What do you love about your library?

[midweststache]

Surprise! February is National Library Lovers Month. So I thought we could all take a moment to appreciate the cool things our libraries do for us - because I know as Mustachians we are using our libraries!

I'll start! We have Library A and B in our town, and Library C in another town just a 7 minute drive away that has reciprocal borrowing privileges. (Also, full disclosure: we have two small children, so our library time often revolves around them).

Library A: Hosts very cool programs, including an ASL storytime we stumbled into this weekend - my eldest and I can now sign "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" They also have a HUGE children's collection to browse.
Library B: Hosts a monthly "Repair Cafe" where you can bring broken items in to experts to help repair them, including instruments, clothing, small electronics! (Bonus: this library is walkable from our house and while its collection is the smallest, its very quick on getting requests available!)
Library C: Hosts a monthly "open chess club" for elementary school kids, which has been a life-saver now that my Kindergartener kicks my butt at chess on the regular.

What do you love about your local library?

[simonsez]

Every time I'm there, I learn something or forge a connection with something/someone that I hadn't intended on prior to going to the library.

E.g. You hear about a book you want to read so you go to your lib and then you read a poster on a wall for a local XYZ interest group.  If you hadn't gone to the library for an unrelated book, you wouldn't have found out about XYZ.  Bonus points: XYZ interest group will more often than not meet at the library in one of the many conference rooms that anyone can sign up to use!

I love that civic meetings take place there and that it's a voting center.  They're heated and have AC, well-staffed, have clean bathrooms, etc. so it's a pretty good safe place.  I always feel comfortable there.

The public library is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

[GuitarStv]

Toronto Public Library has a pretty awesome selection of books, and then regularly update their inventory.  Also, no late fees any more and simple DIY checkout/book returns make the whole library experience pretty awesome.

[Kris]

I almost never physically go into my library anymore, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE that I can get such a wide selection of ebooks from it. I constantly have the maximum number of holds allowed, plus an increasingly long TBR list. I spend probably less than $25 on books per year (only books I either can't easily get from the library or can't wait to get), and yet I read or listened to north of 100 books last year for ZERO dollars because libraries are amazing.

[GilesMM]

Homeless have taken over too many of them. Sad.

[tygertygertyger]

I love that mine has reciprocal privileges with SO MANY OTHER libraries. I had been worried about moving from the city to the suburbs and what I'd miss out on, but actually there have only been 2 items over 1.5 years that I was unable to get through my library.

And I especially love that they have tools to check out - a telescope, a sewing machine, a thermal temperature reader, a full set of crochet needles, etc. It's still a small borrowing section, but it's still a powerful thing to include in a public library.

Plus, it's a nice building, and there are very few public indoor spaces you can hang out for free.

[jrhampt]

I love that mine is a very pleasant less than a mile walk from my house and has a great downloadable catalog too.  My goal is to always live within walking distance of a library.

[tygertygertyger]

My goal is to always live within walking distance of a library.

Same! That's why we bought this place.

I've gotten a lot of funny looks when I listed "walking distance to the library" as one of the top reasons for buying here, but I go there multiple times a week. (More than I go to the grocery store...)

[Warlord1986]

Homeless have taken over too many of them. Sad.

I work at my local library. Our homeless patrons are not our problem patrons. Our problem patrons are the Karens and Kens, and the people who seem to think we exist to serve them.

Our homeless patrons helped me set up our Christmas tree the last couple of years.

[midweststache]

My goal is to always live within walking distance of a library.

Same! That's why we bought this place.

I've gotten a lot of funny looks when I listed "walking distance to the library" as one of the top reasons for buying here, but I go there multiple times a week. (More than I go to the grocery store...)

Agreed. Having a library in walking distance is such a pleasure, and an important focus of raising our kids. The walkability of things (elementary and middle school, giant park, grocery stores, library) was 85% why we bought our house. [The other 15% was it was a really great house for our needs!]

We visit at least one of our libraries with our kids every weekend, and it's prompted some really great conversation about "public good" with our eldest (who wanted to know how we pay for library books they borrow). Our kids also get their own library cards on their 4th birthday, which helps them learn both autonomy (they use the self-checkout) and how to care for things that are their responsibility.

[mspym]

A library in walking distance was one of my house buying requirements and we have a great one, which is a real community hub. There’s an attached art gallery where some fantastic exhibitions show, a superb Māori language section, an extensive elibrary collection, and even jigsaw puzzles you can take out.

[snic]

Our library has an excellent interlibrary loan system, so you can get books from dozens of other libraries in the (densely populated) suburban area. It takes just a couple of days and it extremely efficient. It also has a few museum passes that you can reserve in advance, which have saved us quite a bit of money.

[Fru-Gal]

I just discovered that The Great Courses are available online through my library via Hoopla (an app and website)!!!

[Raenia]

I love our library - it's a longish walk (3 mile round trip is a hike in bad weather) but I walk it whenever I can, or combine with other errands in that direction. I'm in often enough that many of the desk people recognize me. We have reciprocal borrowing with the whole county system, plus inter-library loan with libraries throughout the country. I've never yet had something they couldn't find for me, though sometimes it takes a while.

We haven't taken advantage of many other library programs, but I know they also lend museum and arboretum passes, which I hope to start using this year.

[Erma]

I love that I only pay 60 CHF for a whole year for the whole family. Our library has also toys for children and a lot of board games. There is a big selection of books and ebooks in different languages.

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

The librarians! Mine are, without fail, kind in all their interactions. They have worked with my kids in programs, provided great recommendations on books and shows, and have just been all around great people. One, in particular, has taken an interest in one of my children and has never failed to check in on them when they come in and been a positive influence on their life.

[cupcakery]

I love that we have a small, neighborhood ibrary that we can walk to.  Between their collection and inter-library loans, I rarely come across a book that I want to read and that they don't have.  When the kids were little, we loved the children's librarian.  They offered fabulous programs and storytimes.  The big library with all of the amenities is on the other side of town, so I rarely go there, but they do offer a lot.

[iris lily]

Last summer I moved from a large city library system to a very small town of 2500. I’m just glad that there*IS*a public library in our tiny town.


They just built a new building for it and opened the same month I moved here. It is a nice enough building, and it has meeting room space that is available to the community outside of library hours so that’s really nice.

I still maintain library privileges in the big city because I own a condo there. The best thing about the big city library service at the moment is I get 50 free photocopies a month and if I combine that with DH’s card that’s 100 free copies a month. I belong to several organizations and always seem to be handing out copies of event calendars, rosters, bylaws, etc. I distribute all this information digitally, but people still want to hold a physical copy in their hand.

[iris lily]

My goal is to always live within walking distance of a library.

Same! That's why we bought this place.

I've gotten a lot of funny looks when I listed "walking distance to the library" as one of the top reasons for buying here, but I go there multiple times a week. (More than I go to the grocery store...)

I was within a 20 minute walk of the public library in my tiny town until they built a new one and moved it out further from me. The bad thing is that there is no sidewalk so I don’t know how kids are getting there. You have to take a short jaunt on a highway to get there. I don’t like that.

[StarBright]

My goal is to always live within walking distance of a library.

Same! That's why we bought this place.

I've gotten a lot of funny looks when I listed "walking distance to the library" as one of the top reasons for buying here, but I go there multiple times a week. (More than I go to the grocery store...)

Us too! Our library is across the street from an ice cream shop and both are less than half a mile from our house (and have nice sidewalks and crosswalks). It is absolutely the thing I mention when I talk about where I live.

[NotJen]

We haven't taken advantage of many other library programs, but I know they also lend museum and arboretum passes, which I hope to start using this year.

I just learned that my new library has state park passes, national monument passes, museum passes, and botanical gardens passes to check out.  I'm excited about the state park pass - it will let me check some out before deciding if I want a pass of my own.

I'm sad that I hadn't visited my old library in literal years - but I made heavy use of their digital offerings of e-books and especially audiobooks.  They also had a fantastic bookclub program that I participated in for many years.

[StarBright]

I love that my library has an extensive "beyond books" selection. We checked out a telescope to see the cool planetary alignment a couple of years ago, borrow cake pans regularly, checked out lawn games for a cook out last year, and have tried multiple board games out to see if we like them before buying. They have cool STEM stuff for kids that you can check out as well.

[dang1]

e-book lending, also access to some news outlets: wsj, nyt, etc

[Dollar Slice]

I use the online services a lot, which are extensive - ebooks, audiobooks, passes to museums, arboretums, zoos, aquarium etc. as well as occasional theater and concert tickets. All the passes are limited to once a year but I have another single friend who just signed up so we can be each other's +1 and do things twice a year if we want to.

So far I've gotten free tickets to go to the Metropolitan Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the Whitney, the Frick, the Museum of the City of New York, the Guggenheim, the Jewish Museum... plus we went to a great concert at the Kaufman Center.

[Loren Ver]

We are getting a new branch within walking distance this year!!  Not hard date, just 2023.

I am so excited.  My one in biking distance was not a good safe bike route. 

I live adjacent to a major city so we have all the books :).  The ebook and audio book selection is actually amazing. 

[snic]

I use the online services a lot, which are extensive - ebooks, audiobooks, passes to museums, arboretums, zoos, aquarium etc. as well as occasional theater and concert tickets. All the passes are limited to once a year but I have another single friend who just signed up so we can be each other's +1 and do things twice a year if we want to.

So far I've gotten free tickets to go to the Metropolitan Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the Whitney, the Frick, the Museum of the City of New York, the Guggenheim, the Jewish Museum... plus we went to a great concert at the Kaufman Center.

Neat thing about the NYPL: if you live anywhere in NY state, you can get a NYPL card. Which entitles you to check out ebooks, even if you're in, I dunno, Buffalo.

[Dicey]

Everything.

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

Everything.

+1

[LaineyAZ]

Saw the news that Vermont State University library is going all digital.  What the ?   I didn't want to read the rest of the article - are their finances so dire that they can't maintain a library at their college? 
I know corporations got rid of their on-site libraries decades ago, but a university? 

So my answer is I'm glad my local library still has a physical building, at least for now ..

[Wolfpack Mustachian]

Saw the news that Vermont State University library is going all digital.  What the ?   I didn't want to read the rest of the article - are their finances so dire that they can't maintain a library at their college? 
I know corporations got rid of their on-site libraries decades ago, but a university? 

So my answer is I'm glad my local library still has a physical building, at least for now ..

As has been mentioned upthread, the library is one of the few places left where you can go for free. It often has free internet, which can be a huge resource.

[Dicey]

Saw the news that Vermont State University library is going all digital.  What the ?   I didn't want to read the rest of the article - are their finances so dire that they can't maintain a library at their college? 
I know corporations got rid of their on-site libraries decades ago, but a university? 

So my answer is I'm glad my local library still has a physical building, at least for now ..

I love that my town has two physical libraries and that I am a member of two boards that support them. There is a third Board, but I cannot join All.The.Boards. There are lots of other fun volunteer activities to participate in/help organize.

Fun fact: A nearby town opened a brand-new library a few months ago. (Of course I was there for the Opening Day festivities.) DH and I recently popped in on a weekday morning* so I could show him around. He wondered where all the computers were. I was happy to show him the kiosk where any patron can check out a laptop for use anywhere on the premises, including the lovely shaded patio and outdoor children's spaces.  He was impressed.

*Chef's kiss for being FIRE. Mwah!

[Villanelle]

Not my current library, but libraries in general:  They have so much more than books and media, and people often aren't aware.  This varies greatly by branch and system.  But my sister's library has loaner ukeleles, for example.  I've seen cake pans and even passes to local museums or other attraction.

[Dicey]

I love the Downtown Seattle Public Library. I also got to visit the library in Cerritos, CA, which is free to visit but requires residency in their fine city to borrow materials. If I lived closer, I'd happily pony up the $100. Totally Worth It. Hell, I gladly give way more than that to my own 'free" libraries, in addition to various organized fundraising efforts.

My favorite Library of all isn't really a library in the traditional sense. It's this one and my love for it feeds my love for all others:

https://huntington.org/

Should we start another thread where we can list our favorites? I want to visit them all.

[midweststache]

I love the Downtown Seattle Public Library. I also got to visit the library in Cerritos, CA, which is free to visit but requires residency in their fine city to borrow materials. If I lived closer, I'd happily pony up the $100. Totally Worth It. Hell, I gladly give way more than that to my own 'free" libraries, in addition to various organized fundraising efforts.

My favorite Library of all isn't really a library in the traditional sense. It's this one and my love for it feeds my love for all others:

https://huntington.org/

Should we start another thread where we can list our favorites? I want to visit them all.

I've never heard of The Huntington - it looks amazing! I had the great privilege of visiting Trinity College Library when I was there almost 10 years ago, and the Huntington is giving me VERY Trinity College vibes - with a bonus botanical garden to boot! **SIGH...** (I also visited the British Library when they had an art exhibit of traditional British children's illustrations, like Wind in the Willows, and Winnie the Pooh - SWOON.)

[iluvzbeach]

So many great things about our library and I especially like that my small town has a location as a part of our larger county library system. In particular what I love is that they have frequently purchased books that I requested, but which weren’t previously a part of their collection. Very often these books are finance related, so it means others who may be curious about financial wellness can discover these books and learn more without having to make a purchase.

[ATtiny85]

The librarians! Mine are, without fail, kind in all their interactions. They have worked with my kids in programs, provided great recommendations on books and shows, and have just been all around great people. One, in particular, has taken an interest in one of my children and has never failed to check in on them when they come in and been a positive influence on their life.

I very rarely need to directly interact with the wonderful staff, but always make it a point to give them a smile and a warm greeting and thanks. Normally I am just picking up a hold (so they did the work while I worked or lazed around at home!) and we have self checkout. They are obviously a critical link in the chain and I like to let them know they are appreciated. They were the first thing I thought about when I saw this thread.

[nessness]

I spent two hours at the library with my kids the other day, browsing, reading to them, and relaxing while they read. There are so few free indoor activities for kids (or adults, for that matter). When my kids were littler, we loved library storytime too.

They have two free EV chargers. Lately they've been in use a lot, but I always check when I go and sometimes I get lucky.

While my local branch is modestly sized, they will get books from any other branch, usually within a week.

They have a "library of things" where you can check out tools and other things. I checked out a birdwatching kit a few months ago, and have a reservation for a metal detector this week - I'm excited to try it! Some branches have a seed library which I plan to check out soon.

They have a large digital library, which is how I read the majority of my books (both ebooks and audiobooks).

So much to love!

[scottish]

The advent of e-books has greatly reduced my dependence on the Ottawa public library.

How, they do provide access to 3d printers, laser cutters, and a few other tools for the price of the consumables.   (eg you have to pay for the plastic you use on the 3d printer, but not for access to the printer)    It's a great way to experiment with this stuff.

[Dee18]

I love that the library in Burlington, VT, loans snowshoes and other sporting goods and tools.

[ATtiny85]

How, they do provide access to 3d printers, laser cutters, and a few other tools for the price of the consumables.   (eg you have to pay for the plastic you use on the 3d printer, but not for access to the printer)    It's a great way to experiment with this stuff.

I moved away (two moves ago) from a library that offered this. Definitely a good deal, sort of like timesharing back in the early days of computing.

I love that the library in Burlington, VT, loans snowshoes and other sporting goods and tools.

Yeah, last library had all sorts of gardening equipment and musical instruments.

[skp]

Homeless have taken over too many of them. Sad.

I work at my local library. Our homeless patrons are not our problem patrons. Our problem patrons are the Karens and Kens, and the people who seem to think we exist to serve them.

Our homeless patrons helped me set up our Christmas tree the last couple of years.

I don’t have a problem with homeless people but some of the library workers can be Karen’s too. Sorry youn DO exist to serve us.  I love my local library but a few of the workers have an attitude that they are doing me a favor letting me take out a library book. I moved into a small town and had to give a local reference in order to get a library card

[LibrarIan]

I feel I'd be remiss if I didn't reply here.

I love the library because it allows me to avoid buying books almost every time. This speaks to my mustachian and minimalist desires. My nearby library systems use Hoopla and Libby so most of my reading is done with the help of those apps. If I can't get it digitally, the physical collection usually works. If not, inter library loan works. If not, I can usually put together enough points through a work program to get an Amazon gift card to use for a Kindle copy. Failing all that, I buy. But it's been a long time since I've had to buy.

I also have kids now and my wife loves the children's programs.

[Sibley]

Homeless have taken over too many of them. Sad.

It is sad, because instead of having robust social programs and mental health treatment to help those who are homeless, the public library has become one of the few remaining public spaces that the homeless can be without automatically getting kicked out.

[iris lily]

The first couple years of owning our weekend house we did not have wifi, so I spent a fair amount of time in the library.and then sometimes on nice evenings after closing, I sat on the bench outside where their wifi still worked.

Before I subscribed  to the local paper, I read minutes of the city council held in a notebook at the library.

I do like scanning shelves for new books and often take an armful home even tho I do not read each one from beginning to end. I have been buying Kindle versions lately, but not everything I want to read comes in Kindle. And even the most recent title I want is not held at either library system.

[Serendip]

Just realized this week that I can access The Great Courses via Hoopla through my library. Does anyone have any recommendations for courses? There are so many!

I love our library...usually have 10-12 things checked out and just rotate items in and out. The space is also lovely and while I don't need it, it's a nice place for people to work, access a warm place, do photocopying, etc.
They also loan out sewing machines and ukuleles :)

[teen persuasion]

Just saw this thread - my laptop battery died, so I've been web browsing from a chromebook I borrowed from our library (and thus didn't have all my usual stuff logged in).  The library also has hotspots for people without internet in our rural area, or for when they go away on vacation with kids!

Our interloan area is all 20+ libraries in the 3 county system, so even the small rural libraries have access to the bigger city libraries' collection.  There's museum passes, too.

Programs are my favorite part: genealogy, local history, author talks, cooking/nutrition, crafts of all sorts (basket weaving, scarf dyeing, paint'n'sips, etc.), Downton Abbey-themed tea parties, tech training classes or just advice ...
Lots of children's programs, too: Lego club (free play), game nights, movies, superhero parties, fairy parties, crafts (often STEAM), gadget petting zoo is next week - lots of little robot devices for kids to experiment with.

[RetiredAt63]

I found out today my library has a Makers Room where they have a Cricut and 2 D3 printers.  You can email them the file for something you want made by the 3D printer and they will make it.  In the summer they are hoping to have classes so anyone can certify to use the machines.

Plus touring the Makers Room meant I visited the floor that has the children's section.  It is huge.

[aetheldrea]

We have 3 museums in my small city, but the art on display at the public library is amazing. Local artists were benefactors of the library, and were instrumental in getting it moved from its old beautiful (but small) building to a former Safeway building, in order to increase the display space.

[jinga nation]

I found out today my library has a Makers Room where they have a Cricut and 2 D3 printers.  You can email them the file for something you want made by the 3D printer and they will make it.  In the summer they are hoping to have classes so anyone can certify to use the machines.

Plus touring the Makers Room meant I visited the floor that has the children's section.  It is huge.

Same here for 3D printers. Plus the ability to rent GoPro cameras. And audiobooks, ebooks, comics, tv shows, movies, music on Hoopla, Libby, Kanopy, etc. Access subscription based sites such as WSJ and Consumer Reports and Chilton Manuals for no charge. Plus free classes. My kids took a 6 week class on public story telling, taught by a veteran competition-winning story teller. They learned how to distill a story to its elements, use actions and voice to enhance emotions, project, and get public speaking confidence. They provide homework help too and online classes.

[Chris Pascale]

I checked out a Sega Genesis last year! And then one of those big parachute things that people have at fancy pre-schools.