Allen Public Library is closed for renovations

Allen Public Library is closed and staff is preparing to move to 800 E. Main Street. The Library is expected to reopen this fall. We look forward to seeing you there!

Just a reminder, that no materials are due while the Library is closed. We are unable to accept returns until we reopen at the temporary location. Programs, including story times, will resume when we reopen.

If you have questions while we are closed, please utilize our ASK APL form. A staff member will respond to your question within 1-3 business days.

For more information and updates, visit our expansion page.

Even though the Library is closed, our Digital Library is still available. You may already use the Digital Library to access eBooks and eAudiobooks through cloudLibrary, read digital magazines through NewsStand, and watch streaming videos with biblio+, but did you know you can learn a language, access on-demand parenting videos, and find educational content for your kids? Or access historical newspapers to learn about the City of Allen?

An Allen Public Library card is required to access most of these resources. If you do not have a library card, you can sign up for a temporary card through our online application. Temporary cards are good for 90 days.

cloudLibrary

You may already use cloudLibrary to access eBooks and eAudiobooks, but did you know you can also access digital magazines, comics, and streaming video in the cloudLibrary app? If you haven't tried cloudLibrary yet, you can visit the eBooks/eAudiobooks page for information on how to get started. For more reading suggestions, browse the resources for children, teens, and adults on our Books & More page.

If you need reading suggestions or want to try a new author or genre, Next Reads, our personalized book recommendation service is available for youth and adults. This service is currently limited to eBooks and eAudiobooks. We will resume suggestions for print materials when the Library reopens.

Digital Magazines with cloudLibrary NewsStand

CloudLibrary NewsStand features full-color, digital magazines for instant desktop reading, mobile streaming, and mobile-app download. NewsStand offers over 6500 magazines and newspaper titles in over 50 languages, with unlimited access. To find digital magazines through the cloudLibrary app, look for the red Magazines box on the home page of the cloudLibrary app.

ComicsPlus

ComicsPlus, powered by LibraryPass, offers thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga for kids, teens, and adults. You can access titles using a smartphone, tablet, or web browser, and they can be downloaded to multiple devices. There is never a wait to read, all titles are unlimited access with simultaneous use. For access through the cloudLibrary app, scroll down the home page until you see the green Comics box. This will prompt you to download the ComicsPlus app (if you haven't already), log in with your library card, and begin browsing.

Streaming Video with biblio+

biblio+ is a video streaming service with a highly-curated selection of groundbreaking films and captivating television, from award-winners and nominees to independent discoveries, thoughtful documentaries, and everything in between. Library cardholders have unlimited access to an ad-free catalog of video content on many devices! The biblio+ video collection is integrated into the cloudlibrary app. Scroll down the home screen and tap on the blue Movies box. This will take you to the biblio+ catalog, where you can browse the collection and select any movie, series, or documentary to start streaming.

Bluebird Languages

Bluebird is a language-learning app for Android and Apple phones and tablets. Learn 164 languages with 12.6 million interactive audio lessons - plus unlimited personalized courses. An institutional PIN is required for access to Bluebird. To obtain the PIN, fill out our ASK APL form andinclude your library card number. A staff member will respond within 1-3 business days. Visit our Bluebird Languages page for more information or instructions on how to get started.

Storytime in your language, with LOTE4kids *NEW*

We are thrilled to announce the launch of LOTE4Kids, a database of children's eBooks and audiobooks in various world languages, allowing children and families to enjoy books and learn language through the magic of storytelling. Each book within the LOTE4Kids collection is paired with English translations to enhance language learning and comes available in many formats including bilingual editions and interactive flipbooks. The platform offers thousands of books in over 65 languages, with 150-200 new books and new languages added monthly. Accessible through a user-friendly web App or a free, secure and ad-free mobile App for iOS or Android, LOTE4Kids ensures your children can access their best-loved books in their native language in the library, at home, and on the go! To explore the world of LOTE4kids, log in with your library card!

ParentTV

ParentTV offers thousands of on-demand parenting videos and courses with content designed to support those who care for children, from pregnancy through teenage years. ParentTV works with leading psychologists, pediatricians, mental health specialists, and other educators across the globe. Search and find videos on many parenting topics, including play, behavior, mental health, sleep, and more. Most videos are under 10 minutes in length, available at your convenience, and accessible on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. To access this incredible resource, visit our Parent TV page and login with your library card! Get started with ParentTV!

Allen American Digital Newspapers

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission awarded the Library TexTreasures Grants to digitize historical issues of the Allen American newspaper donated by Star Local Media. The University of North Texas Portal (UNTP) is responsible for digitizing the papers to make them more readily accessible to the residents of Allen and beyond.

To access digital editions of the Allen American newspaper as far back as 1972 (though some are not available), visit the University of North Texas Portal to Texas History or our website's Allen American Newspapers page. Did you know that Barney the Dinosaur was on the front page of the June 12, 1988 issue? No library card required!

TumbleBook Library

TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of animated, talking picture books, and educational videos. TumbleBookLibrary also features puzzles and games to reinforce reading skills. Teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love! TumbleBookLibrary with your little one today>! No library card required!

TexShare Databases

Start with TexShare for homework help, health or business information, academic journals, popular magazines, genealogy, or job and career development. To access the TexShare Databases, log in by choosing Allen Public Library from the drop-down menu and enter the password.To obtain the password, fill out our ASK APL form and include your library card number. A staff member will respond within 1-3 business days.

LearningExpress Library: Achieve Your Goals in School, at Work and in Life

LearningExpress Library is an easy-to-use online resource featuring tutorials, practice tests, quizzes and e-books to help you achieve your educational and professional goals. In addition to helping you improve your reading, writing, math and basic science skills, LearningExpress Library offers tools and resources to help you search for jobs, build workplace skills and prepare for career certification exams. You'll also find college and grad school admissions test prep, GED test prep, U.S. citizenship test prep and much more.

To begin using LearningExpress Library, register for an account by creating your own username and password. This will allow you to keep track of the modules you're working on and save your progress as you go. A library card is not required to use this resource.

Job & Career Accelerator: Hearing "You're Hired" Changes Everything!

Whether you're looking to find a new job in your current field or pursue a career in an exciting new industry, Job & Career Accelerator has powerful tools and expert guidance to help you through every step of the process to succeed in today's job market.

To get started with Job & Career Accelerator, register for an account by creating your own username and password. (If you created a LearningExpress Library account, you can use the same login information.) This will allow you to save your progress as you go. A library card is not required to use this resource.

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