#LibrariesFromHome

Although our much-loved Reading Libraries have temporarily closed their doors, there is still a hive of activity taking place and so much to explore online.

With hundreds of free eAudio books, thousands of popular eBook titles, over 130 eMagazines to choose from and a range of free online learning resources, there is something for everybody! So far, we’ve had over 6,332 items borrowed online – with over 2,000 eBooks and 1,700 eMagazines downloaded in April!

Virtual library

Our virtual Reading Library www.reading.gov.uk/elibrary boasts a huge range of instant access to free online resources, including eBooks, eMagazines and eAudio: •

Cloud Library

(eBooks and eAudio) a choice of thousands of popular titles. You can borrow up to 4 books at one time and keep them for up to 21 days. •

RBdigital

– (eMagazines) over 130 titles with back issues you can borrow as many as you want, indefinitely. • New:

Borrowbox

(eAudio) – access to hundreds of eAudio books. We are pleased to say we’ve welcomed

442

new members joining online since lockdown started. New library members can register instantly online at www.reading.gov.uk/libraries

Our Top 10 most read eMagazines in April were:

1. The Economist (UK Edition) 2. New Scientist 3. Radio Times 4. BBC Easycook 5. 25 Beautiful Homes 6. Amateur Gardening 7. Auto Express 8. BBC Gardeners’ World 9. The Week 10. Autocar There are stacks of free online learning resources at www.reading.gov.uk/online-learning You can: • Swot up for your driving theory test and practice for free • Learn a new language - take free language courses in over 80 foreign languages, including French, German, Urdu, Hindi, Polish, Arabic - and English. • Watch Medici TV - free access to the world's leading classical music channel with a exclusive selection of concerts, operas, ballets, documentaries, and master classes.

Join in the fun on social media

Whilst some library staff have been redeployed to support the Council’s community hub and help within the community, others are working behind the scenes to support library users at home. You can follow the library on their social media channels and take part in their weekly quizzes, resource sharing, storytelling sessions and fun facts: • @readinglibrary Twitter https://twitter.com/readinglibrary • @ReadingLibraries Facebook www.facebook.com/ReadingLibraries The library has launched a new book club www.facebook.com/groups/2617853965165006 which already boasts over 70 members. Join in with the latest read of the classic ‘The Great Gatsby’. The regular storybook sessions on Tuesdays via Facebook are proving a real hit with local families. Here is last week’s ‘My Pet Star’ www.facebook.com/ReadingLibraries/videos/263869301666542