The Athens Regional Library is such a wonderful resource in our community.  I wanted to point out some incredible services that they provide that you might not even be aware of.

Audio books are a great way to enjoy a book on the go.  Athens Regional Library provides access to downloadable audio books.  By visiting Georgia Download Destination, you can use your library card to download books to your computer, mp3 player, iPod, etc.  You can listen to books on the go or follow along in your own copy of the book.  Listening to audio books is a great way to build fluency because it provides a model reader for students to listen to.  This site has books for kids, but it also has lots of great books for adults.  The selection is limited, but there are some great titles available.

Another resource Athens Regional Library provides is Bookflix.  This link takes you to the Athens Regional Library homepage.  In the top center of the page, there is an orange box that lists several resources.  Bookflix is listed in this box.  Again, you need a library card to access this site.  This site is specific to children.  It pairs popular children’s books with a nonfiction book on the same topic.  For example, Bark, George by Jules Feiffer is paired with Pets at the Vet.  Students will see the book come to life with moving illustrations.  They will also see the text and have the option of hearing the text while following along or reading the text on their own.  I’m so excited to see this offered because it is an expensive resource to have at a school.  Thank you Athens Regional Library for being such a great resource to our community!