ABOUT THE LIBRARY
IMCPL Engages Readers With the Reader's Connection!
October 10, 2008
Book lovers have a new online source to learn about recent releases and share their own reviews through the Reader's Connection on the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library's web branch.
Accessed from the Library's homepage, the Reader's Connection provides entry to the Library's vast collection of literary resources and gives book lovers a chance to submit or comment on reviews. It's a unique service that offers an outlet for dialogue on today's literature.
Recent postings have included reasons to read William Faulkner's classic, The Wild Palms, in celebration of the author's September 25th birthday (he would have been 101 years old), and a description of the writing style of multi-faceted author Ursula K. LeGuin, "an empress of imagination."
The Reader's Connection also allows patrons to receive RSS feeds to alert them to the Library's latest print, audio and video releases, check out lists of recommended materials, and learn about upcoming book discussions, author visits and other literary programs presented at the Library.
Children have their own site on which to comment on recommended books and materials. The Kid's Book Zone: IMCPL's Kid's Collection Blog can be accessed from the Library's homepage by clicking on the Just for Kids link. The site also allows young people to search the Library's Kids' Catalog, access the latest information guides, and learn about upcoming children's programs.
The Library's website also features a new offering for teens to learn about literary happenings specific to their interests. The Teen Scene allows teens to submit reviews to their own blog, find books, music and movies in the Library's collection, and learn about upcoming teen programs at the Library. It also features a link for them to receive live online homework help from qualified tutors.
Another new Library web offering, Indy Tunes at the Library, highlights the rich and diverse mix of local musicians in the Indianapolis area. Patrons can read and offer comments on reviews of new local releases, learn about upcoming Library musical presentations, and access links to other local arts and musical venues.
Services on IMCPL's website are designed to allow patrons to visit the Library without leaving home. With a valid library card, patrons can place holds on any of nearly two million items in the Library's catalog and have selected items delivered to their home branch location for pickup. Library cardholders can also access over 60 reliable and accurate online databases, download audiobooks, and guide themselves through the new World Languages language learning service.
All services and information accessed from the Library's website are available at no cost to patrons.
