Digital book options and resources are plentiful. Here's how you can access them and support local book businesses.
Many Denver area folks might be finding themselves a bit bored over the next few weeks, and local bookstores and libraries are here and working hard to keep lots of reading options available to the public.
Libraries have had to close in-person services and locations, and bookstores have had to completely close up shop or defer to delivery and online-only orders. Though many may crave the touch of a physical book in hand, technology has given us many different ways to enjoy a good story, and those platforms are going to fill a great need over the next weeks and months.
Here's our breakdown of ways you can support your local book community and, in turn, how they will support you.
Libraries
Though physical locations of libraries have mostly closed, the staff are still working hard every day to keep the community connected.
- Closed.
- Access eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines; stream free movies; Phone-a-Story; learn a language; download free music.
- If you don’t have a card, you can sign up online.
- You can even chat live online with a librarian, if needed.
- Due dates are all being extended, even for already overdue items.
- Closed.
- Extended due dates and put a hold on all fees. All items currently checked out have been extended until May 1, 2020.
- Access eBooks, audiobooks, and staff picks; go on virtual field trips; use learning resources.
- Stay up to date with local news, changes in city closures, as well as links to the city’s COVID-10 information and resources through the library.
- Aurora Public Schools students can access the Aurora Public Library databases using their student ID number, so they have access to research and resources during at-home learning.
Anythink Libraries (Adams County)
- Closed.
- Sign up for a temporary card for access to all the great stuff they have going on online.
- Access daily craft projects with Creativebug, research, eBooks, audiobooks; stream all sorts of videos; keep up with news.
- Closed.
- All due dates and overdue items extended until the library is able to reopen.
- Library cards can be applied for online, you do not have to be an Arapahoe County resident to get one.
- Access to audiobooks, ebooks, music, video, magazines, movies, TV, free courses, and news.
- Academic resources, including homework help, Women's History Month activities, etc.
- Closed.
- Late fees are all waived and due dates are extended.
- Access to Tumblebooks for young readers, eBooks, magazines, music, television, etc.
- Staff will be adding new audio workouts, crafting lessons, and online learning opportunities for the community throughout the closure.
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Bookstores
The Tattered Cover has closed all Denver area locations but is offering online orders over $10. They were offering curbside service, but have had to shut that down per the Denver stay-at-home order.
BookBar is a wine bar-bookstore hybrid in Denver and has closed until the end of April. They are taking online orders 24/7 and offering free shipping on all orders.
Boulder Book Store has closed to customers, as Boulder is also under a stay-at-home order, though they are answering phones and taking online orders, with everything being shipped for free. They are keeping things going on social media, offering book recommendations and content for customers.
Capitol Hill Books has closed until April 11 and will be checking messages daily. Online orders are being taken and orders over $10 will be shipped for free.
The Bookies Bookstore in Glendale is an indie bookstore, they too have had to temporarily shut their doors but are still doing business. They will be offering daily discounts and filling online orders as fast as they can until reopening fully is an option.
There are plenty more bookstores in the Denver metro area who have had to quickly convert to online-only business, so check with your favorite one to see if you can order online. These businesses thrive on in-person business so they really need support to try and make it through this unsure time.
Do you know of any other bookstores offering free shipping or discounts through this extended closure? What online library gems do you use? Comment below.