distancing:
eBooks and audiobooks
VPL provides customers with free access to a number of digital platforms, including Hoopla, Overdrive and Tumblebooks. Adults, teens and kids will find something they love, allowing them to bring a little piece of the library home without leaving the house. Titles include novels, animated picture books, non-fiction, graphic novels and more. Audiobooks can be played on a smartphone, computer or smart TV.
Films and television
Borrow free digital videos with a library card. Gain access to Hoopla titles – available for instant streaming or temporary download – and watch on a smartphone, tablet or computer. VPL also provides access to Kanopy, which offers more than 30,000 critically acclaimed films. The selection ranges from new popular titles and classics, to world cinema and art and indie as well as top-rated documentaries.
Music
Stream more than 150,000 albums of classical, opera, jazz and world music with Naxos Music Library. Use a library card and PIN and start streaming today for free.
Online learning
Lynda.com gives users free access to thousands of video tutorial courses with a focus on such areas as technology, software development, business skills, project management as well as creative skills like animation and video editing. The courses are taught by recognized industry experts who will guide participants along in learning the skills for personal and professional development. Also available is Transparent Language – a fun way to learn a new language. The app aims to lock words and phrases into participants memories so they can recall them perfectly.
Newspapers
For customers who want to read newspapers in languages other than English and French, VPL provides access to Press Reader, a database which allows customers to access more than 4,000 newspapers from 100 countries in 60 languages.
French offerings
Through Cantook Station, customers have access to nearly 7,000 eBooks in this collection and 39 audiobooks. VPL customers can check out up to seven eBooks at a time and have up to three on hold.
Three times a week, VPL French-language specialists will provide video content through social media. On Tuesdays, there are French-language activities for school-aged children. On Thursdays, staff offer tips on how to access French-language eBooks, audiobooks and videos at home. On Saturdays, there is storytime in French for preschool children.
Every other Thursday, VPL will host an online French Meet Up through Zoom. Each meeting will provide a theme for discussion. This is open to people of all ages and provides an opportunity to practise speaking French.
Databases
Whether a customer is doing research for a business or academic project or is interested in expanding their knowledge, VPL has a database that can help. For example, World Book Online for Kids brings the classic encyclopedia set into the home.
Temporary library cards
Customers need a library card to access these services, and can obtain a temporary digital card for free by visiting vaughanpl.info/services/membership and clicking on ‘Apply Now.’ This will deliver a library card number to the email address provided in the application form. Any customers receiving an error can reach out to VPL through this contact us form and staff will work to resolve the issue.
Stay informed
Stay informed by signing up for the VPL eNewsletter to get the latest information.
VPL's mobile app is available to download from Apple App Store and Google Play.
Visit vaughanpl.info and follow VPL on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
VPL asks all customers to refrain from returning items to the library until branches reopen. No fines will be charged for late returns during this period.
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