Going on Vacation? We've Got You Covered!

July 12, 2012

Are you planning a fun family vacation this summer? Will you have a 10 hour car ride with your kids in the back seat? Or maybe, your afternoons will be spent relaxing on the beach. What will you do with all of that time? Luckily the Library doesn’t have to be left behind! We offer so many versatile services that at least one of them will be the perfect addition to your vacation. Check out these services that you can access, even when you’re out of town. 
 
Suspend Holds
If you’ll be out of town and don’t want your long-awaited items to come and go before you can check them out, then you can suspend them until a desired date. You will continue to move up the list and will remain at position 1 until your unsuspend date. Simply access your account’s Hold page, select the holds you wish to suspend, and scroll to the bottom of the page to the heading "Activate or Suspend Selected Holds." 
 
Audiobooks
Do you need a good story to listen to as you drive across the country? Be sure to stock up on some of our CD and cassette audiobooks before you leave. We also provide eBooks through OverDrive that can be downloaded to MP3 devices. See our Library staff if you need help with this.
 
Movies
Keep your kids entertained in the car by bringing along plenty of DVDs. The Library offers many new DVDs as well as the classic Disney movies, and the majority of them can be checked out for 28 days. (Keep in mind our feature films are 7 days, and sometimes can’t be renewed.)
 
Donated Paperbacks
Are you worried that your Library book might get drenched by an ocean wave, or left on the airplane? Browse our selection of donated paperbacks. Since they’re donated, they don’t have a due date, and you don’t have to worry if it gets a little sand on it. This section is located by the magazines in our branch, or simply ask a staff member to show you where they are.
 
Travel Books
You’ve made it to your destination… now what do you do? The Library offers many travel books for the city or state that you’re visiting. These books feature popular sightseeing locations, great local eats, lots of colorful pictures, and sometimes even a map of the city!  
 
Internet Access
Before you leave for your trip, stop by and use our computers to map out your driving route or print off boarding passes. While online, visit our Research Database for travel: Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Collection. It features information from journals, travel guides, and magazines for tourism travel and more. It’s also available on Android and, iOS so you can access it while on the go.
 
eBooks
Do you own a Kindle, Nook, iPad, or any other eBook compatible device? Then, you can access our OverDrive library online and check out up to 20 items. You’ll never run out of something to read, and it’s all contained on one device! Our Library staff is more than willing to walk you through the checking out and downloading process.
 
If in the rush of packing for vacation you forget to renew any items or suspend your holds, simply call the Library and we can do it for you. We’re happy to try to renew any items (they might have holds on them) and help you find material to make your vacation one to remember. Enjoy your summer and don’t forget to check out the Library when planning your vacation!
 
Erin J.
Blue Springs South Branch