Using Your Local Library As A Resource

Every time we moved, my grandma used to ask me "So, how is the library there?" She was a huge supporter of the library system. Being busy and such and not having a need to use the computers/internet at the library since we had our own, I never really felt the need to go. I could just download any new (or even old) book I wanted. Movies are online. Why would I? After my grandma passed, I started taking my son to the library, as he was just a little guy then and I knew many libraries had activities and resources for children to get them on the right track to reading. I was sad to learn, that the library where we lived at the time, was only open 3 days a week, and on two of those days, it was only a few hours! I would see many come there to use the computers for research, resources and to look for jobs. Many came in search of new books to read, and some also came to have a quiet and cool place to study. The library system there was underfunded and this small library, the only one in the city and the only one within a couple hundred miles, was unable to be open for long. The town did not have more than a 15K population, and it was deemed by the county that it was not a priority. Since then, anywhere we move to, I check out the library, I get a card, I enroll my child in the summer reading program, and I try to go as often as possible and keep my ears open for any sort of fundraising. I have not come across a library since that was as depressing as the one in the small town, but ever since I thought about how horrible it could be, if that failsafe, the building that promotes the possibility of knowledge and access for all were gone.

I love the library. I go at least once a week. Free books to read. Tons of DVDs to watch. Audio books if that's what you like. Free computer use in case your own goes on the fritz. Free magazines and newspapers to read. A quiet environment to hang out for awhile.

Now after reading this post I am going to visit the library. Thanks for reminding us that libraries still exist.

The next time I move, I want to be within a five minute walk! There is pretty well nothing that you can't find in a library!!

I use the library a LOT! This winter we even signed out snowshoes to try them out!

Public libraries also growed and changed with the time. Still plenty of books can be found there, but also courses, films, documentaries and free use of internet. They include now computers for common use where you can research, study or even looking for a job. Actually, it's a wider concept than it was years ago. I love public libraries and I also show my children to use them.

Although we live in a rural village, the town closest to us has a public library that we can access, but because of the size of the town, they are limited as to the activities that they offer.

We do buy books but we also frequent our different libraries in our region. Very helpful.

Libraries do offer a whole bunch of things besides books. My grandchildren are always doing things at the library

I also used our public library once when I did my research for my thesis during my college years. I prefer our university library than the library run by our government. Our public library does not have enough materials and majority of them are not recent ones.

I also did not know there were more in libraries than books, when l moved some time ago, a library was downstairs in my apartment, they sent me a welcome note and a coffeea and cake gift card in the library so i decided to visit. I was surprised they offer movies and computers all for almost nothing, it cost CHF45( $40 converted)for a full year membership including DVDs, needless to say i have been a member since then.

Being a library staff myself, I am able to appreciate having books around me in addition to some internet reference. Sadly, most of our students are taking reference on the internet which mostly are doubtful sources.