As part of the effort to contain the COVID-19 virus, all branches of the Louisville Free Public Library are closed to the public through April 5. As we take steps to physically distance ourselves from one another, the very thing that brings us comfort during times of uncertainly – community – is the exact thing we are being denied. But remember, as we seek familiar elements to provide consolation and stability, all is not, in fact, chaos. We have the infrastructure in place to meaningfully engage ourselves and each other. The written word, be it in a paper book or via a download, is still with us. Our public services are still serving us. The Louisville Free Public Library is still available to you via the internet.
As we look for the positives, consider taking this time to re-visit your favorite books. Perhaps now is the opportunity to attack that stack of volumes sitting by your bed waiting for “one day.” It could even be time to write your own.
The Louisville Free Public Library is here to assist. With an internet connection and a library card, you can practice social distancing AND gain access to great entertainment and educational resources at www.LFPL.org
If you don’t have a LFPL library card, don’t worry. During the COVID-19 crisis, LFPL has provided access to card sign-up via the internet and removed many obstacles, including fines and expiration dates.
Do you have kids at home? Keep everybody hopping or calm them down by streaming music. Bluegrass, jazz, hip-hop — there’s even a children’s music stream. Click here to boogie down.
If you’ve already watched everything on Netflix and Disney+, try out the Kanopy video streaming service. They call it “thoughtful entertainment” and it lists 30,000 of the world’s best movies. Watch here.
With meetings and programs cancelled, you may have time to catch up on magazine reading –and you won’t even need a subscription! Stay connected to the music world with Rolling Stone. Find new recipes with Bon Appetit. Escape on a virtual vacation with Conde Nast Traveler. When you’re feeling a little anxious, check out Yoga Journal, Golf Digest, or Bird Watching. There are also comic books (Spider Man! My Little Pony!) and graphic novels. Dive in here.
Did someone say, “What about the books?” LFPL’s got you covered! Through Overdrive and the Libby app, you have access to thousands of eBooks that you can read on your Kindle, phone, tablet, or computer. Check them out here.
Entertainment is not the only thing available to you, though. Through Lynda.com — a premier online learning resource offering more than 4,000 courses covering technical skills, creative techniques, business strategies, and more — you can learn so many things! Use your increased time at home to improve your work skills and impress your boss when everything returns to normal. Want to become a better photographer? Learn how to use Excel macros? Rock social media? Become a graphic designer, a project manager, or a software developer? You can start here.
Life is a bit unfamiliar today, but all that is good is still with us. Our hope is that the services of your Louisville Free Public Library bring you enjoyment and comfort during the coming weeks.
Stay well!
