Top Online Resources
Learn & Practice
Driving-Test is a free Driver’s Ed program with the following state-specific information:
- 11 car practice tests
- 9 motorcycle practice tests
- 12 CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) practice tests
- 3 online driver’s manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL)
- An FAQ section with detailed answers to 100+ DMV-related questions.
INSPIRE is a collection of academic databases and other information resources that can be accessed by Indiana residents. It includes magazines, journal articles, websites, pamphlets, images, almanacs, library catalogs, practice tests, language learning software, and more.
Rosetta Stone, via Inspire: Recognized as a leader in technology-based language learning, Rosetta Stone offers libraries and their patrons their proven immersion method.
TERC (Testing & Education Reference Center), via Inspire, is a start-to-finish resource with all the information and support materials needed to make informed, confident decisions to shape the rest of your life.
- Over 300 practice tests and courses
- Dozens of ebooks containing valuable study material and practice tests
- Information on over 4,000 accredited schools
- Scholarship search featuring $8 billion in available scholarships
- Resume builder with over 1,000 brainstorming phrases to get you started
- Career modules covering subjects from career change to salary negotiations
Cooking Classes on Youtube
Cooking classes are held at the library, but may also be recorded and shared on Youtube. If you’d like to be able to ask questions and taste the food, check our online calendar and come to our next class. If you’d rather listen and learn from the convenience of your own home, follow a link below.
Medical
Merck Manuals is a free website for healthcare students, healthcare professionals and consumers. The online version of this best-selling reference title contains essential information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders in ten languages. The website is consistently updated with the latest information and contains additional resources including multimedia content and a consumer medical dictionary. There is no registration required to use the Merck Manuals website.
The Merck Veterinary Manual (MVM) is a free website for veterinary professionals and pet owners. Coverage includes all domesticated species and their diseases.
DIY
Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center from Inspire is a searchable database of resources for crafts, collectibles, indoor and outdoor recreation, performing arts, and more.
Home Improvement Reference Center from Inspire is a searchable database for home improvement projects from decorating and remodeling to electrical, plumbing, and woodworking.
Online Materials
Access World News from NewsBank: Find global information on topics related to business, education, the environment, health, jobs and careers, politics and government, social issues, sports, STEM and more including newspapers, videos and web-only content featuring the Post & Mail, USA Today, international sources and more. With unlimited access from all library workstations and remote access 24/7, patrons can freely search, browse, print, save and email full-text articles without a fee. If you are accessing this database from a remote location, you will be prompted to enter your library card number before proceeding.
EBSCO eBook Collection from Inspire: A collection of over 6,000 multidisciplinary books. Topics include college and career development, health and medicine, and business and economics.
Hoopla provides free streaming movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks with an account created using your green Peabody Public Library card and PIN.
Kanopy showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, and world cinema. With the motto of “thoughtful entertainment,” Kanopy provides access to films of unique social and cultural value. Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku. See FAQ page for more information.
Kanopy Kids brings you thoughtful entertainment for children aged preschool and up. Parents can trust in a curated selection of educational and enriching videos on Kanopy Kids with developmentally appropriate, age-based ratings from Common Sense Media, as well as additional parental controls to keep kids safe
OverDrive offers downloadable eBooks, Audiobooks, eVideos and eMusic through Indiana Digital Downloads Center. Includes special collections for Kids and Teens.
Technology Classes on Youtube
Our Technology Trainer, Beth Gaff, has recorded many of her technology classes, which are available on YouTube under the channel Instructor: Beth Gaff and using the links below.
Free Software & Apps
General Computer Skills
- Basic Computers
- Basic Internet
- Buying Technology
- Chromebooks vs. Windows 10
- Digital Photography
- Downloading and Uploading Pictures
- Everything Computers
- Gmail
- Internet Safety
- Mastering Basic Computer Skills
- Mastering Facebook
- Mastering the Web for Personal Use
- Online Banking, Taxes & Credit Cards
- Raising Digital Families
- Searching Effectively Online
- Simple Things Computer Users Should Know
- Skills to Help You Get the Job
- Social Media Basics
- Understanding and Using Dropbox
- Understanding and Using the Mouse
- Understanding Windows
- Using Your Keyboard and Mouse
- Windows 8
- Windows 10
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office 2010
Microsoft Office 2013
Tablets and Smartphones
Announcements
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!
Did you know if you live in Columbia City, Columbia or Thorncreek Townships your Evergreen Membership at the Peabody Public Library is already PAID for through your property taxes? High five!
If you live in a township outside of the service area listed above, but live in the Whitley County Consolidated School district, you’re eligible for student cards for just $5 per year, and adult memberships for $70 per year.
If you sign up or renew your membership during the month of September, you could be eligible to win some awesome prizes! Prizes this year include:
• A free upgrade from a student card to an Evergreen card. This card is good at other participating libraries in the state, so you can check out other libraries nearby!
• A non-resident member can get their second year of membership for FREE.
• Individuals who sign up or renew their regular (PLAC) cards will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Bones Theatre gift card.
• Everyone will be entered to win a Google Home Mini!
Crafty Art Camp
The library is hosting our own “Crafty Art Camp” July 29 – August 2. Join us for this free program, and get creative with us outside! Ages 8+ (children younger than 8 years of age may attend if accompanied by an adult).
Check out the projects!
News: Peabody Public Library offers ‘A Universe of Stories’ through Summer Reading Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (June 7, 2019) – Peabody Public Library invites patrons of all ages to be a part of their Summer Reading program, “A Universe of Stories.”
The 6-week program launched June 3, and will run through July 13. The Summer Reading program encourages patrons of all ages to participate in reading and hands-on activities throughout the six weeks.
“This summer we have something for everyone. We have family programs that include: an inflatable planetarium, HAM radio, Professor Steve, Bubble Trouble and Space Rockets with Johnny Tincap. We also have a ‘Crafternauts’ program for crafters, Universe of Stories Time, a cooking program, Escape Rooms, video game challenges and more. There’s always something to do at the library,” said Peabody Public Library Youth Services Librarian Mary Graber.
With ongoing classes and activities, the library’s Summer Reading program is a great opportunity for families to spend time with one another, and for people to meet and connect with new community members.
“The Adult Services Department, is embracing this year’s theme by offering a wide range of programs, including jewelry-making, creating space-themed terrariums, exploring various types of painting, and showing several ‘B’ movies. Our goal is to make the Summer Reading program as fun and accessible for adults in our community as possible. And of course, teens are also welcome to attend our programs,” said Peabody Adult Services Librarian Katy Southern.
The reading portion of the program is Bingo-style, meaning each patron will fill spaces on their cards after completing reading exercises. And what’s a game of Bingo without prizes? The library has lots of prizes to give away as participants fill up their cards.
Patrons can pick up Bingo cards at the library or download them online here.
Special thanks to the Friends of the Library volunteer group for helping raise funds to support the program.
Want to stay up-to-date on all events, classes and programming at the library? Follow the library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event and class updates, and visit www.ppl.lib.in.us and click the “calendar” icon on the homepage to check out the library’s online calendar.
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ABOUT PEABODY PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Peabody Public Library serves all individuals as a pathway to learning, culture and entertainment. The library has served individuals in Whitley County since 1901. In 1917, Simon J. Peabody donated lands and funds build Peabody Public Library on North Main Street in Columbia City, and it continued to serve the community well for many years. In 1999, the new state-of-the-art Peabody Public Library was built in Columbia City. The 29,688-square-foot facility located off Hwy 205, sits on 14-acres, and is the only library in the State of Indiana that is located on a wetland.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Mary Hartman (Peabody Public Library) – 260-244.5541 or mhartman@ppl.lib.in.us
News: Peabody Public Library brings the community together
Peabody Public Library brings the community together
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (May 7, 2019) – Peabody Public Library is encouraging patrons to come experience the library this summer.
“Although the library offers a variety of reading options, we have so much more to offer than books,” said Peabody Public Library Executive Director Mary Hartman. “We love our books, and we will always encourage reading, but we want the community to understand the experiences we offer here at the library.”
The library recently released a new promotional video that highlights some of those offerings. From robotics classes, STEM activities for children and teens, art, cooking classes, concerts and more–the library has something for everyone.
The theme for the video is community. “The library is about people,” said Peabody Public Library Executive Director Mary Hartman. “When we find ways to connect with our patrons, we’re serving our community. And as the needs of our community change, we have to adapt to serve those needs. We’ve expanded our offerings and will continue to do so because we understand our patrons are seeking experiences as well as books.”
Local collaboration was key in creating the video. “We partnered with local talent on the entire video” said Hartman.
Dewitt Marketing, LLC composed the script for the video, and assisted with the project management; Laura Richcreek with Laura’s Voice composed the voiceover for the video; and Nick Ewing Photo & Films filmed and produced the video.
“Whitley County has a treasure trove of gifted, local talent and partnering with them just makes sense. I can’t think of a better way to show that the library is about supporting and promoting the community,” Hartman said.
The library is a gathering place where people spend time with one another. With its variety of meeting spaces, it has become a go-to place for events such as baby showers, birthday parties, graduation parties and community events. Because the library is publicly funded there is a fee for library cards for those outside the service area to check out materials, but classes and events are open to everyone at the library.
“Whether you’re interested in trying new foods at our cooking class, attending an art class, exploring robotics, or bringing your kiddos in to just hang out, play games, and do crafts–it’s about the interactions and experiences you choose to enjoy yourself and with others.”
Last January, the library unveiled their new brand, and the video is another way to carry the brand forward. “The message we want to continue to share is, the library is more than books on shelves or ‘things’ at all–it’s an experience,” said Hartman. “It’s a place where you can create your own experience, connect with others and build relationships in the community, grow your mind, your creativity, and skills. We should never stop learning. I encourage you to come experience what the library has to offer.”
The library’s summer reading program will kick off next month. More details to come. You can follow updates on events, classes and programming at the library by visiting www.ppl.lib.in.us. Click the “calendar” icon on the homepage to view the on-line calendar of events. Stay connected by following the library on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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ABOUT PEABODY PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Peabody Public Library serves all individuals as a pathway to learning, culture and entertainment. The library has served individuals in Whitley County since 1901. In 1917, Simon J. Peabody donated lands and funds build Peabody Public Library on North Main Street in Columbia City, and it continued to serve the community well for many years. In 1999, the new state-of-the-art Peabody Public Library was built in Columbia City. The 29,688-square-foot facility located off Highway 205, sits on 14-acres, and is the only library in the State of Indiana that is located on a wetland.
The results are in…Battle of the Books 2019
We had another FANTASTIC Battle of the Books event this year! On Saturday, March 23 we had 168 players and nearly 200 spectators at our 2019 Battle of the Books event at the library! We had 17 teams in the elementary school division, and 14 teams in the middle school division.
Congratulations to ALL the participants who worked so hard, it was a fun day for everyone!
2019 Battle of the Books Results:
Spring Break FUN at the library! April 1 – 7
Staying home for spring break? Come hang with us at the library! Beginning April 1, we’ll have lots of spring break activities and classes happening at the library, from a scavenger hunt to balloon twisting, wild Ramen noodles and more! Bring a friend or pack up the whole family. But travel light, because you don’t have to travel far!
Check out our online calendar to see what’s happening at the library.
Peeps on Parade! Peeps Diorama Contest 2019
Peeps on Parade is back at the library! What can you create with some imagination and cute little Peep marshmallows? Make your own diorama with Peeps and enter the contest! This contest is open to all ages.
Dioramas should be dropped off between 9 a.m. Monday, March 25 and 5:59 p.m. Friday, March 29.
Learn more about the contest, and download the contest flyer and entry form here.
Operation Prom Program
On February 17, 2019 the library is hosting special event, “Operation Prom” for teens from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Prom-goers are invited to stop by the library and shop for prom attire. These items will be available to both male and female prom-goers for free.
To support this program, we’re asking the public to kindly donate gently used formal wear for the program. This includes items such as: formal dresses, skirts, shirts and pants for men, shoes, jewelry, ties and any other accessories. The deadline for donations is Monday, February 11.
We value your feedback! Youth Services Survey
Our Youth Services Department wants to learn more about how we can best serve YOU! We truly value your feedback, and would greatly appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to complete this survey. Please feel free to share this link with family and friends.
If you prefer to complete a hard copy of the survey, we also have surveys available at the library for patrons to complete.
The survey closes on February 28.
Thank you!
“Chill Out & Read” Winter Reading Program
“Chill Out & Read” is the theme this year for the Peabody Winter Reading Program! We invite patrons of all ages to join in on the fun, and win prizes by participating in Winter Reading BINGO.
Download the BINGO card (please note the age appropriate header at the top of each card) for the youth services department.
Download the BINGO card for the adult department.