These economic time are tough. We’re hearing about banks like Washington Mutual getting eaten up and stores like Circuit City going bankrupt.
But you know who’s doing real well? Public Libraries!
This past year has seen a resurgence in public libraries. The Boston Public Library is reporting that new memberships are up over 32% from July to November!
At the same time retailers are reporting drops in book, music, and movie sales. It’s obvious where some of the business is going!
But it’s not all roses for public libraries. At the same time they are seeing an increase in visitors they are also getting decreases in funds. Budgets are shrinking across the country and libraries are finding they have to try to do more with less.
There could be hope for libraries though. If President Obama’s stimulus plan goes through as he intends then there will be money to help fix and grow public libraries.
Have you used your public library lately?
We’ve been using ours a lot. I discovered that I could request books online from any library in my borough and pick them up at my local branch. They even email me when the book is in!
Other things you could find at your local public library:
- Books (Well, duh, but it has to be mentioned!)
- Movies
- CD’s
- AudioBooks
- Computer/Internet Use/Free Wireless Access
- Toddler Time
- GED Prep
- Performances and Readings
- Career Help
- Language Classes
- Crafts
- Teen Activities
- Senior Activities
…And so much more!
Public library use is on the rise. Are you taking advantage of all they have to offer?
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I would LOVE to use public libraries but there isn’t one on the island
If I had one close to me, I’d be in there checking out every PF book known to woman. That, and DVDs of course.
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@ FB – What island are we talking about? It’s too bad there can’t be more facilities all over.
We’ve got a great library system and I usually go there about once a week. I’ve noticed our has become more crowded lately as well. But that’s fine by me – it means people are using a great resource for free!
Our library offers online requests as well, which is great for getting new releases.
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@ Patrick – I can’t tell you how many books I used to buy and read once and be done with them! We’re savings so much now by using the library.
Every time I want to read a book, I always check to see if the library has it before buying it, especially if it’s one I don’t think I’ll read more than once.
Another great thing about the library – magazines! Subscriptions can be so expensive and even though you might not be able to check out the most current issue (a lot of times they keep it at the library for patrons to read there), they often keep around issues from the past 1-2 years so there is a good selection.
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@ Hannah – You’re so right about the magazines. When I buy them maybe they have two or three useful articles. Browsing them at the library is much better.
I love, love, love the library! And my son does, too. We go and spend an hour there a week, deciding on books, looking at magazines and my son even spends a few minutes on the computer with learning games. It’s a great resource.
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@ Miranda – My wife is starting to bring our son to the library for toddler time and stories. So much better than TV!
I guess my only problem with public libraries is they don’t have the books I want or need – especially newer books. When I go, I try not to have an expectation in mind.
If I went more often, they would do really well with the fines I usually rack up. I do better in used book stores.
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@ Carla – Does your library have a website or an online request feature? Maybe you can check for the books you want that way to save yourself a trip. I used to have problems returning books but now I make it a priority ti get them back in time. I’m also going more which makes it easier to get the books back in time.
@ KC – I do to. I’d like to see some of my local libraries get a face lift!
I love heading off to the public library every now and then. Well, for one, I get most of my research done in there and I have to say that most of the public libraries are quite comprehensive when it comes to their collection. I do hope that Obama does initiate new policies that will ensure that libraries remain open for some time to come.
@FFB They do have an online database (thank goodness!) that I use often. They also offer some free eBooks.
@ Carla – I did notice the e-books! I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for reminding me.
@ Pete – That sounds like an awesome plugin! Serious?!? I’ll have to look it up.
@ pfincome – My daughter loves taking DVD’s out there. We’ve also gotten Sesame Street stuff too for our son. The selection is limited but for the price who could complain!
@ James – It’s good to hear so many are utilizing their public library!
@ CC – I love owning a book too but I’m realizing that if I’m not going to read it more than once than it just becomes clutter. I like your donation idea. We actually gave a big shopping bag full of books to the library recently.
I’ve relied on public libraries a lot.
I think they’ve been a heavily untapped resource in the past.
I’ve got a plugin for my firefox installation that allows me to search Amazon for a book I like, and then order it from my local library – right from the Amazon website. It uses the greasemonkey plugin as well as another plugin that i forget the name of. Worth a google search if you’re interested.
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Absolutely! Our family utilizes our public library at least 3 times per week. We get all of our DVD rentals there. It works out really nice as long as you can be flexible.
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I absolutely love our local library. An excellent source of reading material. It is also a great place to go and do research. I do research for my company and my school work. I would be lost without my local library.
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I am a book addict and buy books all the time. There’s something I love about owning a book I have read. Anyhow, my little sister goes weekly to the library. I am convinced that libraries are an invaluable social service. I would encourage everyone to use a portion of the money you save by going to the library and give a monthly or annual donation to your local library. Think of it this way, they are providing a service, you would have had to otherwise pay for it, your donation ensures that the library will stick around, and it’s tax deductible!
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