Your Chandler Library card is like a key that will unlock a door to your dreams
Since 1954, the Chandler Public Library has served the community. The library changed locations a few times, expanded as the City grew, and there are now four public library facilities in Chandler. When you think about all the changes in library technology over the decades it just boggles one’s mind. Yet, as with the community, Chandler’s libraries have never experienced a year quite like 2020.
It is no surprise to many people that during this unprecedented year of self-quarantine and social distancing, having a library card has proven to be an important tool for those seeking entertainment, intellectual stimulation and personal and professional growth.
“Libraries are an important hub in all communities. They thrive on engagement and human interactions, which is why keeping them closed during a pandemic is so difficult,” said Chandler Library Manager Rachelle Kuzyk. “Keeping everyone safe is a priority, so our staff has had to be innovative in many ways to continue to provide our much-needed services to the people who depend on them.”
During a worldwide pandemic, despite facility closures and operational restrictions, the staff of the Chandler Public Library has continued to provide services to the community by any means available and with public safety a top priority. Day in and day out, the library staff has demonstrated an understanding of their important role; connecting with people of all ages who depend on Chandler Public Library for books, information, online resources and more.
Worth Its Weight in Gold
If you are already a Chandler Library customer, you know how valuable free library services can be.
If you don’t have a library card, perhaps the additional advantages listed below might convince you that taking just a moment to sign up for a card may be one of the best investments of time you could ever make.
That is because in addition to getting your hands on books, magazines, DVDs, etc., your Chandler Library card gives you access to a plethora of free digital resources through your computer or mobile device, or from the comfort and socially distanced safety of your home; for example:
- Online eBooks and Audio Books – Check out eBooks and audiobooks, including new releases and bestsellers from the Library’s Cloud Library collections and online resources for free digital titles.
- Streaming Movies – Kanopy has one of the largest and most unique collections of film on the planet, ranging from blockbuster movies, thought-provoking documentaries, indie and foreign films and must-see classics, with new films being added every week.
- MP3 Downloads – With your current library card, you can download and keep up to five MP3 songs per week and listen from a computer or portable device.
- Digital Magazines – Browse hundreds of popular magazines through Flipster, General OneFile and view access to select newspapers in Gale OneFile News.
- Database Resources – If you are looking for trustworthy information you can use our collection of journals, encyclopedias and databases that run the gamut from A to Z. Access Ancestry.com, Brittanica Online, ChiltonLibrary, ConsumerReports.org, ReferenceUSA and many more.
- New Language Learning – Self-paced courses for more than 70 languages and dialects are offered through Mango Languages, which uses conversational methodology.
- Technology Courses – Learn from expert teachers in subjects such as 3D animation, web development, video production, graphic design, photography, computer-aided design and more, through Lynda.com, also known as LinkedIn Learning.
- Educational and Testing Resources – Whether preparing for college admissions tests, your high school equivalency test or you just want to improve your career skills, LearningExpress courses can help. The Testing & Education Reference Center is also available for college prep, practice tests and resume development.
All of these digital resources and more are accessible at no charge and at all hours simply with a valid library card (and PIN).
Dedicated to Customer Service
In the 1980s and ‘90s, American Express made the slogan “Membership has its privileges” famous. A Chandler Library card is sort of like a membership, and it comes with the added benefit of exceptional customer service. The men and women of the Chandler Public Library are dedicated to helping meet the diverse needs of library patrons. That includes creating new and innovative ways to help Chandler parents with their study lessons for home-bound young learners.
The staff at Basha Library developed Research Bundles, a collection of physical materials and a list of online resources for students in grades K-4. The bundles are compiled based on requests submitted online and are focused on a specific topic the children are interested in or need to complete a school assignment.
The Downtown and Sunset libraries created BagO’Books, an assortment of 20 books for young readers, or a bag of 10 books for teens and adults that are available for pick up.
Several libraries have introduced Programs in a Bag that are available for pickup, including Craft Take It!, Grab & Go STEAM Activity Kits, Wednesday Puzzle Pick-up and Sunset Seed Swap.
While customers pick up their holds at their favorite library location they will also see pop-up book displays giving additional reading options for quick check-out.
No More FOMO
So, have we convinced you? You don’t have to suffer from FOMO, aka the “fear of missing out.” You can have easy access to all of the technology, information resources and services you have read about here, and more, simply by having your very own Chandler Public Library card. Don’t wait, sign up today.
To get a library card, come in to any of the four Chandler Library locations with your picture ID. Library cards are free for residents of Maricopa County, residents of the Gila River Indian Community who live in Pinal County, or for nonresidents who work or go to school in the City of Chandler (with an additional ID that verifies the workplace or school). For those who only want to access library services online, the Chandler Public Library offers eCards. To apply for an eCard, complete an online registration form at eCard Registration.
For more information regarding any Chandler Library services or resources, please visit Chandler Public Library, or call 480-782-2800.