Local libraries are an invaluable resource that offers free entertainment, activities, essential services, and more. When I think of my childhood, I think of the library. During our long and cold winters, it was the perfect place to work on group projects as everything we needed was at the library.
As the cost of living continues to rise, it may not be a feasible idea to visit your favorite bookstore for the books on your TBR list. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the latest releases. Libraries provide access to an exciting range of free entertainment, all while preserving local history. Let’s discover why your local library is a perfect place to start visiting this year.
1) It’s free! Signing up for a library card takes just a few seconds and upon doing so, it gives you access to a wide collection of physical books, e-books, audio books, music, movies, printing services, and more!
2) You can borrow electronics. Libraries allow members to not only use their electronics but sign them out to take home as well. Most places even allow you to keep these devices for up to three weeks. It’s perfect for those who need it for an online course, a project, or to even connect with friends and family from around the world.
3) Free educational programs. If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby, libraries offer programs for all ages that you can sign up for free. Some of these programs include meeting authors, book launches, movie nights, virtual courses, and more.
4) Quiet study rooms and free wi-fi. Libraries are perfect places to visit if you want to work or study, but did you know that many libraries offer quiet study rooms? Whether you’re waiting to take a zoom call, hold a small meeting, or just want your own space away from others, you can book your own private room with free wi-fi.
Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better.
sidney sheldon.
5) Creative studios. Along with private study rooms, did you know that some libraries have creatives studios? These rooms provide you with tools and software that you can use for creating a podcast, making YouTube videos, and more! Not to mention, you can borrow equipment such as microphones, cameras, headphones, and speakers to help you bring your ideas to life.
6) It’s sustainable. Libraries offer thousands of free resources, which helps us avoid purchasing new items for a project/entertainment only for them to be used once or twice. You have access to what you need without spending money or adding more clutter to your space. If you do collect books, the library gives you the chance to check out what you want, so you can decide if you want to spend money on it for your personal collection.
By utilizing the services offered at your local library, you’re supporting a valuable community resource that promotes literacy, education, and cultural enrichment for everyone. Do you visit your local library often? If so, what’s your favorite thing about it? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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The library is my happy place! I love visiting my local library, as well as venturing out and finding other libraries during my travels. I honestly forget about the quiet study rooms at times, so thanks for the reminder on that! I also didn’t know that they lend out electronics! Good to know!
That’s great to hear, Kate! Libraries offer so many great resources. I love checking back every now and then to see what else they’ve added. Thank you for reading!
Yes! I love visiting the library, and having a library card is a must! I regularly use my library card to borrow ebooks and audiobooks through the Libby app. Also, we often visit the library when they have activities for kids.
It’s great how both audio and eBooks are so easy to access from the library! Thank you for reading Karalee.
Libraries are the heart of some communities. It’s amazing what you can find in them these days.
I agree, they’re constantly adding new programs and services. It’s such a great resource for our community. Thank you for reading Nikki!
I have always loved going to the library! Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
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Thank you for reading Melissa!
There are so many services that people don’t even know their libraries offer! They really are great resources to have, and we have to fight to keep them funded!
I agree, there’s a wide range of services and it’s a great resource to utilize. Thank you for reading ER!
I agree, these are good reasons. I think it’s worth visiting bivbiloteka 🙂
Absolutely! Thank you for reading Klaudia!
As I live in a village in the countryside now, my nearest library doesn’t have anything too fancy like studios or even computers I don’t think. But I always love going there for books.
I’m glad there’s one nearby for books. Thank you for reading Jenny!
I haven’t been to the Library in quite a while since I pretty much have my own at this point, but I do love that my local library has free tax preparation and I hope I get to do it next year!
Wow, that’s so cool! What a great resource to have for the community. Thank you for reading Marie!
I’ve unfortunately moved much further away from my local library, but I try to make a trip with my husband on the weekends. Libraries are wonderful places and have so many things on offer beyond books. This was a great reminder to love our libraries and protect them!
That’s great how you and your husband still make trips on the weekends! They’re definitely gems for our local community. Thank you for reading Molly!
Library is an awesome place, this is a great post and so true. My partner loves to go there because it’s quiet.
I’m glad to hear that, it’s a fantastic place to visit. Thank you for reading Fransic!
I love going to the library, and frequently get eBooks out on the app! Such a sustainable way to read, as well as saving money 🙂 x
I love that they offer eBooks, it’s perfect for Kindle/Kobo users. Thank you for reading Caroline!
I love my library Winnie and you’ve pointed out all the reasons why. They are an incredible resource that is often under-utilized. My local library is also a gathering place for new Moms to meet and engage with their babies in storytime!
That’s wonderful, Jodie! The library is a great place for meeting friends in the community. Thank you for reading!