Five reasons you should visit your local library 

A few weeks ago I was talking to one of the librarians at my local library and we chatted briefly about our mutual love for the library. We talked about how amazed we both were that not many people take advantage of the great benefits of the library.

This really got me thinking. Why don’t more people, especially bookworms, go to their libraries more often? After all, it’s FREE! Libraries have really expanded their services in recent years as well, offering loads of programs and incentives besides the normal borrowing a regular book.

Five reasons you should visit your local library on the regular:

  • It’s free! Did I already mention that? Oh well, it’s worth repeating. Yes, you can accrue late fees if you don’t return your books on time. But they are nominal and much cheaper than actually buying your own copy of the book. Plus, most libraries nowadays have a drive up book drop so even if you can’t get there in time to return your books during business hours, you can still drop them off!
  • This may be my favorite thing about the library actually, but did you know that you can put items on hold so they’re ready for you when you get there? For example, I knew months ago that I would want to read Elin Hilderbrand’s new release so I hopped on my libraries website and placed a hold on Here’s To Us. Generally, titles are added to the online catalogue months before they’re released, so if you plan ahead you could even be the first person to check the book out on its release date! When one of my holds becomes available I get a text and an email saying it’s ready to be picked up. My library also works with a network of other libraries, so if I request a book that they don’t carry, they’ll get it for me using an interlibrary loan.
  • Overdrive is this fantastic app/website that many libraries use. It’s a way to borrow ebooks and audiobooks through the library. You do have to set up an account but it’s also free! The great thing about this is that once you have your library card linked to your Overdrive account you don’t have to actually visit your library branch again if you don’t want to. Books can be downloaded on any smartphone or ereader and there are virtually no late fees as titles are automatically returned when they’re due.
  • Besides borrowing books, most libraries also let patrons borrow movies, CDs, and even Kindle’s. My library has several Kindle’s available that are each pre loaded with tons of books in different genres. For instance, if you’re a mystery/thriller fan such as myself you can borrow a Kindle full of great titles! The only downfall that I can see to this option is that you are liable to any damage to the Kindle while you have it. But as long as you’re careful everything should be great.
  • Besides all things related to books and reading, libraries are full of fun events and programs. Most have story time for little kids and groups/book clubs for all ages from teen to adult. Mine has movies on Monday nights and again it’s free! Stuff like this will obviously vary but if you check your local branch about you may be pleasantly surprised.

Do you already visit your library? Did I miss anything about why they’re so great?

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34 thoughts on “Five reasons you should visit your local library ”

  1. Taylor Reads Books says:
    Reply

    LOVE THIS! I love my library and I don’t know what I would do without my Overdrive app! I listen to an audiobook everyday at work through Overdrive and checkout e-books regularly. My library’s servers were down for 2 weeks not to long ago which meant NO OVERDRIVE. I felt like a lost puppy, having to search youtube for books to listen to and checking multiple times a day to see if it was back up and running. Made me appreciate it that much more!
    My library also has chess and checkers tables and study rooms with computers available to students of all ages which is awesome for group project meet ups. There are computers out on the floor with internet connection for people who don’t have computers/wifi available to them. There are also Newspapers and magazines available for checkout if you’r needing something for a current events assignment or if you just don’t subscribe to a paper or magazine and you want to read that week’s/month’s edition… for freeee! 🙂
    Gosh, sorry I wrote such a novel, I just love the library too! Thanks for writing a post about it, I’m sure a lot of people don’t know what all their libraries offer to them! I might have to write my own post about the library and Overdrive (oh Overdrive ♥) to get the word out!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Laurie@TheBakingBookworm says:
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    This is an awesome post! As a Book Blogger and Library Assistant I’m always in the library and love taking advantage of books, DVDs, CDs, kits, ebooks/e-audiobooks … Once in awhile I get customers asking if I think libraries are becoming obsolete. Um, no. Libraries offer so much to our communities than just books! Libraries have so many great (free!) things to offer – free wifi and public computers, free technology tutoring, free programming for children (Lego robotics, Summer Reading Club, computer programming, Babytime, storytime …) and adults (photography, soap making, book clubs, Library Support Workers to help new Canadians make connections in our community …. ! Don’t forget our very popular knitting and pedometer kits too. Plus we have free online courses … Want to learn Excel, Publisher, Spanish or Italian? – all free via our library’s site. Our Download library is super popular as are the free digital magazines that you can read on your tablet at home! Even before I started working at the library I was in twice/week with my kids and I’ve always found libraries to be very relaxing and inviting. Can you tell I love the library?? 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • novelgossip says:
      Reply

      I couldn’t agree more! You mentioned some fantastic benefits to the library that I failed to mention. The library is definitely my happy place, working in one would be a dream!

      Like

  5. bookheathen says:
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    I do agree with you on most of that. The negative side is, many libraries (or the authorities who run them) seem to have forgotten their original mission – to bring literature to the public – and expand the ‘other things’ to the detriment of books.
    Thank you for visiting my blog and for following!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Leslie says:
    Reply

    The library is like shopping for free and one of my favorite places on earth! When my girls were little I used to take them and while they were playing ( my library has a huge playroom with puzzles, puppets, sensory tables) I would browse through and read magazines which is another awesome benefit! Great post- you echo my thoughts exactly:)

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Athena~ says:
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    I love going to the library but I always have a problem with getting there. That’s why I always rely on the school library but whenever I do get to go to the town library I go crazy 🙂 I always used to go when I was younger.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Aralyn says:
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    Fantastic post!
    I use my library ALL. THE. TIME. I’m a poor college student! I can’t afford to buy every book I want! Plus, I wouldn’t have space in my apartment nor the manpower to move all of them every time I move. I also can be quite stingy with money and worry about buying a book I’ve never read and then not liking it… (>~<) I try to check used bookstores, first, though.
    I'm pretty sure my librarians recognize my face, if not my name, because I visit about once a week, dropping books off, grabbing books on hold, taking a quick peek at what's available…
    I actually need to slow down right now, hahaha.
    Anyway, it's true, everything you said. So many advantages to library systems. Sometimes they even have book sales! Granted, mine never has any YA stuff…
    If you have trouble reading at home, too, it offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere to read if you have the time 🙂
    I also use Overdrive all the time. Seriously wonderful.

    Liked by 1 person

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