What do you use the library for?

sweeps · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 07:43 PM

I see a lot of posts about people going to the library for stuff like checking out books, reading magazines and borrowing CDs and DVDs for free. How often do you use the library? Do you get any other perks there?

Dido · #2 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 07:50 PM

I go to the library once a week, sometimes twice. I check out books, audiotapes (I listen to books-on-tape during my commute), DVDs/videos, and occasionally CDs/tapes. I browse through magazines, and have access to a number of computer databases for doing research, and to a computer itself if mine is in the shop. I've been a member of community groups that used the library as a meeting place and done taxes there as a volunteer during the past two tax seasons with the VITA program. When I get an iPod or equivalent, my library has downloadable books and tapes that I can listen to that are self-expiriing after 3 weeks (the normal borrowing period). When I retire and have time to explore my interest in local history, my library has a number of places to start. And it also has a wonderful Japanese garden given to us by our "sister city" in Japan that's a lovely place to hang around, especially in the spring!

LuxLiving · #3 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006, 08:04 PM

Our libraries have wonderful meeting rooms that are available for public use. Eons ago I had my baby shower there!

ADDITION: We use ours for books, CD's, books on tape, Videos. I also make large usage of interlibrary loan and book-waiting by going online and requesting books in our large county system be sent to my local branch and waiting on me to go in to pick-up.

Our system also loans out artwork, but I've never used that feature.

I also use our library for a stop-over at times when I have a bit of time to kill between dropping somebody off and meeting the next person/appointment and there isn't enough time to go all the way back home, but I don't want to just drive around wasting gas or by going shopping. It's a great no-cost place to stop in where it's cool, comfortable and loads to read!

There are always lots of folks there using the computers although I've never done that it's cool that they are available for the community!

Ima saver · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 06:36 AM

I use to go to the library everyday to use the computers. I never had one because i did not know how to use one. I still don't, but i figured I would at least go there and try to use a computer. Also, I would read the newspapers and magazines.

poundwise · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 06:49 AM

I use the library about twice a month to check out books and 'rent' movies.

At the library here, $10 buys a punch-card that is good for 14 rentals. What's more, on Tuesdays, each punch is good for two movies instead of one. So, this card is good for at least 14 movies and for as many as 28 depending on how you use it.

When traveling to visit family, I use the library in their town for Internet access.

TBH · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 06:52 AM

My work schedule (evening shift on the reference desk at a local university library

) gives me one weekday home with my toddler. We go to the library every week.

I use the library for:

1. Checking out novels for myself (I read 2-3 books/week)
2. Picture books for DS.
3. DVDs or videos for DS. (Some fun videos, and some educational videos)
4. Kids' audio tapes and CDs.
5. Very occasionally I'll get a grown-up movie or a CD for myself.
6. I do use the interlibrary loan, although not as much as I used to.
7. Kids' reading and math games on the computers.
8. We often play in the library's garden on the way home
9. Runing into friends, neighbors, classmates from daycare
10. Sometimes if he falls asleep I read magazines.

My library also checks out free passes to local children's museums, but I've never been organized enough to get one in time for the weekend.

When I'm travelling in the US, I use local libraries to check my email for free. Some places have a 15 minute limit if you don't have a local library card, but that's enough to check my work email and put out any fires.

Great thread! In case there are no other librarians on the list, this librarian thanks you.

toys · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 07:03 AM

I love their language cd's... I can't say I'm proficient, but I've picked up a lil Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian and French from listening to their audio files.

Ima saver · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 07:20 AM

Our library is very small and does not have a lot of books. They let you use the computer for one hour. All you have to show is your driver's license if you don't have a card.
When I first moved here, i wanted to learn about mutual funds. They had no books on mutual funds or investing. They do have a few now. I wish they still used the old card system. I don't know how to look up books using the computer, so i have a hard time finding books at our library!

poundwise · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ima saver

I wish they still used the old card system. I don't know how to look up books using the computer, so i have a hard time finding books at our library!

Just a side-note to Ima: I see that you make many references to your computer skills or, rather, the lack of such. I would suggest that you could benefit from a basic class on computers. Some of these types of classes are offered free-of-charge through different organizations. You could also look into any local community college program and find out how to take an intro to computers class as part of continuing ed. If nothing else, you may get a CD or two from "Video Professor" -- I think they will even send you one disc for free. You may even find these, or something like this, at the library.

Anyway, just a thought.

Thrifty Ray · #10 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ima saver

Our library is very small and does not have a lot of books. They let you use the computer for one hour. All you have to show is your driver's license if you don't have a card.
When I first moved here, i wanted to learn about mutual funds. They had no books on mutual funds or investing. They do have a few now. I wish they still used the old card system. I don't know how to look up books using the computer, so i have a hard time finding books at our library!

Poundwise offered some great advice...and I will add that there is someone at the library who can walk you though their search program on the computer. It is usually real simple and once you've been shown, you will be able to master it!! Also, many libraries have their systems online, which enables you to search and reserve/request/renew from home!! I use this all the time!!!

Thrifty Ray · #11 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 07:56 AM

Aside from the usual- checking out books, renting movies (free), cds, etc...I use the library to unwind. I love browsing through books and can spend hours there.

When I was working outside the home, it was my weekly sanctuary. I would go once each week and indulge in the quiet, peacefullness...and 'shop' til I was completely relaxed.

Now, I go as a treat...I do most of my selections online...but I still love to go to the brick and mortar every few weeks. Im a HUGE library fan!

cashqueen · #12 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 08:39 AM

I go every few weeks and check out some books. It costs $2 to take out movies or cds so I don't bother with that. I very rarely watch movies and can wait until they're on cable rather than paying $2. If they were free, that would be different.

Mostly I go to teach my 2 year old to how to act and treat books and hopefully to love reading as much as I do. We have books at home of course, but it's different when you can go to the library and pick some out yourself. He's still a little young to get the concept but he enjoys going.

Snoopy2645 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 09:30 AM

I did go every week & I got books on money everytime I went but now with my youngest being 2 1/2 I am afraid of books being ruined so I only buy books at garage sales for the moment & quit using the library

PauletteGoddard · #14 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 09:38 AM

Setting Interlibrary loan requests
Checking stocks and mutual funds reports
Borrowing books for me and the lad
Letting the child play on the PC -- we have no games for him at home
Borrowing cassette/book combinations for the lad
Borrowing DVDs and videos
Photocopying the New York Times Crossword Puzzle
Catching up on e-mail if I'm away from home
Researching abstracts and articles in Databases
Attending author readings
Borrowing CDs
Reading magazines

Bookie · #15 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 10:07 AM

I'm fortunate in having access to both the public library and the university library systems.

The public library is primarily a source of recreational reading material. I have a branch within walking distance, so I am usually there weekly. I read (or skim) magazines on site and check out books for use at home. They do offer CDs, but my collection is larger.

The university system serves primarily as a reference resource. As a retiree I have computer access to their subscription services over the net. I can also arrange for materials via interlibrary loan if the primary collection lacks something I want. They also offer research services that are convenient if I'm preparing something for publication.

Fillanzea · #16 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 11:35 AM

I usually get 3-4 books a week from the public library and another couple from the university library--which is good, because although I can afford to buy books, I can't afford bookshelves as easily! My library doesn't collect movies or CDs (except for audiobooks), though.

Diolla · #17 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006, 04:52 PM

I used to go about once a week or so, they had a good selection of videos, books and computer programs. Last year they 'improved' it and now the outside looks like a minimum security prison and the inside like a museum. There are lots of loooong hallways, (they should look into selling motorized scooters for people who have trouble walking through all those hallways) the computer programs are gone and the videos are practically non-existant and in another section with another checkout line. If you want to find a certain book you have to find a computer that is not in use by someone surfing the internet (not an easy task), I haven't found the periodicals or any music area (it's probably in there somewhere with a dozen cd's being guarded by three library people). The whole place is just depressing.

But hey! I got a nice huge library with a "Booktique" (if I wanted to buy books I wouldn't be at the library) and a cafe.

I just order books from them online and they mail them to me.

Fern · #18 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 11:51 AM

I'm at the library a few times a month to rent out free DVDs or CDs, less often books.

They have a foreign film series i try to get to.

I reference Consumer Report if i'm buying something fairly expensive.

I donate my own used books there for their book sale.

I occasionally attend special programs or talks there.

I pay a lot in taxes, so i try to take advantae of it as much as i can.

shelbylovesmelby · #19 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 04:03 PM

We check out movies mainly kids as they have a much better selection & my kids are hardly asleep for us to get away with anything past PG/ PG-13.

I check out books with the intention of reading them & never do as I forget I have them & my oldest kid doesn't let me have a moments peace when she's concious! *sigh*

Dh checks out music CD's.

I'd love to go to the local UW extension library to do some genealogy but I don't think they have free day care *LOL*

gotalkmoney · #20 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 05:47 PM

I used to go to the library a lot and I still do on occasion. I find it really relaxing to just sit in there and browse through magazines and what not.

I used to check out a bunch of books that I had an interest in instead of buying them. This over the years had saved me tons of money!