Category: Resources

A collection of posts about resources that the library can offer or has put together to help you. Find anything from resume tips to finding new books from your favorite author.

Resources

A collection of posts about resources that the library can offer or has put together to help you. Find anything from resume tips to finding new books from your favorite author.

Computers 101 with Olivia!

Posted on by Olivia

Do computers have you stumped? Not to fear, the library is here! Come learn the basics of computer use with Olivia at the Local History Library at the Depot on March 29th @ 5:30 pm.

This is a judgment-free program where all levels of computer skills are welcome. We will be starting with how to use the mouse and keyboard and how to log in to a computer. We will be learning important terms as well to improve your technology literacy. This program is recommended for seniors, but all adults are welcome to attend.

We recommend registering for this program in advance by calling 812-926-0646. We look forward to seeing you there! Check out these titles below for DIY computer skills!

Replacing OverDrive with Libby

Posted on by Jamie

You may have heard the news by now that OverDrive, Inc. has decided to discontinue the OverDrive app in 2023. You may be wondering, “What does this mean for me? I love having free eBook access from the library!” Have no fear! OverDrive, Inc. has a second library app called Libby that will give you all the same access to the library’s eBook and audio book collection with a more user friendly app experience! Libby is made by the same people, with the same goal of connecting you to your library and to your favorite books, audiobooks, and magazines. Staff from the Aurora Public Library District will be with you every step of the transition. Feel free to give us a call at 812-926-0646 with any questions or stop into the Aurora or Dillsboro Branch with your device for in-person help with the new app. Make the switch soon because the OverDrive app will be completely discontinued by the end of April 2023.

FAQs

Why is the OverDrive app being discontinued?

OverDrive, Inc. has decided to focus their efforts on Libby and providing the best reading experience in one app. Unfortunately this is beyond the Library’s control.

Can I use Libby with my Kindle Fire?

Yes! You can sideload the app on your Kindle Fire tablet. Sideloading apps from sources you trust is safe and easy. Follow these instructions from Libby to sideload the app on your Kindle Fire.

What devices can I use with Libby?

You can download the Libby app on your mobile device or use Libby in your computer’s web browser.

You can download Libby on:

-iOS 10+ (get it from the Apple App Store)

-Android 5.0+ (get it on Google Play)

-Fire OS 5+ (get it directly from OverDrive Inc, the developers of Libby)

If you have a Windows computer, Mac computer, or a Chromebook, you can use Libby in your web browser at libbyapp.com. We suggest using the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.

How do I sign in?

When you open Libby for the first time, follow the prompts to find our library and sign in with your library card and pin number. Make sure you choose the Aurora Public Library in Indiana and not Colorado or Illinois. It will say Indiana Digital Library. If you don’t have a pin number or do not remember it please give us a call so we can set one up for you.

Will my current loans and holds carry over to Libby?

Yes, your current loans and holds from the OverDrive app will be added to Libby as soon as you add your library card.

Note: Reading progress and bookmarks from the OverDrive app won’t sync to Libby when you switch. You may want to finish your current loans before switching or make a note of your progress and manually pick up where you left off in Libby.

How do I navigate the app?

Using the icons in the footer, you can:

-Tap search to search for titles.

-Tap Library to open the library collection you were most recently browsing.

-Tap shelf to see your loans, holds, and tags for all your libraries.

-Tap timeline to see your timeline.

Check out Libby’s FAQ page for more frequently asked questions.

Shelter Available

Posted on by Olivia

 

Due to impending inclement weather and extreme cold in the coming days, the Aurora Fire Department is providing public shelter at the fire station at the top of Trester Hill at 5950 Dutch Hollow Road, Aurora IN, 47001. If you have any questions or concerns, the non-emergency line for the fire department is 812-926-1122.

We hope you and yours stay safe and warm this holiday season.

Please scan the QR code below to get directions to the fire station from the Aurora Public Library.

Stream with your Library!

Posted on by Olivia

The Aurora Public Library District is thrilled to announce the introduction of the streaming service, Kanopy, to our patrons. Kanopy is a unique streaming service for libraries, universities, and other information institutions that provides users with access to thousands of classic films, documentaries, television shows, and children’s material. Now YOU have free access to this resource using your library card.

Want to stream today? Let’s get started!

  1. Make sure you have a pin set up on your library account. If you do not have a pin on your account, please call the library at 812-926-0646 or visit us to get one set up.
  2. Visit https://www.kanopy.com/en/eapld and click “Log In” in the top right corner of the screen. Then click on “Don’t have an account yet?”
  3. Select that you have a public library card, then search for “Aurora Public Library District”.
  4. Now you should be able to enter your library card and pin to log in. The site will prompt you to create an account tied to email.
  5. You’re ready to stream!

After you’ve logged in, you can browse all selections available to you at the moment. The collections rotate over time, so make sure to watch what you want as soon as you can! See something you like but aren’t ready to watch just yet? You can add the movie or show to your watchlist by selecting the title and clicking “Add to my Watchlist”.

Kanopy also has a wonderful selection of television shows, films, learning tools, and story read-alongs in their Kids section, which you can find in the top right of the home screen after logging in. From here, you can make lists and set parental controls to keep your children safe.

So, let’s get streaming! Questions or concerns? All library assistants at the Aurora Public Library District have been trained on Kanopy and are ready to help. Just come in and ask or give us a call at 812-926-0646.

Where Do I Find…

Posted on by Jamie

You may have noticed some changes to our website recently. That’s because we’re in the process of a revamp! This will be an ongoing project, so it may look a little different every time you use it. While theses changes are being made, if you are having trouble finding something, always check the green menu all the way at the bottom of the page. That’s where we will be keeping all our important links (like Online Resources, Services, and Program) until the website is finished and they have permanent locations. You can also use the search bar in the top right hand corner. Just be sure to change the selection from “The Online Catalog” to “The Library.” If you have any questions or need help finding something you can always give us a call at 812-926-0646.

Finding Things at Your Library

Posted on by Olivia

Have you been intimidated by finding things at your library? Do you want to know more about what services your library can offer you? Come to our Library Scavenger Hunt to become more familiar with where you might find things at your library. You will be able to work as a group to find your way through the library and you will leave an Expert Library Patron!

Winning patrons will receive awesome library swag!

Monday, Sept. 12 APL 2 pm
Thursday, Sept. 15 DPL 4 pm

FREE Student Success Webinars!

Posted on by Olivia

This February, Tutor.com is offering three FREE student success webinars! Read below to find out each webinar’s theme and use the links to sign up today!

Friday, February 4th at 12:00 pm: Overcoming Test Anxiety – Register HERE

Friday, February 11th at 12:00 pm: Collaboration and Teamwork – Register HERE

Friday, February 18th at 12:00 pm: Critical Thinking and Research Skills – Register HERE

Aren’t available at that time to watch? If you sign up for the webinar, a video of the recorded session will be sent to your email after the session ends.

Did you know that you have access to no-cost 1-to-1 online tutoring, resume and cover letter review, and other learning resources through the Aurora Public Library District? Check out all the great services that Tutor.com can offer YOU by visiting our Online Resources page on our website or click here. Happy learning!

The #BigLibraryRead with Overdrive and Libby!

Posted on by Olivia

Check out November’s Big Library Read! This virtual book club run by Overdrive allows thousands of library patrons like you to check out the same e-book at the same time without any holds or wait lists!

This November, join thousands of other Overdrive and Libby users as we read Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards together! This wild, heart-pounding thriller is sure to keep those (virtual) pages turning. So, cozy up with a new book as the weather gets colder and get reading! Use the hashtag #BigLibraryRead on social media for a chance to win Libby swag, a tablet, and signed books by the author!

If you are new to Overdrive or Libby and would like assistance in setting up your account, please contact the Aurora or Dillsboro Public Libraries or speak to a librarian. We’re here to help!

New on Novelist!

Posted on by Peggy

The eternal question: what to read next! We love to make book recommendations, but if the library is closed, there’s a great resource that you can access through our library website. We’ve recently moved our Reading Online Resources closer to the top of the list at: https://eapld.org/online-resources/. Just click on Novelist or Novelist K-8 (for children’s books). Type in a title or an author to find reading suggestions for books that are similar in subject, tone, or pacing.

The Aurora Public Library District has recently upgraded to a more robust version of Novelist that provides access to all of the Novelist features directly through our online catalog. Just do a catalog search for a book you enjoyed. Select the book title from the search results , and then look for the “Related” link on the left side of the page. Here’s what my screen looked like when I searched the online catalog for the book An American Marriage.

As you can see, Novelist suggested similar titles and similar authors. Scrolling down further will show a tab with Story Elements. By clicking on the elements that you enjoy, you may find additional titles. Here I selected Character-driven, Domestic Fiction, and Southern Fiction.

Scrolling down more will show both book reviews and awards won by the book. Another way you can use Novelist is to determine the order of books in a series. You can do this directly from Novelist, but if the book you are reading is part of a series, you can also grab this information from the Novelist input to the catalog. For example, if I have started the Louise Penny books, but don’t know which book comes after A Great Reckoning, I can search for that title, click on the Related tab, and all the books in the series will be shown in order. You can see that in the image below.

Play around with Novelist through the direct link and also within the online catalog. I bet you’ll find some great new books to enjoy! As always, if you need help with this resource, just ask one of the Library staff.