How AWESOME is your local library?

[EDSMedS]

Hi, I'm EDSMedS, and I'm addicted to library!

Everywhere I have lived, the first taste of the local area has been THE LIBRARY.  I have begged for a library card before receiving my first piece of mail.  I have more librarian friends than seems rational.  I have gladly payed HUNDREDS in fines (another story, lol).  When I travel, I beg the librarians for a card or I just use the space to research the local area through chatting up the locals or using the internet.

Investment in free knowledge seems to me to be a marker of local politics.  In my hometown - Cedar Rapids, Iowa - a massive flood wiped out the public library in 2008.  The city promptly ordered another, and made this one IMMACULATE.  http://thegazette.com/2014/02/07/running-a-46-million-world-class-library-costs-money-too/  I currently live in DC.  Similar to Portland and San Diego, the DC PL system is vast, with many branches and titles to choose from, inter-branch lending, and awesome employees.  In another thread, a German woman was discussing how her Library was letting her down. 

It all makes me wonder: what is right/wrong with your library?

[Villanelle]

I volunteer at the library on on overseas military base.  It's a pretty awesome place.  It's certainly not huge, but with a robust inter-library loan program covering all the army libraries in Europe, the catalog is pretty good.  It's a place where people can find English language books for free, and a taste of home in many ways.  We are also one of the few places on base with free wifi. And the volunteer staff is top notch. ;)

Our programs department could use some work, but that's changing and the offerings are become far more frequent, creative, and targeted toward various groups. I've love to see more Kindle content.

[grebel]

Our library is: A stately old historic building, 2 blocks from our house, and has free Yoga on saturdays.

A+++ for the DC public library system!

[GuitarStv]

Toronto library is awesome.

My local branch has more than 40 bike parking rings set up outside.  It has millions of books available in 100+ buildings across the city.  You can log in online and reserve anything in the library . . . and the book is available within the week usually.  You can rent out tons of useful stuff . . . from iPads to Kill-A-Watt meters, free passes to museums and the Toronto Zoo.  The checkout process is automated, you just put your stuff on an electronic pad, swipe your library card, and leave in seconds.

Super kick-ass.

[nereo]

Unfortunately for me, our library system (Quebec) is fairly limited in regards to books printed in English.  Understandable given it's the french-speaking province (NB is bi-lingual) but a bummer for us. c'est la vie dans la belle province.

[LadyDriver]

100+ year old Carnegie library. Decent catalog. Good inter library loan within its district. Decent subscription with library 2 go. Good programming, although mostly aimed at kids and teens. Responsive staff.

Best part? An agreement with Portland Oregon's libraries that allows me to get a library card there as well. This entitles me to use their library 2 go subscription as well.

I am on the road a lot. Having an unending supply of audiobooks keeps me sane.

[AllChoptUp]

The Key West library is charming and staffed by the nicest people I've every met. It's also very old, moldy smelling and dirty. Whatevs, it's still a library so I love it.

[I'm a red panda]

Our library is pretty small. 

However, they do have a large selection of cake pans available for check-out. That's kind of fun if you are the type to want to make decorative cakes for parties but don't want to buy a new pan shape for every character your kid requests. 

You can also pay your fines with food donations to the food pantry. You get $1 per food item, and you can pretty easily find canned food for under $1 if you look for sales. (Assuming you are the type to get library fines.)

The crappiest part is they charge $3 for inter-library loan.  Since it is a small library, that basically negates the purpose of the library for me.

[Paul der Krake]

Mine is filled with homeless/poor people waiting for the building to open at 9am so they can get online. They also have a few resources regarding tenancy laws, voting, etc. It serves as way more than a place to score some free reads.

The selection is meh but I can request pretty much anything.

[madame librarian]

I work in the children's room in mine. I think it's pretty damn awesome. Most gratifying: helping kids with homework, helping kids pick out good books, teaching kids how to be competent on the computer.

[pachnik]

My local library is pretty good.  Lots of selection and you can order books from the main branch which actually isn't that far away. 

On my next visit I am going to see if they have an Downton Abbey DVDs since I am the only middle-aged woman who hasn't seen it.  My mom and older friends just love it so I want to check it out.  We haven't had cable for a while, so DVD is the way to go.

[CheapskateWife]

My Public Library clearly needs me to FIRE so I can help them...the children's room is woefully mismanaged and for some reason the fiction isn't necessarily shelved alphabetically.  Its maddening....

I want to love them...I do love them, but they need help.

Thankfully, despite the fact that it is a small town, we do have some e-books and access to Overdrive!

[LiveLean]

Here in St Pete/Clearwater, Fla., our libraries are terrific. We have more than a dozen, several have been totally remodeled/expanded in recent years, a couple beautiful new ones added. Inter-library loan system means you can reserve anything and it will be sent to the closest library for pickup within a couple of days.

[StangStache]

I love the libraries at local colleges and universities. Amenities for students means clean, well-stocked libraries.  They even have great DVD collections.

[Frankies Girl]

My local library is okay - it's got a great selection of books, movies and CDs and lots and lots of computers for a small branch, but it's trapped in the early 80s decor wise, and it's usually crowded with kids and people using the web, so I check out and run. (but they do have comfy chairs, so on days I'm in no hurry and it's not crowded, I'll sit and skim books while deciding).

And I never knew until I read it on here that you could order books from the other branches to pick up at your own branch - I have no idea why no one ever told me this before, but it is AWESOME.

[sheepstache]

I voted for the first option but I don't use the facilities much. The sheer number of books available through the New York City Public Library is what makes me overjoyed. And the request process is really easy. The facilities could be covered in dog poop and I would still choose the first option.

[gnomemom]

Our library is truly amazing.  It was brand new when we moved here - and we go at least once a week.  They have (or can get through inter library loan) any book I've ever wanted.  I can put books on hold online, I can renew online, they send me e-mail reminders if something is nearly due.  No limit on taking books or DVDs out.  The children's library is also fabulous - with a wonderful summer reading program.

We are hoping to move to a lower cost of living area soon (Atlanta Suburbs) - but one of the things we will miss most is our library.

http://elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/

[2ndTimer]

The maine Seattle public library is right downtown and filled with people whom I do not wish to know better.  However, they have and awesome selection of downloadable books for the kindle and downloadable audio books.  I always have half a dozen books on hold and am very excited when a notice arrives telling me one is available.

[trishume]

When I lived in Ottawa my local library was totally awesome. It had a frigging laser cutter and two professional grade 3D printers!
It also had 3 enormous floors full of tons of neat books.

Although when I went back to Ottawa for the holidays I learned that since I went to University half the city seems to have learned about the laser cutter and you have to book time 2 months in advance (it's still free though).

[DragonSlayer]

Ours used to be great, but thanks to budget cuts they've fallen off. They've never added DVD's or CD's to the collection, although they're finally doing pretty well with ebooks. Most disappointing, they're falling down on physical books. As they cull the collection they're not replacing much, so the shelves get bare and then get pulled out altogether. Then they get replaced with more computers for people to sit on all day and facebook and play Farmville or whatever. It's more like going to an arcade than a library. I don't go in and browse any more because there's no point.  I just request what I want and go pick it up. They do at least have a great interlibrary loan program, so I can still get what I need, I just have to wait a few weeks.

[sheepstache]

Then they get replaced with more computers for people to sit on all day and facebook and play Farmville or whatever. It's more like going to an arcade than a library.

Yeah, I used to donate money to the library but then I had qualms when I saw they were requesting it for more computers. Like, I get there are disparities in access to internet due to income but I have a mental block about the library turning into an internet cafe.

For that matter they request money for stuff like free classes and community events and it's selfish but I don't care about those things so I don't care about donating. They're trying to get more money by selling themselves as a community center but I don't know if diluting their purpose is the answer. It's reasonable for everyone to need a library; like roads or a police service it's one of those things that makes sense to invest in communally. The other aspects seem to tend towards making it a charitable organization serving the less fortunate. I think ultimately it might marginalize them.

[Paul der Krake]

Yeah, I used to donate money to the library but then I had qualms when I saw they were requesting it for more computers. Like, I get there are disparities in access to internet due to income but I have a mental block about the library turning into an internet cafe.

I've seen this implemented different ways. Some libraries have separate computers that are blocking all the social media sites and youtubes and whatnot to be used specifically for job hunting or paying bills. Others have a time expiration that essentially make it impossible to waste more than 30 minutes a day on Farmville.

I'm usually not a big fan of censorship in any form, but in this particular case I believe that prioritizing the access to real services is the right to do.

[lemonlime]

My local library branch smells like pee and has very outdated decor. Sometimes weird things happen there (last time, someone was bleeding?) The hours are somewhat short because of budget issues, but they recently got some more money and were able to add more hours. Our local branch is one of few in the city that is open seven days a week. I can always find plenty of interesting books in the branch itself, and the city-wide library system and inter-library loan system is fast and fabulous. They have an awesome mobile app where you can find all kinds of information, request materials, renew materials, find info about programs going on and other library info. The branches have various art, exercise, educational, and music programs that are all free. We've taken my step-daughter to kids drawing evening, and our local branch even has a line dancing night! And the main branch downtown won awards for it's architecture. (San Diego). I love it.

[SF Semi-Mustache]

I've seen this implemented different ways. Some libraries have separate computers that are blocking all the social media sites and youtubes and whatnot to be used specifically for job hunting or paying bills. Others have a time expiration that essentially make it impossible to waste more than 30 minutes a day on Farmville.

I'm usually not a big fan of censorship in any form, but in this particular case I believe that prioritizing the access to real services is the right to do.

The San Francisco Public Library is wonderful.  Every book you'd ever want, including new titles, available fairly quickly.  Wonderful online services, such that I can order a book from anywhere in the system and they will deliver it to the branch that's close to my home (and is on my commute).  Great hours, especially at the big downtown main library.  I feel good about my tax dollars supporting this library, and feel even better when I look and see that I haven't bought nearly as many books as a result. 

Unfortunately, the library has a porn problem.  SFPL will not, of course, censor anyone's online activity, so there are computers with privacy shields for such purposes and other computers that are designated for job-seekers and folks doing research. 

[viper155]

My library is the best there is. They deliver and pick up everything I borrow. And they waive the occasional late fee. No sweat. I just text in my order. My wife works there. Love it!

[SisterX]

I'm a little biased since I work at the library but...it's awesome.  My favorite thing: the giant state-wide ebook and audiobook database.  They've got so much stuff, it's fantastic.  I've basically stopped buying books thanks to interlibrary loan and the ebooks.
I've occasionally wondered about starting a thread for library tips so that those of us who work in the libraries can give out advice on getting the most from the library.  Of course, the first things I can think of are all things like "don't be a jerk to the people who work there" and "don't wank off at the computers".  :)  But I'm sure there's a lot of other good advice that people could come up with.
My only hesitancy is that every library is different, so making the advice general enough to be useful to the greatest number of people might be difficult.  Still, things like, "always check the catalog before asking" (you'd be amazed how many people don't bother) are generally applicable.

[Paul der Krake]

My library is the best there is. They deliver and pick up everything I borrow. And they waive the occasional late fee. No sweat. I just text in my order. My wife works there. Love it!

I see what you did there.

[RetiredAt63]

My local library is small but nice.  However, I kept my Ottawa Library membership ($50/year, wonderful bargain).  Its only downside is that there are other MMM forum members using it, I suspect, since when I see a book recommended here, it is usually already on hold when I go online to reserve it  ;-(

[Russ]

My library (including ILL) hasn't had any of the last 6 books I've wanted to borrow :-/
Sent in requests to have them bought, but that usually takes a while... hopefully they'll be there for the next person at least

[lackofstache]

Our local branch is awesome & a convenient walk year 'round. Our downtown library is pretty swank and a good place to take the kids for a few hours to get out of the house in the winter. They also get about any book I request & the library sales gave several friends a solid income for many years.

[Catbert]

I'm on vacation at the moment and setting in the Palm Springs library.  Free Wi-Fi (the reason for the trip), comfy chairs, tons and books and magazines.  And a coy fish pond in the middle of the building!

[Noodle]

My library is very solid. I don't really hang out in the location much (I'm not a "hang-out in public" kind of person anyway...that's what my couch is for) and the branch I go to is older and worn around the edges. However, since I am in a big urban system, they have great collections and the waiting times even for the newest items are very reasonable. I mostly order online and then dash in and pick up rather than browsing.

[iris lily]

27,000 DVDs. Stuff that, Netflix!

And oh yeah, it has streaming videos through the Hoopla service for anyone who wants that stuff.

And rather than a Book Discussion group, I attend a tv discussion group at the Library. The first title we watched was House of Cards. The second one was True Detective. We watched the episode as a group, and then discussed it. They brought experts in to talk to the group such as psychologists and forensic anthropologists (for True Detective) and abnormal psychologists and journalists (for House of Cards.)

This is splendid ability to adapt to changing needs of Library users. Sure there are the typical Book Club discussions going on all over the city's library system as well.

[kbeth07]

Yeah, I used to donate money to the library but then I had qualms when I saw they were requesting it for more computers. Like, I get there are disparities in access to internet due to income but I have a mental block about the library turning into an internet cafe.

I've seen this implemented different ways. Some libraries have separate computers that are blocking all the social media sites and youtubes and whatnot to be used specifically for job hunting or paying bills. Others have a time expiration that essentially make it impossible to waste more than 30 minutes a day on Farmville.

I'm usually not a big fan of censorship in any form, but in this particular case I believe that prioritizing the access to real services is the right to do.

I agree with this. The computers at my college's library are almost always full of people playing games, watching movies, and downloading music. Which, you know, isn't that big of a deal, except when there are people waiting to do homework and do other important things. I'm all for giving people more access to computers/Internet, but not when they sit there messing around for hours.

[kbeth07]

I used to go to the local library almost every day as a kid, but now I only go a couple times a year. :/ I really have to make more time for reading. My city's library and school (community college) library are just okay. The city library doesn't exactly have the most savory crowd, its book selection is alright, and the programs are mostly geared at kids' story time and older people learning how to use computers. And my college library practically hasn't been updated since the 70s. Many of the books are on their last legs. We also have typewriters.... which is actually pretty cool, not gonna lie. I do like that it provides access to professional journals and scholarly articles online.

[kpd905]

Pretty good services for my tax dollars.  I am going to start taking advantages of their ebook collection.

[theglobetrotter]

Our library makes me cry :(

[umterp1999]

ours is great.  have a wide selection of music (online even), DVDs (Movies, shows, how to, workout) and audio books.  They also have a great babies with books program that my wife takes our daughter to.  For Halloween they have a halloween parade for little ones too.  It really it like a community center. 

[Annamal]

Wellington public library is awesome. Great graphic novel collection, reasonable ebooks and up to date books.

[Mr. Frugalwoods]

The Cambridge Public Library is amazing. Beautiful space, great programs, and walkable from literally any spot in town. Plus, it's part of the Minuteman network of Boston area libraries.  So through one online interface you can order books to be delivered to your local library from all over!  I do this all the time with obscure titles, it's amazing!  They usually show up in less than a week, and the library emails me to let me know to come pick them up. It's basically Amazon, but for free, complete with convenient online ordering. Oh, and they have a great bike fixit station out front next to the bike parking.  I've used that pump several times as I've biked past the library.  It's a simple thing, but a great indication of how community focused they really are.

[redbirdfan]

I LOVE the Seattle Public Library.  I started my path to FIRE by checking out every book in section 332.024.  The SPL helped me kick cable because I can rent full seasons of television shows, movies, books, etc.  I check out cookbooks to try new recipes, rent exercise DVDs to vary workouts without paying for a gym membership and use their massive and extensive musical collection to improve my I Tunes account (unless that's illegal in which case I'm just kidding).   

[sheepstache]

Yeah, I used to donate money to the library but then I had qualms when I saw they were requesting it for more computers. Like, I get there are disparities in access to internet due to income but I have a mental block about the library turning into an internet cafe.

I've seen this implemented different ways. Some libraries have separate computers that are blocking all the social media sites and youtubes and whatnot to be used specifically for job hunting or paying bills. Others have a time expiration that essentially make it impossible to waste more than 30 minutes a day on Farmville.

I'm usually not a big fan of censorship in any form, but in this particular case I believe that prioritizing the access to real services is the right to do.

I agree with this. The computers at my college's library are almost always full of people playing games, watching movies, and downloading music. Which, you know, isn't that big of a deal, except when there are people waiting to do homework and do other important things. I'm all for giving people more access to computers/Internet, but not when they sit there messing around for hours.

This makes sense. Of course, I could use one of the computers where social sites are blocked and still waste hours on this forum I guess :)

It's not just the computer resources, it's that the libraries didn't gain additional space or staff to accommodate this new use. So really what I'm grumbling about is having to wait in line longer to check out while librarian troubleshoots a laptop. What can I say, I'm cranky.

[GuitarStv]

You need to push for automated check out.  Why deal with hew-manns if you can avoid 'em?

[lizzzi]

Our library is smallish, but they are very pleasant and order things from inter-library loan or from some wider program (can't remember what it's called) that can obtain books from all over the state. I go to the library every ten days or so, but find that to get everything I want, I do have to make judicious use of my Kindle or Amazon Prime. The library recently got the automatic check-out machine.

[One Noisy Cat]

    Pretty good for a small library. I wish they were open Sundays during the summer, though.

[TreeTired]

Our library is great, but I go there less and less these days.  I borrow books for my Kindle, and just download them direct.  If it is a current popular title I just put my name on the waiting list and when it becomes available it automatically checks out,  I get an email, and there it is on my Kindle!! 

[Westoftown]

I use our local library a lot, but its pretty mediocre being that we are now in the small town of Bentonville Arkansas.  I found exactly ONE book by Kurt Vonnegut there yesterday.  Yet, there are endless aisles of mainstream fiction/romance.  Whoever Sandra Brown is - she's well represented here.  Vonnegut, not so much.

[shallow pockets]

I visit the local library (main branch) regularly.
Having said that,  it's a great place to get the flu.  If you want your bike stolen,  park it out front.

[lifejoy]

I like this thread :) Thanks, OP, for starting it!

[MissMimi]

The Cambridge Public Library is amazing.

Beautiful space, great programs, and walkable from literally any spot in town.

Plus, it's part of the Minuteman network of Boston area libraries.  So through one online interface you can order books to be delivered to your local library from all over!  I do this all the time with obscure titles, it's amazing!  They usually show up in less than a week, and the library emails me to let me know to come pick them up.

It's basically Amazon, but for free, complete with convenient online ordering.

Ditto!  I'm a little promiscuous with my library memberships. ;-)  I live in Salem so I'm a member of that local network (NOBLE) and I work in Cambridge so I also got a membership in the Minuteman network.  I didn't even need a separate card, they just entered my Salem barcode into their system.  So whenever I want a book, DVD, audiobook or whatever I search the websites for both networks, reserve it and pick it up.  The only thing I need to worry about is keeping track of which item gets returned where!  Oh, and I also occasionally use my old Boston Public Library membership to check out Kindle books.