eBooks, Streaming Movies & TV, Reading Recommendations,
Video Courses, Tech Help, Story Times, Yoga & ESL Classes,Small Business Assistance, more
| During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boston Public Library (BPL) is offering expanded, FREE remote services and online events to MA residents and people who work, own a home, or live in MA while attending school. All services and events can be accessed from the safety and comfort of home with a Boston Public Library card. Those who don’t have one can register for an eCard (www.bpl.org/ecard). The BPL’s remote services (www.bpl.org/news/remote-library-services) include: Audiobooks, eBooks, magazines, newspapers, movies, and TV series Language learning and video courses in business, technology, and creative skills Performing arts and music Personalized reading recommendations |
| In addition, the BPL is hosting online events that range from children’s story times and teen gaming to yoga and ESL classes to writer’s workshops and much more. Check the online events calendar (bit.ly/BPL-OnlineEvents) often for the latest listings. As always, the BPL website (www.bpl.org) offers numerous blogs, booklists, and special collections articles. Additional remote resources and support services include: Remote resources for families and youth (guides.bpl.org/remote_resources_for_families): Access tips for talking to children about COVID-19, BPL-curated e-book lists, crafts, online games, and more. Computer and technology assistance (www.bpl.org/computer-classes): Access tutorials on tech topics and skills; Open Tech Lab appointments; answers to computer, smartphone, online support, and other tech assistance questions. Career Online High School (www.bpl.org/career-online-high-school): Apply for a BPL scholarship to earn an accredited high school diploma plus a career certificate. ESL and ABE resources (guides.bpl.org/esl): Discover ESL and general adult learning online opportunities to continue working toward your educational goals. SCORE small business mentoring (www.score.org/find-mentor): Request mentoring sessions to be held by phone, email, or video. Small business legal consultation (bpl.libcal.com/space/56739): Schedule a legal consultation on select topics like corporations and other entities, intellectual property, contract law, and debt/loans. Foundation Center Access for Grant Information (bit.ly/BPLFDO): Find databases, directories, fundraising and philanthropy publications, and training resources for nonprofit grants. Local Voices Network (LVN) [lvn.org/boston]: Connect with other MA residents in real-time discussions about building community in the time of social distancing, public health and safety concerns, and more. Resume, cover letter, and job search assistance: Email your resume and/or cover letter to ask@bpl.org for a free review, or call 339-215-3866 to schedule an appointment for help with your job search. Citizenship and immigration: Call 617.859.2446 with your questions about such topics as citizenship/naturalization tests and legal services/referrals. “Free to All,” the Boston Public Library is committed to providing as many resources as possible while its locations are closed due to the pandemic. New remote services and online events are being added every day. Stay up-to-date on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bostonpubliclibrary) and Twitter (twitter.com/bplboston). The BPL will also send recurring online event notices to local media and list aggregators throughout the duration of the stay-at-home advisory. Since March 17, the BPL has: Handled 190,216 digital checkouts. Made 6,000 new eBook and audiobook purchases. Expanded access to children’s books with 5,800 more titles through Tumblebooks. Seen an average of 38,000 BPL.org page views daily. Processed more than 10,000 eCard registrations. Remotely managed nearly 200,000 patrons actively using their Boston Pubic Library cards. |
