Learn a new language this year!

Try our Databases of the Month:  Mango Languages for adults, and Little Pim for kids. Dozens of languages, as well as ESL instruction. Mobile apps, too! (Mango only) Use them at home (FREE from the library) to learn a language you can use on a trip to somewhere warm!

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Get some consumer confidence!

Buying something important? Check our guide to consumer resources.  We also have licenses for in-library users to access three great consumer databases:

Consumer Reports Online: A comprehensive source for unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer concerns.

Consumer Lab: Provides comprehensive information about vitamin, herbal and other supplements, and nutritional products. A science-based encyclopedia of natural products is also provided, including a drug-interaction database.

Consumers’ Checkbook: Ratings and guides evaluate the quality and prices of local service firms and stores, such as auto repair shops, plumbers, dentists, veterinarians, banks, insurance companies, and many more.

 

 

 

Streaming video–now available in OverDrive!

OverDrive is not just for eBooks and audiobooks anymore. The Minuteman Library Network has added streaming video! Our initial collection of nearly 100 feature films, documentaries, and instructional videos is now available, with more to come soon.

A few details:

• Video formats are marked by the icon in the Overdrive catalog.
• Videos are streaming, not downloadable, so you will need a constant WiFi/internet connection.
• The lending period for Videos is 3 days. However: Videos automatically “return” themselves if you watch through the end of the credits, and STARZ videos automatically “return” themselves 48 hours after you start watching.
• Videos count toward total OverDrive account checkouts (10) & holds (7).
• Individual video title records are in the main catalog, but unlike ebooks and e-audiobooks, videos can ONLY be checked out in OverDrive (digital.minlib.net or the app).

Learn something new…online!

Try one of our databases for online education, and learn something new:

LearningExpress Library

Test prep for free! Free online practice tests, eBook study guides, and tutorials for most major tests, including SAT/PSAT, AP, ACT, GRE, and much more. Try out their skills improvement courses for math, reading, and writing, for kids, teens, and adults. See their Career Center to practice for occupation and licensing exams.

 

 

Universal Class

Over 500 online continuing education courses–explore a new hobby, prepare for a new career, learn a new skill. There’s something for everyone! More info is available here.

Need grants for your nonprofit?

Workshop November 13, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM, at the Morse Institute Library in Natick.

Introduction to Foundation Directory Online Professional: A Workshop for Nonprofits 

For representatives of nonprofit organizations: Learn to use the Foundation Directory Online Professional database to identify potential funding resources, such as grants from private foundations, corporations, and public charities. The workshop will cover basic strategies for searching the database, as well as hands-on practice.

This is a joint presentation of the Funding Information Network locations in Natick & Newton. Presenters will be Reference Librarians Demetri Kyriakis from the Morse Institute Library in Natick, and Susan Caulfield from Newton. This is the second year the Morse Institute (Natick) and Newton librarians have collaborated to provide training for patrons of both libraries.

To register, call the Morse Institute Library Reference Desk in Natick, (508) 647-6521.

Thursday November 13, 2014
2:30 PM  –  4:00 PM
Morse Institute Library

14 East Central St., Natick

Community Room, Lower Level

Limited to 12 participants

For more information contact Susan Caulfield at the Newton Reference Department, (617) 796-1380, or email newtonfin@minlib.net.

It’s Hoopla Day at the Library!

Come to the Library lobby today for hoopla day! We’ve got information, instruction, and free candy!

What’s hoopla? It’s a database that lets you borrow FREE movies, music, and audiobooks with your library card. Lots of content for children, too! It’s easy–ask us how and we’ll show you. You can stream or download the digital content to your computer, laptop, or portable device.

Need more music? We can also help you access the Naxos Music Library database with your library card–free streaming music for your computer or portable device. Classical, World music and more, with liner notes and other resources for learning about music. You can also create and save playlists of your favorites!

For both, no need to return anything and never any fines.

Download the hoopla and Naxos apps today!

Do you like movie soundtracks?

Frozen, Boyhood, The Fault in Our Stars, Divergent, Jersey Boys, and Hunger Games–these are just a few of the many soundtracks available in our hoopla database! Or revisit the music from older favorites like Rent, Mamma Mia, or Cinema Paradiso. Don’t like soundtracks? Browse new releases, alternative, children’s, comedy, classical, folk and much more. Movies and audiobooks are available, too.

Just find something you like in hoopla (or download the free app for Apple or Android), click “Borrow,” then follow the on-screen instructions to sign up for an account. You’ll need to be a Newton resident and have your Minuteman card number (some other towns also subscribe–check your local library).

No waiting lists, no fines, no need to return, and you can choose up to 10 items per month. Read more here.

 

Can’t get enough of the Roosevelts?

Did you enjoy the recent Ken Burns documentary on PBS? Want to read more? Check out our booklist!

 

 

 

Are you an Antiques Roadshow fan?

Then you’ll love our Database of the Month, p4A Antiques Reference. Whether browsing by category or searching, sale prices, regional auction data, background information and auction house links connect you with antiques, collectibles, fine art, and historic Americana. It could make cleaning out your house or rummaging through yard sales a fun project!

Need to quickly check a World Cup score?

Tip: Go to google.com and click on the Google doodle. You’ll get the current score, timelines, match stats, and lineups–plus other World Cup links from Google. Click on “2014 FIFA World Cup” at the top of the page for more scores.

And if you missed any of the World Cup doodles, click here.