Laura Carpenter
LIST OF CHILDREN'S NON-PRINT RESOURCES
April 23, 2021
Children's Non-Print Resources
from the Library
MUSIC
Image from: https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/music
Freegal is available from many libraries, including the Seattle Public Library.
Freegal is a streaming music service that libraries provide access to for their patrons! There is no cost to the patrons, making this a great free way to stream music, courtesy of your local library!
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In Freegal, there is an entire genre collection of children's materials that are appropriate for all ages.
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Providing free streaming music services helps to bring equity to the realm of music availability. Freegal is easy to navigate and has a wide variety of options.
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DID YOU KNOW:
Libraries are providing music to their young patrons through access to streaming services with the use of a library card instead of having to pay for a subscription, as well as designing children's programming that incorporates music!
Image from: https://www.decaturlibrary.org/hoopla-1
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"National Library Service (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from using regular print materials. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS circulates books and magazines in braille or audio formats, that are instantly downloadable to a personal device or delivered by mail free of charge." (National Library Service, n.d.). The NLS has been providing children's materials in their collection since the 1950s.
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This is an incredibly important resource. It accommodates readers who cannot visually read, by providing accessible formats to them so that they can still enjoy the benefits of literature and reading. To deny anyone, especially children, the developmental benefits of early literacy should be considered criminal, and the NLS helps to combat that.
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Hoopla for kids, available through many libraries including the Decatur Public Library, is a music streaming service that can be accessed for free with a library card. In addition to music, users can use Hoopla to watch movies, tv shows, and read comic books! There is content on 'Hoopla for kids' for children for all ages.
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I really believe that free access to media (music, movies, tv, books) is a crucial part of providing equity. Everyone should be able to access content that they enjoy, regardless of financial status. The partnership between Hoopla and libraries is a great example of this occuring.
Image from: https://www.spl.org/books-and-media/music
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Playback is a great example of a regionally specific resource, provided by the Seattle Public Library. Playback allows free access with a library card to hundreds of Seattle-based artists. There is content on playback for all ages, so searching specifically for age appropriate material is recommended.
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I think this is a great resource for older kids, especially those interested in music. It can help create a spark for musical careers, and a familiarization with the artists and music in one's own community.
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Check out what kind of local music resources your library may offer!
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Programming is another great resources that libraries offer. There are music-centered programs at libraries across the county! Musical instruments check out, sheet music, classes taught in the library! In this example for instance, Thalia from the children's department of the Los Angeles Public Library sings songs from around the world with kids of all ages!
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I think that programming is a great resource for kids interested in music. There are so many opportunities and avenues to explore. Its also a great option for kinesthetic learners to partake in educational programming about music.
BONUS!
KQED FM Radio discusses the ways that libraries are providing access to digital music:
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'Spotify for Libraries': Public Libraries Edge Toward Music Streaming Services