Posted by Cat Hazelton on March 19, 2020

Before I began my dream job at Midtown Montessori School, I worked with Memphis Public Libraries at the reference desk at Bartlett Public Library. During my time working there I was surprised to discover how many people were unaware of all the great digital resources the library provides for FREE. All you need is a library card number (and you can apply for a card online, by the way) in order to get started using the Memphis Public Libraries E-Collection, research databases, online encyclopedia, language-learning software (the fancy kind that will help you with your pronunciation if you want), digital archives, and more.

Below you’ll find a list of some of my favorites that I thought may be of interest to some of you—especially during this time of social distancing and remote learning.

E-Books & Digital Audiobooks: Download the Libby app and check out e-books and digital audiobooks from the library—for FREE! You'll need your library card number and PIN (your PIN is most likely the last four digits of the your library card number).
https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/

Magazines: From the eCollection page you can access 3000+ different magazine titles. Bilingual folks, you can use a filter to display magazine titles available in your language of choice, too. You'll need a library card number and I think you'll need to set up a free account.
https://memphislibrary.com/ecollection

MPL News Stand: With your library card number you can read the New York Times and the Commercial Appeal online.
http://www.memphislibrary.org/newsstand/

901 Voices: Do you like StoryCorps? Try listening to some of these Memphis and Shelby County oral histories. http://www.memphislibrary.org/resources/history-and-genealogy/901voices/

WYPL & TV 18: Listen to WYPL Radio or Watch TV 18 online. WYPL FM offers programming as a reading service [volunteers reading books and newspapers] and your Memphis music connection. The Library Channel is the Memphis Libraries’ government access and community interest station.
http://www.memphislibrary.org/wypl/

Learn: There is simply too much to list here. The Learn page has links to research databases and other learning resources. I personally enjoy Transparent Language for foreign language learning; Lynda.com for gaining new tech skills, or improving existing ones; and I love browsing Dig Memphis Digital Archives, which has some fascinating collections--topics range from Memphis Restaurant Menus to the Sanitation Strike.
http://www.memphislibrary.org/learn/

Children - Learn: If you want to add some variety to your kids' screen time allotment, here are some educational and engaging options to peruse. World Book, for one, offers games, puzzles, and ebooks in addition to age-appropriate encyclopedia entries. http://www.memphislibrary.org/children/learn/

You’re welcome to email me (library@memphismontessori.org) if you have any questions, or try MPL E-Collection Support.