Using Learning Resources

Video Library

Prospect Heights Public Librarians have created video tutorials to walk you through accessing our online resources as well as some tips on how to use them. You may access them here.

Using Ebooks and More

Digital Library of Illinois is powered by Overdrive and has ebooks, eaudiobooks, and videos. You can access these materials from your computer or through the Libby App on your mobile device.
Libby Handout

Hoopla has a large variety of items available including eBooks, eaudiobooks, graphic novels, movies, TV shows, and music. These items are always available for checkout- no holds or waiting lists!
Hoopla iPhone Handout
Hoopla Android Handout

Flipster makes it easy for you to read your favorite magazines on your computer or mobile device.This resource has dozens of different magazines in digital format and includes back issues.
Flipster Handout

Tumblebooks is a resource exclusively for children’s materials and includes picture and chapter books, audiobooks, graphic novels, educational videos and tutorials and more.
TumbleBooks Handout

Using Zoom

Zoom is a cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones. 

  • Watch this video tutorial to get started
  • Devices – You will need a computer with a webcam and microphone, or a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) to participate in a Zoom meeting.  
  • Join from your web browser – You do not need a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting/program. Click on the “Join from your browser” URL from the email you will receive, to join the meeting (or program) through your web browser on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device. If a program requires you to enter a password, the password is included in the same email as the URL link.
  • Once you click on this link, you will be prompted to enter your name which will be displayed on screen. You will be put into a “waiting room” and will be admitted by the library or program host.
  • If you have a Zoom account, you may enter the program meeting code and password to join the meeting.
  • System Requirements – To ensure your device is ready to launch Zoom for library programs, refer to these System Requirements for PC, Mac, and Linux. 
  • For more information on Zoom, refer to their video tutorials.

For the best experience participating in a library program held on Zoom, follow as many of these recommendations as you can .

  • Chrome browser is recommended if you are joining via a web browser.
  • A laptop or desktop is preferred over a Smartphone or tablet, but any method works well.
  • If possible, connect using a computer headset. Headsets that connect via USB are the best choice. This will help you listen better to the presenter.
  • Don’t run other programs while using Zoom. Close unnecessary applications so all processing power can be used to maximize the quality of your Zoom session.
  • Pay attention to your background. Too much light behind you and you appear to be only a dark figure. Keep a good source of light in front of you and behind your camera/device. And keep in mind busy backgrounds may be distracting to others. Pay attention what is on your screen and only share what you would want to share in a public space.
  • Mute/unmute, turn on/off video. Depending on the type of program , use the Mute/Unmute, Start/Stop Video icons to communicate with the other side. Learn more about our programs below.
  • Be on time and don’t leave. This way you won’t potentially get locked out of an event or program.
  • You must have a valid email address and register for programs through our calendar. This allows the library to send you a secure link to participate in the program during its scheduled date and time.
  • You may log in before the start time using the link and password sent from the library. Please be patient if you join early and wait for the host to start the meeting.
  • A Prospect Heights Public Library staff member will greet attendees at the start of a Zoom program and may share some additional details or tips which pertain to the program.
  • Some Zoom programs will be set up so participants can socialize and participate in discussions and Q&A with all participants or in smaller breakout groups. This means you can see your fellow attendees and they can see you unless you opt to mute yourself or stop your video. These details will be shared at the beginning of the program.
  • Other Zoom programs may be a presenter as the primary focus of the event. In these cases, the library may mute your audio or turn off (“disable”) your video, so you are in viewing mode only. These details will be shared at the beginning of the program.
  • You are invited to type in Chat window as needed. The Chat is a great tool to ask questions or leave comments to the presenter or library staff.
  • For security purposes, some features of Zoom will be disabled during Zoom programs, including screen share, private chat, and instant messaging (which will be allowed only by the library and our presenters). Other features will be enabled, including locking the meeting after it begins.
  • Zoom is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 16 without a parent or guardians consent for educational purposes. All minors under the age of 18 must receive consent by a parent or legal guardian at the time of registration for educational purposes.

Participants who do not comply with the library’s policies or social networking policies may be removed at any time by the host.

Remote and Wireless Printing