Library: Recommended Reading: April

FREE COVID Testing

King County will offer FREE COVID-19 testing at Highline College beginning Friday, November 20.

From 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, a mobile testing site will be located in the South Parking Lot (2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines, Wash.). Reservations are encouraged, but walk-up testing is available. Highline College is currently not on the King County reservation page, but should be added sometime this week.

The test is FREE to those who do not have health insurance. Testing is available regardless of immigration status or age.

Until further notice, the eastern portion of the South Lot will be unavailable for employee and student parking. The orange box in the South Lot represents the testing site area.

Please send any questions to ask@highline.edu.

FREE COVID Testing Locations in King County
The following locations provide free COVID-19 testing – regardless of immigration or insurance status. They are open to anyone who cannot access a COVID-19 test through their regular healthcare provider. Most sites are non-profit Community Health Centers.

Gov. Inslee's Safe Start Washington Plan

November 15 Restrictions
On November 15, Governor Inslee announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Safe Start Washington, Inslee's Plan to Reopen Wa State
Inslee signs new COVID-19 order for phased re-opening of Washington’s economy. Phase 1 starts May 5, 2020.

Trusted Sources for Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The CDC is the top health authority for the United States of America. Their COVID-19 website provides resources on symptoms, federal guidelines and important statistics on testing throughout the country.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO provides reliable information on cases from around the world and works closely with international governments to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic.
World Health Organization (WHO): Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation Dashboard
This interactive dashboard/map provides the latest global numbers and numbers by country of COVID-19 cases on a daily basis.
Talking to children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource
This is an anxious time for adults, but it can be even be scarier for children. This resource from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) provides tips on how to talk to your children about COVID-19 and the impact pandemics can have on us locally and globally.

Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

Washington State Department of Health (DOH): COVID-19 Resources
The Department of Health is leading the fight against COVID-19 here in Washington state. Their website includes information on symptoms and testing as well as links to additional resources.

COVID and Campus Resources

Adjusting your Study Habits during COVID.
From Associate Dean Jennifer Sandler a quick guide for how to adjust at a time when you might feel out of control. We are all facing alot of disruptions right now, be patient with yourself.

Highline's COVID-19 Resource Page
Updates and Support Services for students. From letters by Dr. Mosby to the Tutoring Center's tips, this is where to find it!
How to Study at Home (Without getting Distracted)
Here are 8 ways to help you stay focused and get more done when studying at home.

For Workers and Businesses affected by COVID-19

Washington State Employment Security Department: COVID-19 Resources
Employment Security has programs designed to help individuals and employers during this unprecedented time. This website provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) as well as the most up-to-date scenarios for benefits administration.
Washington Governor: COVID-19 Resources
The official website of the Governor of Washington, Jay Inslee. Visit this website for information on how his office is working through the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing resources for employers, employees, students and veterans.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

How to Stay Safe and Sane during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Renew with Sound & Meditation

World of Ambient Sound
Listen to ambient atmospheres, the sounds of Hogwarts Castle, and relaxing music. Listen to mix you can create for free.
Purrli
The internet has a cat!! You can mix and match sounds to create a cat purr with meows included.
MyNoise
Need to sleep? Need to focus? Need to calm down? myNoise creates beautiful noises to mask the noises you don't want to hear.

Help Others and Help Yourself

How Right Now
This has been a challenging year. Whatever you’re feeling right now, find help and ideas.
How you can help.
While we take care of ourselves we also need to help those around us in our community. Here is a list of ways to help one another that goes beyond money.
Where can I find support for my mental health and well-being?
This can be a stressful time. It is normal that you or your loved ones might feel anxious, sad, scared or angry. You are not alone. It is okay to seek out and ask for help. The resources here are a good place to start.

Election 2020 Resources

Election 2020
by Librarians Reference Last Updated Apr 22, 2021 108 views this year

UBER 2020 Get Out the Vote
UBER is offering discounted rides on Nov. 3rd to ballot drop boxes. Making it little easier if you don't live near a drop box.
How to vote in Washington: Everything you need to know for 2020
Washington State has voted by mail for awhile, Crosscut has answers to question you might have.

Financial Assistance

Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund
COVID-19 financial relief —by and for immigrants.

If you’re an immigrant experiencing hard times because of COVID-19, and you aren’t eligible for federal financial relief or unemployment insurance, this fund is for you.

Apply for the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund and receive a $1,000 one-time direct payment (up to $3,000 per household).

If you need help, call 1-844-724-3737
(Mon-Fri, 9AM-9PM)
2-1-1 Rent Assistance
Washington 2-1-1 provides the most current and comprehensive database of community resources in the State of Washington. By simply dialing the number 2-1-1 or searching the website, people can connect to help when they need it regardless of who provides the services or where the services are located.
Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus.

Information Overload??

How to deal with news overload during the COVID-19 crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s understandable that many of us are glued to our screens. Social media is now a window into the world, it is understandable that consumers might reach ‘information overload’.
Suffering from COVID-19 science overload?
Too much COVID information? Getting overwhelmed? UW created a team to sorts the scientific information for you.
Coronavirus overload: five ways to fight misinformation and fear
Here is how to make good decisions when wading thru all the COVID information out there.

Financial Help

Resources for Students
Highline is here to help! Please take a look.
COVID-19 Resources for the Community
Some of these programs and services are available to everyone regardless of where you live. All Seattle residents regardless of immigration status are eligible for City of Seattle programs and services unless noted otherwise.

Kids, COVID and Summer Fun!

Seattle's Child: Your Guide to a Kid-Friendly City
From summer camps to distance learning, how Seattle-area families are making the best of summer.
Parent Map
COVID-19 Resources for Puget Sound Families
Your go-to guide for coping with the coronavirus crisis
The COVID Risks of Summer Activites
From Camping To Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities
A Summer Like No Other
A summer like no other! You can have outdoor fun in the COVID era, Chan School expert says, but keep your distance

COVID and Racial Disparities

King County has big racial disparities in coronavirus cases and deaths
Hispanic, Black and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander groups also have been infected and hospitalized at significantly higher rates in King County than white people, according to the analysis conducted by Public Health – Seattle & King County.
New CDC data shows Covid-19 is affecting African Americans at exceptionally high rates
The striking overrepresentation of African Americans among confirmed Covid-19 cases is also seen in what state-by-state data is available, and it underscores that, far from being an “equalizer,” the coronavirus pandemic is amplifying preexisting social inequities tied to race, class, and access to the health care system.
What the Racial Data Show
The pandemic seems to be hitting people of color the hardest.

How to Help and Get Help

Tacoma Public Utilities
Tacoma Public Utilities is offering relief to customers, see if you qualify.
Pudget Sound Energy
Pudget Sound Energy is offering relief to customers. See is you qualify.
Need Food? Feeding America Can Help.
If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, you’re in the right place. Use the map to find a Food Lifeline partner food bank, food pantry, or hot meal program in your neighborhood. This food is free and available to you, even if you don’t qualify for SNAP or EBT.
COVID-19 Resources for the Community
Some of these programs and services are available to everyone regardless of where you live. All Seattle residents regardless of immigration status are eligible for City of Seattle programs and services unless noted otherwise.

Job Hunting During a Pandemic

Delay, or Forge Forward?
So many things in our life have been delayed, both big and small.
Why Waiting To Start Job Hunting Will Prove To Be The Wrong Strategy
4 Job hunting excuses and why they are wrong.
Highline Career Support
Highline has career counselors and coaching waiting for you!!!
Who in the Seattle Area is Hiring During the Crisis?
King 5 lists employers who are currently hiring during this COVID crisis.

Highline Resources

CARES Act Funding (Fall 2020)
Are you a Highline College student with expenses related to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic? You may qualify for a federal CARES Act grant, which provides emergency funding for college students.

Apply for up to $550.00 in funds.
1) Monday, October 12th, 8am-Noon
2) Tuesday, October 13th, 3-6:30pm
Highline's COVID-19 Resource Page
Updates and Support Services for students. From letters by Dr. Mosby to the Tutoring Center's tips, this is where to find it!
Drive in WiFi Hotspot
The drive-in Wi-Fi hot spots in South King County are the King County Library System’s libraries.
WA State Library Career Builders
Washington State COVID-19 Response is the one-stop, official COVID-19 site, where all state agencies provide their information and emergency actions. You'll find links to the State Department of Health, resources for individuals and families, travelers and commuters, the latest information on unemployment benefits for business and workers and small business support from the Department of Employment Security, local health departments, and for childcare, K-12, and higher education.

Being stuck at home can be stressful and you can only watch so much Netflix. Here are other ways to stay busy.

100 ideas for activities you can do at home
Everyone is stuck at home. It’s hard not to focus on the headlines, the uncertainty and the heartache. We’re all leaning on our houseplants and each other for support during these tough times. Here are 100 activities you can do ay home.
Eight Productive Ways to Stay Positive During a Quarantine
It is hard to stay positive during these stressful times, here are some tips to keep positive.
The Perspective Less Taken During Quarantine: 10 Tips To Raise Your Spirits
Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Stay sane during the COVID lockdown.

Just because you are stuck at home doesn't mean you can't see the world. Tired of Netflix? Take a tour and see what else is out there with these cams and walk thrus.

Atlanta Zoo Panda Cam
Panda Cam, enough said.
Take a virtual tour of 9 beautiful botanical gardens
With the planet’s 1,700 public botanical gardens closed because of COVID-19, you can explore these havens of tranquillity virtually and experience their peaceful calm in the safety of your living room.
14 World-Class Museums Offering Virtual Tours Right From Your Laptop
Many of the world’s art institutions have been forced to temporarily shut their doors. Luckily, that doesn’t mean that we’ve lost access to the countless treasures. Many offer virtual tours of their holdings. From Santa Fe to New Delhi you can find a new favorite.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland
Take a tour of the National Aquarium with more than 17,000 specimens representing over 750 species. The National Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. The aquarium's stated vision is to confront pressing issues facing global aquatic habitats through pioneering science, conservation, and educational programming.
12 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings are now hosting virtual tours
Ever wanted to go inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater? Now’s your chance (even if the US is on lockdown) thanks to a new series of digital tours.

Sharpen your Digital Literacy Skills. With classes moving online computing has become an even more important part of your life.

Microsoft Digital Literacy
Take free assesments or your computer skills and learn how everything from the cloud to information security works. After you master all the topics you can take a test and get a Digital Literacy Certificate from Microsoft.

TypingClub Lessons
TypingClub is web based and free! It is used by many schools to effectively teach you how to type quickly and accurately.
Free Technology Tutorials
Brush up on some skills you already have or learn something new with these free tutorials.

Self-Care Strategies

Good Night with Dolly
“Goodnight With Dolly” features music icon and book lover, Dolly Parton reading a series of Imagination Library books all carefully chosen for their appropriate content at this moment in time. Dolly welcomes the viewers and introduces the title, author and illustrator. Snuggled in bed with her Imagination Library book, Dolly shares stories that are just right for this moment in time. The readings will be a mixture of Dolly and the interior pages of the books. Once a week for 10 weeks at 7:00 PM EST, The Book Lady will deliver her story
Maintaining human connection in time of physical distancing
Connection with people is an inherent aspect of our human society. We seek out and lean on human interaction when we are experiencing the stress of life's challenges. This biological programming drives us to gather in groups, usually shielding us from mental and physical harm.
Seattle Public Library (SPL)
King County Library System (KCLS)

Self-Care Strategies

Help Managing Anxiety & Stress from the CDC
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Utilize these resources from the CDC to manage your stress and anxiety during this trying time.
Twitter: Josh Gad Reads!!
Josh Gad, the actor who voices the character Olaf in “Frozen,” is doing his part to entertain children as they and their families practice social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. Each night, Gad is reading children’s books to fans on Twitter – be they young or old.

A great way to combat stress and anxiety is to take our mind off of what is going on in the world and instead channel our energy into something personally fulfilling. While most libraries in our region are closed to the public you can still access their online resources including audio books, digital magazines, music, films and more!

Relax with Art

Mask Up to Open Up WA

Map of Ballot Drop and Voting Centers in WA State

How to Spot a Pyramid Scheme

2020 Through the Eyes of a Cat

Seattle Food Bank Program

FREE COVID TESTING IN SEATTLE

When will this end?

COVID Fact vs Fiction

Snopes: COVID-19
Snopes is a great source to fact check news stories.
Johns Hopkins Tracking
Real time virus tracking from around the world.

Something Fun!!!

Wash Your Hands & Cover Your Mouth

How to stay clean and fresh during the Coronavirus

COVID-19 vs. The FLU

Music is a way of self expression, these artists don't let the quarantine stop them.

The internet is a BIG place. Learn the facts about the facts.

The internet has become a very important source of health information for users. There is a lot of false and misleading health information out there.

Fact Checker from The Washington Post
There are lots of great websites out there to fact check articles you find online. The Washington Post is a trusted news source that checks news stories out there for misleading and inaccurate information.

Learn How COVID-19 is Spread and How to Prevent It.

Stop the Spread of Rumors
Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019. The CDC addresses rumors and gives you the answers.