Digital resources abound at the Elk Grove Village Public Library

If the snow, cold and COVID has you hibernating indoors, you can still access a wealth of information and entertainment from the library without ever leaving home.

Elk Grove Village Public Library offers dozens of digital resources that let patrons enjoy a movie, learn a new language or develop career skills, to name a few. You must have an Elk Grove library card to use the library's digital resources, but many other local libraries offer the same resources to their residents.

For movies and TV shows, HooplaDigital is a Netflix-like streaming service. Available as an app or on a computer, Hoopla features hundreds of viewing choices, and patrons can "check out" 35 items per month.

Magazine lovers can read digital magazines using the Flipster or Libby apps (a desktop version is also available). These resources feature the latest editions (and back copies) of many popular magazines, from NewsWeek and The New Yorker to Food Network Magazine and Popular Mechanics.

Libby and Hoopla also feature ebooks and audiobooks, both fiction and nonfiction titles by thousands of popular authors.

Language learners can download the Mango Languages app (or try the desktop version) and choose from more than 70 language courses. This interactive, conversation-based resource lets patrons track their progress with lessons ranging from beginner to advanced.

Those looking to use their time at home to learn new career skills can access Lynda.com or Gale Courses on the www.egvpl.org website. Lynda offers self-paced video tutorials in the areas of business, IT, marketing and more. Gale Courses features online 6-week, instructor-led courses in a variety of subjects, from personal enrichment to business and technology.

While Hoopla lets patrons check out digital versions of favorite music CDs, Freegal is a streaming resource that lets users build their own playlists, stream 5 hours of commercial-free music a day, and download 5 free songs a week. The music database features millions of songs from the extensive Sony Music Catalog.

Those who enjoy crafting will want to check out the library's CreativeBug resource. With thousands of professional video tutorials taught by experts and artists, patrons can learn new techniques in arts and crafts, ranging from painting and drawing to sewing and knitting. Some crafting areas offer daily practice, so patrons can sign up to learn a new skill every day, for example: "Living a More Creative Life: 30 Ways in 30 days."

And for those getting a little bored with crossword puzzles to pass the time, the library offers BrainHQ. This online resource provides brain exercises in six categories: attention, brain speed, memory, people skills, intelligence and navigation.

All of these digital resources, along with dozens more, are free and can be accessed from the library's website, www.egvpl.org, under the tabs, Read Watch Listen or Databases. Most require patrons to enter their EGVPL library card number and set up an account using their name and email address.

For more information, please call the library's Adult Services Desk at (847) 439-0447 ext. 272.