Libraries – Unlimited services

By Natasha Hallam community library manager, Warkworth Library 

I hope you are enjoying reading your free eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers from Auckland libraries. It has been great to be able to help you discover these fantastic eResources. These eTreasures are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to digital resources available at your local library. Did you know every Auckland library provides free wifi? Our wifi is simple to access and will provide access to 1GB free a day to download your eBooks or magazines, check your emails, browse Facbook, catch up on your favourite TV show, or finish that assignment or work that needs to be done.

For those people without their own computers or devices, each Auckland library provides free use of public computers loaded with common software and librarians are available to help you navigate anything unfamiliar. Wellsford Library also has a number of iPads for use within the library. Printing from either the public computers, webprinting from your own digital device within the library or printing from home (to pick up at any library) is another excellent service offered at a very reasonable cost of 20 cents per A4 black and white page. Many people are unaware that they can request books, renew books and access their own reading history all from the comfort of their own home via aucklandlibraries.govt.nz or the Auckland Libraries app.

Online learning is also available on a huge range of topics via Auckland Libraries using Lynda.com – a database offering video courses and tutorials on software, technology, creative and business skills. There are over 5800 courses and 260,000 tutorials for users of any skill level. Apart from all these amazing digital services, local librarians can help you to create a CV, an email address or research your family history. Libraries run classes on how to use eBooks, get the most out of your digital device and internet safety. There are Minecraft clubs for kids, online homework help from a real live librarian at anyquestions.govt.nz, digital databases, online exhibitions and family history resources.

To access all these digital resources (and many more) get your library card by visiting any local library with photo ID and proof of your address. Come in and check out our digital services, give us a call to ‘Book a Librarian’ or follow your library on Facebook to find out more.

(This is the final column in this series on the library service’s digital resources).