PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5 May 2020
For more information, contact Director Dan Hutchins, 269.423.4771, ext 4103; dhutchins@vbdl.org
VBDL UPDATE
DECATUR, MICHIGAN – – – – The Board, Administration and Staff of Van Buren District Library, extend a heartfelt thank you to its patrons for their patience, understanding and cooperation while the library is closed. In keeping with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order issued Thursday, April 30, all seven VBDL locations will remain closed through May 28.
Patrons are reminded that even though the library’s doors are closed, the District continues to offer a variety of online avenues for individuals and families to access materials. The number of monthly checkouts of music, movies, ebooks, TV shows, and audiobooks from Hoopla has been increased from 10 to 20. Researchers with valid VBDL cards can access the library edition of Ancestry.com from home after logging into their library account. Story Time and craft classes continue each week on Facebook and YouTube. Audiobooks and eBooks are available through Overdrive and the Libby App.
Students who need help with homework or end-of-year projects have access to professional, live tutors by accessing The Princeton Review Online Tutoring Center available through VBDL.org’s eLibrary. The site provides schoolwork assistance in almost every subject. Students can upload papers for review, take advantage of practice quizzes and worksheets, prepare for tests, such as the SAT/ACT, and AP tests. Jobseekers are encouraged to use the Online Tutoring Center as a portal to career coaches, résumé reviews and online job resources.
While requesting books through MeLCat has been suspended, the MeL Databases continue to provide research sources for students of all ages and the just plain curious. Students in K-5 have access to Explora for Elementary Schools, World Book Early Learning, Britannica School Elementary and much more. Students in upper grades can take advantage of the Learning Express Library, which offers help with social studies, match, science and English Language Arts skills.
Patrons interested in learning a new language or brushing-up old skills can use Rocket Languages for free instruction in Spanish, French, Russian, Italian, Sign Language and more.
The District is pleased to announce a modified summer reading program will be offered May 26 through August 15. In lieu of traditional face-to-face programs, VBDL staff are developing a series of projects and online events designed to keep patrons of all ages entertained and engaged throughout the summer.
According to Library Director Dan Hutchins, once VBDL is given the green light to circulate materials, the library has a comprehensive plan in place that assures both the safety and comfort of patrons and staff.
The District currently offers online application for temporary library cards at VBDL.org. For information about an existing account or general questions, email info@vbdl.org.
Van Buren District Library is headquartered in Decatur with branches in Bangor, Bloomingdale, Covert, Gobles, Lawrence and Mattawan.
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