en Español

News Release

03/05/2007
Check Out What’s New at the Library Online!

In continuing efforts to serve more Library patrons more fully in the digital age, Providence Public Library (PPL) has made some significant enhancements on its website at www.provlib.org. A quick glance reveals a new, streamlined look showcasing a more user-friendly design and navigation for quick and easy access to online library services. Key Library and Internet search functions are right at hand throughout the site and several new online services are featured, with more coming soon.

“Libraries are increasingly being called upon to provide more services in new and different ways. Serving a diverse urban and statewide population, PPL is dedicated to providing the services that our patrons are seeking through electronic means,” said Dale Thompson, library director. Online service highlights include:

For Book Lovers (Reader’s Advisory): Now, “book lovers” can do much of their “browsing” online, as well as receive regular email updates on the authors, books, and subjects they like. Just looking for a good read? Fiction, non-fiction, romance…we have recommendations for you on these and more! Visit when you want or sign up to receive regular emailed lists on a range of topics! In addition, the Library’s new Book Lover’s Web page lists book-related library events like author visits and book clubs meetings, book reviews, author interviews, and statewide book links. Book Lovers is a quick, informative resource for all who love to read!

LIVE-Online Homework Help: Providence school students (4th - 12th grade and college introduction level) never have to be stumped by a tough homework assignment again! They simply visit the PPL’s Web site from any Library or their home PC to get immediate, free help from qualified tutors. Live Homework Help is an online tutoring service from Tutor.com that connects students to expert tutors in math, science, social studies and English via the Internet. Spanish-speaking tutors are available in math and science. The service is available daily from 3 – 9 pm

Reference Service -- AskRI.org: Have a question you need answered right now? You have multiple ways to contact PPL, Rhode Island’s Statewide Reference Resource Center. For help online, go to: AskRI.org -- the electronic equivalent of the Statewide Reference Resource Center. Utilize the live chat and email service to talk to a PPL librarian, learn more about government resources, or search important databases. Access numerous premiere information resources, including World Book Online Reference Center (Multimedia encyclopedia, atlas, dictionary, Spanish language encyclopedia for students, teacher and parent resources, and more) and HeritageQuest (combines digital, searchable images of U.S. federal census records with full-text genealogy and local history collections), both available statewide.

New Spanish-language Pages and Resources: Find out about programs and services PPL offers Spanish-language speakers: children’s bilingual programs, story times, adult book club, book reviews and recommendations, reference resources, and more on these dedicated pages! Click on the en español link from the Library’s front page or from the navigation bar on all pages.

Computer Tips, Blog and Podcasts: Patrons come from near and far to take PPL’s free computer training classes, a multitude of offerings at all Library sites, from basic Windows courses to advanced training in all forms of software. Topical classes such as Ebay buying and blogging are also offered. Now, learners can connect with the Library’s popular computer trainer by going to PPL’s web site and visiting his blog for additional informational resources, computer training worksheets, current tech news, reviews and related sites, including podcasts.

RSS Feeds: PPL is pleased to offer RSS feeds to make it easier for patrons to stay current with PPL programs & events, news and blogs, as well as local and world news. With RSS, you can incorporate items of interest into your preferred newsreaders and web logs.

Podcasts: Welcome our librarians into your own home (or ipod)! Now you and your children can listen to our children’s librarians read a popular story.

Coming soon…
PPL will soon be offering downloadable audio books! In addition, the Library will introduce an improved event calendar feature, enabling patrons to more easily search and track Library programs and events. Check in frequently for updated services. If you haven’t visited the Library online in a while—it’s time to check us out! Go to www.provlib.org or www.thelibraryonline.org today.