Have you visited the Botetourt County Libraries website? Bocolibraries.info is the best place to go to find out what’s happening at the library. Take a look at our homepage for the latest updates regarding library and book drop re-opening dates and extended due dates for items that are currently checked out. You can also find plenty of free fun and educational activities and resources to occupy yourself with until you’re able to visit the library again in person, along with our contact information so you can reach out to us with questions or concerns, even while our physical branches are closed.
Bocolibraries.info is a 24/7 digital library branch that gives you access to all our digital resources. You can browse our catalog of e-titles and find all kinds of e-books, e-audiobooks, and even digital magazines to read online or download to your device. There are links to websites you can use to track your reading history or find a new book to read that’s just right for you. You can also search the library’s catalog of physical materials to find items that you may want to check out when the library re-opens. You aren’t able to place holds on physical items right now, but the catalog does allow you to create a wish list of items for future reference.
The library’s website provides a list of research databases that you can access using your library card. A comprehensive collection of full-text resources, such as journals, magazines, and trade publications, including the Roanoke Times, is available. You can search reference books covering virtually every subject area, as well as images including photos, maps, and flags. In addition to research databases, there are resources for job listings, creating a resume, and downloading legal forms. You can use Consumer Reports to find product ratings and comparisons. There are also lots of resources for genealogy and local history. You can even access Ancestry Library Edition from home for a limited time!
Take advantage of the free educational resources listed on our website. Want to learn something new? Universal Class offers over 500 free classes on a wide range of subjects. You can earn continuing education credits in everything from accounting to real estate to web development. Learn to speak a new language using Rocket Languages. Choose one of 15 languages to study, including American Sign Language. Feeling crafty? Creativebug provides you with unlimited access to over 1000 online art and craft classes. You can watch these classes anytime, anywhere, and start and stop projects at your own pace.
There’s plenty of fun stuff too! In addition to our usual recommended resources, there are tons of resources that are currently free for a limited time due to COVID-19. Enjoy YouTube workouts, downloadable coloring pages, digital escape rooms, video tutorials, online book discussions, virtual story times, and more! If you don’t have a library card but would like to access all these great resources, you can apply for a card online to get started right away. Visit bocolibraries.info today!
-Audrey Clark
Fincastle Library
