I read a lot but I haven’t bought a book or checked one out at the Lafayette Library in years. That's because I request, reserve, and read my books using their Overdrive app and downloading the latest John Grisham, James Patterson, or Michael Crichton books onto my phone, for free! You can also download movies, audiobooks, magazines, comics, and practice ACT tests.  I asked our favorite librarian, Emma Guillory, about all the digital offerings from the Lafayette Library. Here’s what she said:

Using OverDrive or OneClick Digital, patrons can download thousands of different ebooks or audiobooks on their phones, computers, and tablets. You can even download movies to watch! Not really into ebooks, but love reading magazines? Well, LPL has that, too! Through Zinio or Flipster, patrons can download magazine titles from practically every genre: People, Men's Health, AmericanPatchwork & QuiltingSoap Opera DigestESPN MagazineMartha Stewart Living, just to name a few. Comics more your speed? We've got those, too! Be sure to check out Comics Plus, which allows patrons to download comic books right onto their devices.

Are your kids always begging to watch movies on your computer or tablet? LPL has Trueflix, a catalog of online nonfiction videos that can be accessed from anywhere. You can watch videos about American history, the animal kingdom, and even disasters! This is a great resource for getting kids interested in nonfiction without them realizing it! Other great resources for children include Tumblebooks Tumblebook Cloud Junior, which provide interactive ebooks, audiobooks, videos, and more.

 

Looking for a new job, or just hoping to sharpen your skill set? The Library offers a multitude of resources for job searching, including Cypress Resume. This online resume builder guides patrons through the process of creating a new resume. If you're looking to learn Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and other programs, we can help with that! Our brand new resource, Lynda.com, is an online training library that allows patrons to watch thousands of videos in a variety of different fields. This new resource is offered in addition to Atomic Training, where patrons can also watch videos to learn everything from Google's product suite to career skills training. If you're working on your car and need additional help, the Library offers the Chilton Library, with detailed information that you can use to fix or maintain your vehicle.

 

While your kids may not want to hear it, school is right around the corner! LPL offers Homework Louisiana, where students can log in and get free homework help from professionals! These tutors can review concepts with students, along with proofread papers and work out problems in real-time. Our Learning Express Library also provides free online practice tests for the ACT, PSAT, SAT, and more. It also features different learning centers that can help you prepare for high school equivalency exams, graduate school, and for finding a job.

So, now you know. You'll never have to buy another book if you don't want to. But you will want to visit the library for the many other offerings, including lots of activities for kids!

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