Hard copy library books may be out of the question right now, but as the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy says; “Don’t panic.” The Perth Union Library and its staff are still here for you, even if it is from a socially appropriate distance! Wondering how to use our resources, or what’s even available? Read on, dear patron.
1 – Check out our new website
If you haven’t explored our new website yet, now is the perfect time! Resources for kids, digital services, exploration & enrichment, as well as our catalogue for book searches are ready for your perusal with just an easy click from our homepage at www.perthunionlibrary.ca
2 – Explore our online book collection
Dear patrons, we know that there is truly nothing like a “real” book, but have you checked out Libby yet? Libby is a free app with which you can download e-books and audiobooks using your library card. Online copies might not be “the same,” but these resources are a treasure all on their own. Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy a story hands-free, and who knew that reading in the dark could be so cozy? You can set your text size, brightness level, and even colour scheme from the settings menu. Remember that your library card number is listed near the barcode on your card.
3 – Find your next book
Sometimes finding your next read is difficult. We’re here to help! Not only does our website have a staff picks page, but we also have a direct link to NoveList. NoveList is a great way to help match you with the titles you want; just search for a favourite book and click through for a list of similar titles or authors. You can also browse book titles by genre or by description. If you are wondering what the last book you checked out from the Perth Library was called, remember that you can log in to your account on our website, and view your circulation history!
4 – Watch movies for free
Kanopy is a movie-streaming service that you can access for free using your library account. Search films by genre or topic, set parental controls, and even check your viewing history. The Kanopy library is an especially great way to explore some new ideas if you are needing a break from Hollywood media. Be aware though; you only get five free movies per month! What a great excuse to set up a virtual movie night, and enjoy a film together – apart.
5 – Visit the museum
Feeling a need to see something besides the usual surroundings? Visit the museum from your couch! Many cultural spaces around the world are opening up their displays to virtual tours for free. These can be found with a few easy clicks from the Perth Union Library’s homepage. First, select “Programs & Events” then “Adult Learning.” This will take you to a page rich in easy-click links to lead you on your next great online adventure. You can even visit the Metropolitan Opera! “Nightly Met Opera Streams” at 7:30 p.m. Remember that you can easily bookmark a page from your internet browser - look for the three dots representing a drop-down menu, or a star near the web address.
6 – Build your digital skills
Libraries are a place of shared knowledge. Even in the midst of so much change, this continues to be true. At the Perth Union Library, we recognize that the online world can be a difficult and overwhelming place to navigate. Feeling stranded is the worst! To help you on your way, we have included a resource link on our Adult Learning page called “TechBoomers.” The TechBoomers site offers a wide range of tutorials from internet safety and shopping online, to how to use Facebook. If you are feeling that you have these things figured out pretty well, you can even find tutorials on how to learn computer programming, run a successful blog, or advice on how to get your business online.
7 - Free Wifi
The library is a place of connection and we are all finding new ways to connect with our community these days. As always, allow us to get you connected digitally; if you bring your own device, you can connect freely to the library’s wifi network from anywhere around the library building. Now that the weather is getting warmer you can actually linger in the library garden, applying appropriate physical distancing, of course!
8 - Explore the world
While we may not be able to pack our bags and hop on a plane right now, we can still explore the wonders that the world has to offer right in our own homes! Under the Digital Library tab of our website, you can find Global Road Warrior and AtoZ World Travel, both of which are fantastic resources packed with information about the many places and cultures of our wonderful world.
9 - Connect the kids
We've got tons of fun stuff and educational resources for kids on our website! On the Kids’ Resources page, you’ll find links for at-home learning, exploration, and play with ideas for offline activities as well. For the younger set, click over to our Babies & Toddlers page where you’ll find tons of guides and storytimes to help you build your child’s early literacy skills. Parents, we haven’t forgotten you - you now have your very own Parents’ Corner filled with information and resources to support you and your growing readers! Kids can sign up for our new Pen Pal Program to connect with other kids in our community (and to get some reading & writing practice in!)
10 - Connect with us
Connect with us on social media for all the latest updates - follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! If you’re missing the friendly faces you usually see at the library, check-in with our staff on the library’s blog to see what we’re up to (find it under the “About” tab of the website, under “News”). Miss getting together with your book club to chat about what you’ve read? Join the Perth Union Library Together Apart Book Club on Goodreads. We’re currently reading The Outlander by award-winning Canadian author Gil Adamson which is accessible free for all with your Perth Union Library card. Join in the discussion!
This is just a short list of the ways the library is here for you. Hop on our website for current information about the library closure, links to mental health support, and our regular catalogue. We’re also on social media, and would love to meet you there! It is such a wild change to be distant from our wonderful patrons. We hope that you are all keeping well. Have questions or just want to say hi? Reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and come visit our virtual space soon!
The Perth & District Library is here for you! We are providing alternate services and our virtual branch is always open 24/7. Please visit our website and follow us on social media for up-to-date information on your library services during COVID-19 closure.
Julie Hansen
Perth & District Union Public Library
613.267.1224
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