(NEWS10)– Many people staying home amid the coronavirus outbreak. Families now trying to figure out what’s next, and that’s where the library comes in.

While public libraries in our area may be closed, that doesn’t mean that you can’t access the resources that you and your family depend on. Nowadays, libraries offer patrons 24/7 access to several resources, and you never have to leave your home in order to use them. News10 is reaching out to libraries and library systems across our viewing area to learn about the regular online resources they offer and what they’re doing to make this stressful time a bit easier on everyone. This list will be updated as libraries make changes amid the outbreak. Remember, access to some services may require a library card.

Upper Hudson Library System

Credit: Upper Hudson Library System

Serves libraries in Albany & Rensselaer Counties

Each library within the Upper Hudson Library System offers access to free eBooks, digital magazines, and audiobooks through Overdrive and Flipster services. There are titles for every age group and genres are across the board. According to Mary Fellows, manager of Youth and Family Services fun learning resources for kids will soon be available at the Upper Hudson Library System website. This will include links to science and art activities, among other learning opportunities. Be sure to visit this website as well for access to Overdrive and Flipster. Need immediate help from a librarian? Albany Public Library’s Ask a Librarian service will be available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by emailing askalibrarian@albanypubliclibrary.org. If you’re in need of Wi-Fi it will still be accessible outside of all libraries in the system.

Southern Adirondack Library System

Credit: Southern Adirondack Library System

34 public libraries in Saratoga, Warren, Washington, & Hamilton Counties

Overdrive and its free eBooks and audiobooks are available to all patrons. Using this extra time to explore your family’s history? Visit Fold3 by Ancestry and HeritageQuest to begin your research. Mechanicville Public Library, Stillwater Library, and Cambridge Public Library offer access to NewsBank which offers archived media materials to use as reference materials. Crandall Library, Mechanicville Public Library, Stillwater Library, Schuylerville Public Library, Waterford Public Library, and Ballston Spa Public Library all offer access to Kanopy which offers films that range from recent blockbusters to documentaries. Crandall Library patrons also have access to Hoopla which offers movies, TV shows, eBooks and even comics. Is your goal to learn a new language? The Saratoga Springs Public Library offers Mango Languages. If you’re looking to learn some other new skills, try the adult learning center Brainfuse.

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library is now offering the chance to register for a library card via email. Temporary library cards are for people over the age of 15 who live within the Capital District. According to its website, your physical card will be available at the circulation desk once the library reopens. For more information, visit the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library website.

Also visit the Southern Adirondack Library System website for more reliable resources pertaining to the coronavirus, including how libraries are responding.

Mohawk Valley Library System

Credit: Mohawk Valley Library System

14 public libraries in Montgomery, Fulton, Schenectady & Schoharie Counties

If you’re a library cardholder in this system, you can check out audiobooks, eBooks, and popular magazines through the Overdrive or Libby apps. Many libraries are also offering Wi-Fi access in their parking lots. According to Wade Abbott, Comunications/Community Relations Specialist for the system, fines for overdue items are now waived during this time.

Be sure to visit each library’s website to find information on possible closures and learn about their specific online resources. Remember, some of the resources pertaining to specific libraries in this article might also be found at others. Search your library’s website for more information.

Bennington Free Library

Credit: Bennington Free Library

Bennington Free Library is offering several digital resources to its patrons in Vermont. This includes audiobooks and eBooks through OverDrive and RBDigtial. They also offer archived editions of The Bennington Banner through NewsBank. Use your extra free time to do more learning and prepare for tests through Universal Class and Learning Express Library. Mango Languages, and Consumer Reports are also available.

They’re also reminding you to stay informed and find other reliable resources on Bennington Free Library’s website. If you get an error message while trying to access any of the library’s online resources, email reference@bfli.org or call the library at (802) 442-9051. Staff anticipate being available to answer questions by phone Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the closure, until at least April 6.

Resources for Vermonters can also be found through the Green Mountain Library Consortium and the Vermont Department of Libraries.