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| Libraries Offer So Much More Than Books |
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The Obvious
Don't overlook the obvious. Public libraries offer books which can meet every interest. Available are the latest magazines (which can cost anywhere from $5-$10 per issue), the bestsellers, the self-help books everyone's talking about, and anything printed on paper and put between a cover.
What many don't realize is that if your library is small and doesn't carry the book you're interested in, it can get the book for you. Inter-library loan services allow libraries to borrow books from other libraries. The book arrives in a few days for you to check-out and then return to your library it is then shipped back to its original home. Some charge a fee for this service, especially if the book is coming from somewhere odd. Another option is to visit the neighboring library. In some states, library cards are transferrable to different libraries. See your librarian for specifics.
Person to Person Help
The goal of the library is to share knowledge. Reference librarians are skilled at finding information. Need help locating a book about your topic? Remember the plot but not the title? Ask the librarians for help; they're there to help you. While libraries today rely heavily on the computer to catalog their inventories, you may not feel so comfortable with it. The librarian is there to help you.
Another source of information is the reference desk itself. Look for flyers for workshops being held at your library. There are computing workshops offered, writing workshops, and tax preparation seminars. I've seen a beginners pottery class set up in our library's conference room. Most are there to promote one book or another, but free knowledge is free knowledge.
Activities
Looking for something to do as a family? Always wanted to network with other moms? Are you the only reader in your family? There are discussion groups and activities planned at many libraries. Singles groups meet to discuss books, parenting groups meet while their children have story time, and artist groups sketch together. There are family movie nights or summer book clubs that can be loads of free fun. By attending these activities you are supporting your library with your attendance.
Services
Don't overlook the other services libraries provide beside book loans. Libraries rent videos and CDs to their members for free. They also provide free internet use and cheap copying fees.
One of the greatest resources a library provides is access to thousands of dollars worth of databases. Articles and primary resources are housed in databases such as ERIC or Proquest which cost upwards of $5,000 a year in subscriptions. With a library card you have free access to these materials, and some libraries provide home access through their websites as well.
The value of the community library is often overlooked. It offers a place to sit quietly for a few moments. It offers incomprehensible amounts of knowledge. It offers community togetherness and an opportunity to become involved. And it offers it all for free.
About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com
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