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'I Don't Want to Wash My Hands' kicks off Newmarket library's virtual story time

Newmarket Public Library will continue to offer new online programming options for children and adults as the COVID-19 pandemic closure continues
2020-04-05 Newmarket Public Library virtual story time
Supplied photo/Newmarket Public Library

During this time of social distancing, the library is working to provide residents with virtual programming. The first of these is up and running now: a story time for children.

Children’s librarian Vineeta invites young ones to listen and read along as she reads the book, I Don’t Want To Wash My Hands by Tony Ross.

“It’s the first title that came to mind for conveying the importance of hand washing to young children,” says Susan Hoffman, head of Children’s Services. “It’s an entertaining book with a message that is appropriate for the times we’re in right now.”

You can share this virtual story time with the kids through the library’s Facebook account. And look for more story times in the coming weeks.

“These are unprecedented times and library staff are focusing our efforts on finding ways that continue to engage our community online,” says Todd Kyle, the library’s CEO. “In addition to more online story times, we are looking into providing other types of virtual programming. We will also continue to inform everyone whenever access to our online resources is increased or extended.” 

While the library is closed until May 4, its Online Library is still available to all residents. With eBooks, eAudiobooks, eLearning, eVideos and more, you’ll find a wealth of resources to help you pass the time at home.

Some of the library’s online resources offering increased access during this time:

Ancestry Library Edition
Your library card now gives you free remote access to one of the most popular online genealogy resources until April 30, 2020. When you login to your account look for the link on the bottom right side of your page to access this database.

Freegal music streaming
Listening to music is a great way to take your mind off things during these uncertain times. From now until Sept. 30, 2020, the library’s Freegal music service has temporarily increased streaming from 3 hours a day to 24 hours a day. Freegal has over 10 million songs, as well as thousands of music videos. Look for Freegal in our Online Library under eMusic.

PebbleGo children’s research
A great resource for children, PebbleGo is now offering free access until May 31 on all of its content. This includes modules for children in kindergarten to grade three on topics such as animals, science, dinosaurs, and more. Content for children in grades 5 to 8 that includes science, biographies and social studies. And its Read More companion audiobooks for both the science and animals modules. Find PebbleGo in our Online Library under Kid’s Online Library, eResearch.

Library staff are available to help with online resources every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions, use the AskNPL link at the top right of the library’s homepage, text 905-769-0433, or email [email protected].

— This article is contributed by Lorne Chase, marketing and communications coordinator at Newmarket Public Library.