The library is essential to my life. I go to two different libraries every week (different library systems). I've got stacks of books from the libraries.
Ever heard of the streaming service Kanopy? It's free with a library card. It's really good. There's a huge amount of good nerd stuff but it has regular nonsense tv too.
i have read so many audiobooks in the last five years for free through the library app. it's a great way to keep the mind busy and learning while you're hiking, doing chores, painting, hating life at a shitty job that's going to fire you for getting sick in a few months.. (past tense)
It's so much more than books too. Our local library had authors come in, free movie showings a thriving children's section with lots of groups. Computers to use and even keep the updates local area bus schedules
Love my library, only way I can afford my book habit. I became a great user of digital and audiobooks during COVID. Audiobooks get me through unpleasant chores. And there is always new authors to discover
I have a library card for many years like 40years I took my daughter at 6 years old for her first card and then I did the same for my granddaughter she was so proud to sign the card
I have come to realize I don’t have room for any more books. I’ve been using the library for ebooks and have bought some others on Kindle if the hold is too long.
When I moved to FL 5 1/2 yrs ago, one of the 1st things I did was get a library card. I’ve had local library cards everywhere I’ve lived since childhood. It’s important.
Libby is a great app to borrow books online, including audio books.
But don’t sell your brick and mortar library short. Our small town library loans educational toys for children, tools for diy like stud finders, and my favorite- A TELESCOPE!
A lot of posts like this inspired me to go and get yet another one! I had ones from several places I’d lived before, but work in a different county from where I live now so my lunch break was productive today!
I’ve had a library card for years. Getting most of my books from library using Libby as most of the smaller libraries near me have been closed. One main library for 100k people. They tried to shut down Libby but got too much push back
Sip N’ Talk—where stories come to life, and loose ends find their meaning.
Imagine gathering around a fireside, where conversations flow freely, laughter and tears mix, and each story reveals a new layer of our shared humanity.
Libraries also have some amazing resources and activities sometimes. Ours offers different social clubs and classes, there's book groups, art groups, walking groups, etc. They have language classes and classes on how to sew, knit, etc.
Great point! My partner and I were recently visiting Eureka Springs, Arkansas and took a tour of the town. The tour guide was delighted to show us their public library and excited to tell us that everything there was free. Everything. Like this was some special concept lol…
I have a library card and even though I own over 700 books I still borrow books from the library, having a due date for return motives me to read more ❤️
Yes! And check out major municipal libraries in your state online - you may be able to get a card and get access to their digital files. Libraries are love!
I refreshed my card last summer. I was amazed how much more my local library offer now. Love ‘Libby’! And my grandkids think it’s such an adventure visiting & using the ‘open library’ sessions. Being a small market town we are often the only ones in the building.
As an avid reader, I foolishly ignored the library for years and years. Thankfully, about 5 years ago I decided to finally really give it a go and I had NO idea how much they offered and how much I would save. 😅
I've donated lots of books to local libraries and bought many from their friends of the library sale. But I don't have a library card and never have. My home is filled with books I received after my parents passed. So I have my own personal library to last my lifetime.
Unfortunately so few people read physical books these days that my local library is dying. I never see anyone else in there, and 90% of my requests are interesting library loans from other states because they don't carry much of an inventory anymore :(
Last week I lost the only library card I've ever had and I cried.
I've had that thing since I was 4 years old. I took care of that thing because access to libraries is a precious thing.
I really need to get my husband to sign up for Bsky and just talk about what goes on at the library board meetings. He'd have a million followers in a minute. But I think I'd have to fight some people off. 😆
Yes!! And for the audiobook lovers, please utilize Libby! It gives us access to audiobooks and digital copies (audible & kindle) via the public library. 📚
I have seven library cards on my Libby. Whenever I travel to a new city, I get a library card if I have time. It cuts down on my wait time for a book. Also, Hoopla is good for audiobooks.
My wife and I have 2 library cards each, and all 4 are used regularly. She is also the curator for 1 of the longest continuously held reading series in our city library system.
If your library has a “Friends of the Library” group, give them a donation. Most support both the library and the community. My experience with several of them is that they can stretch your donation dollar, too!
I love my library. I started using it again because I can’t afford to keep myself in books. Only a block away and such a good book place to find peace and quiet.
I’ve been known to force friends to get library cards and then share their login so I have access to more audiobooks lol. I’m picky and I like options 🤷🏼♀️
the problem i run into with the library is i can't keep books long enough to finish them so then i have to put them on hold and wait sometimes months to get them again
Wow, a year when they’ve been around so much longer than your attention span!
Life long library card holder and voter during non election years for officials who will support and not destroy
Hope you learn much more in your enlightened journey
Problem is adults just now realizing what’s there
My daughters and I visit our local library at least twice per week. Our entire household actively used our library cards. My girls keep their cards in their backpacks. We recently took advantage of our library systems free museum passes which allowed us to visit several museums free of charge.
And get cards wherever you can. The ebooks available differ from library to library.(Or group of them if they pool resources that way) You can check out ebooks using Libby directly on a kobo reader, or use Libby to send books to your kindle.
1) I have family’s library cards stored in an app, and I constantly use hubby’s - and then forget to return the books and make him crazy with overdue notices!
2) MANY libraries allow “non-residents” to still have a library card if you work or live in the library’s state. (The Boston Public Library, for instance).
I also admit to having cards of friends, there's a whole sea to shining swap we got going on, so...
Can't recommend the Cuyahoga and Honolulu branches enough!
At the beginning of every month, our local library has a free crafting item for adults. It while supplies last and all you is ask for it at the front desk. #gotothelibrary
Even though I have a Kindle plus several books I've yet to read, I always pop in ( it's beside the supermarket ) to see if anything piques my interest.
During my younger years, if I needed to understand how something worked, I'd load up the family and go to our library.
There was no internet then.
We now take our grandchildren there.
Libraries are the gift that keeps on giving.
What’s so great about a library card is you can borrow audiobooks if you feel you don’t have the time to sit and read.
Pop in your earbuds and go.
I love to listen while I’m quilting. I accomplish two things at once.
Or while I’m driving.
I'm 68. I can't ever member not having a library card. As a kid, one of fav places to hang out was the library. The other anywhere I could swim: ocean, river, lake, pond.
Consider exploring regional libraries that offer reciprocal accounts / borrowing. For residents of Northern Virginia, they are:
Fairfax County Public Library
Loudoun County Public Library
Alexandria Public Library
Arlington Public Library
Prince William County Public Library
DC Library
I’m trying! I lost 3 books I took out like 10 years ago and I can’t take out anymore until I pay the fine, which I’m more than willing too. However, every time i happened to stop by there since then, they still only take cash 😅😅, which I never have on me.
As a follow-up to this. Please get a library card for your local library even if you never intend on going. They get funding based on the number of members and are a crucial resource for a lot of people. 💗
I’ve been going to the library 5 days a week doing research , I just know the staff thinks I’m homeless. Btw, I started going back to the library 4 years ago and was shocked that they still had record of a late book return and wanted their $2.50.
It’s been 40 yrs. Talking about a permanent record.
Just got mine renewed. My last concussion took driving from me so I let it slack. Then Spare Child said our little library was connect to Libby. Score!
Comments
I'm finishing up Our Hidden Conversations on my local library database right now completely for free. Fuck audible.
It closed down, shortcuts during construction caused a leak, interior of the walls got covered with mold 😔
We had a bingo event at the library a couple of months ago but that didn’t require a library card. That was fun.
And the adult summer reading program looked good (found out about it too late to participate but i think i wanna do it next year)
https://www.bklynlibrary.org/books-unbanned
But don’t sell your brick and mortar library short. Our small town library loans educational toys for children, tools for diy like stud finders, and my favorite- A TELESCOPE!
Libraries are the most valuable third space within our modern society and everyone should get a card and check their local library out 💛
*notes this down*
I want to check into some cities that allow you to get a card without being a resident
Win win situation
Imagine gathering around a fireside, where conversations flow freely, laughter and tears mix, and each story reveals a new layer of our shared humanity.
🎧 Tune in now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DJR2vLg0…
I've had that thing since I was 4 years old. I took care of that thing because access to libraries is a precious thing.
My wife and I have 2 library cards each, and all 4 are used regularly. She is also the curator for 1 of the longest continuously held reading series in our city library system.
Libraries are so cool!
Life long library card holder and voter during non election years for officials who will support and not destroy
Hope you learn much more in your enlightened journey
Problem is adults just now realizing what’s there
Can't recommend the Cuyahoga and Honolulu branches enough!
There was no internet then.
We now take our grandchildren there.
Libraries are the gift that keeps on giving.
Pop in your earbuds and go.
I love to listen while I’m quilting. I accomplish two things at once.
Or while I’m driving.
Fairfax County Public Library
Loudoun County Public Library
Alexandria Public Library
Arlington Public Library
Prince William County Public Library
DC Library
#useyourlibrary!
It’s been 40 yrs. Talking about a permanent record.
Then I always returned in time and rechecked the book out.
Don’t know what happened in that last return.