Photo: Students from Indian Peaks Charter School recently used the Granby Library to learn about local history, how to check out books and about the Library’s online services.

 

It’s August, and school is almost here! I want to share with everyone what Grand County Library District (GCLD) has to offer as “Back to School Resources,” linking you to the boundless opportunities that elevate and educate.

 Did you know that you have access to countless educational resources beyond books, magazines and DVDs? From the comfort of your own home, you can explore a variety of online resources. Go to www.gcld.org and click on the “eBooks & Learning Tools” tab, where you will find the following:

  •  ChiltonLibrary.com “represents the most authoritative automotive repair information available to car owners.” Click Gale Databases, sign-in with your library card and start fixing those cars!
  • Gale Databases also “takes literature, history and culture to the next level with the largest, most extensive compilation of literary commentary available.”
  • The award-winning Rosetta Stone offers fast-paced, fun and effective classes to help patrons learn up to thirty languages.
  • The Denver Post Collection has over 40 years of Colorado history all the way up to today’s news. 
  • Britannica Online is an “Award-Winning Resource for Children and Adults” and is a safe and reliable resource with three different reading levels. It also has other recommendations pertaining to your topic. 
  • National Geographic Kids Magazine was a favorite in my class. It has wonderful articles and can be found in the RB Digital Magazines link.
  • AAS: The Historical Periodicals Collection is “the premier library documenting the life of America’s people, to provide digital access to the most comprehensive collection of American first-person accounts and periodicals published between 1684 and 1912.” Fascinating!

 And, that’s not all! If you’re looking to do something outside of your home, Access Grand Passes allow you to visit various educational organizations for free. You can check out passes via the catalog by clicking on the “More” link in the catalog’s left-hand pane. Discover art and history by going to the Denver Art Museum, Grand Lake Area Historical Society, History Colorado Center or the Molly Brown House Museum. If the wonders of science entice you, reserve the Butterfly Pavilion, the Botanic Gardens or the Denver Museum of Nature and Science pass. Or you can get your blood flowing at Fraser Valley Rec, Silverthorne Rec or Winter Park Adventure Quest. 

Are you looking for your next great read? Some of our staff are busy creating recommended reading lists to share with you. Search the catalog for “GCLD lists” and you can review over 45 lists, from “Science Behind Fictional Space Travel” to “Middle Grade: Animal Stories” to “Celebrate Diversity.” We have lists for all ages, reading levels and interests. And teachers, we have a special tool for you! Our staff can show you how to create themed reading lists for your classes and save them to your online library account.  

There’s always more than meets the eye at the library! Visit www.gcld.org or stop by one of our branches to discover our many educational and recreational resources.