Central Coast libraries have extended their free online resources that are accessible to local residents while the libraries are closed.
Council director Ms Julie Vaughan said the council had “a new partnership with State Library NSW to provide access to another eBook platform, indyreadsTM,” Ms Vaughan said.
“This is on top of our existing eBook and eAudiobook platforms – BorrowBox and Overdrive – giving library members of all ages access to thousands of Australian and international titles.
“We also understand that this may be a difficult time for students and their parents if they have made the shift to home or online learning and need numerous resources to help.
“For those needing assistance with research, we provide access to reliable sites that can be referenced for essays and reports for subjects such as Modern History, Ancient History and Geography as well as to help create discussion points for English papers.
“If you get stuck interpreting a question or need help with an assignment, students from Year 3 through to tertiary studies can login to Studiosity, where subject specialists are available anytime to provide real-time advice; essays and reports can also be uploaded for professional writing feedback within 24 hours.
“Younger children that are missing our regular Storytime sessions can continue to develop their literacy with the interactive reading room of Story Box Library, where stories are read aloud by favourite Australian storytellers.
The Council’s music streaming platform, Freegal, has also now removed streaming limits for the next six months, allowing people to listen to music as well as to create and publish playlists to share with friends and family while in isolation.
The Library Service app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.
“We are continuing to investigate options to expand our online collection in response to increased demand and are actively looking for new ways to bring events online as well as other innovative ways to connect our community,” Ms Vaughan said.
Items currently on loan at Council Libraries have been automatically renewed and won’t be due for return until the end of the closure period.
The after hour chutes at the Peninsula libraries remain open.
Mayor Cr Lisa Matthews encouraged all those who work, live or study on the Central Coast to join the library and take advantage of the services on offer.
“Whether it is help with school work, ideas to keep young children entertained or a way to keep your mind active, there is something there for everyone.
People can sign up online and get instant access to these resources at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/jointhelibrary.
SOURCE:
Media release, 6 Apr 2020
Julie Vaughan, Central Coast Council