For those looking for entertainment while the Greenfield Public Library is closed to the public, just a reminder that items can be downloaded for free using the library’s links to services like Hoopla and Kanopy. The library also offers downloads of many current magazines from its website, for free using the library’s Overdrive subscription. While there are limits on how many items can be downloaded through Hoopla and Kanopy (believe it’s 10 per month per library card), the magazines (there are dozens) do not count against limits — maybe just during the current emergency.
You can also request “push” notification via email from the library, which uses a service called ”Wowbrary,” listing and describing new materials. While it’s frustrating because there’s no way to get your hands on the physical books, CDs, and DVDs, it also lists materials that can be downloaded or read online. Today’s Wowbrary included the magazine “Poets & Writers,” with this month’s cover story being about Writing Contests (https://cwmars.overdrive.com/cwmars-greenfield/magazines/media/5392766).
Call the library if you have questions; although the building isn’t open to the public, there are still staff answering phone questions. They also have a new blog (https://gplibraryma.wordpress.com/) that lists even more ways to make it through this social distancing until we can walk back through their doors.
BTW, it’s National Library Week, April 19-25. (http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/presskits/nlw ).
Viva biblioteca!
Bob Williford
Retired Greenfield librarian