Love to read? 3 easy ways to find more books with NoveList

You know that feeling when you finish a great book, and are ready to dive into something else, but you don't know what that something else is yet?

If you ever get stuck looking for your next great read, try using NoveList. It is a fantastic tool that lets you browse or search for your next book. Not just for adults, NoveList also can help with book recommendations for kids and teens.

What can you do with NoveList?

Recommended Read Lists

1. Browse lists of recommended reads. When you first get to the main page, you'll see an area at the left of the screen called Recommended Reads. You can browse lists of good fiction or non-fiction books, grouped by age and category. Interested in what the experts at NoveList think are good science fiction or romance reads? You'll find those types of lists there.

2. See similar books to current bestsellers. While you're on the hold list for Khaled Hosseini's latest novel, And the Mountains Echoed, why not peruse some of the other similar books that NoveList thinks you'd be interested in? You'll find the bestseller read-alikes right in the center of the screen on NoveList.

3. Already devoured everything by one author? Find another author you'll enjoy. NoveList is great at giving you lists of authors that you might enjoy, based on authors you already like. Search for the author and you'll see a link to suggested read-alikes. What's great about the suggestions is that they tell you why you may enjoy those particular authors. You'll learn why this new author's style is similar or different from the one you've already read.

These are just three of the ways that you can use NoveList to find good books. Next time you're at the library, why not ask a librarian about their favorite NoveList tricks? You'll learn more ways to explore this amazing resource.

Use Library2Go on an Apple (iOS) device? This post is for you

If you use the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) app to download books from Library2Go on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, please read on.

Sometime on Tuesday, May 28th, OverDrive will be releasing an update for its app on iOS. When you update the OMC app on your device, it will de-authorize the app. (When you first set up the app to download ebooks, you created and entered an Adobe ID, which "authorized" the app. This is required to download ebooks to the app.)

When you update the app, this Adobe authorization will be removed. According to OverDrive, this is due to a change in Apple's privacy policies.

What does this mean? 
When you open the app after updating it, you will be prompted to re-authorize the app with your Adobe ID and password. (See screenshots of what this will look like.)

What if I don't remember my Adobe password?
If you forgot your password, there will be a link on the re-authorization page to reset your password. Just follow the prompts.

What if I don't remember my Adobe ID?
If you forgot your Adobe ID, you can create a new one - there will be a link on the screen to do this. However, if you authorize the app with a different Adobe ID than you had previously, any ebooks that you downloaded with the previous ID will not work once you authorize with a new ID.

How do I re-download my ebooks if I've authorized my app with a new Adobe ID?
Delete but do not return the books from your app. Tap on Get Books and log in to your Library2Go account. Click on the Download button next to the titles you want to re-download. They will download again to the app on your device.

Libraries closed on Memorial Day

All WCCLS member libraries will be closed on Monday, May 27th, in observance of Memorial Day.

You can still download audiobooks and ebooks at Library2Go, 24/7!

If you have any questions, please contact your local library.

Forest Grove Library opening late on May 23rd

The Forest Grove Library will be opening one hour later than usual on Thursday, May 23rd, due to staff training. They will open at 11:00 am instead of 10:00 am.

If you have questions, please contact the Forest Grove Library at  (503) 992-3247.

Big Library Read on Library2Go

Are you an ebook reader? Or, are you curious about ereading? From May 15th to June 1st, all of the readers who use Library2Go can check out the same book.

It's part of a pilot program called the Big Library Read. During the program, all readers can download the same book - "The Four Corners of the Sky" by Michael Malone - from Library2Go.

"The Four Corners of the Sky" is master storyteller Michael Malone’s novel of love, secrets, and the mysterious bonds of families. Malone brings characters to life as only he can, exploring the questions that defy easy answers: Is love a choice or a calling? Why do the ties of family bind so tightly? And is forgiveness a gift to others…or a gift we give ourselves? 

This is an opportunity to unite readers – and loyal library supporters – all over the world around a single ebook. Together with Sourcebooks, the independent publisher of this title, OverDrive and your library are providing a compelling novel for all to read – with a valid library card, of course.

We are proud of WCCLS' award-winning librarians!

Washington County is full of award-winning library staff! At the Oregon Library Association annual conference last week, four people who work at libraries in Washington County were honored with awards.

Left to right: Abigail Elder, Ed House, Laurie Mintz, Eva Calcagno

Eva Calcagno, director of Washington County Cooperative Library Services, won the Librarian of the Year award. She was recognized for her leadership in developing the new statewide Oregon Library Passport Program, which reduces barriers to library services statewide. Eva said "I’m honored to receive this award because it recognizes efforts to build cooperation and sharing among libraries for the improvement of public service. It’s what Washington County libraries have done for nearly 40 years." Congratulations Eva!

Laurie Mintz was awarded Library Employee of the Year! A Library Assistant at the Tualatin Library, Laurie was recognized for her generosity, mentoring and work with the Spanish-speaking community. Letters nominating Laurie mentioned her friendliness, creativity, excellent problem solving skills, and her ability to put people at ease. 

Abigail Elder, director of the Tualatin Library, won the OLA President's award for her leadership of the Association and her grace and selflessness in handling the Association’s leadership transition after the departure of the previous President.

Ed House, director of the Beaverton Library since 2001, was recognized for his successful career in Oregon libraries and years of outstanding service with an Honorary Lifetime Membership to the Oregon Library Association.

Congratulations to all the winners! We are proud to have such great staff serving the library patrons of Washington County.

Online test preparation and software tutorials through WCCLS

Did you know that you can prepare for exams and take practice tests online through WCCLS? We offer access to a product called LearningExpress.

Use it to prepare for many education-related exams like the SAT, ACT, AP, and GED.

Looking at taking a career-related exam? LearningExpress can help you prepare for the ASVAB exams, CDL, plus much more.

Have a career you're happy in, but need to learn more about a particular software program? Check to see if LearningExpress offers tutorials for it. Bone up on Excel, Photoshop, and more!

Know someone who needs some computer basics? LearningExpress also covers Windows and Macintosh basics. 

If you're looking at making some career or educational changes, check to see if LearningExpress offers resources to help make your learning journey a little smoother!

Fitness and nutrition fun and games for kids in North Plains

On Saturday, May 11th, kids can learn about fitness and nutrition with the North Plains Library. Join them at the Jessie Mays Community Hall (map) from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

Kids will learn fun exercises and games to get them up and moving and amazing and useful facts about nutrition. This is the Library’s second annual fitness and nutrition event and is recommended for kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade.

Want to learn more about fitness for kids? Check the WCCLS catalog to see the great resources available at your local WCCLS library.