music, and movies are all at your fingertips.
You might be thinking, “ That ’ s well and good, but my paid subscriptions give me convenient access to new content anywhere, free library services can ’ t do that. ” “ Balderdash, ” is my reply. I ’ ve made these resources as much a part of my daily routine as any streaming service I ’ ve ever used. In fact, I look forward to listening to audiobooks on my morning commute, which conveniently syncs with Apple CarPlay (I expect it works for Android Auto as well) and functions just like any other service. There is occasionally a need to reset the apps (speaking primary of hoopla and Libby) before driving that I don ’ t experience with some others like Spotify or Pandora. I expect the reluctance to auto - start has something to do with revalidating my library membership, which may only carry so long in the digital world (or it ’ s something else entirely that only impacts me, who knows?). Regardless, this minor hiccup is drastically outweighed by the fact that it ’ s FREE. In the words of the Blues Brothers (covering a song by the Chips), “ What do you want for nothing - a rubber biscuit ”?
However, it ’ s no rubber biscuit, it ’ s more like a hearty breakfast. Another hot tip (if my friends in the Library don ’ t mind my saying so) is that using these apps serves as a workaround to the aforementioned initial checkout limit. Each app provides approximately ten borrowing options over a set timeframe. These go far beyond books, and are not limited to your phone or tablet. In my experience hoopla, at least, has an application available through Roku which allows streaming of available video titles. Others probably do as well. In this way, I was able to access and watch such classics as “3 Ninjas ” and “ The Little Vampire ” on a full TV screen from the comfort of my couch! In truth, I still haven ’ t even begun to explore the range of activities now available to me. I ’ ve glanced through some of the continuing education classes available through Universal Class, but haven ’ t taken a course as of writing this article. Other resources, like journal and magazine access through Ebsco or how - to videos through Craft & Hobby are on the docket for my future exploration, but that still only scratches the surface. Going even further, the Library hosts regular programs for all ages preschooler to adult. Examples include craft activities, author events (both virtual and in - person), and those that encourage reading, like the bingo program which grabbed my attention. Learn more about these at www.ocplva.org/events. If you haven ’ t gotten your library card, take my advice and do so. Visit any of the three convenient library locations to start the process. Winter is here, and it ’ s the perfect time to enjoy a good book or a classic
movie. Still need motivating? The Library will begin their next adult reading program in January. Participants (18+) simply read books on their reading level and are rewarded with small prizes. They are also entered for a chance to win grand prizes including a TV, perfect for watching “3 Ninjas ” on hoopla for the tenth time! Learn more about the Orange County Public Library system on their website: www.ocplva.org, or call your nearest branch at one of these numbers:
Main (Orange): (540) 672 - 3811 Wilderness: (540) 661 - 5434 Gordonsville: (540) 832 - 0712
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