Use the Library from Home

Library Availability during COVID-19

Partially reopening for grab-and-go services, the Library is providing computer access, printing and copying, reference services, and item pick-up.

• Blake Library reopened on Monday, July 6
• Elisabeth Lahti Library in Indiantown reopened on Wednesday, September 9
• Hobe Sound Public Library reopened on Tuesday, September 1
• Hoke Library in Jensen Beach will partially reopen on Friday, September 4
• Peter & Julie Cummings Library reopened on Tuesday, August 11
• Robert Morgade Library reopened on Tuesday, August 11

For the health and safety of all visitors, face coverings are required and a limited number of patrons will be admitted at a time to allow for 6-foot social distancing. View current library hours.

While the library will close mid-day from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for cleaning, hold pick-up will still be available.The library is quarantining items and asks that all returns are put into the outside book drops.

Providing a Safe Environment

• Item quarantine: Returned items may remain on your account for up to four (4) days. If returned on time, overdue fines will not be charged when items are removed.
• Face-coverings are required
• Temperature checks are available upon request
• Six-foot distancing markers
• Hold pick-up
• Hand sanitizing stations
• Computer keyboard covers
• Midday closure for cleaning
• Online payments
• Increased airflow

Learn from Home

We have dozens on online resources available for free with your library card. For instance, access Ancestry.com, Lynda.com and Rosetta Stone!

Other activities to explore on the Web

Virtual Story Times – Live and Recorded:

• Michelle Obama: Live on Mondays at 12 p.m. in collaboration with PBS Kids on YouTube

• LeVar Burton: Live on Mondays at 12 p.m. via Twitter
• Brightly Storytime: Live at 2 p.m., a 5–10 min. picture book read-aloud on YouTube
• Snack & Read Live with Simon Kids: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., a 30-min. read-aloud from popular middle-grade authors like Emily Calendrelli (Ada Lace series) and Aaron Reynolds (Creepy Pair of Underwear!) via Facebook
• StoryLine Online: On-demand story time read by celebrities (most 5-10 minutes), including Oprah Winfrey, Rasheeda Jones, Chris Pine, and Rami Malek
• Storytime from Space: 15-20 minute stories read monthly by astronauts ... in space!

Crafts and Creative Activities:

• Lunchtime Doodles: A 30 minute art lesson with Mo Willems (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus)

• Arts Learning Lab @Home: Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m., art/creativity lessons taught by professional artists in English and Spanish (RSVP required, through the end of the school year).
• Dav Pilkey at Home : Website includes weekly videos and activities from Dav Pilkey, creator of the Captain Underpants and Dog-Man graphic novel series.
• Capstone Publishers: Dozens of original activities, including origami, drawing, crafts, reading, STEAM, and 10-minute Maker ideas.

Movement and Mindfulness Activities:

• Play at Home: Recess and movement activities, weekdays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. via Facebook.

• PE with Joe: A 30 minute exercise class for kids, weekdays at 9 a.m. via YouTube.
• GoNoodle: Movement and mindfulness activities in English and Spanish.

Teens:

• Harry Potter at Home: HP-themed activities, quizzes, and spells!

• Talk About Real Things: A 15-minute livestream for teens about mental health. Weekdays at 7 p.m.
• Levar Burton: Live reading of a YA books on Wednesdays at 3 p.m.

Selfcare Resources:

• Life’s Little Lessons: Daniel Tiger-themed resources designed for early childhood emotional learning.

• Centervention: Social emotional learning activities for elementary and middle school children.
• Calm.com: Variety of meditation prompts, activities, and music.
• Kindness Resources: Ideas, activities, and resources to practice kindness to yourself.

STEAM Activities:

• Live weather lessons with WPTV: Thursdays at 1 p.m. via Facebook.

• Science fun with Mr. Peter: Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. (live only, registration required).
• Capstone Publishers: Dozens of original activities, including origami, drawing, crafts, reading, STEAM, and 10-minute Maker ideas.
• Apollo 13: Experience or relive the realtime mission experience, 50 years later.

Cooking Demonstrations and Lessons:

• America’s Test Kitchen Young Chef Club: Kitchen-based activities, including recipes, tutorials, and art.

• Kids + Parents Cooking Class: Kid-friendly recipes taught by chefs at Delish.
• Massimo Bottura: Michelin-starred chef of Gucci’s Osteria restaurant in LA has launched adult cooking demonstrations & lessons on his Instagram account.

Kids Entertainers We Love:

• Laurie Berkner Band: Pre-recorded videos on Facebook

• Kimbo: Five free downloads of classic singalong songs.

Educational Resources for Crisis Schooling:

• Khan Academy: Recommended remote learning schedule organized by grade, pre-K to Grade 12.

• The Institution of Engineering and Technology: Educational STEM lessons, ages 5-11.
• The Institution of Engineering and Technology: Educational STEM lessons, ages 11-17.
• Ebsco Resources: AP and ACT Study Guides (free until June 30, 2020).
• Ebsco Resources: GED Test Prep (free until June 30, 2020).
• Learn to type on a keyboard: Free typing lessons.
• PBS Parents: Support your child during a very different school year.

Cultural Experiences:

• National Museum of Natural History: Virtual tours of permanent and temporary exhibits.

• Metropolitan Museum of Art: Online exhibits of over 5000 years of art.
• Ellis Island: A virtual video tour of Ellis Island with commentary by park rangers.

• The Louvre Museum in Paris, France: View virtual exhibits, no translator required!

• Google Arts & Culture: A starting point to explore art, based on medium, movement, and more!
• 10 Incredible Libraries Around the World: Yes, we are biased (but they are missing one).

Zoos, Aquariums, and Nature:

• National Zoo Webcams: You can watch elephants, giant pandas, baby cheetahs, and more.

• Atlanta Zoo Panda Cam: Take a peek at panda twins, Ya (Elgant) Lun and Xi (Happy) Lun, and their mom Lun Lun
• San Diego Zoo webcams: Watch penguins, giraffes, tigers, and more, with related games and activities.
• Georgia Aquarium webcams: Starting with the Ocean Voyager cam to see the whale sharks.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium: Jelly-cam; it’s as relaxing as it sounds.
• Maritime Aquarium: Live virtual programs for families. Registration required.
• Explore.org webcams: See a variety of facilities around the world or look for a specific animal.
• Nature.org Virtual outdoor activities highlighting locations across the world.
• Gardiner webinars: Every Wednesday at 12pm, the ELA will host garden walks, discussions, and share tips.
• Great Barrier Reef: Swim through the GBR with the help of several videos narrated by David Attenborough.