Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

During the current pandemic many are turning to online reading sources. Some school districts and local libraries are not able to provide e-books for their readers.

Where are you turning to find books during this time? Do you have advice for those seeking online sources for their families or students?

My own library mostly. I’m rereading a lot of books, or reading the ones I never got to. Also using SORA.

Can you please explain SORA?

Kathy, Sora is a product of overdrive. Overdrive, the e-book platform, developed the Sora app for students and the Libby app also. Most school district collections use Sora and public library collections use Libby. Some public libraries are now using an app called Axis 360 for their children and teens collections.

Where I am turning to for books: At the time our public libraries shut down, I still had a boat load of books checked out, so I am reading my way through them. I also turn to my own 8 bookshelves, many books of which I have not yet read.

In addition to public, school, and academic online resources, there is also openlibrary.org where one can read books for free (maybe not the latest bestsellers, but hey, they're books); or similarly, one can peruse books at Project Gutenberg (gutenberg.org) for older books for which no copyright exists (my understanding).

Thanks, very good information.

I am a Prime member, so I have been looking there as well as Hoopla offered through my library system. Thanks for your comments. Now I have other options.

I am using our regional library system, CWMARS, to access ebooks for my Kindle. A friend in my book group, which we hold via Zoom, introduced me to Libby, as well. Thank goodness for technology during these times when the physical public libraries are closed.