Staff’s Favorite Library Resources
Christina's Pick: Hoopla BingePasses
Hoopla BingePass allows patrons to stream entire collections and platforms for seven days with just one borrow, including digital magazines, movies, puzzles, comics, podcasts, eBooks, documentaries, video classes, and more.
“I love being able to have access to Hallmark+, sudoku and crossword puzzles (Puzzle Palace BingePass), and the science shows on the Curiosity BingePass. They keep adding new ones and I can’t wait to try out the new movie, music, and crafting-related BingePasses!”
Alyssa's Pick: Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is an American nonprofit consumer organization dedicated to independent product testing, investigative journalism, consumer-oriented research, public education, and consumer advocacy.
“Consumer Reports has reviews of everything from cars to salad dressing. I chose my car and my dishwasher according to Consumer Reports and they’re going strong! It’s a helpful resource to start researching, not just for product recs, but for their write-ups of features to consider and the general landscape of what’s available when shopping for a certain type of product.”
Bryan's Pick: LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an open online course provider, providing video courses taught by industry experts. All the courses fall into four categories: Business, Creative, Technology, and Certifications.
“LinkedIn Learning is pretty much the reason I have the job I have (the Makery Department Head). I’ve used it to learn more about Illustrator, Excel, and even photography and lighting!”
Jez's Pick: Newspapers.com
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive used by millions for genealogy, historical research, crime investigations, journalism, and entertainment.
“Newspapers.com is great for both genealogy and family history. Lately I’ve been finding articles on my great aunt, who has dementia, to help spark old memories. If your family lived in a small town this is especially fun because those newspapers will publish pretty much anything, from who was in the hospital to who ate dinner at someone else’s house.”
Angelina's Pick: NoveList Plus
NoveList Plus is an online readers’ advisory — or book recommendation — database that helps readers find new books and audiobooks based on what they’ve read or topics in which they are interested.
“NoveList Plus is my go-to for readers’ advisory when helping patrons look for book recommendations. It’s super convenient to find read-alikes for titles and authors on the fly, and the curated lists on the home page are a great option if you’re looking for a general vibe instead. Not to mention, it’s very accessible for readers who want to browse on their own!”
Rachael's Pick: Creativebug
Creativebug offers online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques. Learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screen print, and more.
“I never knew how many great things Creativebug has in their ‘Patterns and
Printables’ area. I’m excited to use these resources to enhance upcoming displays and programs! They offer simple projects and coloring pages for holidays, special events, and famous people, like Black History Month, World Mental Health Day, Disability Awareness, Pride, Day of the Dead, Juneteenth, Harvey Milk, Frida Kahlo, and more.”
Heather's Pick: World Book Encyclopedia
World Book Encyclopedia is an American encyclopedia first
published in 1917 with new editions released annually since 1925.
“World Book is a great set of resources to supplement hard copy
materials for elementary school students and teachers. There are
various audience levels (i.e. early learning, kids, student), as well as a Spanish version!
Eva's Pick: Kanopy
Kanopy is a video streaming platform that partners exclusively with libraries and universities to offer films, TV shows, educational videos, and documentaries.
“I am over the moon about Kanopy! If you’re not signed up, you’re missing out on all sorts of new movies, foreign films, indie docs, and even Skillshare videos. They offer the Criterion Collection too! No paywall, no commercials, no subscription, just access to tons of quality entertainment for a cozy night in.”
