The Warrenville Public Library has over 30,000 square feet of books and activities in its Stafford Place location. It’s a member of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System, which gives library cardholders access to books and media from other libraries around the state. But this local library provides residents of Warrenville and surrounding towns with more than just books — it has many different programs and resources for kids and adults, and you can access them either online or by coming in person. Here are some of the ways you can take advantage of all it has to offer.

Expert Librarians

Are you curious about everything the library has, but you’re unsure of how to access it or where to find everything? The librarians at the Warrenville Public Library are here to help, and you can even schedule some one-on-one time with a librarian to learn all you need to know about the library. They can help you navigate the library’s digital resources, including how to access e-books, and discover all the different online courses. The librarians can also help you find books and show you all the services the library offers.

To get started, you need to be a Warrenville library cardholder. You can register at the desk or give the library a call.

Online Learning Resources

Warrenville Library cardholders have access to a number of different online databases with courses and tutorials. These are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You just need your library card number and a four-digit PIN. Some of the online resources include:

• Learning Express: This offers interactive tutorials to practice and improve basic skills in reading, math, and writing. It also provides practice tests for those who need to prepare for exams such as the SAT, GED, or ACT. If you need to study and prepare for a license or certification to begin or advance your career, this platform also has the resources to help.
• Tutor.com: This tutoring resource connects students in kindergarten through 12th grade and even college students to expert tutors. Whether students need help in social studies, math, or science, Tutor.com can help. There are also resources for live homework help that runs from 10 a.m. to midnight every day.  An Adult Learner section provides help to adults working toward their GED or who want to perfect their resume. 
• Lynda.com: Lynda.com offers thousands of video courses for adults looking to learn new skills. The courses are all taught by experts in their field, and you can find almost anything, including business skills, design, coding, and photography. This is an excellent resource if you want to get started in a new career or brush up on a skill to advance in your current career. Warrenville cardholders can access Lynda for free, even if it’s just for fun.
• Universal Class Library Edition: Universal Class uses real instructors to teach video-based lessons in almost anything. Choose classes in Arts and Music, Exercise and Fitness, Cooking, Computers, Job Assistance, Parenting and Family, Animal Care, and more. The classes are collaborative and have graded lessons and tests so students can achieve educational goals. Universal Class also offers certificates and Continuing Education Units for some courses.

Children’s Programs

Many kids love the library, and the Warrenville Public Library offers activities for kids of all ages. Family Storytime is a popular activity with stories, rhymes, and songs for the whole family to enjoy together, either in-person or virtually. Snuggle Up Storytime offers a recorded video of bedtime stories to help wind down at the end of the day. You just need your library card number and a PIN to register, and you can access the videos. 

Computer Services

Don’t have a computer at home? Just go to the library to use one of the 20 computers with internet access. Each one has Microsoft Office software and access to all of the library’s online databases. If you have a wireless device but no Wi-Fi, you can use the library’s wireless network, and if you don’t have a device, you can use your library card to check out a laptop or netbook to use while you’re at the library.

The library also has a printing station in the Adult Services department. It’s just $0.10 per side for black and white printing or $0.25 if you need to print in color. 

E-Books and E-Media

While checking out a book is the traditional way to read a library book, many readers now take advantage of digital media. Some options at this library include:

• Hoopla: Warrenville library cardholders have access to the Hoopla Digital mobile app for Android or iOS devices, which gives them access to thousands of e-books, videos, audiobooks, and more. The titles are all available 24 hours a day, and you can download them for instant access. The lending periods for Hoopla vary depending on the type of media. You can check out books, audiobooks, and comics for 21 days, music for seven days, and videos for three days.
• Overdrive: This service offers e-books and Kindle books for all ages, and they can also be accessed using your library card and PIN every day of the week.
• Biblioboard: If you’re interested in broadening your or your child’s historical knowledge, try Bibioboard, which provides a wide range of historical content anytime.

Programs On-Demand

Image via Flickr by librariesteam

The Warrenville library makes it easy for families to use resources when it is convenient for them with the On Demand programs. You can choose a day and time that works for you to view the content. Some of the On Demand programs include Storytimes with Miss Julie, STEAM Team, and Get Ready for Kindergarten. The DIY Storytimes provides a wide variety of subjects and listening resources from several different sites including OverDrive, TumbleBooks, and Hoopla.

We at Crème de la Crème Warrenville want you to get the most out of your local library. Did we miss your favorite library resource or service? Reach out and let us know so we can add it to our list. And if you get the chance to try any or all of these services, let us know which is your new favorite!