Add library to back-to-school plans

ROSEBURG, Ore. – As students and educators prepare for another school year, consider adding Roseburg Public Library to your back-to-school plans.

The library is chock-full of educational and fun materials that enhance any learning environment.

With 80,000 physical items, there is something for nearly everyone – from early reader books for young learners to SAT study guides for teens to GED workbooks for adults, according to Library Director Kris Wiley.

A Roseburg Public Library card is required to check out physical and digital materials. Patrons may visit the library’s website at www.roseburgpubliclibrary.org or stop by the library’s front desk to apply for a card.

“We also have your pleasure reading covered. With our focus on new, bestselling titles, patrons can relax with some of the hottest books on the market, including the latest Karen M. McManus young adult mystery, ‘Such Charming Liars,’ and Aaron Blabey’s Bad Guys series for junior readers,” Wiley added.

Tens of thousands of digital materials are available on two platforms, cloudLibrary and Libby (OverDrive). Log in with a valid Roseburg Public Library card; the default password is the 10-digit phone number used to register the card.

Libby (OverDrive) now includes downloadable magazines for all ages and in multiple languages. Children’s and teen titles include National Geographic Kids, National Geographic Little Kids, Highlights, Ranger Rick and Smore.

Want to take your learning outside? Check out one of the bird-watching backpacks and explore nature. Each bag contains a pair of binoculars and three guides: “Birding the Umpqua River Basin” and “Birds of the Umpqua River Basin” compiled by the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society (UVAS) and “Sibley Birds West” written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley.

“Thanks to UVAS for donating these kits,” Wiley said.

The library has many resources that do not require a library card to access.

All physical materials are available to patrons who visit the library.

In addition, there are Internet computers with Microsoft Office products in the main area of the library and the Teen Room. The Children’s Room features early literacy games computers with coding applications and content in Spanish and English.

The library provides free Wi-Fi and small study rooms on a first-come, first-served basis in two-hour timeframes. The Teen Room is a great place for young adults to hang out and study.

Thanks to the State Library of Oregon, all Oregonians have access to a collection of databases featuring articles, electronic books, images and video.

“This is my go-to resource for students writing papers and creating presentations,” said Wiley. “Academic OneFile, Opposing Viewpoints and National Geographic Kids are my favorites, but there are many other valuable tools for learners of all ages.”

Roseburg Public Library cardholders can visit the library’s online catalog at roseburg.biblionix.com, click “Gale Pages” on the left side of the screen and enter a valid library card number.

To bypass the card requirement, visit www.galepages.com/oregon_sl.

Finally, Wiley adds that library programs are open to all. Visit the library’s website and click “Events Calendar” to see what’s coming up.

Youth Services Librarian Aurora Ropp and Wiley are available to provide tours, introduce the library’s catalog and databases, and register students for library cards. Email staff at library@roseburgor.gov for more information.