Free the words!
Local libraries provide way more than just books. Here's a little rant on how to take advantage of your library card.
I finally came across some good memories from my childhood. It was while I was writing a news column about summer reading (and book bans). I remembered reading in order to get Six Flags tickets and, for whatever reason, don’t remember lying about it crossing my mind. Maybe because I thought I should be someone who likes reading books. I wasn’t, but I wanted to be.
And so I became.
My mom took me to the library many times so we could try to figure out what books worked for me. You can read more about that here in The Coachella Valley Independent.
So, thanks to that article, I’ve been thinking about libraries a lot. I’ve met some of my closest friends by going to library events and book clubs. I’ve also done a decent amount of other reporting in libraries or on libraries … and there really does seem to be something there for everyone.
Books.
Movies.
Tutoring.
Workshops.
A SOCIAL LIFE!
The activities for children, teens and older adults are interesting and seemingly endless, but there’s plenty for us 20 to 59-year-olds too.
I love libraries — not just because I’ve become a reader, though. Libraries have lots of “free” resources available to their patrons and the public. “Free” is in quotes because libraries are partially tax funded, meaning you’ve probably contributed to your local library already. (Yay!)
So, being that you’ve already paid for this service, you should really get the most you can out of it. Here’s how:
Get a library card. You may need some way to prove you pay local taxes, which means showing an ID and/or one to two other forms of address verification. There are some libraries that don’t require residencies, but those cards typically cost money. Your local library should be “free.”
Learn about your library — and its system.
My local library is part of the Riverside County Library System, which operates most of the libraries in my county of residence (in Southern California). Because most of the towns and cities in this area are in the system, I can use my card at any of those 30+ libraries.
That means more books to choose from (books can be delivered to my closest library), more e-books and audiobooks to download, and free Wifi in almost any town I may need it in — no $6 coffee purchase required.
Sign-ups for this card can be done online and are open to all California residents free, regardless of their home county. Those outside of the Golden State can buy a card for $10/year.
Nicole Etolen of PrettyOpinionated.com has a list of resources available in different states that may or may not be helpful to you.
What else does the library have?
Many California libraries have partnered with California State Parks to provide state park passes (free vehicle day-use access) that can be checked out for two weeks! The RCLS also has Chromebooks and Wi-Fi Hotspots that can be checked out.
More and more libraries have expanded their collections to include what’s known as a “Library of things.” This could mean anything from technology to toys. In Eugene, Oregon, for example, the public library has button makers, looms, a sewing machine, baking pans, boardgames, ukuleles, stud finders, and educational toys.
(And, if your library doesn’t have these things, asking for them might actually work. Talk to a librarian about it.)
The digital library alone, however, may be the thing that saves you big money. Through my library, I can read magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times online for free; take classes via LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare; and access e-book self-publishing platforms. While I haven’t used all the resources available, the one I use most often is Libby.
It’s an app that gives you access to e-books, magazines and audiobooks. I have been using it for a few years and haven’t had to buy an audio book yet. You can even login using multiple library cards (if you have them), giving you greater access.
See what’s available at your library. Who knows what you’ll find?
Delightful!