Social Distancing With Library Resources

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During these uncertain times, it is easy to feel like going to the park or the library, or even the grocery store is a luxury. If we aren’t frantically sanitizing every surface, we are frantically planning what we can for the next month. Schools are closed, travel is stopping, and we feel like we have to hunker down in our homes with whatever supplies we have already collected. 

As someone with a small child, it can be stressful to think that we could be sitting at home rewatching every episode of Sesame Street and reading the same book over and over. But how do I go out and get more books or movies with limited money and even more limited social interaction?

Here are three different ways I’ll be using my free library resources without even walking in the door. 

Hoopla For Kid-Friendly TV Series and Movies

Hoopla is a service that Lexington County and Richland Library subscribe to that has tons of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and TV shows that families can access. There is a limit to how many items a person can check out each month, but it is always a great website and app to keep on hand. 

Audiobooks From Overdrive For Storytimes

When I have read through the same Daniel Tiger book for the twelfth time, I can get worn out from reading out loud. That is where Overdrive comes in. It is an app you can download that will give you access to your library’s ebooks and audiobooks.

You can turn on an audiobook while coloring, playing with puzzles or doing chores. This is a great way to limit screen time while using digital resources. For older kids, turn on an audiobook and have them illustrate along with the book. It’s a fun way to experience a new book together, without leaving the comfort of home. 

Tumble Books From the State Library for Interactive Books

The South Carolina State Library is another great resource offered to South Carolina residents. Tumble Books is an online database with interactive storybook videos. The books are read aloud and kids can follow along. This is a great resource for individuals with younger children who want to see the books being read to them. 

While nothing can replace the feeling of holding a physical book in your hand, sometimes exceptions have to be made. So if you are at home with young children, pull out your laptop, smartphone, or tablet and search through your library’s resources to see what you can find. As a community member, you can still support your local library without ever having to walk inside.

What are your favorite library resources?

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Kelsey Arender
Kelsey Arender is a Lexington native who fell in love with her work in libraries in 2012. Prior to her recent career change, you could find her at the public library's children department. Now, she happily works in a middle school library. On the weekends, Kelsey and her husband, William, enjoy watching reruns of their favorite TV shows, attending church, and reading with their one-year-old daughter. Kelsey's favorite things include endless mugs of coffee, cozy sweaters, rainy days, and laughing with friends. She may be an introvert but if you start a conversation about personality types, toddlers, or hygge, you'll make a fast friend. You can find her hanging on Instagram at @we_all_get_sleepy.

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