Crystal Lake Virtual Library Offers Programs, Story Times

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — The Crystal Lake Public Library's physical building may be shut down but the library is still providing plenty of services to local residents. Local library officials have found creative ways to connect with patrons amid this time of social distancing and have launched the Virtual Crystal Lake Public Library online, which includes a calendar of events for YouTube story times and Zoom book discussions.

The library is also continuing to provide access to eBooks, eAudiobookc, TV shows, comics and more and has encouraged residents to pull into the library's parking lot, at 126 Paddock St., to use the free WiFi, which they "left on for you," according to a news release from the library.

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In addition the youth services staff has been putting together online story times and is offering children's programs, according to the CLPD website.

"Your children will love listening to their favorite storytime teachers share fun stories, songs and activities," according to library officials. Adult programs held through the use of Zoom meetings are also up and running and meant to bring patrons together for book discussions, crafts, regular program offerings and the English Conversation Club.

Here are some of the online offerings you may want to check out:

• The library's main calendar can be found here
• Information on materials available to be checked out online can be found here
• The library also offers man resources for learning new skills. Those online resources include lynda.com, Mango Languages, AncestryLibrary, Morningstar Investment and US Major Dailies. Students can find school help with resources like HelpNow, which provides free one-on-one homework help, test prep, tutoring and writing lab. The library's resource database can be found here.
• Looking for new crafting ideas and art projects? The Crystal Lake Public Library has a new online resource, Creativebug. Creativebug offers thousands of tutorial videos led by expert crafters and artists. Click here to visit Creativebug.

For Crystal Lake residents who'd like a library card but do not have one, e-mail the following information to jgibson@clpl.org: Drivers license/state ID with current address; or mail or utility bill with current postmark.

Applicants will receive a CLPL card number that can access the library’s resources. If your card expired during this stay-at-home period, library officials can extend its expiration date. Those interested in a card extension can contact jgibson@clpl.org.

No library items can be returned at this time and the due date for checked out items has been extended to July 1, according to the Crystal Lake Public Library's website.

• Illinois Coronavirus Update April 30: 50,355 Cases; 2,215 Deaths