So you want to read something, anything new and different and interesting, but you don’t think you can because the libraries are closed and you can’t access them. Well I have news for you. There are many services and outlets, including your library, that offer electronic options for reading and research.

I would first point you to your neighbourhood library. You can sign up for a library card online at both the Coqutilam Public Library and Port Moody Library to access their vast ebook and audio book collection. With a library card, you can also access many other online services that the libraries offer as well, such as Lynda.com for instructional videos.

Speaking of libraries, you can still access your school library’s catalogue by logging in with your district username and password. While we don’t have the selection of ebook offers the public libraries do, we have plenty of databases and magazines that you can browse through.

Tumble Books Library and TeenBookCloud are browser based reading repositories, meaning you can browse, select and then read your choice within your internet browser. While the links here are direct links and no login or account is required, this trial may end with the Covid-19 isolation is lifted. Both or some variation of them are offered through the public libraries as well, so there will always be the option for access.

Follett (the same folks that provide our library management system) have opened up their ebook collection during the pandemic. Press GO (with Follett eLearning, McHenry, IL selected), then click on Login in top right corner. It is free, but requires a username: guest and password: follett. They boast a large selection of ebooks, interactive and audio resources, educational and otherwise.

If words on a page aren’t your thing, then the grandparent of audio books is offering a trial account that will require a log in. Audible‘s audio book collection is huge, but with the trial you will have to finish listening to the book before your trial is up. If you find that audio books are your thing, a reminder that LibriVox has a huge, volunteer read collection of public domain materials to download and listen to.

There, that is plenty of resources that will keep you read through the crisis and maybe beyond. I know that audio books have become increasingly popular are people are listening to books on walks, their way to work and while around the house.

I hope the selection and variation is broad enough that it helps you find material that will work for you and your situation.

A very special thank you to Ms. Bourbonnais from Aspenwood Elementary for compiling the original list!