How to Make the Most of Your Public Library

I wish I could remember the man’s name who once said, “You will be the same person next year as you are now, except for the books you read and the people you meet.” I’ve been practicing this philosophy long enough to know that the man was right.

There are reasons that smart people (as well as rich people) use the library.

1. The books are free. Never buy a book from the bookstore that you could get at or through the library. Never, ever buy novels, or once-throughs. If you really fall in love with a book, you can buy it or photocopy the pages you want to look at later.

2. The movies are free. (Or, at least the best ones are.) At our library they have three categories of movies- the blues (new releases that are rented overnight), the greens (the ones you rent for a week), and the reds, which are free. Most all of the classic old movies- think pre-1990- are red, as well as the excercise videos and documentaries. These are the best movies to watch anyway.

3. The audio content is free. You can rent audiobooks and listen to them while you drive, work, or clean the garage. I’ve listened to several books that were to long for me to read. A couple hours listening every night did the trick. Also, when you listen to books, especially with earbuds or headphones, there are less distractions than when you are trying to read, say, in a crowded waiting room with the TV on.
 Some libraries even carry music CDs with classical or popular music. If you really like the CD you are borrowing, buy it.
 *Note: You may think it is a good idea to burn your favorite songs on a separate CD, or leave them on your iPod (that way you get music for free!), but that is just stealing. It’s ripping the artist off, and it’s obsessively cheap. Don’t do it.

4. The internet is free. It you’re still in the dark ages, or for some crazy reason, don’t have your own computer, the library has free internet service for you! The internet has endless resources and business opportunities, from ebay to craigslist to google. One would be insane to not take advantage of it.
 *Note: Children under 18 usually need a parent’s permission use the web at the library. Also, I’m pretty sure libraries have filters on the internet service. So don’t attempt to watch X-rated movies or get into otherwise nasty stuff at the library.

5. Some libraries let you order books online. Your library may have an online interloan system that allows you to browse books, movies, and music from all over the state. A bonus feature here is that you don’t usually have to pay for movies from other libraries. Warning: don’t abuse the system. Don’t get a movie that your own library has from a different library just so you don’t have to pay for it, and don’t get a book from the interloan system that your library already has.
 *Tip: I request about 90% of my library books online. Sometimes the librarians get ticked off because it gives them more work, so occasionally I borrow a book or two from our public library building. But don’t feel guilty of taking advantage of public services. One librarian gave me heck for ordering so many books (after I told her how much I loved their service). The librarians get paid by the hour no matter whose books they are dealing with.  

You might want to consider:

 - Using the library for entertainment. A few hours reading Charles Dickens will improve your mind much more than watching old TV show reruns. If you can’t stand to read him, get an audiobook or a movie. It’s all great stuff.

- Using the library for learning. If you want to know more about painting, taking exams, or starting a business, chances are that you’ll find plenty of books about those very subjects at the library.

- Using the library for information. Tax information, trade magazines, geneaologies, and a plethora of other resources can be found there.

- Using the library for networking. Many libraries have bulletin boards posted with community events and flyers, and most likely you’ll find many new friends, as well.

For further information, see the following links.

Digital Libraries

Are All Libraries Created Equal?