The following was shared with local community groups by Kristin Edstrom, one of the Librarians at the High Point Branch.
Here are some resources from the Library during the closure. If you go to http://www.spl.org/stayinghome you can see more of the digital resources – including free ebooks, magazines, and movie streaming services I mentioned today.
You can stay current on these efforts at spl.org/StayingHome and our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter for updates. Highlighted below are some of the services we’ve launched since our building closures, but know that our talented staff are working on more ideas we are excited to explore:
- Instant Access Digital Library Card:If you do not currently have a Library Card, this instant digital Library card will give you immediate access to our collection of e-books and e-audiobooks through our vendor OverDrive. To sign up for this service, you have to be 13 years of age or older, live in Seattle and have a mobile phone to verify your account.
- LibraryLink Student and Teacher Access:If you are a Seattle Public School student in grades 6-12, or you are a Seattle Public School teacher in grades 6-12, or at a K-8 school, you can access the Library’s digital books and online resources through a LibraryLink digital card. Since our closure, we have been working on providing the same access to elementary students.
- Virtual Story times: Our Children Services Librarians are bringing our popular children’s story times to our Facebook channel. Join live, or watch later, as librarians sing songs and read engaging stories to children. However, it is worth noting these story times are equally as soothing and engaging to stressed-out parents.
- Small Business and Nonprofit Support: Our Library to Business team is offering one-on-one appointments for small businesses and nonprofits via online conference software, email or phone. This program helps nonprofits and small businesses identify and navigate resources available to them. Make a one-on-one appointment with us or browse through our COVID-19-related resource lists for nonprofits and small businesses.
- More E-books and E-audiobooks: In response to a large increase in e-collection usage, the Library is working hard to bring more copies and titles to this collection to meet demand. The Seattle Public Library Foundation is planning to help us with the efforts to provide additional digital resources and access during this period.
- Community Wi-Fi HotSpots: Prior to our closure, the Library had worked with housing and social services partners to lend Wi-Fi HotSpots to communities living with no or limited internet access, such as low-income housing developments and tiny home villages. The Library has extended loan periods for these devices during our closure so communities can stay connected. *We don’t have additional hot spots to lend at this time.
- Your Next Five Books and Your Next Skill: These two services provide personalized Librarian-curated content and resources to help readers and learners of all ages choose their next book or master their next skill. This customized service can keep home-bound Seattleites learning and growing.
- Ask Us: Library staff continue to be available to you each day to help answer your questions. Contact us if you’re a parent or teacher looking for ways to engage your students in this new remote learning environment. Contact us if you are one of the many people experiencing loss of employment and you need help finding available resources. Contact us if you are simply bored and need help finding something to entertain you. We are ready to assist.
West Seattle Be Prepared 