Step right up and get your library card, it’s all the rage. Forget about your Netflix, Blockbuster and Amazon accounts. The library is where it’s at – and it’s free.
Libraries around the country are seeing a tremendous surge in patronage. The standard conversation at the front desk goes something like this:
“Hi, um could you check to see if I’m still in the system? It’s been years since I’ve been in here.”
“Coolio. Let’s get you set up.”
In these trying times, families are looking at ways to economize in any way they can. A library can help you make big strides in cutting down on expenses.
I work in a teensy public library in Wasilla, Alaska. And no, Sarah Palin hasn’t been in on my watch yet. Even though we’re a small library, here’s some of the things available for patrons to check out:
- Videos – VHS (!) and DVD. You won’t find last weeks releases but there are great titles available, some obscure enough that you wouldn’t find them at the DVD store. Children’s videos galore, too. Why pay $15 for a Dora video when you can check them out by the week for free?
- Audio books – Some on cassette, most on CD. Hello, commuters. Don’t have time to read? The library has got you covered. There’s even a new fangled kind of audio book that is embedded in a small, iPod sized player. You supply the ear buds and you’re ready to go.
- Um, Books? – Sure. Vintage classics, latest releases, everything in between. Large print editions? Sure, they’re there. Foreign language? Wasilla has a collection of Russian language books. If you are thinking of starting a new hobby or if you need to know how to take care of that pet rabbit your daughter brought home then you’re in business.
Now, I’m not one to wish for hard times, but I’m happy the side effect has been an awakening to how cool the library can be.
How about you? Have you been to the library recently?
Libraries have been busier! And that’s great. But the flip side to this is that the recession has shrunk city budgets and one of the first places they cut from is the library. Philly is currently fighting library closures – and at a time when they are busier than they have been in a long time.
It sounds like you are enjoying the job
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Hi Kim,
A bit of a double edged sword, isn’t it? Thank goodness some cities have strong supporters of the library system!
George
The state is refusing to pass the state budget because they can’t agree on certain points. The city is dependent on this budget being passed to do it’s own budget. Out mayor has proposed Plan C – if the state budget isn’t passed by Aug 15th, ALL city libraries and rec centers will be closed. They will also cut the police and fire departments. I’m really hoping it doesn’t come to that but it’s very possible that in 12 days Philadelphia will no longer have libraries.
It makes me SO angry – every time there is a budget problem the first thing they look at cutting is the library.
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Kim, That is just so unbelieveably short sighted. Of all the places to cut. They can’t find a single program/excessive salary/unnecessary position to cut?
Let me know what happens if you could.
George
Just went to the library and got a Spanish language course as a refresher for an upcoming trip. The course would cost $300 retail, but it’s mine all for free…and we get to check out items for 3 weeks!! I love the library, always have. I read about a book a week, and I’ll admit since money’s been tighter I’m turning to the public library more often to feed my addiction. We are lucky and have huge public library, it has everything, but even when I lived in a small town the little local library had tons of stuff to check out.
Get out there and save some money, and support your local library!
Matt
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Matt,
Right on. That is exactly what I’m talking about. Now that I’m working part time in a library the biggest occupational hazard is bringing too much stuff home!
George
This is so true, George! Yes, our local library is an awesome resource–and it’s free. Too cool for words, huh? I have such fond memories of my time spent at libraries when I was a child, and then again in college. I haven’t been to the library in a while, but you can be sure I’ll stop in sometime soon!
Michele
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Hi Michele,
I’ve been taking my daughter to the library since she turned 4. Now she is 6 and loves going to the library – we’ll spend hours there.
George
I get wrapped up in the quickie Amazon buys though, and forget to visit the library. What’s really fun is browsing, and knowing I can take home ANY of the books that catch my interest.
Okay, I’m going to the library this weekend.
Our local libraries did see a surge over the last few days though. With record breaking 100+ degree weather (this is SEATTLE, for God’s sake!) their air conditioned rows of coolness were an official “cool down” spot.
Hi Terry,
Yeah, that really is a cool thing. When I’m checking in books for Patrons, I often come across a title that catches my eye – often times on a subject that I never would have considered!
George
I’m guilty of not frequenting a library in quite a while. Probably a year, at least.
Trouble is, I read too much stuff online. And I like to read book reviews before buying, so I do the Amazon thing (even if I buy from a local bookstore).
Your post is a great reminder of the joys I once took for granted. It sounds like a cool job, too!
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Hi Milli,
I get sucked into that too. Well, I used to. Now that I’m in the Library five days a week I’ve discovered again the joy of a tangible book!
George
i love the library, have always been a fan before the recession because i’ve always been cheap i guess. if i can get it at the library, why buy it.
unfortunately, even though the two libraries in my town have seen an increase in visitors, they have had to decrease the hours. can’t pay the employees.
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Natural,
Thanks for coming by.
It does sadden me when a community can’t seem to find a way to fund such a valuable public resource. In many ways, a library can be a community center that binds and brings a city closer together.
George
I haven’t been since my college days. I do like the library, though. I do . . . no really
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Ok John,
I’ll take your word on it, but just for verification’s sake please snap a jpeg of the card and forward asap.
George
Very true although I do have a library card it has been a while since I have visited. The leasing office for my community has videos we can check out for free so I have been saving money that way.
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I was so happy to go to the library when I moved back to the states (went through quite a few books since I’ve been back). Of course, I also have plenty on my shelf that I still need to read. Probably wouldn’t be a good idea for me to work at a library…I’d never go home.
Plus my wife spent most of her first couple months in the states at the library studying English.
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