It’s no secret that the Charles County Public Library offers many amazing digital resources.  Ever wonder which ones are the most popular?  Well, wonder no more!  Below are the Charles County Public Library’s Top Five Most Popular Digital Resources.

A complete list of the library’s digital resources is available on the library’s Web site.

5. LinkedIn Learning (previously known as Lynda): 

This popular online platform offers a wide range of video tutorials on business, technology, and creative skills.  Sample classes include Writing a Resume, Graphic Design Tricks and Tips, Time Management Fundamentals, Project Management Foundations, HTML Essential Training, and so much more!  LinkedIn Learning is an excellent resource to learn, refresh, or build upon any number of skills.

4. Freegal: 

Freegal is the go-to place for free music, and it’s easy to see why.  They offer three weekly downloads, yours to keep forever, as well as up to three hours of daily streaming music.  Listen to your favorite album, discover a new artist, try out one of their curated playlists, or build your own.  Playlists can be shared with the library, and CCPL has a collection of featured custom playlists available on Freegal.  Read more about Freegal here and begin building your digital music library.

3. Hoopla: 

Instantly available e-books, audiobooks, comics, music, television, and movies?  Yes, please!  With Hoopla, there is no wait, and the expansive Hoopla catalog offers something for everyone.  Due to popular demand, the library recently increased the Hoopla checkout limit to ten items per month.  Learn more and access Hoopla here.

2. Ancestry Library Edition: 

Most years, Hoopla would take this number two spot, but Ancestry Library Edition gaining temporary remote access for 2021 proved to be a game changer.  Normally available onsite at the library, Ancestry Library Edition expanded their database access to include remote usage in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This expanded access is effective through 2021, meaning there’s no better time to dig into some genealogical research.  Starting in January 2022, Ancestry Library Edition will be available onsite only, and Heritage Quest will be the best remote option.  Read more about Ancestry Library Edition and supporting resources offered by the library to get started.

1. Overdrive/Libby

It’s not even close.  Overdrive and its Libby app are by far the most popular CCPL digital resource, with well more than double the usage than any other resources on this list.  With free e-books, audiobooks, and magazines available, it’s easy to see why!  Overdrive and its Libby app allow users to check out ten e-books or audiobooks at any time, place holds for an additional ten items, recommend new titles to add to the collection, and check out an unlimited number of magazines.  If you haven’t already, be sure to try out Overdrive and the Libby app!

Honorable Mentions: 

There’s a big difference between the fifth and sixth most popular digital resources, but it would be a shame not to give a shout out to the back half of the library’s Top Ten most popular digital resources. 

They are: 

6. HelpNow! (Brainfuse)

7.  Heritage Quest Online

8.  Mango Languages

9.  Newspaper Archive

10.  Kanopy