By JEN BOUTIN

BCPL 

Due to the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, area schools have closed for the next few weeks. Based on the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Library Association, the Boyle County Public Library (BCPL) has decided to cancel all of its scheduled events through April 3. 

Essential library services — such as materials check out, internet access, and public computer access — will continue during this time. The library will remain open during its regular operating hours, and staff will clean all items and high-use surfaces with CDC-approved germicide preparations. 

To make things easier for library patrons, the library is implementing some temporary policy changes. The library is increasing the circulation periods for materials. DVDs will now have a 14-day checkout period. All other media, such as books and magazines, will now have a 28-day checkout period. In addition, no overdue fines will accrue through the end of April. 

Patrons can check out up to 35 items at a time (with a limit of three DVDs), and have access to the library’s extensive online collection. Thousands of books, audiobooks, and magazines can be accessed through the library’s website www.BoylePubLib.org/emedia. Patrons just need to have an active library card to set up their online account. 

OverDrive is provided by Kentucky Libraries Unbound, a consortium of 96 Kentucky libraries that gives their patrons 24/7 access to a growing collection of digital media, all of which can be checked out free of charge. At the end of the lending period, digital checkouts are automatically returned to the library’s catalog, so there are never any late fees. A hold can be placed on the item, and when it becomes available, an email is automatically sent to the person requesting the title.

Library card holders can go directly to kyunbound.lib.overdrive.com to browse the online collection and download the Libby app. BCPL cardholders have immediate access to a collection of eBooks & eAudiobooks from Kentucky Libraries Unbound and may download up to 12 titles at one time. Items may be downloaded to personal computers and to selected portable devices (tablets, eReaders and smart phones).

In addition to the online library collection, there are numerous resources available through the library’s website that students and parents may find helpful. Here is a look at some of the homework help and test prep resources available at www.BoylePubLib.org/online-resources :

Tutor.com is an online resource for students offering live tutoring, test prep and homework help. Students (and parents) can get help for any kind of academic question in math, science, English, social studies, and writing. The tutors work with students in kindergarten through 12th  grade, including AP-level class work and intro-level college coursework. 

Connecting with a tutor is easy. Patrons just need a library card and a computer or mobile device with internet access. Tutor.com is available to the public for free through the library’s website with a library card. Students without a library card who attend Danville Independent or Boyle County schools can access Tutor.com through the library’s website by using their STACK ID number. Call the library for more information about using the STACK ID. 

EBSCO LearningExpress is a resource provided by the library and is available through Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL). The Learning Express Library™ offers help with test prep and skill building through the following centers:

• School Center: Skill-building resources for classroom and homework success. For Elementary, Middle, and High School.
• College Admission Test Preparation: Prepare for important exams like the ACT®, SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT®, AP® tests, and more.
• College Students: Achieve undergraduate goals and prepare for future success. Review math, reading, grammar, writing, and science skills. Prepare for graduate school admissions exams, college placement exams, and CLEP® exams.
• Computer Skills Center: Watch video courses to learn popular software and computer basics (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).

Khan Academy is another free resource available from anywhere and can be accessed through the library’s website. It has expert-created content and resources for every course and level. 

Duolingo is a free language education platform, offering courses for more than 30 distinct languages. It is built to feel like a game and is completely interactive. Lessons include reading, writing, and speaking exercises. Duolingo can be accessed from anywhere and through the library’s website. 

Patrons with any questions on how to access resources from Overdrive, Tutor.com, and EBSCO LearningExpress remotely may call the library at 859-238-7323 or email library@boylepublib.org for assistance.