Warren-Trumbull library offers an array of services

Staff report

WARREN

The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, which has a main library and five branch locations, has also embraced new technologies as a way to serve residents.

The library website (wtcpl.org) is the main portal for accessing online materials. Residents can search for items in the library catalog, find answers to homework questions, and access digital content. Downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks are available through services the library subscribes to and can be accessed through a personal computer, tablet or mobile device. Continuing education opportunities and job searches can also be accessed with free online resources available through the library.

The library system will soon add the Hoopla service to cardholders, according to spokesperson Cheryl Bush. The service is expected to become available this spring.

Warren-Trumbull library also has the Playaway, a hand-held device that can be checked out at the main branch and at some of the branches. The Playaway is pre-loaded with audio books that can be listened to with earbuds.

The Playaway View, available at the main branch only, is an all-in-one video player for children, pre-loaded with multiple videos of kids’ education and entertainment programming.

Here is an overview of other technology hardware and services available to cardholders in the Warren-Trumbull system:

Public computers: Available at each branch, with Internet access and word processing software. Specially designated children’s computers provide educational applications.

Computer classes: Free beginning computer classes are offered at most locations. Classes include Introduction to Computers, Introduction to the Internet, and Introduction to Email.

Printers: Black-and-white and color printing is available from the library’s public computers. Wireless printing so that customers can print from their personal laptop to a library printer is also available (there is a fee per page for all printing).

Wi-Fi: Free wi-fi is available at all locations.

eBooks: Cardholders can access eBooks by going to wtcpl.org and then selecting one of the service applications (OverDrive or Freading). Thousands of fiction and nonfiction books can be downloaded to a personal computer, Kindle, Nook, eReader, Tablet, or smart phone. The eBooks expire at the end of the lending period, so there will never be an overdue fine.

TumbleBooks and Scholastic BookFlix: These sites, available through the library website, offer free digital content for children.

eBook classes: Classes are periodically held to help customers learn how to access the free digital content that they can download.

Downloadable audioBooks: The library offers library cardholders free access to OneClick Digital, an audiobook download service that has children’s, teen and adult titles. OneClick Digital provides access to more than 10,000 audiobook titles published by Recorded Books.

Database reference sources: The library provides free access to more than 40 online reference sites and databases. These sites provide information on topics such as job information, business and investments, history and genealogy, homework and education, authors and books, health and wellness; law and legal forms and do-it-yourself repairs.