So, your eyes are tired from reading, you've finished whatever you watched on Netflix after Tiger King, and you're looking for something else to do. Our staff members have you covered. They've put together some boredom buster activities that will keep your mind sharp, your body active, and your motivation strong during this time of social distancing. Keep checking back, as we'll keep adding to this list. Don't forget to check out our Boredom Busters for Kids as well!
Library Resources
eBooks and eAudiobooks from Libby and RBDigital
Check out our eBook and eAudiobook Guide to learn more. The first Harry Potter book is now always available - no holds, no wait times! It's free with your DMPL card or digital card. Residency restrictions apply - you must live in Des Moines or rural Polk County.
Kanopy
Find tens of thousands of films - from award-winning modern movies to cinematic classics to the best of international and independent film. It's free with your DMPL card or digital card. Residency restrictions apply - you must live in Des Moines or rural Polk County.
Pongalo
Vea más de 10,000 episodios de sus telenovelas y series de televisión favoritas, además de películas de América Latina, España, y EE. UU., ¡100% en español y a la carta!
The Great Courses
Over 150 courses, including, Fundamentals of Photography, Techniques for Retraining Your Brain, Great Meals in Less Time, and Yoga for Healthy Mind and Body. Check out our Great Courses blog to learn more. It's free with your DMPL card or digital card. Residency restrictions apply - you must live in Des Moines or rural Polk County.
Qello
Get your front row seat to concerts and award-winning documentaries featuring Beyoncé, Adele, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, and many others. It's free with your DMPL card or digital card. Residency restrictions apply - you must live in Des Moines or rural Polk County.
IndieFlix
Enjoy over 7,000 high-quality shorts, features, documentaries, classic TV shows and Web series from 85 countries. It's free with your DMPL card or digital card. Residency restrictions apply - you must live in Des Moines or rural Polk County.
Acorn TV
World-class mysteries, dramas, and comedies from Britain and beyond, including a full slate of original and exclusive programming. It's free with your DMPL card or digital card. Residency restrictions apply - you must live in Des Moines or rural Polk County.
External Resources
Physical Activity
- Power Life Yoga has free full yoga sessions on their YouTube page, including mini-classes for children and families.
- The YMCA of Greater Des Moines is posting daily workouts on their Facebook page.
- High-octane workouts from POPSUGAR
- Buzzfeed has a list of the 15 best free at-home workouts.
- The YMCA has several workouts on their national page.
- Low-impact cardio workouts
- Balance Exercises
Entertainment and Informational
- The Levar Burton podcast - Lavar Burton reads short fiction.
- The Des Moines Symphony has mini-concerts on Facebook as part of "DSMO At Home."
- Backyard birdwatching - Audubon Society and Watching Backyard Birds
- Virtual Museum Guide
- Metro Art Museum of New York - Virtual Gallery
- UK National Art Gallery
- Des Moines Art Center Virtual Tours
- Virtual National Park Tours
- Discover a Hobby
- Hogwarts at Home
- Organizing Your Home Bookshelf - Tips from Library Journal
- Virtual Tour of World Libraries
Brain Teasers and Puzzles
Educational
- Free Ivy League classes
- Open Culture - free online courses and lectures
- Milk Street Online Cooking Classes