Do You Use Your Public Library?

[GrimJack]

Yes, I am in the midst of Buffy-fest and get the DVDs from the library; also waiting on Orphan Black season 2 but that one has 200 holds on 25 copies (sigh).

[snafu]

We're fortunate to have a phenomenal library system and use a lot of their services. Since Kindle, mostly e-books and magazines but just before we travel I pick up foreign newspapers for cities we'll spend time in since the stuff on-line is truncated. Our library sponsors a terrific lecture series so we learn right from the 'horses mouth' about topics of interest

[scfr]

I love using my Kindle so I should really figure out how to borrow library books for it.

Don't be shy. Walk in to your local library and ask to get a library card. Tell the librarian you've never been in and ask what they offer. Librarians love giving information and tend to be very friendly! There may be an Email newsletter you can sign up for.

Many libraries offer free seminars on how to use their resources, especially the digital ones.

I live near the boundary between 2 cities and I was able to join both city's libraries, so I utilize both.

Some libraries offer inter-library loan programs, which means that if your local library doesn't have something they may be able to borrow it from another. That's how I get TV series my local places don't carry like House of Cards or Homeland.

Through one of my libraries I can even study foreign languages on-line for free from the comfort of my home!

I could go on and on but I think you get the picture.
The first step is to just walk in the door ...

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Yes for books, movies, and museum passes. I buy no books for myself.

[disneysteve]

Yes, I am in the midst of Buffy-fest and get the DVDs from the library

Yes for books, movies

Our library charges for DVD rentals.

[LittleMissSplendid]

I love using my Kindle so I should really figure out how to borrow library books for it.

They probably have a how to guide on their website to assist you. You might even be able to sign up for an account online and not actually have to go into the library.

Yes for books, movies, and museum passes. I buy no books for myself.

I can't believe I forgot to mention this! When I was on vacation and couldn't really afford to go anywhere the library saved the day with free museum passes. I'm still amazed at the choices and how frequently they can be used all completely free! I used to think my student id (which I still have and use even though I've technically graduated) got me the best deals, but it doesn't get me free admission anywhere.

[GrimJack]

Our library charges for DVD rentals.

Booo! Has your library's budget been slashed? I live in Seattle; our library budgets have been slashed to the bone so many of the employees are clerks rather than librarians, they close early but CDs and DVDs are treated like books.

[alarson566]

For some reason I just really like owning books. Which is not a good excuse to not use the library but it is the reason I, for whatever reason, use.

[hobo2]

I'm American. Of course, I do.

[Wisedog]

How many of you actually use the public library? This forum made me realize I spend a fortune buying books and I have no place for them at home. So today I went and got a library card. I didn't realize there is a public library two blocks from my job.

It felt good to walk out of there with some new reading and I didn't pay a dime for it.

An awesome post!!! The public library is like finding a gem!

[rob62521]

We go to the library at least once a week, and during the summer, sometimes more. Both of us are readers, and we enjoy checking out not only books, but magazines. With the inter-library loan program, we can also borrow materials from other libraries in the system which opens up even more choices. Our library also has CD's and DVD's and we often borrow DVD's. We feel we are very fortunate to have a fine public library.

[FrugalTexan75]

Now that I live within a 1.2 mile walk of the local library, I visit there at least once per week. Movies and books are mostly what I get, but they do have an online language program too (for free) which I haven't tried out yet (forgot about it actually.)

I have plenty of free to me ebooks on my phone, but there are times I can't use my phone to read on - so physical books are it!

I keep meaning to find out if my local library has the museum passes or not - maybe I'll ask about that today.

They do charge for interlibrary loan, which makes me less likely to use it. But right now I'm looking for a copy of Jakob the Liar (Robin Williams) - it costs $10 on iTunes to purchase (not available to rent) and the regular library system doesn't have it. So ... ILL for $2.50 will work.

[krantcents]

My wife I use my library routinely for (physical) books and e-books. In fact, I just downloaded "Stop Acting Rich."

[disneysteve]

Booo! Has your library's budget been slashed?

I have no idea. I just know they have charged for video rentals for as long as I can remember and we've lived here for 20 years.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Well, I go there two or three times per year to VOTE.