Join us as we take a tour of some of the Alachua County Library District's most exciting services and collections, just in time for the end of the year! We've added even more services since last year, so take a look at what's new and refresh yourself on the familiar!
Discover nature in Alachua County!
Exploration Backpacks are now available at all 12 locations, thanks to a partnership between the Alachua County Library District and the Florida Museum of Natural History. These backpacks contain a variety of items to foster discovery and a love of the great outdoors, particularly right here in Alachua County.
Welcome to the family, hoopla!
We're coming up on one year since hoopla joined the Alachua County Library District's list of amazing databases, but that doesn't mean it's old news! Use your library card to access movies, TV shows, music, comics, and graphic novels, all for free! You can check out up to ten items a month. Visit our hoopla page for more information.
(Note: limited to Alachua County residents with a library card only.)
In-person programs are back!
Yes, you heard us! In-person programs for all ages are back in the library. Looking for a free, fun activity in your community? Check out our Events page for programs near you, or call your local branch for more information.
Join a Book Club in the new year
Looking to read books and discuss them with others? Join a book club! The library offers in-person book clubs at multiple locations as well as virtual book clubs through Goodreads.com.
Want to start your own book club? We have Book Club Kits available for checkout that include multiple copies of a title in several formats, as well as discussion questions.
Track your reading all year long with Beanstack
Tracking your reading isn't just for the summer. Beanstack allows you to keep track of how much you read every day, the books you finish, and even lets you log your own reviews. We also have challenges throughout the year, such as the Winter Reading Challenge, Women's History Month, and the year-round 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. Plus, you can get a reading streak going—see how long you can make it last! (And yes, that's a real streak from one of our patrons!)
Would you like your Wi-Fi here or to-go?
Whether you're at your preferred location or at home, we've got Wi-Fi for you. Every location of the ACLD has free Wi-Fi for all visitors, and computers for use with your library card or a guest pass. Alachua County residents can also check out a WiFi2Go hotspot for up to seven days. Each hotspot can support five devices at one time, with no data limits!
Intimidated by the long waitlist? We now have WiFi2Go Sizzlers! These function like a normal hotspot, but cannot be reserved and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Need an answer? Ask a Librarian!
You can call or visit your local branch during their open hours (see phone numbers, addresses, and hours on our Locations page), but what if you can't get away from work or school and still need an answer? The Library District also has a virtual Ask Us! chat, complete with frequently asked questions for those times when you aren't able to make it in person.
Struggling with schoolwork?
The library has a multitude of resources available for those in school, including test preparation, Tutor.com, test proctoring, and other educational databases. Be sure to check in with your local branch about what services they provide to help students or those looking to start back.
In a reading slump? Get recommendations!
If our new book lists aren't doing it for you, try subscribing to ACLD Reads for personalized recommendations, sent right to your email! You can opt-in to as many genres as interest you, and you'll receive new titles in your inbox every month.
On the hunt for a job?
If you're looking for a job, be sure to check out our Job Skills & DIY page, which includes resources for finding jobs in the area and re-employment, as well as book lists and links to our relevant eSources, including Transparent Language, Learning Express, and LinkedIn Learning.
For those seeking re-entry into the workforce, be sure to check out the Re-Entry page, which has information on the annual Re-Entry Partnership Conference each spring.
Additionally, the Headquarters library has a Job Club that meets every Wednesday and provides computer assistance on Tuesdays. Visit our Events page for more information.
Want to learn how to sew?
Sewing is one of the oldest professions in the world. These days there are many reasons to become interested in sewing: because you want to make new creations, because you want to make clothes that are unique and that fit you, or because you want to learn a useful skill that can extend the life of your existing possessions. Whatever your reason, sewing in its many forms can be an incredibly fulfilling hobby. Check out the Library District's sewing resources for more information.
Libraries aren't just for books. Check out the Library of Things!
Libraries are well known for their books and DVDs, but many people don't realize how much we have available for checkout. WiFi2Go hotspots and Exploration Backpacks are only scratching the surface! Check out our Library of Things page for information on all the amazing things you can access with your library card.