Not Just a Library Anymore
By LindaOH
@LindaOHio (181177)
United States
December 29, 2019 9:25am CST
We live within a short drive of 2 branches and 1 main library. Aside from the great book sales, there are a myriad of other programs and services that the libraries offer.
In addition to books our local libraries loan out DVDs, Blu-rays, puzzles, magazines and newspapers. They also have computers for public use. Some libraries will even do passport pictures and applications and can notarize some documents.
They also have several machines that can be used including an AccCut machine, sewing machine, button maker, cold and hot laminator, 3-D printer, laser engraver and large format printer.
They have art shows for local artists, photo contests, chess groups, writers' groups...
You can check out a bread machine, cotton candy machine, electric pasta machine, board games, microscope kit, drivers cones (yes!) and tablets.
There is so much going on at the library that we get a little booklet each month outlining the programs available, items available for check-out, etc.
Maybe you should give your local library another look?
Photo Credit: Pixabay
12 people like this
13 responses
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
29 Dec 19
That is really awesome. I know that our library has programs, but I am not sure what all they offer. It's really nice that yours offers all those household appliances for rent / borrow. Are those items available to be borrowed for a long period of time, or just for the week?
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104628)
• United States
29 Dec 19
@LindaOHio True. That is really nice though. it allows people to make their own bread without having to buy a machine. Same for pasta, or even sewing. I know our library system has gotten better over the years, but I am not sure how much they've changed.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
29 Dec 19
I don't know; but I'm sure it's not for a long period of time because others may want them.
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
29 Dec 19
@ScribbledAdNauseum It gives you an opportunity to try an appliance to see if you want to spend the money for one, which is nice.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121656)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Dec 19
After years of budget cuts and declines when being managed under County government, our library system broke off and became it's own special taxing district, and they are thriving right now! We have library branches all over the city, and they are packed from the time they open to the time they close. Very popular places! I love how our libraries have reinvented themselves to make sure they stay relevant long into the future. Books will always be their main purpose, but just like you described above they also offer classes, programs, services, computers, art, lectures, guest speakers, music and more!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121656)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Dec 19
@LindaOHio Our myLot friend Manuela in Portugal works in a library, and she is always talking about how busy their library is. So I'm very happy to know that libraries have remained relevant even in the technological age!
I'm an avid reader, so I imagine I would have been in heaven working in a library. I do remember when I was in high school I would spend lots of time in our media center reading books.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
29 Dec 19
@moffittjc I got to grab all the new books before anyone else. :-)
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
29 Dec 19
I'm glad to see it because libraries were becoming a thing of the past. I remember summers when I was older with my nose stuck in a book (past the years when I used to play outside). I worked in a library from the age of 14 until I graduated from high school and LOVED it.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
29 Dec 19
Yes, I remember that. That's really good that you do that. Kudos to you.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
29 Dec 19
@LindaOHio Thank you. I’m doing nothing in Florida, however, except relaxing. And waiting. 
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
29 Dec 19
I go the library once a week!
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
29 Dec 19
@LindaOHio I get DVDs and of course all my reading material. You can't beat the price.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
29 Dec 19
That's great! I'm always happy when I hear about people using the library system.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
29 Dec 19
@JohnRoberts That's for sure; and their book sales can't be beat. I always used to buy way too many books.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130213)
• Israel
30 Dec 19
@LindaOHio
It sounds like your library has a lot to offer.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
29 Dec 19
You can check them out, yes. But you have to return them.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
29 Dec 19
wow it changed even more since I went back in 2008. used to get DVD and CD's then.
1 person likes this
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
29 Dec 19
I would love to work in a place like that! I am a bibliophile so anything bookish I love! I wish there’d be more places like that. Library is not popular anymore because of ebooks (which I also love btw).
We do have some cafes here that not only serve food. They also have bookshelves with real books (not just display) and card and board games.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
29 Dec 19
I worked in a library from the age of 14 until I graduated high school. I loved it.
@wolfgirl569 (107859)
• Marion, Ohio
29 Dec 19
I havent been to ours in a very long time.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (117130)
• Anniston, Alabama
29 Dec 19
This itty bitty one does not have all that. The bigger one in town does not have all that.
1 person likes this
@Writingghost (5196)
• United States
29 Dec 19
That sounds amazing. In our area there are so many art galleries that they frown on some of the things our library does.
1 person likes this
