Here in Minnesota, we usually only shut things down for really bad weather. Of course, our definition of “bad” is probably worse than many folks. Now we find ourselves in an unforeseen situation where we are facing isolation both self-imposed and not. If you start to get that “I can’t stand to be cooped up” itch, then be rest assured, the library can still keep you connected. Even though our building is physically closed, the library still provides access to so many amazing resources. Many are available online, but some also have a mobile app that allows you to download content onto your device and read or listen anywhere–no internet required.

I should start by saying that you don’t have to worry about your currently checked out physical items. Please hold on to them until we re-open. If you have a hold waiting at the library, we will still have it on our hold shelf for when we re-open. Our system will automatically renew your checked out items up to six times, and with our fine-free policy, we won’t be charging you if they are late. On the bright side, the library’s electronic resources were always fine free. Here are just a few of them.

• Our Overdrive collection has over 7,500 ebooks and 2,500 eaudiobooks available for checkout. You can check out 5 items at a time, keep them for 3 weeks, and manually renew them twice if there are no holds on them. Better yet, you also don’t have to remember to return them because they will automatically return even if you download them to the bookshelf in Overdrive’s user-friendly app Libby. We have ebooks and eaudio for all ages.

• Have you heard of Biblioboard? In Ebooks Minnesota, which you can find through our website, you gain access to tens of thousands of books, images, and other content housed by Biblioboard. They have an app as well, but you don’t need to check out items. You can look at as much content as you like and keep it just as long, thanks to Biblioboard’s licensing structure. Feel free to explore many items at your own pace tailored for Minnesota with fiction, non-fiction, and educational content for K-12.

If you have any technical issues with an app, or even if you would like some help navigating our resources, you can still give us a call between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, while our building is still closed to the public. As librarians, we’re happy to point you in the right direction.