by Max Gulden

Electronic resources provide excellent library content that more and more people use each day. They are convenient on the go, as you can access them anywhere with the right apps and an internet connection to download or stream. One electronic resource format that is sometimes overlooked is e-magazines. We have thousands to choose from and they’re available any time!

One way to access e-magazines is the online catalog BRIDGES. To use BRIDGES, you can download the free app Libby on your tablet or smart phone. BRIDGES can also be accessed through the webpage amespubliclibrary.org using web browsers.

Be aware, you must be a resident of Ames or unincorporated Story County to use BRIDGES through the Ames Public Library. Otherwise, we can help you determine which library you need to use instead.

To set up Libby, follow the step-by-step setup instructions in the app and provide your library information. You’ll be set in no time.

After the initial setup, you can leave yourself logged in and simply tap the app icon to regain access. If you log out, you can easily log in by entering your library information again.

To access BRIDGES with a web browser, navigate to the Ames Public Library homepage and select the menu “Books, Movies & More” then select “Stream & Download.”

In Libby you can browse for e-magazines by selecting the building icon, selecting the icon consisting of three horizon lines, and selecting the format magazine. You can also search for specific titles by selecting the magnifying glass icon, entering a magazine name, and selecting the limiter for magazines.

Another library resource with e-magazines is Hoopla. To access Hoopla, you can either install the free app or use a web browser to navigate to the library homepage and select “Books, Movies & More” then select “Stream & Download.”

Be aware, you must be a resident of Story County to use Hoopla at the Ames Public Library.

To set up Hoopla, you will need to provide an email address and password in addition to your library information.

Once signed in on the app, select the option “More” to view Hoopla’s “BingePasses,” one of which is “hoopla magazines.” Using a web browser, log in to Hoopla, and select the option “Browse,” and then select “BingePasses.”

So, whatever magazine content suits your taste, feel free to take a look and give e-magazines a try this summer!