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.
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.
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.
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.
Summer is a season filled with adventure, relaxation, and fun; however, it can also lead to a decline in the reading skills that students have diligently developed throughout the school year. This phenomenon, known as the “summer slide,” can pose challenges for children as they return to school in the fall, ready to learn.
Fortunately, your library offers a fantastic resource to help families maintain their reading habits all summer long: Scholastic BookFlix.
What Is BookFlix?
Scholastic BookFlix is an engaging digital literacy tool tailored for children in PreK through Grade 3. Each BookFlix pairing features a classic fictional picture book alongside a related nonfiction title, aiding young readers in enhancing their reading comprehension, expanding their vocabulary, and making connections between stories and real-life topics.
Each title also offers interactive features such as:
Read-aloud narration with highlighted text
Educational games and activities
Vocabulary support
Safe, age-appropriate videos
Printable resources for caregivers and educators
These features make BookFlix particularly appealing for emerging readers and those who benefit from audio support.
How BookFlix Helps Prevent the Summer Slide
Establishing a consistent reading routine during the summer is one of the most effective ways to mitigate learning loss. BookFlix simplifies this by providing children with an engaging, interactive reading experience they can enjoy from home or while traveling.
Using BookFlix throughout the summer enables children to:
Regularly practice their reading skills
Build confidence as independent readers
Enhance comprehension through the connection of fiction and nonfiction
Develop background knowledge across various subjects, including science, social studies, animals, nature, and more
Cultivate a lifelong passion for reading
Even dedicating just 15–20 minutes a day to reading can significantly impact students’ retention of the skills they’ve acquired during the school year.
Tips for Families
Encourage parents and caregivers to integrate BookFlix into their family’s summer routine:
Read one BookFlix pair together multiple times a week.
Discuss the similarities and differences between the fiction and nonfiction titles.
Engage in the interactive activities following the reading.
Select topics that resonate with a child’s interests, such as dinosaurs, space, animals, weather, or sports.
Celebrate daily reading with a simple summer reading calendar or sticker chart.
Your Library Is Here to Help
One of the key benefits of BookFlix is its accessibility; it is available anytime, anywhere with an internet connection through the Power Kids Library website. Families can enjoy high-quality digital books from the comfort of their homes, making it an excellent complement to your library’s summer reading program.
This summer, encourage families to explore BookFlix and help young readers continue learning, growing, and discovering. Just a few minutes of reading each day can ensure children return to school prepared for another successful year—and your library is here to support them every step of the way.
