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Access to Transparent Language Online will no longer be available through RBdigital. The same great language learning is now available directly at Transparent Languages Online.

The world's leading classical music channel is now available for free with your Dublin City Libraries card. Choose from an extensive selection of concerts, operas, ballets, documentaries and master classes:

Today is Build Your Skills Day as part of Intreo Work and Skills Week 2021, read about our relevant eResources.

Reading aloud to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost your child's vocabulary and set them up for reading success. Play around with these tips and see which ones work for you and your family. You may find that your kids love silly character voices but lose interest when you ask too many questions about the book. This is just fine!  Use the tips that work for you, and come back to the others later. Enjoy your read aloud time with your little ones.Look for Rhyme and RepetitionBe on the lookout for books with rhyme and repetition. The rhyming is a valuable skill, and along with repetition, it creates a rhythm that makes listening to these books soothing and enthralling for kids. Think Dr. Seuss!Ham it UpIf you feel comfortable using character voices when you are reading, do it! And if it feels awkward, jump in and do it anyway. Practice is the only way for it to get easier, and your child will appreciate any voice you come up with. Don’t feel like you have to give each character their own voice – maybe just use a different voice for the main character, and let it go at that. Reading books with straight-forward plots is a great opportunity to ask sequencing questions about what happened first, next and last. You can also ask concrete literal questions about who, what, and where. If an obvious opportunity arises, start a quick conversation about how something happened in the story, or why a character did something in particular. Picking relatable stories about everyday life with main characters (human or animal) who are your child’s age or just a litte bit older will set your child up for success in comprehension right from the beginning.RehearseWhen you find a book that rhymes or uses a lot of repetition, read it to yourself a few times before you read it aloud to your child. Look for the parts that rhyme, and make sure that they sound natural when you read them aloud. It’s best to know when the rhyming bits are coming up, and being ready to emphasize those parts makes a huge positive difference in the quality of your read aloud.Invite ParticipationOnce your child has heard the book a few times, pause just before the end of a line to invite your child to say the rhyming word with you. Know when the repetition is coming up, too, and after a couple of times, pause and look expectantly at your child just before you read the section that repeats.Talk About Photographs and IllustrationsGood books for children have photographs and illustrations that are clear, colorful and engaging. Use these illustrations as an opportunity to talk about new vocabulary – label and explain any items or activities that might be unfamiliar to your child. Doing this regularly sends a message to your child that discussing the pictures in a book is a natural part of reading. It won’t be long before your child is asking their own questions about the illustrations, which naturally leads to even more engagement and interaction. It’s a simple, powerful way to help your child’s vocabulary explode during these preschool years.Short and SweetKeep reading sessions as short as necessary, and if your audience is getting impatient or wiggly, quickly summarize the ending of the book and try again later. Explore our catalogue, reserve a book today, type in "read aloud" in the search bar if you would like more ideas on helping your child discover the joy of reading. Support your local library today.

Did you know that as a member of Dublin City Libraries, you can access the Touch-type Read & Spell (TTRS) course for free? What is TTRS and who can use it? TTRS is a multisensory, structured, online typing course which assists students to learn at their own pace.In addition to developing typing skills, TTRS is designed to benefit students of all ages who experience spelling, reading or writing difficulties. Learners with dyslexia or literacy issues have found it helpful. Many of our patrons, both adults and children, some as young as 8, have already availed of this free service at Dublin City Libraries. While a large number of these patrons have found the course helpful for Dyslexia, many others have also found it beneficial.For example:    learners with Dyspraxia    learners with Dysgraphia    students studying English as a second language    those who wish to upskill and improve their general typing skills    those who wish to improve their literacy skills or those having literacy difficulties    those who wish to improve their memory skills or who are experiencing memory problemsThe feedback we have got from our current learners and parents has been very positive, with many reporting how they have benefitted from the course. How does TTRS with Dublin City Libraries work? If you are a member of Dublin City Libraries and if you have internet access at home, then you can use TTRS. All you need is a username and password. The course has a user-friendly interface and, from the very start of the course, students are prompted and talked through what to do, for example: where to place their fingers on the keyboard etc.There are many different levels and modules which learners can work through and improve on, and at the end of each level you can get a Certificate of Completion to represent all the hard work you have done!In addition to the main TTRS course, there is also a TTRS subjects section. This is only recommended after learners have completed at least 3 levels of the main course. Subjects include maths, grammar and science.How to get access to TTRS? If you would like access, please email: [email protected] and include your name and Library card membership number. We will send you a username and password along with the login instructions. You can also email us if you have any other questions about accessing TTRS. For further useful information on TTRS check out their website.Submitted by Fiona from Central Library. 

Here’s one I made earlier... This is a project I made from a Mollie Makes magazine a few months ago. The message might have seemed a bit corny then but now I am reminded of the calming power of craft.My favourite craft is embroidery. When I’m focussed on the correct length of a stitch or choosing a colour, there is no room for any other thought, negative or otherwise. Embroidery is a craft that doesn’t require much equipment, you can use any textile and thread or wool. And you don’t need to know a sampler’s worth of  stitches - a simple running or back stitch can be just as effective.If you are looking for inspiration, we have excellent sources on RB Digital.Mollie Makes is a cheerful have a go magazine covering a range of crafts and it assumes no previous experience. It’s also a useful reference for anyone thinking of starting a craft business. The current edition has simple projects using what you might have around the house, for instance knit your own hairband and scrunchie (apparently the 90s are back and everyone needs help with lockdown hair).Inspirations has been described as the most beautiful embroidery magazine in the world and it probably is. The current edition has an exquisite Chinese silk pomegranate project. But there is also a fascinating article and review about the author Clare Hunter on needlework and activism - how people at historic times of crisis have expressed themselves through banners and quilts for instance the Suffragettes, Greenham Common, the AIDS quilt.Piecework is a magazine about the history of needlework. It covers handmade items from all countries and eras. For the modern craft person, it’s inspiring to feel a a kinship across time and space with other makers. The crafts people of the past worked with whatever they could find - check your cupboard and your wardrobe. You can always buy supplies online but see if you can support Irish companies online first.Register for RB Digital magazines. Watch our how to video here.Submitted by Sandra from the Business Information Centre

Have you ever wished to get an overview of a subject but were unsure where to start? Why not try Very Short Introductions from Oxford University Press, this collection of 600 books cover a range of subjects in the Arts, Law, Medicine, Sciences and Social Sciences from Abolitionism to Zionism and everything in between. All titles provide intelligent and serious introductions to a range of subjects, written by experts in the field who combine facts, analysis, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make challenging topics highly readable.For example, there’s a book by Barry Cunliffe on The Celts. I really like the way he explains the term “Celt” and shows how the meaning changed throughout history. Cunliffe has, (with J.T. Koch) published three volumes "Celtic from the West". They claim that Ireland's population came from south west Iberia, around 4,000bc. The books are expensive but the theory behind them is widely available online.Climate Change by Mark Maslin is quite topical and worth a read. He looks at the factors that influence the global climate. He considers the difference between weather and climate. He concludes by looking at the issues of climate change and what is being done to tackle it. Other science topics include The Antartic, Black Holes, Waves, Viruses, and many more.Recently I began reading “The Divine Comedy". I saw that there was a title: Dante by Peter Hainsworth and David Robey on Very Short Introductions, so I had a look. Dante wrote about people and issues from his era. Hainsworth and Robey demonstrate how these issues are often left to the reader to resolve. They look at the medieval versus modern aspects of the text and that is why, The Divine Comedy, is a masterpiece in world literature. Sometimes it's enough to dip into the book to see what interests you.Submitted by Liam in Terenure Library. Access Very Short Introductions with your Dublin City library membership card barcode number. Select 'Dublin City Public Libraries' from menu.

For the gardeners among you the extra time being spent at home is a golden opportunity to get outside more than ever and have the garden looking its best. For the rest of us, whether we have access to a garden, big or small, a balcony or a sunny windowsill we can still start growing plants and developing our green fingers.Gardening can also be a great family-friendly activity to get children outdoors and involved in growing flowers or fruit and vegetables. Children love to grow things and there are great learning opportunities in all aspects of gardening.Whatever your level of gardening know-how we have lots of resources to help you develop basic skills or brush up on your existing knowledge and access advice from experts.Let our library e-resources get you started.RBdigitalRBDigital gives access to numerous gardening magazines to browse for inspiration or delve into for practical tips and projects.Gardeners World – offers topical practical advice for gardeners and ideas for garden projects.Amateur Gardening – offers advice and fresh ideas for beginners and more knowledgeable gardeners.If you want to take this time to start planning your dream garden or just appreciate some beautiful gardens from around the world there is plenty of inspiration on offer from Gardens Illustrated, House & Garden and Homes & Gardens.When it comes to garden design and landscaping Modern Gardens gives advice on how to create fresh, exciting outdoor spaces.With a focus on growing your own fruit and vegetables Kitchen Garden offers growing tips, recipes and much more.Download the RBdigital app:  Google Play - Android | iTunes - iOS | Kindle Fire. Watch our how to video here.PressreaderThe young gardeners of the future have their very own mini magazine available on Press Reader, Kids Go Gardening. Register for Press Reader, select Categories, and then gardening.Sign in with your Dublin City library membership card barcode number to access the service. Check out the how to video here.The Great Courses Library CollectionIf you want to get into specific gardening topics in more detail The Great Courses Library Collection offers courses with in-depth video lectures delivered by experts. Each course in this vast collection is taught by experts in their field.How to Grow Anything - Learn the fundamental rules of gardening in this clear and useful guide consisting of 6 lectures.How To Grow Trees & Shrubs – a horticulturist and certified arborist takes you through different landscapes, climates and seasons to reveal strategies for shopping, planting and caring for trees and shrubs in 12 lectures.The Science of Gardening – guides you in developing a science-based, sustainable, vibrant home landscape in 24 lectures.Download the RBdigital app: Google Play - Android | iTunes - iOS | Kindle FireUniversal ClassIf you want to get into even more detail Universal Class offers courses with instructors, video-based exams and assignments and certificates of achievement at the end.Try Landscaping 101 or Introduction to Gardening to get you started. To access online, register with your library card number and email address. Watch our how to video.BorrowboxDon’t forget to check out our BorrowBox to find garden related e-books and e-audiobooks. And if the beautiful blooms in your garden attract even more birds than usual you could take the time to sit back and enjoy all your hard work while observing the visitors with books to identify the birds of Ireland. Access eBooks/eAudiobooks on your phone, tablet or reader. Once you have installed the app, search for Dublin in the ‘Library’ field provided and then sign in using your library membership card number and PIN. Watch our how to video on Borrowbox. Members of other library authorities will need to log in using a different link. 

How often have you heard it said "I couldn't draw to save my life" or '"I couldn't draw a straight line" You CAN draw! The ability to draw is a skill that anyone can learn and does not depend on talent. It is a fundamental life skill, just like reading and writing. Want to learn how to draw? Or to improve your artistic skills and discover new techniques?Let our online classes show you how, our colleague Marie from the relief staff panel will guide you through them.Universal ClassLet’s look at How to Draw 101.Over the course of 15 lessons you will learn the following:•    The tools you'll need and how to use them•    Drawing lines•    Shading•    Texture•    Perspectives•    Drawing  Animals, Trees, Flowers, People•    To see the world as an Artist•    and much, much moreLike all Universal Class courses, it includes tutorials, lessons, assignments, discussion boards, and feedback on work you’ve submitted.  It is also one of the select few courses which offers a VIDEO ONLY mode if you would like to watch the lessons only and not participate in assignments/exams or get instructor feedback. To access online, register with your library card number and email address.The Great Courses Library CollectionHow to Draw has 36 thought-provoking half-hour video lectures. You can play, pause, and rewind as often as you like. This course is taught by award winning art Professor, David Brody of the University of Washington.  As with all courses in this collection, this has a supplementary guide book.Among other things, you will•    discover that the ability to draw is a skill that anyone can learn and does not depend on talent•    study colour theory•    change the way you see art and the world around you and•    understand how to draw from observation and your imaginationWhen you register for The Great Courses Library Collection you have access to as many courses as you want to for 7 days.  When your 7-day unlimited access pass has expired simply log in again for another 7 days. Your account and your “recently viewed” titles will be stored until you access The Great Courses Library Collection again.RBdigitalCheck out these eMagazines•    Drawing: Regardless of which medium you prefer, drawing is essential to give your art foundation. You'll find this magazine to be the single source for everything related to drawing.•    Paint and Draw: Each issue will keep you enthused and inspired with exclusive interviews, features, news and reviews.  Step-by--step tutorials from professional artists to help you improve at your own pace. It also covers all types of media from pencils and pastels to oils,  acrylic and watercolours.Watch our how to video here.And finally, if you're looking for further inspiration, browse art from around the globe and through the centuries at Oxford Art Online. Look to the left of the Oxford Reference screen for the prompt to ‘Sign in with your Library card’, then select 'Dublin City Libraries’. Check out a full listing of all our great online resources.Stay home, stay safe and happy drawing! 

If you are interested in learning or improving a language (including English), our colleague Simon from Inchicore Library recently reviewed three of our excellent online resources. There are also a variety of other aids to language learning which you might not expect to find in our suite of online resources and which Simon outlines for you here.Here is a quick refresher on Transparent Language Online, uTalk, and Road to IELTS.RBdigitalIn addition to the 460 English language magazines available to you through this resource, there are also a number of titles in other languages as follows:•    French - Marie Claire, Marie Claire Idées & Avantages•    German - Vogue, Brigitte, Arte Mag & Zuhause Wohnen•    Italian - Focus Extra & Marie-Claire•    Spanish - Harper’s Bazaar, Muy Interesante, Muy Historia & Marie-ClaireWatch our how to video here. Register for RBdigital. Pressreader.You have free access to 7,400 publications with this online resource (yes, seven thousand four hundred!). From a language learning point of view, there are publications in 63 languages from over 120 countries. These include the major world languages such as French, German, Spanish, all the EU languages, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese etc., but also languages like Thai, Vietnamese, Uzbek, Swahili and Ukrainian. For example, there are 832 publications in Spanish – mainly from Spain but also from Latin America. 346 of these are newspapers, both national and regional including El País, Clarín, La Vanguardia and La Voz de Galicia.There are 546 French publications including Libération, L’Équipe, Jeune Afrique, Nice Matin and Ouest France. Even if you are not totally fluent in the language you can, with a simple click, translate the page you are reading into English and 17 other languages. So, it’s a particularly good tool for learners and improvers too. Also, at the click of a button you can listen to the page recorded by a native speaker in 63 languages, thus honing your listening and comprehension skills.To access Press Reader, sign in with your Dublin City library membership card number.Oxford DictionariesWith this resource, you have access to online dictionaries, thesauri, translations, and language & culture reference content in 9 languages. These are English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic. Taking Spanish as an example, there is a search box where you type the word or phrase and click on Spanish to English or English to Spanish to get the desired translation.With the resulting definition, you also see the word as used in sentences and some idioms including that word. There is a section with most popular and trending words and a ‘test yourself’ section with a series of ten quiz questions on vocabulary. In the Explore the Language section, you will discover comprehensive grammar resources, useful phrases, and writing resources.          Oxford Dictionaries is can be accessed here.If you are studying English, the OED Online gives you access to 600,000 words and phrases either by a quick search or browsing from A to Z. It shows not just definitions of words, but also their etymologies and use in quotations. To access Oxford English Dictionary Online, click on the ‘Sign in’ button on the top right hand of the screen and then enter your library card number where indicated and select’ Dublin City Libraries’.Universal ClassThis resource offers a unique online education experience.  There are over 400 courses available. The self-paced courses involve real instructors to guide your learning, video-based lessons, and certificates of achievement. You can learn in your own time, at your own pace.  For those studying English, in the Language Arts category of courses you will find an ESL section (English as a Second Language) with a 7-hour course on basic Speaking Skills and Grammar Skills from Basic to Level 5, totalling 58 hours.For example, Grammars Skills Level 1 has 32 video lessons including personal pronouns, the present and past simple tenses and frequency adverbs. You can choose to take the Certificate Course or the Video-Only course with no certificate. The Certificate Course includes assignments, printable lessons, instructor feedback, class email and class discussions. There are also courses on writing improvement and essay writing. Obviously, these can be taken even if English is your first language. There are also short Cultural Studies courses which can help you understand the culture and society which underpin a language. These are available for French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and one on Spanish cooking. To access Universal Class, register with your library card number and email address.World Book OnlineWorld Book Online is a suite of websites from the publishers of the famous World Book Encyclopaedia. Among these you will find one in French – L’Éncyclopédie Découverte with information on Peoples, Plants & Animals, Science & Maths, World Religions, History & Government and much more. A beginner-level reference source, Découverte provides users with a database written at basic French reading levels, suitable for primary level children, or even adult beginners. It also contains a visual dictionary and activities in French.You will also find a Spanish language version called Enciclopedia Estudantil Hallazgos with the exact same content. Also in Spanish, there is Banco de Contenidos aulaPlaneta - an educational platform that allows access to up-to-date information through the use of virtual dictionaries, atlases, and a virtual museum. It contains content for ages 6 to 11 and 12 to 18 year olds, but an adult with intermediate level Spanish would find this a particularly good resource to improve their Spanish.[To note: the French and Spanish resources outlined above have been made temporarily available during the pandemic to Dublin City Libraries by World Book Online, and may no longer be available to our members later this year.]The Great Courses Library CollectionThe Literature & Language section includes an English Grammar Bootcamp, a series of 24 lectures of about 30 minutes each, suitable for Upper Intermediate and Advanced students. Learning French (30 video lectures of about 45 minutes each) teaches you to conjugate verbs in the present, past, future, and conditional tenses in addition to practice pronunciation. It’s not a French for travellers course but claims to give you a solid foundation in the language. There are also Learning Spanish and Learning Spanish level 2 courses (30 lectures in each).For those who would like to try older languages, there are courses in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Biblical Hebrew – all with 36 lectures. There is even a course on Egyptian Hieroglyphics by the renowned Bob Brier. Note that each course mentioned has lots of ancillary resources. By clicking on Guidebook, you get a course workbook (245 pages in the case of learning Spanish) containing the lessons in more detail with exercises and an answer key.Register for The Great Courses here.TumbleBook LibraryTumbleBook Library is a curated database of over 1100 children’s e-books, and includes animated talking picture books, read-along chapter books, non-fiction books, graphic novels, and National Geographic videos. These are mostly in English but there are 58 books in Spanish and 54 in French, so your child can get some practice in these languages at an early age. Visit TumbleBook and sign in using your library membership card number or check out our how to video.Good Luck!   Bonne Chance!  Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh! In bocca al lupo!