Library Services Update:1/20/2021: Public internet access has been restored, Our public access computer hours will be open until 5;00 p.m. this afternoon.

Urbandale Public Library/Lifelong Learning at Home

Lifelong Learning at Home

The following is a list of FREE resources that anyone can use. Be aware, some offerings are available only for a limited time during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to add more resources to this page, so please check back for new information!

Library Learning Resources

The Urbandale Public Library offers online tutorials that cover a wide range of topics, including everything from how to use library digital resources to how to start a Facebook or Snapchat Account.

Click here for a list of tutorials

Investing Resources

BetterInvesting is offering this free webinar to help investors in this time of uncertainty.   

Watch now: Investing in Turbulent Times

Presenter Doug Gerlach discusses the global health crisis that has stressed many Americans, and markets around the world have dropped precipitously. With threats of a pending economic recession, what can savvy investors do in the face of such turmoil?

About BetterInvesting

Established in 1951, BetterInvesting is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has helped over 5 million people learn how to invest profitably in stocks of high-quality growth companies. They support investment clubs and individuals through education, online stock selection and analysis tools, and publications. Based on their proven, time-tested stock selection approach, BetterInvesting creates successful lifelong investors.

Cultural Resources

Library of Congress – National Screening Room

The National Screening Room showcases the Library of Congress’ moving image collection. It is designed to make otherwise unavailable movies, both copyrighted and in the public domain, freely accessible to the viewers worldwide. The collection ranges from historic newsreels, silent films, industrial films, and more.

Click here to learn more.

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art is now offering free online classes, ranging from contemporary art, fashion and photography.

Click here to learn more

Museum Virtual Tours

Des Moines Art Center

The Des Moines Art Center offers virtual tours of their permanent collections and special exhibitions. The tours allow visitors to click through the extensive collections as if they were at the museum, walking through the galleries.

Click here to access a virtual tour

Famous Museums

The originals are out of reach for now, but you can still see world-class collections – without the queues or ticket prices – with an online tour of these famous and local museums. Explore the Guggenheim, Vatican Museums, London’s Natural History Museum, and more.

Click here to access a list of virtual tours

Help with Digital Research Projects

Learn something new – and help future researchers!  Archives, libraries, museums, and other cultural organizations around the country have digital projects you can assist with from home.  All you need to get started is a computer, internet access, some typing skills, and the ability to follow the instructions provided by the individual organization. 

Here are just a few examples:

  • DIY History is a crowdsourced volunteer project from the University of Iowa’s Digital Library.   Sci-fi enthusiasts take note . . . they are currently seeking help with a collection of science fiction, fantasy, and horror fanzines.  Learn more.
  • The Smithsonian Transcription Center seeks to engage the public in making their collections more accessible. Smithsonian Digital Volunteers help transcribe historical documents and collection records.  Learn more.