Library @ Home
Did you know that with your library card and internet access you can download eBooks, listen to audiobooks, stream movies, read the latest magazines, learn a new language, listen to music, brush up on your photography skills, work on craft projects, learn hand lettering, and much more free and from the comfort of your own home! We even have online tutorials to teach you how to use these online resources!
First things first, do you have a library card with us? If so, awesome! Your library card already offers you access to our full array of online resources. If you're having trouble, it could be that your library card is expired or that you've forgotten your PIN. If that's the case, you can request a library card renewal online.
If you don't have a library card, what are you waiting for?? Anyone who lives, works, goes to school, or owns property in Bossier Parish is eligible to receive a library card. Visit us at any of our locations and we'll be happy to get you a library card. For your convenience, we are offering e-cards for those folks school-aged and above that meet the requirements listed above. eCards will grant you access to our Libby/OverDrive and Hoopla platforms for borrowing eBooks, digital graphic novels, eAudiobooks, streaming movies, tv series, and music. eCards will expire 30 days from the date of issue. During this 30-day period, you will need to come to the library with proper ID and proof of eligibility (listed below) to receive a full-access card valid for 3 years. Please note that eCard applications are processed manually by staff members when they are received so access to our digital services will not be available until the application is processed and you receive an email notification with your library card number.
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's get to the good stuff.
eBooks & eAudiobooks (Libby for OverDrive)
With Libby for OverDrive you can borrow and enjoy free eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more from your library's digital collection directly to your mobile device or tablet. All you need to get started is an internet connection and a library card. You get to keep items you've borrowed for two weeks and the items simply expire from your device at the end of your borrowing period. Not finished with it yet? No problem! You can immediately borrow it again as long as there is no waiting list.
Movies, TV Shows, & Music (Hoopla)
Instantly borrow free digital movies, television shows, eAudiobooks, graphic novels, and music 24/7. From Hollywood blockbusters to best-selling artists you'll soon discover that Hoopla provides you the freedom to explore and enjoy what you want, when you want it. While downloading is possible, it is not required. Simple to access and easy to use, without the hassle of having to return the items you've borrowed, all you need to get started is your library card, internet access, and a smart phone, tablet, or compatible streaming device such as Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Roku, and more.
Movies (Kanopy)
Stream thousands of films. Your library and Kanopy make it easy for you to enjoy incredible films for free every month. Start watching today and discover your new favorite films. Enjoy Kanopy films on your computer, TV, or mobile device with our apps on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung TV, and Amazon Fire Tablet.
Learn a New Language (Mango Languages)
Habla español? Parlez-vous français? Deutsch sprechen? With more than 70 languages and over 20 English courses designed from the perspective of the learner’s native language, Mango Languages offers a rich, immersive experience that includes intuitive language and culture lessons designed by linguists and voiced by native speakers. Mango Languages is accessible in the library and at home using a computer or apps for iOS and Android phones and tablets.
Online Instructor-Led Courses (Gale Courses)
Gale Courses offers a wide range of highly interactive, instructor-led courses that you can take entirely online. As a library card holder in good standing, you are entitled to these courses at no cost. Courses run for six weeks and new sessions begin every month.
Homework Help/Tutoring (Homework Louisiana)
Homework Louisiana offers live one-on-one tutoring in subjects K-College, free with your library card. During the COVID-19 crisis, Homework Louisiana has expanded its tutoring hours to offer you even more access.
Cooking & Food (A to Z World Food)
Bump up that quarantine cuisine with thousands of international recipes, hundreds of fascinating culture and ingredient articles, and essential culinary resources, AtoZ World Food brings international cuisines to you, from Albanian byrek to Zimbabwean matemba!
Vehicle Maintenance & Repairs (Chilton Library)
Get the detailed information you need to tackle vehicle maintenance and repairs. Some of Chilton Library's more popular features include Maintenance and specification tables that provide the unique data you need for each specific vehicle; Step-by-step service and repair procedures, and a labor estimating tool to help you confidently determine your next move.
History & Genealogy
Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your research, our History & Genealogy resources are here to help everyone from the novice to the expert!
Professional Development (Udemy)
An online learning platform for adults who want to improve work-related skills or further develop a personal interest. Users can search through more than 4,000 continuously updated, on-demand video courses across 75 categories in business, technology, design, and more. All courses are taught by world-class instructors and offer a tailor-made learning experience for those who want to learn new technologies and skills to stay competitive in a changing workforce.
Professional Development (Learning Express)
LearningExpress Library offers instantly scored licensing, certification, and aptitude practice tests, online career preparation, and vital information for a wide variety of occupations.
Educational (World Book Online)
World Book Online publishes authoritative, age-appropriate, and reliable educational materials for children and adults.
Databases
Find databases for in-depth research in subjects such as Business & Personal Finance; Health & Medicine; History & Genealogy; Literature; and General Interest.
Tutorials
With our free online tutorials, we'll walk you through how to use these awesome online databases and resources listed above!