things to do

Utilizing Your Local Library

When I was a little girl I used to love to go to the library. Staring at all the myriad of books and seeing the complexity of the card catalog always left me in awe. Eventually I learned to use the old fashioned cards and soon I was checking out twenty books at a time only to need more within a few days. Not much has changed in our house. Twenty five years later I still frequent the library several times a month and I am now passing on my love affair with it to my children. I also thought I would pass along some tips to you as well. Here are just a few ways to utilize your local library, in addition to checking out books that is:

1. Other media. Most libraries have a huge collection of CD’s, DVD’s, VHS tapes, magazines, newspapers and reference books. We never rent movies from Blockbuster or anywhere else. We just put on hold what we want from the library and there is no fee involved to borrow it. If it is a popular movie, there might be an extensive waiting list. I normally get around this by putting it on hold as soon as a release date is given. Most libraries will input the data into their computer system as soon as they have ISBN’s or purchasing orders. For example, I already have Harry Potter #7 on hold and I will be in the first round when the library receives it.

2. Place holds online. When I go to the library I rarely am disappointed because they don’t have the book I want on the shelf. When I know what I want, I go online to my library’s site and place the book on hold. When it is ready for me to pick up, they email me and off I go to get my new treasure. This is great when you live in a city which has multiple branches because what one branch carries, another might not.

3. Interlibrary Loan. Don’t fret when the library doesn’t have the book you want. If the book has been published more than a year ago, you can normally get it through Interlibrary Loan … which can also be done online and which is also free. If it is a newer book then …

4. Make suggestions to the purchasing department. Most libraries want to stock the books you want. Over the past 4 years, I have suggested over 70 different titles to my library and they have purchased all of them except one. I also do this online. When you suggest the book, you typically become first on the waiting list … if there is one.

5. Story Time. Most libraries offer a story time for kids. This is a great way for children to be introduced to the library, to have time to interact with other kids and to learn to listen to stories and participate in music. My library has at least four different levels of story time. They offer a class for 0-11 months, 12-24 months, 3-5 year olds and then a class for older elementary school kids.

6. Puppets and book kits. Some libraries also have puppets and themed book kits you can check out. For example, if your child has a fascination with lizards, then you could check out a kit which would contain multiple books and other activities all relating to lizards.

7. Reading programs for kids. If you want to encourage your child to read, most libraries have reading programs where if you read to your child, or they read to themself if applicable, for 20 minutes a day during a month, they can win a free book. We have added several books to our own personal library this way. This is great because books can get pretty pricey.

8. Reading programs for adults. Kids don’t get to have all the fun. Most libraries also sponsor adult summer reading programs where they usually offer great prizes.

9. Study rooms. If you are looking for a place to hold a small discussion or class or if someone in your family needs to get together for a group project, you can sign up to use rooms at the library.

10. Online renewal. No more dragging all your books into the library to renew them and no more wondering when your books are due. All of this can typically be done online. With some libraries, you can even pay your late fee online.

11. Multiple libraries. Don’t forget that many cities have county libraries as well. In fact where we live, I prefer my county library over the city one. You can also check out books at your child’s school or at a local college if you are student or teacher.

12. Book swaps and book sales. Many times libraries will have a books for sale shelf where you can pick up new old treasures for a quarter. Some libraries also hold annual book swaps. You bring in 5 books and leave with 5 different ones. This is a lot of fun when it is the children’s book swap time.

13. Computers, Internet use and copy machines. If you computer is down or your wireless is on the fritz or if you need something copied, don’t forget your library can meet all these needs.

Now if the library could give me a pedicure while I read, then life would be grand!

Do you have any other ways to utilize your library? Please share.

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