The local library is a wonderful resource for the public. With its focus on literacy enhancement by making books, periodicals, reference material, and technology accessible, the library’s ability to reach both young and old should not be ignored. You’ll find services ranging from Baby and Toddler Storytime to a Female Leadership Speaker Series and “Rhyme On,” an adult poetry writing contest. 

The Loudoun County Public Library branches provide an opportunity for anyone to develop new skills, explore interests, or connect with others. Read on to learn about the services and resources available at the Loudoun County Public Library in Ashburn.

Enroll and Gain Community

For access to the online resources and in-person services offered by the LCPL in Ashburn, you need a library card. Getting one is easy, quick, and free! You only need some basic information, such as your name and address, to benefit from the many services and opportunities offered at the Ashburn library branch. Begin the process by filling out a simple online form. 

Be Efficient and Connect with Apps

“apps” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by Sean MacEntee

The Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL) in Ashburn has many apps available for patrons. Apps make the online services the library system offers convenient to access on your mobile phone or other devices, such as tablets or iPads. 

For music lovers, Freegal is available. Through the use of this app and support of your local library, you have unlimited music streaming and the ability to download up to five songs per week. 

Hoopla is another app provided by the Loudoun County Public Library that offers patrons access to download music, in addition to e-books, audiobooks, movies, and TV shows. 

For avid readers of fiction and non-fiction alike, Overdrive and Overdrive E-Mag allows registered library patrons access to thousands of popular e-books, e-audiobooks, and magazines. Whether you are out and about, waiting in a doctor’s office, picking up the kids from a soccer game, or sitting at cozy at home, these available apps give you access to entertaining and informative reading that fits your mood and life. For the little ones, Kanopy offers over 30,000 kids’ shows, courses, and movies to keep young minds entertained and engaged.

While some apps are for recreation, you can use others to enhance your hard skills and build your resume. Use Mango Languages to learn any of 60-plus languages offered. And LinkedIn Learning has over 60,000 online courses for you to learn or hone in-demand skills and enhance your professional resume. All you need to get started is your library card!

Learning for Young Minds

Especially for toddlers, it’s difficult to find a consistent, safe, and affordable environment for them to build social skills through exploratory and imaginative play. The Ashburn branch local library is a wonderful resource to help parents provide opportunities for children to socialize and build relationships. Some services, currently available online until further notice, are the weekly Toddler Storytime and special learning programs such as Walking Rainbow. 

Storytime for toddlers supports literacy from an early age by introducing children to a diverse selection of age-appropriate literature read to them by library staff. A guided craft related to the theme of the book and using materials that can be found at home usually accompany books. For the slightly older children, learning programs such as mini-lessons introduce kids to topics related to science or other engaging subject matter. Walking Rainbow is an example of how using simple items like glasses of water, food coloring, and paper towels, little ones can explore how water moves and the primary colors mix.  

Keep Teens in Touch

For teens that are attending classes remotely or in-person, the library’s Online Learning Hub offers a slew of resources to help enhance the learning experience and support parents, teachers, and young learners by offering study aids, STEAM-powered learning courses, and AP and SAT test prep material. For creative teens, Loudoun County Public Library is featuring “Find Your Voice Through Poetry,” an outlet that encourages teens to celebrate poetry appreciation month and express themselves using the written word. 

Some teens prefer to communicate with fewer words. For teens who prefer self-expression through images, consider “How to Paint With Light,” a short instructional video available to help teens find a creative outlet using just their phone’s camera and a simple flashlight. Other mini-courses, such as DIY Cloud Lamps and Dream and Affirmation Jars, keep developing minds engaged and challenged when not focused on schoolwork. 

Informing and Enhancing Adult Living

Adults of all ages can find something to help enhance life or just make things a little easier. To help you be an informed buyer, check out the Consumer Reports option that provides ratings, reviews, and buying advice for thousands of products and services so you can be sure you’re making a quality purchase. Or, relax, de-stress, and enjoy a cup of tea while streaming music free to your device in the genre of your choosing from a collection of over 15 million songs. 

Visit the Ashburn location for your printing needs at 10 cents per page. Other in-person resources are an on-site notary, 3D printing capabilities, and librarian assistance in helping you find that specific book or resource. Call ahead for details or to reserve a 3D printing session as time slots are limited. 

For the elderly who cannot get to our library for books, we offer Books by Mail or Senior Services. Both these options aim to help those who are physically unable to access our material by bringing the library to them. For details on these services, check out the library website. 

Our community is filled with quality resources and teeming with new experiences for every member. The Loudoun County Public Library in Ashburn is a great starting point to help you learn more about your interests, take up a new hobby, help your children grow, and build strong bonds with other community members. 

Check out Crème de la Crème of Port Potomac for another engaging environment for children and daycare, childcare, and preschool services to fit your needs. Contact us for information regarding our engaging curriculum, afterschool services, or to schedule a tour. Meanwhile, whether it is virtually or in-person, enjoy your next visit to our Loudoun County Public Library in Ashburn!