Visit the New Bedford Free Public Library from home!
Hey everybody! I hope you're all hanging in there and following the COVID-19 best practices from the City of New Bedford during these trying times.
 
Your New Bedford Library continues to take all the necessary precautions while supporting library services every way we can. When you call, you can reach us from: 10AM-3PM, Monday-Friday at 508-991-6278.
We have extended our book, DVD, magazine (physical material), due dates until June 4th, so if you have an item at home that you wish you had returned, hold on to it for now. 
LEA: More options, more lending, at your fingertips
Library eBooks and Audiobooks (LEA) is a lending program which, for the first time, allows the patrons of one network to check out eBooks and Audiobooks from the collection of another network.
 
The LEA program, powered by the Libby app / OverDrive, now allows patrons of eight of the Massachusetts library networks to use their home library card to borrow eBooks and Audiobooks from all of the networks. Every Massachusetts resident can now access a huge collection of over 350,000 titles! 
 
Visit: https://www.sailsinc.org/overdrive-help/ for step-by-step instructions or call us at 508-991-6278, Monday-Friday between the hours of 10AM-3PM and a Librarian can help you set up all the Massachusetts library networks on your Libby app.
 
Card trouble? We can help
If your SAILS card is not working for online resources, it may be expired. Please call the Downtown Library at:
508-991-6278, Monday-Friday between the hours of 10AM-3PM and a Librarian can renew your card over the phone. You can also email your request to: nbmref@sailsinc.org 
 
For your friends and family who do not yet have a library card, they can easily sign up for one by filling out the form at https://www.sailsinc.org/my-account/get-a-library-card/. During the COVID-19 epidemic, this card will be good for two months before you need to visit a library to upgrade it to a permanent card.
Tell me about those e-resources
All of our libraries provide access to online materials. E-books, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, and e-magazines are available through the SAILS Overdrive collection. We recommend using the Libby app to access these resources unless you are using a Kindle in which case, the OverDrive app is best. The Libby app is necessary for the LEA lending program. 
hoopla
hoopla allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. 
Libby
The Libby App is the newest app from OverDrive. It is easy to navigate and you are always one-tap away from your current ebook or audiobook. The Libby app also makes it easy to switch between multiple library collections to find all your loans and holds on one "shelf".
OverDrive
The OverDrive app is the "classic app", and includes some features that are not yet available in the Libby app, such as streaming video, recommendations, as well as compatibility with Kindle Fire, mp3 players, and screen readers.
NoveList Plus
Expert reading recommendations from NoveList make finding your next book easier than ever. NoveList Plus includes both fiction and nonfiction titles for all ages.
NoveList K-8 Plus
Expert reading recommendations from NoveList help younger readers find just the right book. NoveList K-8 Plus includes fiction and nonfiction titles.
Tumblebooks
Tumblebooks are animated storybooks for younger readers. Click here to begin your visit to the TumbleBook Library!
Spotlight on: Gale Pages
With your library card, Gale online databases allow you access to scholarly resources from home and also great articles about recipes, science, history, gardening- anything you can think of! The library pays for these resources so you know they are reputable and accurate. 
Recipes, restaurant reviews, industry information and more all at your finger tips.
Genealogical records and historical sources dating back to the 1700's. Continue your genealogical research from home.
Articles on architectural techniques, zoning rules, tools, and more. Get your next at home project started!
...and for when all this blows over
The CreateLab was made possible through an LSTA Grant and it will provide the people of New Bedford with the opportunity to create with the use of cutting edge technology. At the Downtown Library you can use a Cricut, DSLR Camera, Glowforge Laser printer, Yeti microphone, and so much more. There is also a new Study Area equipped with an overhead projector and laptop hookups that can accommodate classes and meetings up to 8 people.