New Device? The Library Can Help You Make the Most of It.
Friday, December 21, 2018
Planning to give (or get) tech-themed presents such as computers, tablets, or smartphones this holiday season? The Library provides an extra boost to your gift-giving or gift-getting by offering many free services and resources to make the most of new devices.
Before you wrap up that new phone, tablet, or computer for your lucky gift recipient, download and print our ready-made note tags and pair them with presents to learn about all our helpful digital services.
Download a gift note sheet: PDF / JPEG
Get a device tutorial from a Library Tech Coach
If you need pointers on how to be a power user of your new gift, the Library’s Tech Access program offers resources to help patrons wanting to learn to use digital tools or devices.
Tech Coach volunteers are available at multiple Library branches, providing guidance through one-on-one assistance via weekly drop-in sessions, learning circles or scheduled classes. Coaches can also meet you at your nearest Library location for a one-on-one appointment. Fill out this form to request an appointment, call 816.701.3606, or e-mail techcoachservices@kclibrary.org.
More TechAccess resources Request an appointment Assess your digital skills
Visit the Digital Branch
Easy access to eBooks
Load up your new eReader or tablet with a digital stack of eBooks. Now you can enjoy that 500-page potboiler you’ve been meaning to read without having to carry the physical weight of all those words.
Explore OverDrive to borrow titles for Android, Apple and Windows devices as well as Kindle eReaders and Kindle Fire tablets. hoopla offers thousands of always-available eBooks with no holds and no waiting. Or try our Digital New & Notable service, Axis360, which offers a collection of the most popular eBook titles.
More eBook resources
Plug into digital audiobooks
Catch up on your ever-growing book list by listening to digital audiobooks during your daily commute, while you make dinner, or when you hit the gym.
OverDrive offers popular audiobook titles in MP3 format. Stream directly in-browser, or check out the handy Libby mobile app. Stream or download titles in hoopla's collection —no waiting and no holds. And Axis360, also has Digital New & Notable collection of in-demand audiobooks.
More digital audiobook resources
Turn up the beat on your device and access huge collections of great tunes by downloading or streaming music. Listen to a full album, enjoy pre-made themed playlists, or discover new artists.
Freegal is an online music service that provides access to millions of songs from the Sony catalog that can be downloaded or streamed directly to your device. MP3 downloads are yours to keep; streaming is unlimited. hoopla offers access to thousands of popular albums in a wide variety of genres. You can borrow 12 albums per month; stream online, or download albums to hoopla's mobile app, which allows you to listen without an internet connection.
More digital music resources
Read the latest issues of top magazines for free on your computer, tablet, or phone with OverDrive Magazines. Use their Libby app to access and manage more of your reading favorites in one place.
You can also use your Kansas City Public Library card to enjoy a free digital access pass to the New York Times, access the Kansas City Business Journal, search an archive of articles from the Kansas City Star, and explore additional publications.
Digital magazines & newspapers
Watch movies from your device
Fulfill your chill with the digital film streaming services offered by the Library. Many of these services allow you to stream from your computer or from a mobile app.
Kanopy offers a large collection of independent, international, documentary, and early films from providers like Criterion, PBS and Kino Lorber, plus a large collection of quality children's programming through Kanopy Kids. Stream to your computer, mobile device, or Roku. hoopla has thousands of streaming video titles. No waiting, no holds needed – movies and TV shows are always available for checkout.
More streaming movies and TV resources
Get your fix for illustrated storytelling with hoopla digital comics. From DC, Marvel, or other big players to collections from publishers such as Image, Dark Horse, and Fantagraphics, you can download and enjoy a wide array of titles.
Browse digital comics
Gift tags to pair with devices
Before you wrap up that new phone, tablet, or computer for your lucky gift recipient, download and print our ready-made note tags and pair them with presents to learn about all our helpful digital services.Download a gift note sheet: PDF / JPEG
Get a device tutorial from a Library Tech Coach
If you need pointers on how to be a power user of your new gift, the Library’s Tech Access program offers resources to help patrons wanting to learn to use digital tools or devices.Tech Coach volunteers are available at multiple Library branches, providing guidance through one-on-one assistance via weekly drop-in sessions, learning circles or scheduled classes. Coaches can also meet you at your nearest Library location for a one-on-one appointment. Fill out this form to request an appointment, call 816.701.3606, or e-mail techcoachservices@kclibrary.org.
More TechAccess resources Request an appointment Assess your digital skills
Fill your device with FREE digital content, courtesy of your Library
The Library's Digital Branch offers a large and growing collection of materials that you can access in a browser, download to a mobile device, or stream online. Visit kclibrary.org/digital to explore – all you need is your Kansas City Public Library card or an eCard.Visit the Digital Branch
Easy access to eBooks
Load up your new eReader or tablet with a digital stack of eBooks. Now you can enjoy that 500-page potboiler you’ve been meaning to read without having to carry the physical weight of all those words.Explore OverDrive to borrow titles for Android, Apple and Windows devices as well as Kindle eReaders and Kindle Fire tablets. hoopla offers thousands of always-available eBooks with no holds and no waiting. Or try our Digital New & Notable service, Axis360, which offers a collection of the most popular eBook titles.
More eBook resources
Plug into digital audiobooks 
Catch up on your ever-growing book list by listening to digital audiobooks during your daily commute, while you make dinner, or when you hit the gym.OverDrive offers popular audiobook titles in MP3 format. Stream directly in-browser, or check out the handy Libby mobile app. Stream or download titles in hoopla's collection —no waiting and no holds. And Axis360, also has Digital New & Notable collection of in-demand audiobooks.
More digital audiobook resources
Tune in to digital music
Turn up the beat on your device and access huge collections of great tunes by downloading or streaming music. Listen to a full album, enjoy pre-made themed playlists, or discover new artists.Freegal is an online music service that provides access to millions of songs from the Sony catalog that can be downloaded or streamed directly to your device. MP3 downloads are yours to keep; streaming is unlimited. hoopla offers access to thousands of popular albums in a wide variety of genres. You can borrow 12 albums per month; stream online, or download albums to hoopla's mobile app, which allows you to listen without an internet connection.
More digital music resources
Get your news fix on the go
Read the latest issues of top magazines for free on your computer, tablet, or phone with OverDrive Magazines. Use their Libby app to access and manage more of your reading favorites in one place.You can also use your Kansas City Public Library card to enjoy a free digital access pass to the New York Times, access the Kansas City Business Journal, search an archive of articles from the Kansas City Star, and explore additional publications.
Digital magazines & newspapers
Watch movies from your device .jpg)
Fulfill your chill with the digital film streaming services offered by the Library. Many of these services allow you to stream from your computer or from a mobile app.Kanopy offers a large collection of independent, international, documentary, and early films from providers like Criterion, PBS and Kino Lorber, plus a large collection of quality children's programming through Kanopy Kids. Stream to your computer, mobile device, or Roku. hoopla has thousands of streaming video titles. No waiting, no holds needed – movies and TV shows are always available for checkout.
More streaming movies and TV resources
Catch up on comics and graphic novels
Get your fix for illustrated storytelling with hoopla digital comics. From DC, Marvel, or other big players to collections from publishers such as Image, Dark Horse, and Fantagraphics, you can download and enjoy a wide array of titles.Browse digital comics