It’s that busy time of year where family and friends gather for fun and meals and the to do list is a mile long so the thought of physically going to the library may not be at the top of the list. Not to worry! Richmond Public Library has a deep list of digital content for all ages that can be accessed from home through your mobile device, computer, or tablet. Below you will find a highlighted list of online resources that you can access via our website or apps on your phone or device 24/7, 365 days a year.
Libby– In this resource a user will find a deep catalog of ebook and eaudio titles organized into curated lists by format, subject, and special interests for readers of all ages. After downloading the Libby app by Overdrive from the device’s app store, a user can then set up your library account using your Richmond Public Library card. Once that’s done, the user is free to check out up to 10 titles at a time and place up to 15 holds. Each title checks out for 2 weeks and automatically returns itself after the borrow time is up. It’s that easy! In December look for the topical lists, “Best of the Best 2023”, a compilation of this year’s best books from a variety of resources and “Long Reads for Long Nights”, long books that will help fill those long winter nights. Need help registering your library card in the app? Give us a call and we’ll be glad to provide assistance.
Hoopla– This great resource offers a catalog of over a million items to check out! Here you will find even more ebook and eaudio titles as well as music, magazines, movies, puzzles, and something called BingePasses which allows you to binge entire collections like, “The Great Courses” or “Hallmark Movies Now”. Hoopla also has “AcornTV” which has a great list of popular British TV shows. There is truly something for everyone in this resource. Search for the Hoopla app from your device’s app store, download, and then log in using your Richmond Public Library card. Each user has 8 Instant Borrows a month and, like Libby, each title will return on its own on the due date.
Magzter– This resource offers more than 8,000 magazine, newspaper, and journal titles. Here you’ll find popular titles like, “Newsweek,” “Food Network,” “Good Housekeeping,” and “The New Yorker.” Search for the Magzter app from the device’s app store, download, and then log in using your Richmond Public Library card. Find an item of interest, click on the cover and begin reading immediately! No need to worry about checking out or returning items. Each title has a back list of previous issues one can look at and each viewing is adaptable to make content bigger on the screen.
NewsBank– This resource offers a reliable source for news from a variety of US and international newspapers and other news related outlets. It is also a great place to digitally access Richmond’s local newspaper the “Richmond Times Dispatch” either for today’s edition or an issue from as far back as 1985! Find this resource by accessing our website by looking on the “Online Resources” page under “Services” then log in with your Richmond Public Library card.
As you wrap presents, try out an audiobook from Libby or Hoopla. Are you in need of a recipe for a special meal? Head over to Magzter and check out any of the holiday cooking magazines featuring holiday recipes. It’s also not too late to add a Kindle to your wishlist so you don’t have to read ebooks on your phone. All of this and more can be done from the convenience of your home, while waiting in line to checkout, or basically anywhere. The options are endless!
