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Library Update

Mrs C Walker —

Although libraries are closed during the lockdown period, that doesn't mean you can't access reading material! There are lots of great options for sourcing recreational reading, free of charge. The best and biggest source of electronic material is Christchurch City Libraries.

CHRISTCHURCH CITY LIBRARIES

If you are a Christchurch resident it is free to join Christchurch City Libraries and access their eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines. Go to their website https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com, then go to the 'join the library' button on the home page. Select the youth membership category. Once you have completed the sign-up process, you can access eResources immediately. Your temporary library number can be used as a username, then you will need to create a password to log in. You don't need to physically go to a branch to show ID for three months.

To access eResources for Teens, go to the drop-down at the top of the page. Select 'For Teens', which will take you directly to eResources tailored especially for youth, including:

  • OverDrive for Teens: Free eBook and downloadable eAudiobook collection containing thousands of fiction and nonfiction titles for teens.
  • Borrowbox: includes downloadable MP3 fiction and nonfiction audiobooks for teens.
  • RBDigital Comics: Top comic and graphic novels titles from major brands including Marvel.
  • RBDigital Magazines: Hundreds of eMagazines including many popular New Zealand titles on wide range of subjects.

There are also homework and study eResources as well as reading suggestion resources. You do need to set up your device to access these resources for the first time. Help and instructions can be found under the eResources drop-down - select the eResource you are interested in under 'Featured' to find out how to set up and use each type of resource. If you get stuck, there is a good 'eResources FAQs' under 'Essentials' in the eResource drop-down. You can also use 'Liveonline' to have an online chat to a librarian who can talk you through the process.

BITS

Bits is a really useful reading site which is full of listen and read-along audiobooks, novellas, short stories, high interest non-fiction, articles and songs. The great thing about this site is that the selected stories aren't all classics - there is a large variety of authors and genres and the listen and read-along at the same time is a fabulous feature, especially for reluctant and struggling readers. There is a substantial number of novellas and short stories which might be a good entry point, and less intimidating and time-consuming than diving straight into a full length novel.

Bits can be accessed at http://esl-bits.net/

OTHER SOURCES

Happy reading!