With all of their branches closed, the Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) has postponed their upcoming events, but their virtual services are still ready and available.
“Together we are experiencing unprecedented times, and in an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) all branches of Chatham-Kent Public Library are closed until April 6, 2020 and all programming has been cancelled and/or postponed until further notice,” CKPL officials said in a media release.
“Due dates will be extended for items already checked out and overdue fines will not accrue during the closure. Holds will be suspended until the library reopens. Library card expiry dates will also be extended.”
Please note the following changes to events at CKPL:
– Jesse Thistle Author Talk at the Kiwanis Theatre, Chatham Cultural Centre originally scheduled for Tuesday April 14 at 7:00 pm has been postponed.
– Chatham Branch Spring Used Book Sale originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 22 to Saturday, April 25 has been postponed. Wallaceburg Branch Used Book Sale was originally scheduled for April 22 to 25 and is also postponed.
– Purses With a Purpose was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 25 and will be postponed.
– Reading at the Ridge Book Club at the Ridge House Museum, in partnership with CK Museum, originally scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 pm has been postponed.
– Read Local: Chatham-Kent Author Festival originally scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 1:00 pm Chatham Branch has been postponed.
“While you are practicing isolation or social distancing, CKPL’s virtual library has so much to offer – all from the comfort of home. To browse all the options online, visit www.ckpl.ca/download to get started, CKPL officials say.
CKPL are encouraging people to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from cloudLibrary and OverDrive.
“Titles automatically expire after the loan period (no late fees) although you can return most titles early,” CKPL officials say.
“Borrow movies, TV shows, music and comics from hoopla digital, as well as ebooks and audiobooks, with no waiting and no holds lists. Stream movies with Kanopy too.”
There are no limits on the number of digital magazines you can check out using the RB Digital and Flipster apps and there’s no wait for the newest issue, CKPL officials say.
CKPL’s Local History Digital Collection includes over 150 resources focused on exploring Chatham-Kent’s rich history, officials added.
“Chatham-Kent Public Library also offers a selection of databases for its patrons to use online,” CKPL officials said in a press release.
“Creativebug is an arts and crafts database that provides instructor led videos for beginners to expert level makers. Gale Courses offers online instructor led courses in business, tech software, graphic design, test prep and more.”
If you don’t have a library card yet, don’t worry, CKPL officials say.
“You can apply for CKPL’s virtual card by visiting www.ckpl.ca/virtualcards to apply. A virtual card is exclusively for the use of electronic resources offered by Chatham-Kent Public Library.”
For more information, visit www.ckpl.ca/download or call 519-354-2940.
