Update regarding library service in Jefferson County

We hope that you are taking care or yourselves and your families during the the COVID-19 pandemic. The public libraries in Jefferson County remain closed to the public. While our physical doors may be closed, we are still here for you.

Please Note:

No fines will be charged during this closure
Bookdrops are CLOSED- please keep all checked-out items until the libraries reopen
Items on holdshelf will remain at the library until the libraries re-open
Library cards that expire during the closure will be renewed. If you do need to renew your card, you can use the online renewal form
No items will be due while the libraries are closed

Available resources:

Download books and audiobooks with Libby
Read the New York Times online
Practice for the GED or other standardized tests with LearningExpress Library and Homework Alabama
Explore the online resources offered by the Alabama Virtual Library and the Alabama Public Library Service
Free public wi-fi is available the in areas immediately surrounding some of the libraries
To place holds or manage your account, use the mobile app or online catalog

If you don't have a library card, you can get an eCard.

So what resources are available with an eCard

Downloadable e-books and audiobooks through Libby (OverDrive)
Start here for access https://jclc.overdrive.com/. Users can read or listen to OverDrive materials on iPhones, iPads, Kindles, Androids, and even through a web browser. Users will be able to search for and place holds on unavailable items just as they would with a physical library book. There is a limited check out period (3 weeks for e-books), but there will never be an overdue e-book or e-audiobook.

Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) resources
AVL is available in two ways: Through geographic IP recognition for the state of Alabama. Or if that fails, with an eCard through jclc.org or your Jefferson County library’s website.

AVL provides a significant amount of resources to all of us, from early literacy to academic. See all AVL resources here: https://www.avl.lib.al.us/resources/all. A number of vendors are making access to some of their products free of charge temporarily. AVL has a list of additional temporary resources here: https://www.avl.lib.al.us/content/additional-temporary-resources.

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS)
APLS also makes a number of resources available. See their resources here: https://aplsws1.apls.state.al.us/aplsnew/content/electronicresources. Many of the APLS resources are available through geo-IP recognition, others may require a library card or eCard.

APLS provides many great resources like:
HomeworkAlabama which has a schedule for live tutoring sessions, test prep, and also includes adult learning resources

LearningExpress Library which includes basic adult education, computer courses, and test preparation resources.

Notable temporary expansion of the APLS resource list is the ability to access Ancestry Library edition at home. But users will need to contact your local library or APLS reference staff at reference@apls.state.al.us (with the email subject ‘ALE Access’) for the temporary password.

Your local library’s resources
eCards are generic and not affiliated with a particular library. The goal of the eCard is to get immediate access to some of these great resources and encourage the users to come visit a library to get a full library card. While we want everyone in Jefferson County to have a full library card, we understand that now is the time for flexibility! If a resident of a municipality in Jefferson County wants access to the expanded virtual services that their local library offers, such as Hoopla or Kanopy, then we invite them to contact their local library (see contact information here http://www.jclc.org/info/hours.aspx). The resident can provide the library staff with their eCard number and ask about associating that number with the library.

How does one get an eCard?
See here for more information http://www.jclc.org/aboutjclc/faqs/ecards.aspx

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove®
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

2100 Park PL
Birmingham, AL | 35203 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.