Been to a library recently? Chances are things have changed a lot since your last visit if you haven’t! Coquitlam Public Library has so much more than just books these days, and most of the items, databases, services and events are available with a free library card! Check out our favourites in this top ten list:
Streaming music
If you want to stream music without paying for Spotify, look no further than Hoopla! Listen to the latest, most popular albums by some of your favourite artists for free. Hoopla is also now available on Android Auto, so you can listen to your favourite tunes safely and easily in the car as well.
Streaming video
While Hoopla also has a collection of movies to choose from, Coquitlam Public Library also has a subscription to Kanopy. You get free access to thousands of movies, free with your library card. Choose from critically-acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films, and so much more. Please note that Hoopla and Kanopy are both licensed for Coquitlam residents only.
eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and more
Get eBooks and eAudiobooks for free online with CloudLibrary, Hoopla, and Libby. We also have access to tons of eMagazines via our Libby app, or ComicsPlus if you’re into comics or graphic novels. There are lots of newspaper options on PressReader, including the Vancouver Sun and Province, and we have access to the New York Times as well if you want to catch up on the latest news.
Online courses
Get crafting with thousands of craft tutorials on Creativebug, or learn new skills to put on your resume with LinkedIn Learning. If you want to learn how to access resources in our community and how to use our library’s databases and services, we’ve uploaded lots of tutorials on Niche Academy. We also subscribe to Solaro which supports the BC curriculum with study guides for Grades 3-12, Road to IELTS Academic, Road to IELTS General, and Tense Buster if you’re planning to take the IELTS test or just want to brush up on your English skills. And if you’re looking to learn a new language, we got you covered with Transparent Language Online.
3D printing
Our 3D printing stations are all located at our City Centre branch, in the Innovation Hub. We run drop-in sessions that will introduce you to our 3D printers twice a month. We charge a small fee for materials, but using our equipment is totally free! Create your own project, or browse through created projects online.
Virtual reality
Our Virtual Reality set-up is also housed in the Innovation Hub at our City Centre branch. We run themed drop-in sessions for you to try out our HTC VIVE headset and motion-tracked hand controllers twice monthly. We have VR experiences or action-packed games for you to try!
Meeting rooms and study space
Our group study rooms are free to book with your library card and are a great space for studying with up to 3 friends, but if you find yourself needing a little more room for a meeting or event, we also have you covered. You may qualify for a free meeting room rental once a month if you’re a non-profit group and meet our guidelines, or you can rent them out for a fee.
Story times, programs and events
Our library always has a lot going on for all ages. We have story times for kids, programs for teens, Homework Help Club, and so much more. There are book clubs of all kinds for adults or English Language Learners, as well as topical events that we run (i.e. our Race in B.C. program this fall) and programs for newcomers to Canada. Check out our Programs and Events and we’re sure you’ll find something that you’re interested in!
Digitization Station
If you have old home videos, CDs or photos that you’ve been meaning to digitize and enjoy again, our Digitization Station at our Poirier branch can help you out! With simple instructions and equipment that’s free to use, you can preserve your memories easily.
Tech Toys
Our Tech Toys are free to borrow and make learning fun! We have Immersive Reality books and Wonderbooks that make reading an even cooler experience, and whole crew of robots that will teach you coding skills: the Ozobot Bit, Ozobot Evo, Sphero SPRK and the Sphero Bolt. Our Playaway Launchpads are loaded with tons of games for kids, teens and adults alike, and we have Makey Makeys to lend out if you want a fun way to learn about electrical circuits. For those of you who like to take your toys outside, we even have telescopes and binoculars to borrow.