Summer Reading – eLibrary Backstage

Catch the Creativebug this Summer

Post published:May 27, 2022

There are only a few more days of school left for most students and the sun is shining bright (mostly) in Pittsburgh! That means that summer is finally approaching and there’s more time for crafty projects with Creativebug.

Sure could use a new plant hanger? Go ahead and make one! Ready to don a new summer tunic? Follow a tutorial and craft your own with love (and recycled cloth)! Planning your Summer Reading activities? Look. No. Further!

Creativebug: the best resource for crafty library program planning.

Whether you’re looking for creative inspiration, family projects, or a way to stoke your DIY spirit, Creativebug offers a plethora of awesome video tutorials and handout templates.

Creativebug has over 1,000 tutorials created by professionals that cover topics for everyone — children, teens, adults, amateurs, and experts! The only thing needed to start finding your creative bliss is your library card.

Derek Nuzum, South Park Township Library

SYNC Returning for Summer 2022

Post published:April 5, 2022

Free Summer Audiobook Program for Teens 13+

Returning Spring 2022, SYNC gives participants two thematically paired audiobooks each week. Titles are all available worldwide and change every Thursday at midnight Eastern Time during the season.

If you have teens who visit your library, feel free to share the information about the SYNC program with them. The Digital Resources Committee is not actively promoting SYNC. We are sharing this information in case you would like to share it directly with your customers.

**Even though the SYNC program runs on the Sora app, it is not connected to a teen’s school account so consequently it is not connected to the public library’s OverDrive collection.

Access Details

Titles are accessible in Sora, the student reading app from OverDrive.
- Sora is available in your browser at soraapp.com, or as an app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Each SYNC audiobook will be featured in Sora for a window of 7 days.
- Titles are yours indefinitely once you “borrow” them during their 7-day availability window in Sora.

The SYNC program will only work with Sora, the student reading app from OverDrive. You don’t need to be affiliated with a school to use Sora with the SYNC program.

First register for SYNC.

Then set up Sora.

How do I set up Sora?

Download Sora from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or go to soraapp.com in your browser.
1. In Sora, tap I have a setup code (at the bottom of the screen).
1. Enter this setup code: audiobooksync and tap Get Started!
1. Enter the email address you used to sign up for SYNC.
1. Tap Explore (at the bottom of the screen) to see the week’s featured titles [SYNC 2022 starts April 28]

I already use Sora for school. How do I add SYNC titles? If you already use Sora, you’ll need to add the SYNC program’s library. Here are the steps:

In Sora, open the menu (in the top-right corner).
1. Select Add library.
1. Search for audiobooksync and select the library from the results.
1. Enter the email address you used to sign up for SYNC.

For more details about the SYNC program, visit AudioFile’s SYNC FAQ Page

Staff can also attend the AudioFile & OverDrive Present: SYNC Audiobooks for Teens training on April 26, 2022. You can register for the training here.

~ Hilary Lewis, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh