Making the Best of Being at Home

So, it’s been a week and you’re still stuck at home. You’ve binge watched nearly everything on Netflix and as you’re social distancing, ‘cabin fever’ is starting to set in. Now is the time to discover what your Thunder Bay Public Library can do to help you pass the days as we all work to flatten the curve.

While we are not open to the public physically, our virtual library holds a treasure trove of ways to educate, enlighten and entertain.  Don’t have a card, or have one that’s expired? That’s no problem we can register you by phone for our virtual resources or update an existing card. Forgot your PIN? Call us and we will help you change it to something you won’t forget.

Our library virtual collection holds thousands of titles in both eBook and e-audiobooks with the use of CloudLibrary. Whether it’s a recent bestseller that you’re eager to read or an old classic that is calling to you; Cloud Library has books for readers of all ages and interests. The app is easy to use and available for download in both IOS and android formats. It’s a great way to try a new mystery author, check out a hard-hitting political expose, or download a fun and exotic cookbook. It’s also a way to entertain the kids, with a wide selection of books or audiobooks that are great for quiet time.

Of course, if you’re like me the stress of the past few weeks is making concentration difficult, so I find myself turning to our RB Digital app to download a great magazine more often than not.  This free library app has the latest issues of over 3 dozen top titles to choose from, there should be something for everyone. Whether you want the latest gossip with OK!, to get fit with Runner’s World or Shape, or to check out what’s trending with Vogue or Glamour, each full colour issue is yours to enjoy. The app also carries back issues so you can finally finish that Oprah article you started in the dentist’s waiting room.

We haven’t forgotten that the kids are at home too.  If you are struggling with finding a way to help with their homeschooling while still keeping them engaged, try  Tumblebooks. There are books to read or to have them be read to you, and if your child is in French immersion, there are a whole collection of books in French, as well as, Spanish.  Tumblebooks is full of puzzles and games that teach literacy and numeracy, so that they will probably even forget they’re learning.

Almost everyone says they would love to learn another language someday, so now might be a great time to start. Our Transparent Language programme features over 95 languages and is done in a fun, interactive method to help you learn a language in record time. Whether it’s brushing up on your high school French, learning Spanish for that future holiday trip, or discovering your roots by learning your mother tongue, working through the lessons on Transparent Language will help the time speed by.

TBPL also offers a host of other online databases, that are definitely worth your time exploring. Whether it’s our Automotive or Small Engine Repair information, helping a teen finish their independent study project using the Gale Literature Criticism Index or streaming over 5000 titles in Classical, Jazz and World music from our Naxos Music Library, there are lots of ways to make your days more enjoyable.

If you have an active card, just check us out http://www.tbpl.ca/onlinestuff to begin your journey. If you need a card or need an update, call 807-345-8275,  from Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 5 pm, or email comments@tbpl.ca and we will be happy to help. Wherever you are stay safe, wash your hands, and remember we’re all in this together.

Lori Kauzlarick  – www.tbpl.ca. If you have a comment about today’s column, we would love to hear from you. Please comment below!