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Skip to Main ContentRemote Resources is an ongoing blog series that showcases various digital tools and resources that can help individuals stay mentally active and learning whilst they’re stuck at home.
Is there an institution cooler than the public library? As someone working towards his Master of Library and Information Studies degree, I realize my opinion is biased, but hear me out. Public libraries offer any residents of their communities free books, movies, and music. Moreover, they provide ample, carefully curated programming that often benefits vulnerable populations. While you probably know all of this, it’s important to be reminded of everything libraries do, so we can all support them and take full advantage of their offerings. And did I mention that they’re free? Rad.
By now, we’re undoubtedly on the same page: libraries deserve our patronage and praise. “But Gefen,” you’re probably saying to your computer screen. “Even though your masterful prose has inspired me to become a regular patron and supporter of the public library, I’m stuck at home! I also read that the library is closed. What gives, dude?” Excellent points, dear reader. Yes, you may be at home, and yes, the library may be closed, but with a library card, you can still access lots of electronic resources. Even if you don’t have a library card currently, you can call the Dallas Public Library and sign up for one over the phone. That number is 214-670-7809. You can also email librarycustomerservice@dallaslibrary.org to sign up. Okay, so now you have a library card, and you can’t wait to explore all of the great online resources of the Dallas Public Library. What now? Follow this link to find the hub for ebooks, movies, music, magazines, and more.
Now from the comfort of your own home, you can browse tens of thousands of books to download straight to your e-reader or device of choice. You might have to put some of the more popular titles on hold, but you will undoubtedly find something to your liking. Maybe you’ve spent the duration of your self-isolation reading so far, and you want something a little different. If that’s the case, make sure to check out Hoopla. You can sign up with just an email address and your library card number. It immediately gives you access to a ton of full albums and lots of movies. You can borrow 8 items each month, and they’re all available immediately. In my esteemed opinion, they have some fantastic titles available. If you’re in the mood for something spooky and strange, make sure to check out Phantasm and Suspiria. Don’t watch these with children around, unless you want to deal with their nightmares for the next week.
If you need to do some serious research during these trying times, the Dallas Public Library also has access to EBSCO eBooks in addition to lots of other resources. Again, make sure you browse all the services the library is connected to here. Additionally, at the top of the page, you’ll notice links to services for kids and adolescents. These can help satiate the inquisitive minds and imaginations of youngsters in your home.
Once all of this blows over (hopefully sooner rather than later) and is adequately addressed by the scientific community, make sure you keep taking advantage of the library. It’s there to help, and the fantastic staff wants nothing more than to help you with any needs you may have.
Gefen Kusin-Kline, MS-LS Candidate 2021
DPL's FAQs during COVID-19 closure
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