Fingal Libraries launch new eServices to support lockdown learning

However, Fingal Libraries would like to lend a hand with the launch of two brand new eServices which support literacy and STEAM education.

The first of the new additions, Lexia, works on fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, allowing users of all ages to practice the crucial skills that make a successful reader. Well suited to personalised learning, the programme is easy to use, with one facility for primary school pupils, and another for secondary school students and adults. Best of all, it can be accessed at school, at home, or even in the library.

Lexia is an online program designed to help improve reading skills. With Lexia, users get to practice and develop the skills that make a successful reader. These include fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Also, they are designed in a way which enables learners to use the program at school, in the library and at home.

There are two versions of Lexia available to our members: Lexia Core 5 is suitable for use by primary school pupils, and the Lexia Power Up literacy program is for secondary school students and adults.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. David Healy said: “As we head into another period of tough restrictions it is important to provide services to those who need it. These programs being offered by our Library services will help those who will be relying on homeschooling and online learning over the next few weeks. The Libraries staff have been brilliant ever since the beginning of the pandemic in creating new ways of providing services to our residents and these programs are just one of many they have created.”

Coding is an increasingly important and popular skill to have, and it allows children to become digitally literate in a fun, exciting way. Fingal Libraries’ new Coding Clubs with Coding Ireland will provide easily accessible and practical lessons and experiments for parents, teachers, and children. There are four clubs currently open for membership for ages 6 – 7; 8 – 10; 11-13 and 14+. While the younger age groups will require parental assistance, the classes are set up to allow the older age groups to work independently at their own pace.

Through coding, children can become digitally literate in a new language; one that is becoming increasingly important. Coding fosters creativity and helps the learning process by allowing coders to learn through doing and experimentation.

Our online coding clubs with Coding Ireland will provide easily accessible tools for both parents and children who are interested in learning to code.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer Lexia and Coding Clubs to our borrowers,” said County Librarian, Betty Boardman “particularly at a time when lots of families, and indeed teachers, are under extraordinary pressure.”

“Our hope is that, alongside the rest of our suite of eServices, these new additions will provide an extra online facet to our library services and offer fun and educational new pastimes for our younger borrowers.”

“These additional eservices, which are free to library members, will offer a  valuable tool to parents and teachers to use as part of the normal classroom activity or for home schooling” said Emer O’Gorman, Director of Services  “and are a sign of our commitment to help ensure that our young people and children have access to important literacy and digital literacy tools.”

Lexia and Coding Clubs join eServices including BorrowBox, RBDigital, Universal Class, Transparent Language and Britannica, to name a few. All eServices are available free of charge to library members, and can be accessed at https://www.fingal.ie/council/service/fingal-library-eservices-and-eresources-online.

Members of Fingal Libraries have free access to all our amazing online services and resources.  We offer digital newspapers, magazines, comics, music streaming, ebooks, eaudiobooks, touch typing, educational course and so much more.

For further information on Fingal Libraries’ eServices, visit the above link, or email [email protected] .