Yearly Archives: 2026

PA Online Learning

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PA Online Learning is a collection of free tutorials on how to use software, social media, and library resources (i.e., POWER Library)!

In addition to the continuing education offerings for PA Library Staff, Niche Academy also offers a growing collection of tutorials on a range of subjects for our patrons through PA Online Learning. The categories of these courses include Computer and internet skills; Job and career skills; POWER Library; genealogy; social media; Self-Help, Wellness and Health, and STEM.

I especially want to highlight the Computer and internet skills offerings, which include courses on Gmail, Microsoft Office, cybersecurity, and tablet usage. Tutorials include a combination of videos and articles.

-Meredith Sproull, Crafton Public Library

Continue ReadingPA Online Learning

New e-audiobook option from Power Library!

We and our patrons have all been adapting to the changes at hoopla. Some may be night owls that check out their e-audiobook at 12:01am while others are early birds that try at 6am. Either way, it’s still frustrating.

Well, now we have another option for streaming audiobooks. New from Power Library is CloudLibrary.

CloudLibrary offers over 750 titles. As long as you have an Allegheny Country library card and PIN you can access these titles.

Titles are accessed through the website (use Power Library for easiest access). CloudLibrary also has an app available. When logging in be sure to choose Power Library as your library.

Tracy, Monroeville Public Library

Continue ReadingNew e-audiobook option from Power Library!

Reading Rec’s

Ever finished a book and wondered what to read next? Read your way through the entire works of an author, and now you’re ready for your next great read? The library can help!

There are two places where it’s easy to find suggestions for read-alike titles- the catalog and NoveList.

When you navigate to the library’s catalog, change the search tag from “Keyword” to “List,” then search “read-alike Daisy Jones and the Six” or something similar, and lists with book recommendations will appear. You can easily request titles and check availability directly from these lists.

catalog image with lists

Another way to find read-alike titles is through the NoveList database. Log in to NoveList with your library card and then search for either a title or author that you enjoyed. The book will appear at the top of the screen with a list of similar or read-alike titles listed below. If you click on a title, NoveList will explain why this title was suggested. Clicking check catalog will search our online catalog for the book and link you directly there if we have it.

-Erin, Bridgeville Public Library

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Dreading the END of Summer already?

Creativebug may have the pick me up project you need to reinvigorate your summer!

I know that I have begun to see back to school commercials, blog posts, and fall updates coming down the line and it has filled me with exhaustion and dread… come on people it is only the beginning of July! Let me enjoy August at least!! But fear not your local librarians and creative gurus are here to highlight what is still bringing us all a little creative joy for these last few sunny seasonal days.

Get that cute embroidery project you want to do started now with the above class now!

This one is just plain fun and you can involve the kids too!

I am not great at taking care of my nails so I am calling in niece reinforcements for this one!

And something for those of us a little more digitally minded who want to expand out horizons!

These are just a few options available for some creative projects on these summery days but there are so many more waiting for you to discover on Creativebug! If you get stuck or need a little help finding a creative class or project that clicks with you don’t hesitate to ask your local librarians.

-Adrianne, Northland Public Library

Continue ReadingDreading the END of Summer already?