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Everyone knows that the library is where you go to check out books. Did you that most libraries offer much, much more? Some of these services, that would cost you money elsewhere, are offered for free to library patrons.
Usually all that you have to do to be considered a library patron is live the local area that the library services and sign up for a library card.
Here are some free services that we have used from our local library:
- Borrowing movies on VHS and DVD. Most libraries will loan classic movies to you at no additional charge. You check them out with your library card, which means that you get to keep them longer. Granted, you probably won’t find the latest blockbuster at the library. However, many libraries have movie classics. This library service came in handy about a year ago when our daughter decided that she loved the old Wizard of Oz movie (you know, the one with Judy Garland). While the local video store didn’t have the movie in stock (they had lost their only copy), the library had several copies. We were able to check a copy out and keep it for two weeks. At the end of two weeks, my daughter renewed it and we kept it for another two weeks.
- Story and Activity Time for Preschoolers. Our local library has wonderful year-round story and activity times for preschoolers from four months to six years. For one of these preschool story times the librarian read them a book about a fire truck and then they went to the parking lot where a real fire truck was parked!
- Summer Story Time and Reading Club. During the summer the library expands their storytime programs to include programs for older children. Our kids have enjoyed attending these programs which always include a craft, exhibit, or other hands-on exercise. In addition, the summer program includes a summer reading club where the kids are challenged to record the number of books that they read.
- Internet Access. Our library offers free limited access to the Internet for library patrons. It also has a free Wi-Fi connection, so if you have a laptop you can access the Internet from within the library. (For comparison, many places such as Starbuck with Wi-Fi connections charge you a fee.)
- Reference Desk. Most libraries have a reference librarian who is more than happy to direct you to information and materials on a particular subject.
- Exhibits by Local Artists. Not only does our library create displays featuring local authors — they also regularly display artwork, historical artifacts and photos, and local craft items. I have enjoyed viewing the library displays over the years and I know the kids have learned from them.
These are just some of the free services offered at my local library. Isn’t it worth checking to see what additional free services your local library offers?
Contents (c) Copyright 2007, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved.
17 responses so far ↓
1 Buzz // Jul 13, 2007 at 9:47 am
Speaking of Judy Garland, there is an exciting new group on Yahoo called The Judy Garland Experience that everybody should check out. The group features lively discussions, rare photo’s, and the most amazing music files anywhere! This week they are featuring both of Judy’s appearances from the Merv Griffin Show circa 1968. Hear her singing and talking with Margaret Hamilton, Rex Reed, The Ohio Express, Totie Fields, Marty Brill, Van Johnson, Moms Mabley, Arthur Treacher, and others.
Judy is pure magic on these shows. The group also has audio files of her first concert at The Palladium in 1951, as well as both her songs from Valley Of The Dolls, taped phone conversations, interviews, radio spots, and more! And in our WHERE JUDY PLAYED spot this week we are featuring Frank Sinatra and Count Basie in an ultra rare and never released performance from the Arie Crown Theater.
The group membership includes Garland family members, authors, people who have made movies about Judy, other celebrities, and fans of all levels.
Truly, the most eclectic membership of any of the Garland groups or clubs. The only thing missing is you! Please stop by our little Judyville, once you visit you may never want to leave!
http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/thejudygarlandexperience/
2 Michelle // Jul 13, 2007 at 2:20 pm
I’m a librarian and I’m so glad you posted this! We actually have both classics and blockbusters as well as independent film at our library. “The Departed” or “Spirited Away” you want it, we’ve got it. Do you need wifi? We’ve got it, downloadable audiobooks, got them too. We have discount museum passes as well. Definitely check your library out, a great place to spend some time.
3 Laura // Jul 13, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Hi Michelle! Thanks for coming by. I’m glad you liked the post. I have many happy memories of going to the library as a child, so the library is just kind of second nature for me.
4 Amber // Jul 13, 2007 at 3:34 pm
I’m a high school librarian, but I thought I’d also give a shoutout to the Reading Clubs that most libraries offer for babies through adults. There are Mother/Daughter book clubs, Father/Son, Mystery Lovers. I highly recommend anyone check out their local library’s website (or even a neighboring community) to see what they offer.
5 Nancy // Jul 13, 2007 at 5:56 pm
The library is one of my favorite places as well, ever since I was a little child. Chicago Public Libraries even offer museum passes to most of the city’s major museums AND a few of the branches (ones near the river or a lagoon) offer fishing poles for check-out!
6 Laura // Jul 13, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Hi Buzz! Thanks for stopping by. I think the Wizard of Oz is probably the only thing that we’ve seen with Judy Garland.
Hi Amber! I’m glad to meet another librarian (Michelle was the first one here.) Reading clubs are great fun.
Hi Nancy! I’m not in Chicago, but that’s a great tip about passes to museums. What a great perk!
7 Jessica // Jul 14, 2007 at 10:52 am
I’m a librarian near Akron, OH and the public library here actually shows free movies on a big screen, from classics to Harry Potter to the Bourne Supremacy. For free! They’ve also hosted speakers such as Joel Cohen, who writes for the Simpsons. Thanks for encouraging everyone to investigate their local libraries – many people might be surprised!
8 Laura // Jul 14, 2007 at 11:02 am
Hi Jessica!
Thanks for stopping by. The free movies sound like a really good deal.
My dad raised us to go to the library every single week. Libraries were just starting to expand their services, so mostly all we did was check out books. It was still the highlight of my week.
9 Mommy Babble // Jul 15, 2007 at 8:38 am
What a great list! We’re frequent visiters to the local library. I love all the things they have to offer, especially being homeschoolers. 🙂
10 Nikki // Jul 16, 2007 at 9:30 pm
The library is one of my more favorite places to be! When I was a girl my grandmother would take me and it was our time. She would select her books, meanwhile I could take forever and a day picking what I wanted. I was never told to “hurry up” or “we have to go” I could take her a million books and read the inside jacket to her.
I take my kids all the time but sadly they are not interested in the same ways I was.
11 Laura // Jul 16, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Hi Mommy Babble! I’m sure that, as a homeschooling family, you probably rely on the library.
Hi Nikki! That’s wonderful that your grandmother got you interested in reading like that.
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14 Dana // Jul 20, 2007 at 2:59 am
and relatively new at ours…downloadable audio books!
15 Laura // Jul 20, 2007 at 8:06 am
Thanks Dana!
I had forgotten about those.
16 Mama Luxe // Jul 20, 2007 at 10:40 pm
So very true! Also, you can find readings, make and take crafts, magazines, local history projects…and on and on and on!
Whenever we move, I check out what the local library has available.
Thanks for the reminder about all the library has to offer!
17 Laura // Jul 22, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Hi Mama Luxe! Yes, the local library is very helpful!