If you know me, then you know I work at a library. If you don't know me, I work at a library. Which is truly why I am so impacted by reading all the time. I mean obviously though because how could you surround yourself with hundreds of books all day everyday and not want to read them.
So when is the last time you've used your library? I didn't even think about a library or a library card until I got a job at one. It's funny that they are all around us, yet it's something we as a society these days rarely think about. I only started appreciating the libraries around us and noticing them more when the pandemic was loosening up a little and I started realizing how much my library actually provides for our patrons and how much people actually love us here at GPL. Which then led to my inspiration for this article.
I've noticed a trend in a lot of the conversations I have with my friends about the libraries around them. That trend being they barely use their library or they don't use it at all. Some of you probably read that statement and thought "well neither do I" The other of you who use your library regularly or work at one know that it's almost soul crushing to know the simple joys this person is deprived of.
So what simple joys are you possibly being deprived of if you are not using your library?
What your library provides for you:
Full disclaimer I am no expert, so whatever I say here may be different for where you live or your library system. I am just giving the facts and services my library and a few other libraries I know provide. A lot of Indiana libraries are connected through a cool system called Evergreen that allows us to borrow books and movies between other libraries. You can always ask your library if you're a part of the Evergreen system, or message me and I can *hopefully* answer any questions you may have. :)
So let's dive into an overview on what you can achieve with a library card.
You are automatically entitled to a library card from your library thats connected to your house. What the heck does that mean? Your property tax dollars help fund and support your local library every. single. year. In return, you are entitled to a free library card that allows you access to:
Free computers
Printing (which is 15 cents a copy at my library. may differ at yours but you can still print)
Faxing
"Try-It" Kits
Board Games
Movies/TV Shows
Audiobooks
Nonfiction books
Fiction books
New books (my library is also really awesome about staying up to date on new books)
Children's department (your kids can play and develop a love and appreciation for libraries and reading at a young age)
Teen Room (a room for young adult books and a unique place for teens to hang out and go to programs made just for them)
Study Rooms
Meeting Rooms
Free Wifi
Seating and places to sit
Information on resources
This list is just the tip of the ice burg, but I want to dive into some of those examples because I don't think a simple bullet point can do any justice.
Try-It Kits:
-At my library and some others we provide "try-it kits" for patrons to try out a new hobby or do something just for fun. I just recently checked out the Laser Tag Kit and currently have a Moon Binocular Kit checked out to look at the moon this weekend. There are also try it kits in the Children's Department for learning and stimulation.
New Books:
-Your local library gets TONS of new books every month. That new Nicholas Sparks book you've been wanting to read but you don't feel like buying it? Your library probably has it!
Movies/TV Shows/Audiobooks:
-Your local library also provides movies and tv shows for you to borrow and enjoy as well! Can't find a movie on a streaming service? Your library might have it.
E-Resources:
-Speaking of streaming services, your library also provides online resources for you as well. I know my work provides Hoopla, Canopy, and Libby. I use libby to listen to my audiobooks constantly when I'm driving or cleaning or even at the gym. It helps my book system mentioned in earlier posts.
Paper/Tech Resources:
-Most libraries in modern day now have free computers you can have access to even if you don't have a library card. They also offer faxing and printing services too. If you're having a meeting you can utilize your libraries meeting room and/or study rooms they provide. My work is almost done building a relaxed yet professional meeting room for anyone to utilize!
*If you want to know more about any of the resources listed above feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you!
If you're still reading, I appreciate you reader. <3
I will inform you on one more important topic on the subject of library cards and then send you on your way with a brain full of information and maybe a thought or two about getting a library card. There's more than one card though, especially a super beneficial one, so let's discuss.
When you think of your library card you probably think of just a basic little paper card with your local libraries name on it. And thats pretty close, most days they are now plastic cards that you scan when you are checking out any material from your library. Although there's another type of card that allows you to an even greater treasure...the P.L.A.C. card.
P.L.A.C. :
A P.L.A.C. card is a Public Library Access Card. This card, which can be purchased at $65 from any library, grants you a free library card and access to that libraries resources to ANY (YES ANY) library in Indiana for a whole year.
I will say though that I have no idea how the library systems work outside of Indiana. So if you're reading this and want to share what your library systems are like around where you live feel free to leave a comment!
Make sure to like, comment, and share to help spread NovaKnows and the importance of a library!
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