Regional library has more opportunities than you might think

Grand Coulee branch to open Saturdays

 

Last updated 10/17/2018 at 10:12am

Mary Andre, who volunteers at the Grand Coulee Library, stands amongst some of library's selection of books and DVDs. The library also has computers that the public can use to access the internet. - Jacob Wagner photo

The North Central Regional Library system, of which the Grand Coulee library is a part, has more opportunities than the public may be aware of, and is working on adding more.

Library patrons have the option to borrow movies, music, audiobooks and e-books digitally.

"We have Hoopla, the Netflix for libraries," said Executive Director Barbara Walters. "Hoopla can be used anywhere at anytime by our library patrons."

Those with a library card can access the Hoopla website and download a limited amount of free rentals per month of books, music, movies, and more.

Patrons can digitally borrow downloaded movies for three days, music for seven days, or e-books and audiobooks for 21 days at a time.

The downloaded items can be used offline or online, so those going on a trip where they'll be out of service can enjoy content on the go.

The downloads can be accessed at http://www.hoopladigital.com which can also be found by going to http://www.ncrl.org

NCRL is also working on providing the opportunity for people to earn their graduation equivalency diploma, something that should be in place by early 2019.

"We are currently looking into GED programs and have narrowed the search down, but are still doing a little research to ensure we make the best choice for our patrons," said Amanda Brack, adult services manager for NCRL. "We do have print and digital resources to help community members prepare to take the GED including Brainfuse's Help Now."

People can learn more about these resources at http://www.brainfuse.com.

Currently, for local residents, there are GED preparation courses offered through Big Bend Community College. They can be contacted by calling 509-793-2301.

NCRL is also working to expand their Newsbank subscription through the Washington State Library to include access to the Seattle Times (1985-present), Americas News Magazine, and Special Reports and Hot Topics.

Previously NCRL has only subscribed to Wenatchee World archives.

This expansion will enable readers to browse these other news sources and their archives.

Local library users will now be able to take advantage of all the library's opportunities on Saturdays.

The Grand Coulee library this month began opening on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in addition to the usual Monday-to-Friday hours.

With 30 locations, the NCRL library system spans five counties, "the largest [library network] geographically in Washington if not the entire US," Walters said, adding that NCRL checks out over two million items per year, with some 756,000 items in their collection.

 

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