Residents are being reminded they can use their Croydon library card to unlock access to a hugely diverse offering of books, magazines and films online when libraries close their doors today (Friday 20 March).
In line with government health advice, libraries across the borough and the Museum of Croydon will close to the public temporarily from 3pm today (Friday 20 March), until further notice.
More than 40,000 eBooks and audio books are newly-available across a number of platforms and thousands of up-to-date newspapers, both national and regional, can also be read online, in over 100 languages and more than 700 magazines.
Music videos are available to watch, and hundreds of films can be streamed for free across a range of genres, including classic and animated films, dramas and comedies.
Croydon library cards also offer access to a variety of online courses including languages, and for the borough’s younger residents, there are children stories, quizzes and games available for all ages to enjoy.
Library card holders can access all of the virtual library online offering through the MyLibraryApp, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store and Google Play.
Anyone without a library card that would like to access the resources can apply online here and will receive instant access to the services.
The home library service is currently still operating.
The Museum of Croydon will be offering a digital Inside the Clocktower programme, offering behind-the-scenes looks at the collections which have not been seen before.
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure & sport, said: “In this very challenging time, when our community will be spending more time in their homes, online resources are more important than ever.
“Our virtual library offers fantastic free resources to Croydon library card holders, which many don’t realise they have access to. There is a huge variety of books, magazines and films for people to enjoy for free, so please do have a look and see what’s on offer.”
While libraries are closed, all books currently on loan will be automatically extended to 30 April 2020 to avoid generating fines for late return. Library cards will not expire during the period of closure.
To find out more about Croydon’s library services visit www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/libraries
To find out about the Museum of Croydon visit the www.museumofcroydon.com
If you have queries contact croydoncentrallibrary@croydon.gov.uk
