Yearly Archives: 2026

So I may not know how to pronounce it but I know it has everyone (including our patrons) very upset and scared. So why not offer them actual resources with information they can actually trust! Send them to MedlinePlus!

MedlinePlus actually has trusted and valuable information about so many medical issues, drugs, genetic testing (and medical testing as a whole) that you and your patrons can feel safe trusting. Whether they just want to know signs and symptoms of a common illness their child caught at school or are concerned about a long held belief about a possible genetic issue in their family line you can send them to MedlinePlus knowing the information is trustworthy.

So – if your patrons (and maybe you as well) are worried about this current parasite outbreak here is the page with facts you can trust.

Stay safe and healthy,

Adrianne, Northland Public Library

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

*****UPDATE: We have recently found out that patrons will need an ecard from Power Library to access Cloud Library. Allegheny County cards will not work.

It is easy to get an ecard from Power Library. Follow this link to set up your account (choose Option 1) and soon you will be listening to a new e-audiobook! https://www.powerlibrary.org/eresource/cloudlibrary/ *****

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